BROKEN POINT

Samantha's POV The ballroom exploding around me made it difficult for me to keep my head clear. Originally meant to be a simple statement of power and togetherness for Adrian, the gala was spiraling out of hand. As Victor came toward, his icy eyes caught mine with a terrible glitter. Elena was right behind him, her attitude subdued but yet quite strong. They moved among the throng as though they controlled the space, and I sensed a familiar cold slithering up my spine. Victor had no knowledge about Leo. Nonetheless. As the confusion whirled, Adrian's palm tightened over mine, stabilizing me. I could sense the anxiety radiating from him; his pulse accelerated beneath his composed front. He looked down at me and for a moment I saw the flutter of doubt in his eyes. The appearance brought back the weight he was bearing: attempting to shield Leo, trying to shield me, all the while repelling the dangers from all sides. I said, "They're coming right at us," clutching his hand as Victor and Elena approached. "Stay near, Samantha," Adrian said, his voice as hard as steel. I nodded, trying to remain cool. Every instinct screamed at me to shield Leo and keep Victor as far away from my kid as could be. Still, tonight running was not a possibility. I was with Adrian in this regard. Victor's smile as they got to us seemed perverted. "Adrian," he murmured, his voice silky and contemptuous. And Samantha, too. How wonderful to watch the two of you so... harmonic. Adrian's teeth clenched. Victoria. I suppose you are here for a purpose other than politeness. Victor looked at me, a weird sparkle in his eyes. "Oh, I am here to help families always. Right, Elena? Elena turned sharply to look between us. She said, gently, "Family is everything." Her gaze stayed on me for too long, and I felt as though she knew something. Adrian stepped forward, his back stiff. Victor, we have long enough experience playing this game. Are you seeking firm management control? Take it up with the board. I will not let you carry on these manipulative games, though. The smile of Victor became wider. Oh, Adrian, you believe it only concerns the business? That's quite adorable. No, this has to do with actual power, not authority. Something you seem to be familiar with. His eyes strayed once more to me. But everyone has a vulnerability, as both of us are aware. I got shivers running down my back. Victor seemed to be sizing me up, computing, as though he already knew the card he was going to use. Adrian shot back, his voice low and threatening, "Whatever you're planning, it won't work." Victor laughed; his laughter lacked any warmth. "We'll see about it. The gala is merely getting started. He looked at me, his smile freezing. Samantha, I hope your evening is fun. Though I see more to come for your family and you. Victor and Elena then turned aside and disappeared into the throng. My pulse flew, fear whirling in my stomach. I raised my head to Adrian, and his worried eyes reflected mine. "What did he intend by that?" My voice just whispered, I asked. Shaking his head, Adrian seemed both angry and terrified. Though I'm not waiting around to find out, "I'm not sure. We have to get out of here. He is coming at us carrying everything he owns. My mind flew, ideas crashing together. And what about Leo? should Victor learn... Adrian laid a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I refuse to let anything happen to either him or you. Surely Samantha, trust me. We will see through this. Though some of me felt the walls closing in, I wanted to believe him. Victor returned to haunt us just when I believed we would at last be free of the lies, dishonesty. And this time he was not engaged in gaming. Later, while the gala went on, Adrian and I stole off to a quiet balcony far from the curious onlookers. Before us the city lights glittered in the darkness. Though I could hardly enjoy it without the risk of hiding so near. It was amazing. "What are our current actions?" With a cracking voice, I asked. Adrian turned to face me, his eyes burning with a great will. "We are in conflict. We guard that which is rightfully ours. We also refuse to let him reach us. Still, "but how?" I spoke quietly. "Adrian, Victor knows stuff. He understood how to irritate you. He is adept in hurting you. Adrian's hand slid up to cup my face, his thumb lightly caressing my cheek. Samantha, take a look at me. I'm not letting him win whatever happens. My family is you and Leo. And I will do everything — anything — to keep you safe. His comments sent a surge of warmth through me, a brittle hope I hung on. I bent into his touch, allowing his comfort to anchor me. "I really... I mumbled, not sure whether I could keep on running. "Something else happens every time I feel we are safe. And today, with Leo... Adrian's eyes softened. "We will make it through, Samantha. Combined. Feeling the weight of all we had gone through weighing down on me, I looked up at him. And in that instant I realized I had to say something, something that had been nesting at me for so long. "Adrian," I said, my voice wobbly. "You should be aware of something." He wrinkled, worry flashing in his eyes. "What is it?." I forced myself to keep going by forceful swallowing. Leo: He is yours. The quiet that followed was intolerable. Adrian's eyes opened, shock and a thousand other feelings flickering across his face. He retreated, his hand flying away from my cheek. "You... Leo is my son?,"his voice is almost audible, he asked. I nodded while my heart hammered. "I apologize, Adrian. I never intended to keep it from you. I pondered. It seemed to be the only way I could shield him. Also you. He merely stared at me for a long time, his face incomprehensible. Then, at last, he spoke, his voice low and tinged with hurt and wrath. Samantha, you ought to have told me. I was entitled to find out. My voice shaking, I said, "I know." But kindly, see. I was afraid. Victor was always watching, always so near. I wanted Leo not used against you. Adrian closed his fists at his sides. You believe I would not have shielded him? That I would not have done all in my ability to keep him safe? Tears poked my eyes as I tried to keep his stare. "I am sure you would have. But it was complex. I wanted no chance of him turning into a pawn in Victor's game. Adrian inhaled deeply, his eyes turning steely. "This alters everything, Samantha. One of my sons is Leo. And right now, more than ever, I'm not allowing Victor anywhere close by. I nodded, agony and relief washing over me. "I apologize, Adrian." I never wanted to treat you badly. He shook his head, his manner softening. "We'll handle this later." We have to concentrate on Leo's safety right now. It also entails ensuring Victor does not obtain his wish. Taking his hand, I squeezed it firmly. I am right here with you. Anything it takes, I am with you. Adrian drew me into his arms, a look of great will on his face. I let myself feel safe and believe that we could meet whatever lies ahead for a brief period. But the mood was broken just then by a loud noise behind us. Turning to find Victor in the shadows, his smile froze. His voice was silky and mocking, "I had a feeling there was more to this story," he added. So, Leo is Adrian's son, is he? My heart fell, panic seizing me. How much had he listened to? He had been there for what length of time? Adrian came up to me, his posture tight and defensive. "Stay away from Victor's family, too. You are not sure what you are getting into here. Victor's smile grew wider, a flash of hate in his eyes. Oh, I suppose I do. And I have to admit, this alters circumstances. Given your complex family circumstances, I wonder how the board will respond. Adrian's hands closed and his voice was low and lethal. Victor, you will not touch them. If you so much as approach Leo—' Victor laughed, obviously not really bothered. Oh, I have no need to touch him. Simply said, everyone needs to see your true nature. And believe me, Adrian—your little masquerade is about to fall apart. Victor turned and walked away, leaving us standing there with his weight of threat hovering over. My heart pounding, I raised my head to Adrian. " What are we going to do?" With a set jaw and blazing eyes full of a great will, he fixed Victor. Samantha, whatever it takes.