Better In Your Arms (Parisian Mafia 2#)

19

Chapter 19: Shadows and Loyalty

As dawn broke, the calm in the Stuart estate was deceptive. Though Lawrence and Amari had shared a rare moment of peace the previous night, the storm was already brewing. The Halverson family had moved faster than expected, solidifying their alliances and making bold plays for power. The fight for control had begun, and Lawrence knew that delaying any action could be fatal.

Jaxon burst into the study early that morning, his face grim, as Lawrence reviewed intelligence reports. Without preamble, he laid out the latest news.

"Lawrence, it's happening. The Halversons are meeting with the Garrisons tonight—if they strike a deal, they’ll control the west and half the north districts," Jaxon said urgently, eyes narrowed in frustration.

Lawrence slammed his fist on the desk. "Damn it! They're cornering us quicker than I thought." His mind raced, calculating the risks. Losing the west would cripple them, isolating their strongest allies. The only option was to hit the Halversons where it hurt before the deal could be made.

Amari, who had joined the conversation unnoticed, stepped forward. "We have to act fast," she said, her voice steady despite the growing tension. "If they gain a foothold, we’ll be dealing with an all-out war."

Lawrence glanced at her, nodding. "We need to intercept them before they make their move. I'll gather our top men and stop this meeting from happening. But we’ll need leverage."

Amari’s brow furrowed in thought. "What about their supplier, Tarek Navarro? He’s been the one backing the Halversons with money and arms. If we can sever that link…"

Jaxon perked up. "I like that idea. Take out Navarro, and the Halversons will be scrambling."

Lawrence’s mind clicked into action. "Good thinking, Amari. Jaxon, pull together a team. We’re going to send Navarro a message he won’t forget."

---

That night, the Stuart forces moved with precision. Amari coordinated operations from the estate, her fingers gliding over maps and radio connections as their men swept across the city. Lawrence led the assault personally, determined to ensure their success. He had learned long ago that sometimes, leaders had to get their hands dirty.

The rendezvous point was a dimly lit warehouse at the city’s edge, where Tarek Navarro had arranged to meet with the Halversons. It was an isolated area, making it perfect for covert dealings—but also for ambushes.

Lawrence’s team approached in silence, their footsteps muffled by the night. He signaled to Jaxon, who gave the all-clear as they surrounded the warehouse. With a sharp gesture, they moved in.

Inside, Navarro sat at a table, surrounded by armed guards. His phone was laid out on the table, the connection to the Halverson family still active. As soon as Lawrence’s men burst in, guns drawn, the room exploded in chaos.

Navarro’s guards scrambled to protect him, but they were no match for Lawrence’s well-trained crew. Within moments, they were subdued, and Lawrence approached Navarro with slow, deliberate steps.

Tarek Navarro’s eyes were wide with fear, but his arrogance kept him defiant. "You think taking me down will stop the Halversons? You have no idea what you're up against, Stuart."

Lawrence didn’t flinch. He reached out and casually flicked the phone off the table, ending the Halverson deal. "You’re done here, Navarro. The Halversons won’t lift a finger for you now."

Navarro sneered. "You might stop this deal, but others will come. You can’t keep control forever."

Lawrence leaned in, his voice a low growl. "I don't need forever. I just need long enough to make sure you and everyone like you understands one thing: this city belongs to us."

With that, Lawrence stepped back as Jaxon moved in, pulling Navarro to his feet and escorting him out. The mission had been swift and successful. The Halversons would be set back, scrambling to find new support. For now, the Stuarts still held the upper hand.

---

Back at the estate, Amari waited anxiously for Lawrence’s return. When she saw him step through the doors, a wave of relief washed over her. His presence was always reassuring, especially after the intensity of the night.

"It’s done," Lawrence said as he approached her, exhaustion etched into his features. "Navarro won’t be causing any more trouble, and the Halversons are left without a deal."

Amari exhaled, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "Good. But we can’t let our guard down. This is just the beginning."

Lawrence nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. "I know. But tonight was a win. We have to take them where we can."

Amari placed a hand on his arm, her eyes softening. "And we will. Together."

Lawrence’s lips quirked into a tired smile, pulling her into an embrace. "I couldn’t do this without you, Amari. You know that."

They stood in silence for a moment, holding onto each other as the weight of their responsibilities loomed in the background. But even in the midst of chaos, they found strength in their bond.

---

As the days passed, the city seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the next move. Lawrence and Amari continued to work tirelessly to keep their empire intact. The Halversons were still a threat, but the Stuarts had made it clear that they wouldn’t go down without a fight.

In the quiet moments, Lawrence found himself reflecting on the life he had chosen—the sacrifices, the violence, the constant battle for control. But in Amari, he had found his purpose, his anchor in the storm. She gave him the resolve to keep pushing forward, no matter how dark the path became.

One evening, as they sat together on the balcony, watching the city lights flicker in the distance, Lawrence spoke quietly.

"I’ve been thinking," he began, his tone serious but thoughtful. "About what you said before. About whether it’s all worth it."

Amari turned to him, her gaze questioning. "And what have you decided?"

Lawrence’s eyes were steady as they met hers. "It’s worth it. Not for the power, or the control—but for us. For what we’re building together."

Amari smiled softly, her heart swelling at his words. "Then we keep going. No matter what comes next."

Lawrence took her hand, lacing their fingers together. "No matter what comes next," he agreed, his voice filled with quiet determination.

Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead—because in each other’s arms, they had found the strength to survive.

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