The Fears Of A Billionaire

Chapter 22: The Rising Storm

The cold night air hit Dominic as they rushed out of Orlov's estate, Volkov in tow. The sounds of distant sirens mingled with the chaos inside, as shouts and gunfire echoed behind them. Alyssa kept pace beside him, her grip firm on Volkov's arm as they maneuvered through the opulent gardens toward their extraction point.

"Marcus, Laura, what's your status?" Dominic barked into his earpiece.

Marcus' voice came through, strained but steady. "We're pinned down near the north gate. Reinforcements are heavier than we expected. We can't make it to you."

"Hold your position," Dominic replied. "We'll circle back once we're clear."

Alyssa glanced at Dominic, her eyes hard but questioning. "We won't make it far carrying him. We need to find cover and regroup."

Dominic's gaze swept the darkened grounds, illuminated only by the dim light of the estate. Volkov was a dead weight between them, slowing them down. He could feel the man's cold, calculating eyes on him, even with his hands bound. Volkov wasn't scared—he was waiting, playing the long game, like always.

"Any ideas?" Dominic asked, his voice low.

Alyssa's face tightened. "There's a service road behind the estate. If we can get there, Eleanor can reroute our extraction. But we'll need to get past Orlov's men first."

Volkov's chuckle cut through the tension like a knife. "You're surrounded, Dominic. Orlov's not going to let you leave this place alive, and your little team? They're out of their depth. I almost feel sorry for you."

Dominic ignored him, pushing forward. "Let's move."

They ducked behind a hedge, the estate's looming walls just beyond. The roar of vehicles pulling into the courtyard sent adrenaline coursing through Dominic's veins. More of Orlov's security. They didn't have much time.

Suddenly, Dominic's earpiece crackled with Eleanor's voice. "I've got eyes on you. There's an access gate fifty meters to your left. It'll take you to the service road, but you've got at least a dozen hostiles closing in from the rear."

Alyssa swore under her breath, her eyes darting around for options. "We need to thin the herd."

Dominic's mind raced. He turned to Volkov, yanking him close. "You've got one chance to walk out of here in one piece. Call off Orlov's men."

Volkov's smile didn't reach his eyes. "And why would I do that?"

Dominic's grip tightened. "Because if you don't, you'll be the first one to go down when the bullets start flying."

For a moment, Volkov's eyes flickered, but the amusement never left his face. "You underestimate me, Dominic. I don't make deals with dead men."

Before Dominic could respond, gunfire rang out from the far side of the courtyard. Alyssa ducked instinctively, dragging Volkov with her as bullets tore through the hedge.

"They've found us," Alyssa hissed.

Dominic's blood ran cold. They were running out of time.

"We can't stay here," Dominic growled, his mind working furiously. He glanced around and spotted a narrow pathway leading toward the estate's stables. It wasn't part of the main structure—less likely to be heavily guarded.

"This way," he ordered, pulling Volkov along with Alyssa close behind.

They sprinted across the open ground, the distant sound of approaching footsteps driving them forward. They reached the stables, slamming the door behind them. For a brief moment, the world outside was muffled, the chaos replaced by the thick scent of hay and leather.

Alyssa leaned against the door, catching her breath. "We can't keep running. If we don't hit back now, they'll close in."

Dominic nodded, scanning the dimly lit stable. "Agreed. We need to create a diversion."

Volkov, sitting slumped in the corner, sneered. "You really think you're going to get out of this? Even if you escape, Orlov will come after you. You've signed your death warrant."

Dominic's jaw clenched, but he refused to engage. He turned to Alyssa. "What do we have left?"

Alyssa checked her gear. "Not much. A few flashbangs, but we'll need more firepower if we want to break through."

Dominic's thoughts raced as he considered their dwindling options. They needed to even the playing field. He glanced around the stable again, his eyes falling on a row of propane tanks stacked against the far wall.

A plan began to form in his mind. "We'll use the propane to blow the gate. It'll buy us time to get to the service road."

Alyssa raised an eyebrow. "That's a big risk."

Dominic nodded. "It's all we've got."

They quickly rigged the tanks, placing them strategically near the rear gate. The gunfire outside grew louder, closer. Orlov's men were sweeping the grounds, methodically tightening the noose around them.

"Marcus, Laura," Dominic said into his earpiece, "we're setting up an explosive distraction. When you see the fireworks, move toward the east perimeter."

Marcus responded, "Copy that. We'll be ready."

Alyssa finished the setup and handed Dominic the detonator. "Once we blow this, we move fast."

Dominic checked his watch. Time was running out.

"On three," he said, steadying his breathing. "One... two... three."

He pressed the button.

The explosion ripped through the quiet night, sending debris and fire high into the air. The force of the blast shattered the gate, creating a wave of panic among Orlov's men. Shouts filled the air as they scrambled to respond.

"Go!" Dominic shouted, pulling Alyssa and Volkov with him as they bolted through the wreckage toward the service road.

The path ahead was littered with debris, but beyond it, Dominic saw the lights of their extraction vehicle approaching fast. They had a narrow window.

As they ran, Dominic's thoughts turned to Volkov. They had him now, but Volkov was a master manipulator. He was still dangerous, even in custody. The deal with Orlov may have been disrupted, but Dominic knew this was just one battle in a much larger war.

They reached the vehicle just as it screeched to a stop. Marcus and Laura were already inside, weapons drawn.

"Get in!" Marcus shouted.

They piled into the car, slamming the door behind them. The tires screeched as the driver accelerated, leaving the burning estate in their rearview mirror.

As they sped away into the night, Dominic looked at Volkov, now cuffed and subdued. For the first time in hours, he allowed himself to exhale.

But deep down, he knew this wasn't over.

It was only just beginning.

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