Chapter 153 - no cost too high and prayers too dark

No Cost Too High & Prayers in the Dark

Lawrence

"I won't let anyone hurt you, Stella," I murmured, brushing a stray hair from her face. She smiled softly, snuggling closer under the blankets.

"My fierce protector. But don't carry the weight alone." Her fingers trailed down my cheek. "Promise you'll share the load, my love."

I turned my head, kissing her palm. "For you, anything." I would move heaven and earth to spare Stella further pain. Even if it meant laying my soul bare and exposing sins better left buried.

At dawn, I met Simon and Lucas on the mansion's veranda. Coffee steamed in hand, we reviewed reconnaissance on the day's targets - a shipment of illegal arms bound for Kemp's warehouses.

Lucas unfurled building schematics, describing entry points and security rotations. Simon tapped known sniper perches surrounding the site. I listened intently, formulating an assault strategy to maximize chaos.

We finalized plans just as James arrived, coffee in hand. His eyes narrowed thou