Chapter Twenty Six.

Luca.

watch Isabella from a distance as she trains with Enzo and Hugo.

She moves fast, her eyes focused, her body light and sharp with every move. It’s hard to believe how far she’s come in just a short time.

I remember when she used to sneak out of her father’s estate just to hang out at the Shelta with Max and me. Back then, she didn’t know how to throw a proper punch. But she had fire in her. She still does.

My thoughts drift back to those days—her laugh, the way she’d roll her eyes at Max’s jokes, how she always asked questions, even when she wasn’t supposed to.

That’s when I realized I had feelings for her. Not just as a friend. Not just as a teammate. But something real. Something strong.

Now, she’s here, fighting like someone who’s been in this world all her life. And I can’t stop looking at her.

She notices me and walks over, wiping sweat from her forehead.

“You good?” she asks. “You’ve been standing there like a statue for five minutes. Something wrong?”

I shake my head quickly. “No. I’m fine.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah,” I say again, forcing a smile. “Just watching.”

She gives me a curious look, but doesn’t press. “Alright. Come train with us. We need someone to beat up.”

I laugh a little and follow her to the mat. I try not to think too much while we spar. Try not to stare too long. Try not to let her catch the way I feel.

Later that day, my phone buzzes while I’m in the hallway near the weapons room. I answer when I see the name on the screen.

“Valentino.”

“Luca,” his voice is smooth but serious. “Anything unusual going on at Matteo’s estate?”

I pause for a second. “No. Nothing suspicious. Everything’s normal.”

“Nothing at all?"

"No."

He heaved a sigh before replying. "If anything happens, failure to report would cost you your life Luca."

I swallowed. "I understand."

Valentino doesn’t answer right away. “Good."

“Alright,” I say, and he hangs up.

I stare at the phone for a second. What exactly is going with Tino? I mean the Don couldn't have put up to this yeah? Why does want inside information on Matteo? Or what Isabella does.

Is it just him being careful? Or is there something else going on?

I shake my head. Probably nothing. He’s just trying to see if Isabella’s okay. That has to be it.

As I walk back toward my room, I turn a corner and almost bump into someone. Matteo.

I nodd at him in greeting.

He doesn’t say a word. Just keeps walking past me like I don’t exist.

Typical.

I stand there for a moment, feeling heat rise to my face. It’s not just how he treats me—it’s how he treats her. He’s always cold. Always harsh. And even though she doesn't let it slide, there's till something about how she looks at him.

What does she even see in him?

I’ve seen the way he looks at her—Even though he acts all cold, I know desire when I see one. Ice seen how he looks at like she's some prey he wants to eat up, and I freaking hate it. Isabella doesn't someone as brutal and unfeeling as Matteo, she needs someone who's going to help her grow and someone who she can be herself with.

Someone like me.

I run a hand through my hair and let out a breath. I can’t keep holding it in. I have to tell her how I feel. She deserves to know. Even if she doesn’t feel the same way, at least I’ll stop walking around like I’m carrying a weight on my chest.

I’ll tell her soon. Real soon.

But first… I have to make sure she’s safe. Especially with people like Matteo around.