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CHAPTER 13: CIRCLING SHARKS
Last Updated:
2024-12-17 04:40:53Related chapters
Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 14: TESTING LOYALTIES
Sienna barely had time to process the tension in the camp as Enzo ordered Marco to step up security. It was strange to suddenly be so central to his plans; even stranger to see the way the men around him started looking at her—some with wariness, others with suspicion.“Sienna,” Enzo’s voice broke into her thoughts. “You can’t wander around unprotected. From now on, you stay with me.”She narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms. “Am I a prisoner now?”“No,” he replied, not missing a beat. “But we’re not playing a game, either. Diego’s men have been circling, and if he knows what you know—”“Then I’m a liability,” she interrupted, her voice flat.Enzo tilted his head, meeting her gaze. “I’d call you a risk. But you could also be a weapon, in the right hands.”“Yours, you mean?”He didn’t answer, just gave her a look that held all the unspoken rules she was beginning to recognize. “You want to be a part of this, don’t you?”She met his eyes with a bold stare. “I just don’t want to be the p
Last Updated : 2024-12-17Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 15: THE TRAP SPRINGS
Sienna kept her eyes on the man in front of her, forcing herself to remain calm as he stepped closer, his leering smile giving her a sick feeling. She knew Enzo and his men were nearby, but she was on her own until they made their move. Her heart raced, but she squared her shoulders, letting her intelligence and instinct guide her.“You don’t look scared.” The man’s grin twisted. “Most people wouldn’t wander out here alone.”“Maybe I’m not most people.” She replied, managing a smirk.“Oh, Diego’s gonna like you.” His voice was thick with amusement, but his eyes remained calculating.“And here I thought I was here for a quiet walk,” she replied, deflecting with a steady gaze. She knew if she didn’t play this just right, he’d sense the setup.He let out a short, dark laugh. “You’re a lot smarter than you look, aren’t you?”She took a half-step back, giving a perfect impression of a girl who knew she was in over her head but was too proud to run. “And you’re a lot dumber than you look i
Last Updated : 2024-12-18Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 16: THE WARRIOR PRINCESS
The gunshot rang out, shattering the night. Sienna’s breath caught as she instinctively threw herself sideways, feeling a flash of heat as the bullet grazed her arm.“Sienna!” Enzo’s voice was a sharp command, and before she could even regain her balance, he was at her side, his arm wrapping around her shoulders, pulling her behind him.Marco was faster, though. Before the gunman could fire again, Marco lunged forward, his own gun raised. “Wrong move, friend,” he snarled, squeezing the trigger without hesitation.The gunman crumpled to the ground, a surprised expression frozen on his face.Enzo’s eyes blazed as he scanned the docks for any sign of more intruders. “That was too close,” he muttered, his grip still firm on Sienna’s arm.Sienna winced, glancing down at the thin line of blood trickling down her sleeve. “I’m fine,” she said, though her voice was shaking.Enzo’s gaze hardened as he looked at her arm. “That was reckless.”“I—” She swallowed, trying to steady her voice. “He ca
Last Updated : 2024-12-18Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 17: CRACKS IN THE WALL
Enzo sat across from Sienna in the dimly lit study, his gaze focused yet distant, as though he were trying to read her mind. The silence stretched between them, thick and heavy, until Sienna could take it no longer.“Why are you looking at me like that?” She asked, folding her arms.He leaned back, crossing his legs, but his eyes never left her. “Just wondering… how much of you I can really trust.”Her eyebrows shot up. “After everything? I thought I’d proven myself by now.”“It’s not that simple.” His voice was calm, almost maddeningly so. “I trust you, but I also know people can wear masks, even if they don’t mean to.”“Is that what you think I’m doing? Wearing a mask?” Her voice was low, almost challenging.Enzo shrugged. “You come from a world of lies and manipulation. Your father, your stepmother… it’s the air you’ve breathed since birth. It’d be hard for anyone to leave that behind entirely.”Sienna’s jaw clenched. “I never chose that world, Enzo. I’ve spent my entire life tryin
Last Updated : 2024-12-19Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 18: UNEXPECTED BONDING
The night was dark and silent, broken only by the hum of the car’s engine as Enzo and Sienna drove back from the docks. Sienna sat quietly beside him, her face turned toward the window, though she could feel the weight of his gaze on her now and then. Finally, she couldn’t take the silence anymore. “You’ve been quiet.” Enzo’s hands tightened on the wheel. “Not much to say.” She raised an eyebrow, giving him a sidelong glance. “I don’t believe that for a second.” He looked over at her, his eyes flashing in the dim light. “You’re more perceptive than you should be.” “And you’re better at hiding things than most people,” she shot back. “What are you holding back?” He didn’t answer immediately, his gaze flicking back to the road. “Some things are better left unsaid, Sienna.” Sienna let out a frustrated sigh. “You know, if you’d just let me in, you wouldn’t have to keep all these walls up.” He smirked, though his expression was tinged with something softer, something almost
Last Updated : 2024-12-19Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 19: SPARKS IGNITE
The warehouse was dim, shadows stretching across the high walls as the low hum of voices filled the air. Enzo walked just a few paces ahead of Sienna, his hand hovering protectively at her back as they wove through his men, heading for the makeshift meeting area.Sienna was acutely aware of his closeness, his scent, his touch—every nerve in her body on high alert. And every time he looked back at her, a thrill shot through her, like she was standing on the edge of something exhilaratingly dangerous.“Stick close,” he murmured as they reached a quieter hallway. “Diego’s men have been spotted nearby. They’re bold tonight.”“I can handle myself,” she whispered, giving him a pointed look.He smirked, though his eyes remained serious. “I know. But I’d rather you didn’t have to.”They reached a door, and he opened it, revealing a small, dimly lit room with a table scattered with blueprints and maps. Marco was already inside, nodding at them as they entered.“Boss,” Marco greeted, casting a
Last Updated : 2024-12-20Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 20: INTO THE SHADOWS
The night air was thick, heavy with anticipation. The warehouse loomed ahead, Diego’s base of operations cloaked in shadows, its silence unsettling. Sienna’s pulse raced, her hand instinctively brushing the small pistol Enzo had pressed into her palm earlier, his instructions echoing in her head.“Only use it if you have to,” he’d murmured, his gaze intense. “And stay close.”She looked up at Enzo now, his face set, unreadable, his focus entirely on the mission. This was his world—the tension, the danger, the calculated risk. And here she was, right beside him, feeling the pull of both fear and exhilaration.Enzo’s voice broke the silence. “Marco, take Luca and flank the east entrance. Mateo, cover the west. Sienna stays with me.” He cast her a quick glance, the hint of a warning in his eyes. “No heroics.”She gave a quick nod, forcing her breath steady. “Got it.”Marco and the others slipped into the darkness, disappearing with practiced stealth. Sienna and Enzo pressed forward, the
Last Updated : 2024-12-20Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 21: CROSSING THE LINE
The low crackle of the fireplace filled the room, its amber glow casting shadows across the walls. Sienna sat curled up in an oversized chair, a book open in her lap, though her eyes were fixed on the window. Outside, the city lights shimmered, but her thoughts were elsewhere—on the man who had just walked in.“I thought you’d gone to bed.” Enzo’s deep voice broke the silence as he stepped into the room, a glass of whiskey in hand.Sienna’s gaze shifted to him, her heart skipping a beat. “I couldn’t sleep.”“Trouble on your mind?” He leaned against the mantel, his dark eyes studying her with the same intensity that always made her feel exposed.“The adrenaline rush” she replied, setting the book aside. “You know… from today's event.”“You’ve handled it better than most would,” he said, his voice softer than usual.She arched an eyebrow. “Is that supposed to be a compliment?”“It’s a fact,” he replied, smirking slightly.“Coming from you, I’ll take it as one.” She rose from the chair
Last Updated : 2024-12-21
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Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 43: THE PLAN IN MOTION
Enzo stood at the head of the long, mahogany table in his private planning room, his dark eyes scanning the map laid out before him. His men—Luca, Nico, and Federico—sat around him, their postures tense.“This is where Mateo’s supply line is weakest.” Enzo pointed to a marked location. “Cutting it off will force him into the open.”Luca nodded in agreement. “Smart. He’ll have to redirect resources to protect it.”Nico leaned back against the wall. “What about his alliances? If Mateo’s smart, he’ll have Diego shoring him up.”“Diego’s involvement is a wildcard.” Enzo gritted his teeth. “But Mateo is desperate—he won’t want to share power. That’s our advantage.”The door swung open, and Sienna entered, her expression unreadable. All conversation stopped as the men turned toward her.“And what’s my part in this plan?” Sienna asked mildly.“You’re staying out of it.” Enzo responded without hesitation.Sienna crossed her arms. “Like hell I am. Mateo has made this personal. You need me.”En
Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 42: THE MANIPULATOR
Sienna’s heels echoed through the cavernous halls of her father’s estate. Her hands clenched into fists as she remembered her life in this house, waiting hand and foot on her stepmother and half siblings, enduring verbal and emotional abuse, her breath came hard and fast. Inside, her father sat behind his ornate desk, the glow of a single lamp casting sharp shadows across his face.“What game are you playing, Dad?” Sienna burst in, her voice sharp. Alessandro glanced up calmly, swirling his whiskey. “Sienna. Always so dramatic. Can’t a father enjoy a quiet evening without your drama?”“Don’t play coy with me.” Sienna advanced, her tone biting. “I know you’ve been meeting with Mateo Salazar. Were you involved in the attack against Enzo yesterday?”Alessandro leaned back in his chair, feigning surprise. “Mateo? Is that what this is about? You’ve spent too much time with Falcone, my dear. His paranoia seems to be rubbing off on you.”Sienna slammed her palms on the desk. “Don’t deflect
Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 41: THE AMBUSH
Enzo pushed Sienna to the floor behind the couch. “Stay down and don’t move!”“Enzo, what’s happening?” Sienna heart raced, and her voice trembled.“Stay quiet!” Enzo hushed as he pulled a gun from his holster, crouching low. The sound of footsteps outside the shattered window grew louder. Enzo crept toward the edge of the room, his movements calculated, his expression lethal.“Enzo, don’t—” Sienna whispered.“Trust me.” Enzo cut her off with a sharp whisper.The footsteps paused just outside, the faint shuffle of boots on broken glass betraying the intruder’s hesitation.A figure moved in front of the door, silhouetted by the moonlight. Enzo fired a single, precise shot, and the intruder dropped without a sound.“Cowards don’t knock. You should’ve stayed in the shadows.” Enzo’s voice was low and deliberate.A muffled voice barked orders from outside, followed by the unmistakable click of a gun being cocked.“Enzo, they’re surrounding us.” Sienna whispered, trembling. Enzo glanced o
Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 40: IN THE CROSSHAIRS
The room buzzed with low conversations, the heavy scent of cigar smoke clinging to the air. Sienna leaned over the table, her delicate fingers tracing a map of Enzo’s supply routes. Across from her, Enzo watched with an intensity that made her pulse quicken.“This route here—Salerno.” Sienna pointed to a marked location. “It’s too predictable. If I were Mateo or Diego, I’d hit it at night. Less security, maximum impact.”“And how would you know that?” Enzo asked, narrowing his eyes.Sienna shrugged. “It’s common sense. Your enemies are opportunists. They’ll strike when you’re weakest.”“Not bad for a girl who once thought I was the devil.” Enzo smirked.Sienna smiled. “Oh, don’t get me wrong. You’re still the devil. I’m just trying to keep you alive.”Enzo leaned back, his tone teasing. “You have a funny way of showing affection, Sienna.”Sienna glanced at him. “Is that what you think this is? Affection?”“I don’t know what this is.” Enzo said, serious now. “But I know I trust you mo
Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 39: THE DOUBLE GAME
The dimly lit restaurant hummed with quiet conversation. In the corner, beneath the flickering glow of an ancient chandelier, Luca sat across from Mateo, his expression unreadable. The tension between the two men was palpable, an electric charge that drew the attention of every bodyguard stationed nearby.“Never thought I’d see the day one of Enzo’s men would come crawling to me.” Mateo smirked, leaning back in his chair.“Let’s get one thing straight. I’m not crawling to anyone.” Luca retorted, calmly sipping his drink.“Oh, is that so?” Mateo chuckled. “Then why are you here? Risking your life to meet me, no less?”Luca leaned forward, his tone sharp. “Because I’m tired. Tired of playing second fiddle to Enzo, tired of watching him throw everything away over a woman who doesn’t belong in our world.”Mateo raised an eyebrow. “Sienna.”Luca nodded. “She’s his weakness. And he’s blind to it. Marco saw it too, but he didn’t act fast enough. I won’t make the same mistake.”“Interesting.
Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 38: THE UNHOLY ALLIANCE
The room was dimly lit, the heavy scent of cigar smoke curling through the air. Alessandro De Luca leaned back in his leather chair, swirling a glass of red wine. Across from him, Mateo Salazar stood with calculated ease, his sharp eyes betraying no emotion. The silence between them was razor-thin, each man waiting for the other to speak first.“A man of your reputation shouldn’t be wasting his time in the shadows, Alessandro.” Mateo spoke, breaking the silence. “Especially not when there’s an opportunity to reclaim what’s rightfully yours.”Alessandro raised an eyebrow, his tone dry. “And what would that be, Mateo? Enlighten me.”“Power. Influence. Respect.” Mateo smirked. “All the things you’ve let slip through your fingers since your daughter became… entangled with Falcone.”Alessandro set his glass down, his expression darkened. “My daughter is none of your concern.”Mateo chuckled.“On the contrary, she’s the reason we are all playing catchup with Enzo Falcone.”Alessandro picked
Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 37: RISK AND VULNERABILITY
The rain hammered against the windows of the penthouse, a relentless rhythm that matched the tension in the room. Enzo stood near the floor-to-ceiling glass, staring at the city lights with his hands clenched into fists. Behind him, Sienna hovered, uncertain but unable to stay silent any longer.“You’ve been standing there for an hour.” Sienna said softly.“You shouldn’t be here, Sienna.” Enzo replied without turning, his voice husky. Sienna stepped closer. “I didn’t ask for permission.”“That’s the problem.” Enzo turned slightly, his jaw tight.“I’m not leaving, Enzo.” Sienna crossed her arms, her voice steady. “Not until you tell me what’s eating at you.”Enzo finally looked at her, his eyes dark. “Do you have any idea what it does to me? Knowing you’re in the middle of this war?”Sienna met his gaze. “I’m here now because I choose to be. You don’t get to decide for me.”Enzo took a step closer, his tone sharp. “This isn’t a choice, Sienna. It’s a death sentence. Every second you’r
Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 36: UNDER SIEGE
The crack of shattered glass echoed through the room as Luca slammed a whiskey tumbler onto the bar, his jaw tight with anger.“He’s tearing us apart, Enzo.” Luca growled. “Another shipment gone. Diego knows every damn move we make. How much longer are we going to let this happen?”Enzo leaned back in his chair, his voice calm but dangerous. “We don’t let anything happen, Luca. We retaliate when the time is right.”“With all due respect, waiting hasn’t worked.” Nico paced near the fireplace, his tone clipped. “Torres has Marco’s intel—he knows our routes, our schedules, everything. We’re bleeding out.”“Not everything.” Sienna said quietly, from her seat in the corner,Luca spun to face her, his voice sharp. “What’s that supposed to mean?”“I said he doesn’t know everything.” Sienna met his gaze steadily. “Marco wasn’t omniscient. If Torres knew everything, you’d all be dead by now.”“That’s comforting.” Nico scoffed. “Glad to know we’re only partially screwed.”Enzo cut through the t
Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 35: THREADS UNRAVELING
“Marco kept secrets even from you,” Sienna murmured, her fingers brushing over the edge of the faded envelope. “Imagine that.”Enzo’s eyes narrowed. “What are you trying to say?“This.” Sienna shot back. Holding up a large envelope. “I found it in Marco’s stash. Hidden in the lining of his briefcase.”Enzo took the envelope, inspecting it. “And you didn’t think to bring this to me first?”“I just did, didn’t I?” Sienna said, crossing her arms. “Or do you think I should’ve handed it to Luca so he could light it on fire?”Enzo opened the envelope and scanned the contents, his jaw tightening. “Careful, Sienna. Loyalty isn’t optional around here.”“Neither is curiosity, apparently.” Sienna countered sarcastically. “Read it. You’ll see why I didn’t keep this to myself.”Enzo read aloud. “‘Shipment schedule: Salazar. Negotiation points: Torres.’ What the hell is this?”“It’s a ledger, Enzo.” Sienna mocked. “Dates, locations, names. Marco wasn’t just playing both sides—he was working with Di
