The figure in front of Enzo and Sienna was hardly visible in the faint light from the lone bulb hanging in the middle of the room. His presence was laden with danger as his shadow swept over the floor.
The breath caught in Sienna's throat. She shifted closer to Enzo out of reflex and muttered, "Who is that?" When he heard her query, the man's grin got bigger. "Oh, don't worry, my love. I'm just your father's old pal.” Enzo's voice was cold as ice, and his palm was hovering over his revolver. "No one considers you a friend. Mateo, what are you doing here?” Mateo, trying to look innocent, arched an eyebrow. "What, Enzo, won't you give me a hearty welcome? I thought the hostility was over.” Enzo snarled, his muscles tensing, preparing to flex, "Answer my question." Mateo laughed, amusement shining in his eyes. "I was informed about the girl. When you do something like this, word gets around quickly. You are aware of the city's operations. The vultures circle as soon as you introduce a new player, especially one like her.” Enzo's mouth clenched. "You're here to collect, then?" Mateo grinned more broadly. "You know how it is. She has everyone's attention. She is the final piece needed to complete many unresolved issues. I just wanted to stop by, greet you, and take her away from you.” Panic rising, Sienna's stomach flipped as she looked at Enzo. Despite his placid exterior, she could see the fury in his eyes. With his voice falling into a menacing tone, Enzo remarked, "I don't think you understand the situation. I've got her covered." Mateo shrugged, his eyes angry yet his posture relaxed. “Adorable as it is, protection is meaningless when everyone in the city is aiming at her. Enzo, you can't guard her at all times. You will eventually slip.” "Unlikely," Enzo said icily. "And you ought to know not to attempt something like this on my property." Mateo's expression hardened and his smile vanished. "Enzo, you're doing something wrong. The heat isn't worth the girl. Give her up, and this will be finished tonight.” Sienna's heartbeat accelerated. She began, "Enzo—" but he interrupted her with a quick look, his attention blazingly fixed on Mateo. "I said no," Enzo reiterated, moving slightly forward to keep Sienna out of Mateo's line of sight. "Get out while you can." Mateo's voice fell to a threatening growl as his hand jerked at his side. “Do you still believe you have the upper hand here? Enzo, you are no longer in charge. The city is evolving. The new players don't give a damn about the old rules.” A sneer formed on Enzo's lips. "I’m still here. That’s all they need to worry about.” Mateo suddenly reached for his jacket, but Enzo was quicker, pulling out his gun and aiming it at Mateo's chest. Enzo said, "Don't," in a dangerously composed tone. Mateo gently raised his hands in a false surrender, his eyes narrowing as he froze. "Easy, Enzo. I know you won't shoot me. Not here, not now.” "Want to put that theory to the test?" Enzo kept his gaze fixed on Mateo while his finger lingered over the trigger. Mateo smiled again, but this time it was icier. “Always the tough guy, huh? Alright! You wish to keep her? Be my guest. But know that she's mine the moment you make a mistake. And, there is nothing you can do to prevent it.” "I wouldn't bet on it," Enzo said coolly. Mateo laughed softly and took a step back, his hands still up. "All right, Enzo. This round is yours. However, you have just made both of you targets.” Anger flashed in Enzo's eyes. "Leave." After a brief moment of hesitation, as though he was thinking about taking a chance, Mateo turned and walked toward the door, his stance still irksomely nonchalant. He paused just before stepping outside, looking over his shoulder. Mateo said, "Enjoy your little haven while it lasts," with a cold smile. "Because it isn't going to last." With his gun still securely in his hand, Enzo let out a breath as soon as the door closed behind him. Sienna stood still, her heart thumping. "Enzo…" she muttered, her voice wavering. "Are you alright?" Enzo inquired, his fierce glare softening slightly as he turned to face her. Despite not knowing if she was persuading either of them, Sienna nodded. “Who was that? Why did he—” "He is one of the players in this city," Enzo interrupted her. "Small-time, but risky enough. He enjoys stirring things up, particularly when there is a benefit.” "And I'm the benefit?" As Sienna inquired, her stomach twisted with unease. Enzo grew gloomy. "You are, for the time being. I won't allow him to touch you, though.” With his words weighing heavily on her, Sienna swallowed hard. "I'm not understanding. Why do they all want to kill me? This isn't worth the trouble for my father.” Enzo holstered his gun, groaned, and ran a hand through his hair. "You don’t know the extent of your father's obligations. Sienna, you are not just leverage. You present an opportunity for them.” She felt her heart sink. “An opportunity? For what?” Enzo looked directly into her eyes, his intensity nearly unbearable. “For control. Of him. Of the partnerships he's established. The key is you, and everyone wants a piece.” It was all so overwhelming that Sienna's brain whirled. The stakes were much higher than she had ever imagined, and she felt like a pawn in a game she didn't comprehend. "What about you?" she said softly. "Why are you protecting me?" Enzo took a while to respond. When he did speak, it was in a low, almost conflicted voice, and his silence spoke loudly. "I told you. I don’t abandon people under my care.” Her heart thumping in her chest, she pressed, "That's not a real answer." Enzo's countenance was unreadable as his jaw tightened. “Perhaps not. But at the moment, it's the only one I have.” His phone chimed before she could continue. Enzo's face darkened instantly as he looked at the screen. "What is it?" Observing the change in his attitude, Sienna inquired. As he put the phone back in his pocket, his whole attitude changed to one of danger and coldness. "We must relocate. Right now.” Sienna felt her heart leap. "Relocate? Where? What happened?” For the first time since they first met, she noticed a glimmer of concern when Enzo's eyes met hers. “Mateo wasn't bluffing. People are coming after us right now.” Adrenaline flooded her veins, causing her pulse to speed. "What are you saying?" As he took her hand and guided her to the rear exit, Enzo's steady voice accelerated. "I just received a warning from an insider. Mateo has already informed them. They know our whereabouts.” The breath caught in Sienna's throat. "So, what do we do?" As they slipped into the shadowy alley behind the building, Enzo's grasp tightened around hers, dragging her along. Despite his low voice, he was determined. "We vanish. Once again.” An automobile screeched to a stop in front of them as they entered the alley. A number of armed men leaped out as the doors blasted open, their weapons drawn and pointed straight at Enzo and Sienna. A voice rang out from the darkness, "Well, well." "Enzo, it appears you didn't make it very far." When she saw Mateo emerge from the car, his grin was bigger and more sinister than before, Sienna's blood ran cold. "It looks like round two is about to start."With the walls rising on either side like prison bars, the alley was oppressively small. As Mateo's men surrounded them, guns aimed and eyes shining with ill intent, Sienna felt her heart thumping in her chest. The air was so tense it could be cut with a knife.Mateo smirked smugly as he moved forward, his pistol still holstered. "Enzo, I told you. You would eventually slip up.”Enzo did not react. While his other hand hovered close to his revolver, he continued to hold Sienna's hand securely. “Mateo, you are making a mistake. This will not go as you anticipate.”Mateo laughed and relaxed against the automobile. "Oh? How is that? You are surrounded, outnumbered, and outgunned. As far as I’m concerned, this is over.”Sienna's breathing quickened as she turned to face Enzo. His face was blank and serene, but she could feel the stiffness in his hands. Then she said, barely audible. "What do we do?" With his eyes fixed on Mateo, Enzo mumbled back. “Stay close. Don't move until I tell you
When the black car's window rolled down, Sienna's whole body froze. In the gloomy streetlight, her father's features appeared as icy and cunning as ever. His eyes stared at her with an odd mixture of triumph and disdain."Sienna, get in the car," he commanded in a cold voice.Enzo tightened his grip on her arm as if to warn her not to move. Marco, who was just behind them, reached for his weapon and looked from the car to Sienna.Enzo stepped forward just enough to put himself between Sienna and her father. He spoke in a low, menacing voice. "She’s not going anywhere."A snarl curved her father's lip. "Enzo, do you think you can keep her away from me? Compared to you, I've been playing this game a lot longer. You have no idea what you're up against.”As Sienna looked from Enzo to her father, her heart was pounding in her ears. This was the moment that had been developing; it wasn't just another confrontation. She sensed it.Her father went on, leaning out the window, "You've already l
The wail of approaching sirens broke the brief period of calm they'd experienced. Enzo listened to the sound and pulled away from Sienna, his gaze hardening. The sirens were getting close—too close."We have to move, Enzo." Marco, who had been keeping watch beside the entrance to the alley, turned to face them. "The cops are coming. In less than three minutes, they will be here." His voice was low as he warned.When Sienna realized they weren't yet safe, her pulse quickened and her heart raced. "What are we going to do?"Enzo took her hand, his grip tight and comforting. "We'll leave before they get here. Cover us, Marco."Marco nodded, pulling out his gun. “I’ll buy us some time.”Without another word, Enzo pulled Sienna down the alley, leading her deeper into the maze of narrow streets. Every turn they took led to a dead end, the city itself conspiring against them.“We’re running out of options,” Sienna whispered, her voice tight with fear.“Trust me,” Enzo replied, his eyes scanni
Sienna's eyes widened as she pulled open the heavy wooden door and entered Enzo's world—a far cry from the safe house where she had been recovering from her wound. Fortunately, the bullet only grazed her arm, making treatment simple and healing quicker."This place... Sienna gazed around the room, and her voice trailed off. It was opulent, gloomy, and exuded power. "This is completely different from what I imagined."Enzo stood next to her, keeping a careful eye on her. "What did you imagine?""I'm not sure. Cold. Dark.” Her gaze lingered on a large artwork that was hung on the wall. “But it’s… beautiful.”A small smile formed on Enzo's lips. "Sienna, I'm not all chaos and violence."She arched an eyebrow. "Could have fooled me."With a laugh, Enzo approached a liquor cabinet. He poured himself a drink, swirled the amber liquid in the glass, and took a sip. "Welcome to my world. There are certain things you must understand.”Leaning against the doorframe, Sienna folded her arms. "Like
Enzo leaned against the balcony railing, the cool night breeze whispering through his dark hair. The city below him was still, unaware of the storm brewing within its king. He felt out of place, like a stranger in his own world.Marco approached quietly, breaking Enzo’s silence. “What’s bothering you?”Enzo didn’t turn. “You wouldn’t understand.”“Try me,” Marco replied, crossing his arms. “I’ve known you long enough to know when something’s eating at you.”Enzo’s jaw clenched. “It’s nothing.”“Nothing?” Marco’s eyebrows shot up. “This isn’t about business. It’s about her, isn’t it?”Enzo’s fingers tightened on the railing, his knuckles turning white. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”Marco snorted. “Right. And I’m the Pope.”“Drop it, Marco.”“You can order me around in a meeting, but out here?” Marco leaned closer. “You’re my friend, Enzo. And friends don’t let friends spiral in silence.”Enzo finally turned, his eyes flashing. “Spiral? I’m not spiraling.”“Really?” Marco ra
Enzo strode down the hallway with Sienna at his side, his mind already calculating the next move. Marco’s news had sent a shockwave through him—Mateo’s men were never on the move without a purpose. He glanced sideways at Sienna, who kept pace with him, a determined look on her face despite the clear apprehension in her eyes.“Where are we going?” Sienna finally asked, her voice tense.“To the safe room,” Enzo replied, not breaking his stride. “It’s secure, and you’ll be protected there.”“And you?” she countered, her voice firm. “Where are you going?”“To handle things,” he said, the edge in his voice unmistakable.Sienna stopped in her tracks, forcing him to do the same. “No,” she said, shaking her head. “I’m not going to just sit and wait like some prisoner.”Enzo turned to face her, his jaw tightening. “This isn’t up for discussion, Sienna.”“It is if it involves me,” she argued, crossing her arms. “You said you wanted to protect me, but I’m not some fragile doll you can lock away.
The clinking of glasses and hushed murmurs reverberated through the dimly lit dining room as Enzo entered. The dinner table was set, but the atmosphere felt thick with something far heavier than the scent of roasted lamb and red wine.Marco stood near the window, scanning the grounds. He turned as Enzo approached. “Word’s out,” Marco muttered, not bothering with small talk. “The Torres Clan has been making inquiries.”Enzo’s eyes narrowed. “Inquiries?”Marco crossed his arms, his expression grim. “They’re not being subtle about it, either. They want to know why the great Enzo Falcone has taken a stray under his wing.”Enzo’s jaw tightened. “And what have you heard?”“Word is, they think you’ve gone soft,” Marco said, his tone laced with bitter amusement. “That maybe this girl—Sienna—is your Achilles’ heel.”Enzo didn’t respond immediately. He walked over to the table, picking up a glass of wine and swirling it absentmindedly. “The Torres Clan always did like to gamble,” he said finall
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
Enzo sat at his desk, flipping through a newspaper, his jaw tightening as he read the headline.FORMER UNDERWORLD FIGURE TURNED BUSINESSMAN—CAN A LEOPARD REALLY CHANGE ITS SPOTS?The article went into detail about his past—his connections to the mafia, his leadership under the Falcone name, the violence, the power struggles. There were no outright accusations, but the implications were clear: Could someone like Enzo Falcone truly go legitimate?Federico stormed into the office, slamming the door behind him. “Have you seen this crap?” He threw the paper onto Enzo’s desk, eyes blazing.Enzo exhaled. “Yeah.”“This is deliberate,” Federico spat. “Someone fed them this. This isn’t just some journalist digging around—it’s a hit piece.”Enzo nodded. “I know.”Federico paced, running a hand through his hair. “I bet it’s Rossi.”Enzo’s gaze darkened. Carlo Rossi, their biggest competitor in the commercial real estate sector, had been circling them like a shark for weeks. He had old money, deep
Enzo leaned back in his chair, scanning the paperwork in front of him. The numbers were solid. Their latest expansion deal was moving forward, and the projections looked even better than expected. Across the desk, Federico grinned, tapping his fingers against the polished wood.“We’re actually doing this,” Federico said, shaking his head in amusement. “Legitimate, profitable… almost feels like a dream.”Enzo smirked. “Told you we could.”Federico scoffed. “Yeah, yeah. But let’s not pretend you didn’t have doubts.”Enzo’s expression darkened slightly. “I still do. People like us don’t get clean slates. We build something good, and someone always wants to tear it down.”Federico’s grin faded. “You think Fabio's going to make a move?”Enzo sighed. “I don’t know. But I don’t trust him to sit back and do nothing.”Federico leaned forward. “So what’s the plan?”Enzo tapped the papers. “We keep expanding. The stronger we get, the harder we are to touch.”Federico nodded slowly. “I like it. B
Enzo sat at the back of the high-end restaurant, his fingers drumming lightly against the table. The air smelt of seared steak and expensive whiskey, but there was a tension beneath the polished atmosphere that he couldn’t ignore.Across from him sat Fabio Santori, a small-time player from the life Enzo had left behind. Fabio looked relaxed, sipping his wine, but Enzo wasn’t fooled. The man never did anything without an angle.Sienna sat beside Enzo, her presence a silent anchor. She had wanted to come, and Enzo hadn’t argued. If this meeting was going where he thought it was, she had every right to hear it for herself.Fabio set his glass down with a satisfied sigh. “You’ve done well for yourself, Enzo. Clean slate, legitimate business—quite the transformation.” He smirked. “But you know how it is. The past never really lets go.”Enzo’s jaw tightened. “If you came here to reminisce, I don’t have time for it.”Fabio chuckled, shaking his head. “Always direct. I respect that.” He leane
The low hum of the espresso machine filled the quiet café as Enzo stirred his coffee absently, his gaze sharp and unrelenting as it rested on Federico. Across from him, Federico sat back in his chair, legs stretched out, a lazy smirk playing on his lips. But Enzo knew him too well—Federico was testing the waters, feeling out the boundaries of this new arrangement between them."So," Federico drawled, picking up his cup. "Are you going to keep watching me like I’m about to pull a knife on you, or can we have a normal conversation?"Enzo leaned forward, his voice steady, but the underlying steel was unmistakable. "I need you to hear me on this, Federico. If I ever suspect you're doing anything illegal—anything—I will cut you off without hesitation. No warnings, no second chances."Federico exhaled, shaking his head. "Christ, Enzo. You really think so little of me? I came to you because I want to do things the right way.""Do you?" Enzo challenged. "Or did you come because you figured wo
Enzo sat at the long mahogany conference table, his fingers laced together, his expression unreadable as he listened to the final terms of the deal being read out loud. Across from him, Richard Lawson, a seasoned investor with a sharp eye for opportunity, slid the contract toward him."Everything looks good on our end," Richard said, tapping the folder. "This partnership could be lucrative for both of us."Enzo exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of this moment. This wasn’t like the deals he used to make—those had been sealed with handshakes and veiled threats. This was different. This was legitimate. He picked up the pen and signed his name at the bottom of the contract.Richard extended his hand. "Welcome to the world of legal business, Falcone."Enzo shook it firmly. "Appreciate it, Lawson."As the meeting wrapped up, Enzo stepped out of the office and into the waiting car, where Sienna sat in the passenger seat. She looked at him expectantly."Well?" she asked, her eyes scanning hi
The vibration of Enzo’s phone against the wooden kitchen counter broke the comfortable silence of the evening. He glanced at the screen, his jaw tightening when he saw Luca’s name flashing. Sienna, curled up on the couch with a book, noticed his hesitation.“You going to answer?” she asked, watching him carefully.Enzo exhaled, rubbing his face before swiping the call. “Luca.”“Enzo.” Luca’s voice was edged with tension. “I need your advice.”Enzo closed his eyes briefly. He’d known this call would come eventually. “Luca, I told you—”“I know what you told me,” Luca cut him off, his frustration bleeding through. “But this isn’t something I can just figure out on my own. There’s a situation brewing between the Rojas and the Castillos. It’s bad.”Enzo pinched the bridge of his nose. “That’s not my problem.”“The hell it isn’t,” Luca snapped. “Nico’s trying to keep things steady, but if this war blows up, it’ll reach him too. He doesn’t need a damn war, Enzo. And neither do I.”Sienna sa
Enzo sat at the sleek conference table, his hands folded together, his expression impassive as he listened to the man across from him hesitate."Mr. Falcone," the man—Mark Sinclair, owner of a high-end supply chain company—began, shifting in his seat. "Your reputation precedes you. And while I admire your desire to move into legitimate business, my board has concerns."Enzo’s jaw tightened, but his voice remained smooth. "Concerns."Sinclair cleared his throat. "Your name carries a... history. People talk. Investors listen. I’ve had calls warning me about potential risks." He exhaled. "I’m in the business of stability, Mr. Falcone. I can’t afford unnecessary complications."Enzo remained silent for a moment, his fingers tapping lightly against the table. Sienna, sitting beside him, placed a hand over his, a subtle reminder to keep his cool."I understand," Enzo finally said, his voice even. "I won’t pretend my past doesn’t exist. But I didn’t build an empire by being reckless. I know
The city lights flickered against the glass of the restaurant window, casting a faint glow over Enzo’s contemplative expression. The warmth of the quiet dinner he was sharing with Sienna was overshadowed by the unease curling at the edges of his mind.Across the street, seated on a bench as if he had all the time in the world, was someone Enzo never expected to see again—Vittorio Moretti.His posture was relaxed, but his eyes were sharp, fixed directly on Enzo.Sienna, sensing the shift in Enzo’s mood, set down her wine glass. “What is it?”Enzo’s jaw tightened. “Nothing. Just thought I saw someone I used to know.”Sienna’s eyes flickered with concern as she followed his gaze. “From before?”He exhaled slowly, nodding. “Moretti. Worked for the Marchesis. Ruthless bastard. The last time I saw him, he was standing over a man he had just gutted like a fish.”Sienna’s stomach twisted. “You think he’s here for you?”Enzo didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he lifted his glass to take a sip
Enzo sat across from Charles Whitmore, the local businessman who had seemed so eager to finalize their deal just days ago. But now, the man’s posture was stiff, his gaze wary. Enzo recognized that look—it was the same one he’d seen countless times before, in both allies and enemies.“I appreciate you coming in, Mr. Falcone,” Whitmore started, his voice too formal, too detached. “But after some further consideration, I’ve decided to withdraw from our agreement.”Enzo exhaled slowly, his fingers tapping against the polished wood of Whitmore’s desk. “Consideration,” he echoed. “Or did someone dig into my past?”Whitmore’s lips pressed into a thin line. He didn’t deny it. “I won’t lie to you. Your name carries… a certain reputation. My investors don’t feel comfortable moving forward.”Enzo leaned back in his chair, a humorless smirk tugging at his lips. “And what exactly do they think I’m going to do? Shake them down? Launder money through your company?” He scoffed. “I left that life behi