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When the lights flickered off and we were pitched into darkness, I held my breath and counted to ten, waiting for the generator to kick on.

It didn’t.

“Shit,” I muttered, instantly moving to the kitchen drawer where there were several flashlights. I was trying to stay calm, but it was next to impossible.

“Why didn’t it kick on?” she asked through gritted teeth.

“I don’t know. Take this.” I flicked on one flashlight, thankful for any light.

“I really don’t like this. It’s like being in a luxury haunted house.”

“Do me a favor and go to Mina’s room. Just hang out in the hallway so you can hear sounds.”

“What? Why? Where are you going?”

“To get the gun.”

“A gun. You have a weapon? This is getting serious.”

I squeezed her arm. “Don’t worry. I can use it.” Although I’d shot a weapon only a few times in my life, the skill was like riding a bicycle. Right?

“Oh, for God’s sake, Isabel. What are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking that the generator should have come on by now. I’ll be upstairs in a flash.”

I didn’t need to see her face to know she was tense. “I’ll go to her room, but if I don’t hear from you in a few minutes, I’m coming down.”

“No. Keep her safe. If I’m not up there in three minutes, take her to the third floor like I told you.”

“What about Shadow?”

“He’ll be fine.” I prayed to God I was right. Not that I would mind him barking. After shoving my phone into my pocket, I followed her out to the hallway, waiting as she climbed the stairs before heading to the office. My fingers were fumbling as I opened the door. The gun was still there. When I had it in my hand, I felt somewhat better.

From Maxsim’s office, I had a closer view of the ocean. There were lights coming from out in the water and maybe I was seeing things, but I could swear a boat was headed toward the shore. My nerves were frayed, the rapid pulse something I could feel in my throat. For a few seconds, I had the sensations of being suffocated.

There was a dock on the property. Even in a fucking storm someone was headed here. I’d bet on it. I’d also bet on it being the same boat that had been studying the property. The asshole knew the chances of him making it down the road and back without being killed was impossible.

Now my mind was working overtime as fear crowded out all sense of rationality. What were the odds someone had planned an attack? And had sent Maxsim on a wild goose chase?

Too high in my opinion.

At least we had a weapon. And I’d fucking use it if necessary. However, I needed to ensure Mina’s safety at all costs. I pulled out my phone again, deciding to follow my instincts like Maxsim had suggested. I slid the gun into the waistband of my jeans like I’d seen Maxsim do. While uncomfortable, I felt a sense of safety I didn’t have before.

Only the storm hadn’t merely knocked out the power. The cell service was nonexistent. I tried anyway, only to have the call immediately go into limbo. This was a nightmare.

At that moment, there was only one worthwhile thought.

Protect Mina and Shadow.

CHAPTER 25

Maxsim

“What the fuck,” I snarled and tossed the phone onto the dashboard. I’d attempted to contact Kristoff, the call not going through. Now I was fucking pissed as hell, driving too fast and terrified I’d be too late.

There were always secrets within families. My father had harbored them for years, including the one about Bedford Dayne. Men in his position and now in mine rarely found friendship, constantly worried about having a knife shoved in their backs.

The pressure often couldn’t be controlled, leading to acts of unnecessary violence or to needing relief found in other forms such as gambling, drugs, or in the arms of a beautiful woman.