NO MATTER THE COST

Marko clenched his fists at his sides, his pulse hammering in his ears as Leonardo's smirk widened. The bastard was enjoying this dragging things out, playing games while Maria sat terrified in that tiny room.

I came like you asked,Marko said, forcing steel into his voice. No men. No weapons. Now let her go.

Leonardo let out a slow chuckle, shaking his head.  Marko, Marko, Marko Do you really think I went through all this trouble just to hand her back to you?

Marko's jaw tightened.  If you touch her

Leonardo raised a hand, feigning offense.Relax. I'm not a monster. Yet.His expression darkened, eyes gleaming with something dangerous. But I do need something from you first.

Marko's gut twisted. Of course, this wasn't just about luring him out it was about control. Leonardo had been trying to pull him into his game for years, and now he had the perfect leverage.

What do you want?Marko asked, his voice rough.

Leonardo leaned forward, his fingers drumming lazily against the desk. A job.

Marko narrowed his eyes.A job?

Leonardo nodded. There's a shipment coming through the docks in three nights. Something very valuable. Unfortunately, I have complications with the authorities right now.. His smirk returned. But you? You have a way of making problems disappear.

Marko's stomach churned. He knew exactly what Leonardo was asking. Smuggling. Likely drugs or weapons, considering the man's history. If Marko took the job, may  be entangled in Leonardos business in a way he might not be able to escape.

And if he refused?

His eyes flickered to the door where Maria was held.

Leonardo noticed. Tick tock, Marko. I don't have all night.

Marko exhaled slowly, thinking fast. He couldn't afford to walk blindly into this, but he also couldn't risk calling Leonardo's bluff. Not with Maria's life on the line.

Fine,he said. But I want proof she's okay. Now.

Leonardo's smirk didn't falter. Oh, Marko. Dont you trust me?

Marko's expression remained cold. No.

Leonardo let out a low laugh before gesturing to one of his men. Take our guest to see his precious Maria.

The guard grabbed Marko's arm, shoving him forward. He yanked away, but didnt fight. He had to play along for now.

They led him down a narrow hallway, the air thick with smoke and something stale. When they stopped at a heavy metal door, the guard pulled out a key, unlocking it with a loud click.

Marko's heart pounded as the door swung open.

Maria sat in the corner, arms wrapped around her knees, her dark hair disheveled. Her wide brown eyes locked onto his, relief and fear flashing through them in equal measure.

Marko,she whispered, her voice barely audible.

He stepped inside, but the guard shoved a hand against his chest. No touching,he sneered.

Marko bit down his fury and turned back to Maria. Are you hurt?

She shook her head quickly. No. Just as scared.

His fingers curled into fists. Im going to get you out of here, he promised.

Maria swallowed hard, nodding, but he could see the doubt in her eyes.

Time's up,the guard said, grabbing Marko's shoulder and yanking him back.

Marko forced himself to let go of the moment, his jaw tight as he allowed them to drag him out. He had what he needed Maria was alive. Now he just had to figure out how to keep her that way.

They led him back to Leonardo's office, where the bastard sat waiting with a fresh glass of whiskey in his hand.

Happy now?Leonardo asked.

Marko ignored the taunt. I'll do your job. But once its done, I want Maria back. No tricks.

Leonardos eyes gleamed.Of course. You have my word.

Marko barely kept from scoffing. A man like Leonardo had no word.

But for now, he had no choice but to play along.

Leonardo leaned back in his chair, looking pleased with himself. You leave in two nights. I'll send you the details. Until then dont do anything stupid.

Marko didnt respond. He simply turned on his heel and walked out, his mind already racing with plans.

He wasnt just going to do the job.

He was going to destroy Leonardo.

And he was going to get Maria out of this.

No matter what it took.

Marko gripped the steering wheel of his car, his knuckles white as he sped away from Leonardo’s compound. His mind was a storm of thoughts, each one darker than the last. He had agreed to the job, but he had no intention of playing by Leonardo’s rules.

Maria was alive—for now. But Leonardo was unpredictable, and Marko knew better than to trust a man who thrived on manipulation. If he wanted to get her out safely, he had to act fast.

His phone buzzed in the passenger seat.

He didn’t need to check the caller ID. He already knew who it was.

“Talk,” he said, answering the call without preamble.

A gruff voice responded, low and urgent. “What the hell is going on, Marko? I heard you walked into Leonardo’s place alone.”

It was Luca—his closest ally, the only man he trusted completely.

“I didn’t have a choice,” Marko muttered. “He has Maria.”

There was silence on the line, followed by a sharp exhale. “Shit.”

“Yeah.”

Marko switched lanes, weaving through the dimly lit streets. He needed to get somewhere safe, somewhere he could think without feeling like Leonardo’s men were watching his every move.

“You taking his deal?” Luca asked.

Marko hesitated. “For now.”

Another silence. Then, “You’re planning something.”

It wasn’t a question.

Marko smirked to himself. “Of course I am.”

Luca let out a dry chuckle. “Good. Because I’ve got something for you.”

Marko’s interest piqued. “I’m listening.”

“The shipment he wants you to move?” Luca continued. “It’s not just a routine job. There’s heat on it. Heavy heat.”

Marko frowned. “Meaning?”

“Meaning the feds are sniffing around,” Luca said. “And if they catch you anywhere near it, you’re screwed.”

Marko’s grip tightened on the wheel. So Leonardo hadn’t just set him up—he had set him up to fail. If the shipment was compromised, Marko wouldn’t just be in trouble with the law; he’d be walking straight into a war with the people Leonardo was working with.

It was a death sentence.

And Maria was still in the middle of it.

Marko cursed under his breath. “I need leverage.”

Luca didn’t hesitate. “I might have a lead. A name. Someone tied to that shipment. If we can get to him before the deal goes down, we might be able to turn the tables on Leonardo.”

Thats it !!