Chapter 36
Chapter Thirty-Six
Grace
The second the security alarms blared, I knew this wasn’t just another warning. My body moved before my brain even processed it, instincts kicking in as I shoved Dominic out of the line of sight just as the first gunshot shattered the glass of the penthouse window.
“Down!” I barked, already reaching for my weapon.
The band reacted instantly, dropping behind furniture, their years of training under constant public scrutiny making them move fast, knowing they were targets the second they got famous.
But this—this was different. This wasn’t just obsessed fans.
This wasn’t just Knox playing mind games. This was an ambush.
Dominic was already moving beside me, his body tense, his expression unreadable. I grabbed his wrist and pulled him with me behind the bar, barely dodging another round of bullets.
“We need to get out of here,” Theo hissed from across the room, peeking out from behind an overturned chair. “We’re sitting ducks.”
“No.” My pulse was steady, focused, sharp. “We don’t run. We end this.”
Dominic’s gaze flickered to me, something dark and dangerous in his expression. He wasn’t arguing. He wanted this to end too.
Knox had finally overplayed his hand. And we were ready for it.
The plan had been set in motion hours ago—before Knox even knew he had lost. Dominic and I had leaked false information, making it look like one of his most lucrative real estate investments was vulnerable, underfunded, and open for the taking.
We knew Knox was desperate. We knew he wouldn’t be able to resist taking one final shot.
And when he sent his men in, when he made his final move, we were already waiting.
Dominic’s voice was low, controlled. “Five men, full gear, coming in from the east and south entrances.”
Ezra pulled a knife from his boot. “Amateurs.”
Jaden exhaled, flexing his fingers. “They don’t know they walked into a fight they can’t win.”
And Riley, despite the actual bullets flying past his head, smirked. “Well, boys, at least it won’t be a boring night.”
I waited for the right moment, watching the men move closer. They thought we were panicked. They thought they had us cornered. But they had no idea what they were dealing with.
I moved first, launching myself over the bar, grabbing the closest man and slamming my elbow into his throat. He went down gasping.
Another turned toward me—too slow.
I grabbed the gun off his shoulder, twisting it toward him, pulling the trigger before he could react.
Ezra and Theo took out the next one together, fast and precise, their movements in perfect sync, trained from years of performing together.
Dominic was right beside me, his breath steady as he knocked a man back with a solid, brutal punch. He didn’t even flinch as the guy crumpled to the floor.
Riley ducked as the last man swung at him, twisting behind him and using his momentum to flip him over the couch.
Jaden finished it with a solid kick to the ribs.
And just like that—it was over.
Knox had sent his best men. And we had destroyed them in under three minutes.
I barely had time to catch my breath before the front door opened.
And there he was.
Knox.
He stepped inside like he owned the place, his expensive suit perfectly pressed, not a single trace of concern on his face.
Dominic didn’t move.
Neither did I.
Knox let his gaze travel over the wreckage, his fallen men groaning in pain.
Then he chuckled. Like he wasn’t already a dead man.
“Well,” he mused, adjusting his cufflinks. “I have to admit, that was entertaining.”
Dominic took a slow step forward, his face unreadable. “You’ve already lost.”
Knox tilted his head, amusement flickering in his eyes. “Have I?”
I reached for my weapon, but Knox’s gaze shifted to me before I could move. “Ah, Miss Dauntless,” he said smoothly. “Still playing bodyguard?”
I didn’t respond.
His smirk widened. “You know, I never figured you for the sentimental type. But look at you. Fighting so hard for him. What did he promise you? Money? Protection?” His gaze flickered toward Dominic. “Or was it something else?”
Dominic’s hands clenched into fists.
Knox laughed. “Didn’t take you for the jealous type either, Beethoven.”
I stepped forward, voice cold. “You’re stalling.”
His eyes gleamed. “And you’re predictable.”
That was the only warning I got before the gunfire started again.
Knox’s backup had been waiting, hidden, watching.
I moved fast, shoving Dominic down as bullets ricocheted off the marble countertops. The band scattered, finding cover, returning fire as I pulled out my own gun, aiming for the shadows beyond the doorway.
Two shots. Two men down.
Another rushed at me. I caught his arm, twisted hard, snapping it at the elbow before slamming him into the wall.
Knox was still standing there, still watching like this was a game to him.
And maybe, in his mind, it was.
I lunged.
I caught him by the lapels of his expensive suit, slamming him back against the wall.
His breath left him in a sharp exhale, but he still smirked. “What now, Dauntless? Going to kill me?”
I pressed my gun to his ribs. “Not worth the bullet.”
Behind me, I heard the sharp command of law enforcement entering the building.
Knox stiffened, his smirk faltering for the first time.
Dominic stepped up beside me, his voice calm, cold. “It’s over.”
Knox’s expression darkened as the officers surrounded him, cuffing his wrists, pulling him away.
“This isn’t over,” he hissed as they dragged him toward the door. “You think you’ve won? You think you can keep it all?”
Dominic didn’t flinch. “Watch me.”
Knox was shoved out of the penthouse, the door slamming shut behind him.
Silence stretched through the room.
Then Riley let out a slow breath. “Well, that was dramatic.”
Theo rubbed his temple. “We’re going to need new windows.”
Jaden cracked his knuckles. “Worth it.”
Ezra just smirked. “I told you amateurs didn’t stand a chance.”
Dominic exhaled, running a hand down his face before turning to me.
I was still gripping my gun. My body still tense.
He reached out, fingers curling lightly around my wrist. “It’s over, Grace.”
I swallowed hard, looking at him, at the way his shoulders had finally relaxed, at the way his gaze was still sharp but no longer carrying the weight of a battle he had been fighting alone for too long.
I nodded slowly.
Because he was right.
The game was over.
And we had won.