Chapter 3

Luca's POV

My plan didn't go so well when I brought her here, because the last thing I was expecting was me to have sex with her, but I didn't care right now. When I first heard about her, I wondered why on earth someone like her would let go of the life of a hacker sought after by high ranking bosses.

She could have just protected herself under one of them and she could have done whatever she wanted because she was dang valuable.

But there was something, she strangely was able to get under my skin quickly even though I wanted to deny it. She was meant to be nothin but a tool, but now it was getting much more complicated with what we shared.

Looking at her expression now that she had the pictures, I was positive she was going to join no matter what. For an hacker who was meant to be tough, she was really easy to read. “How did you get these?” She asked, her voice a bit shaky.

“I have my ways.” I said in a matter of fact tone. “I'll help you look for them and bring them to you safely. But, you’re going to have to earn it.”

I read her expression while she stayed silent. Everyone who operated underground knew it, the cost of working for me meant your soul, and you'll get what I promise to give you because a Santoro never goes back on their words.

“What's the job?” She asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I smirked inwardly. “There’s a rival family trying to encroach my territory. They've been a thorn in my side for too long and I need them gone. But they are smart, cautious. They've covered their tracks well and I need someone who can dig deep and find information I need to take them down. That's where you come in.”

“Consider it your first task as my worker.”

“What if I don't want to continue after this? Will you still help me find them?” She asked, staring at me in a hopeful manner but honestly, I couldn't care less if she left after the first job as long as she doesn't screw it up and tell others.

“No can do. You'll remain here but you don't have to work. By then, you'll know too much and trust me, they might be after your head.” I said, quite relaxed since I was used to the scenario of that happening.

“Exactly why I don't want to do this.” She snapped but immediately took in a deep breath. “You'll help me find them after this?”

I nodded. “I'll give you my word. Once the job is done, I'll reunite you with your family. But it'll be much better to stay away from them after for their safety.”

“Fine,” she mumbled. “As long as you let them go after and don't threaten me with them. I'm good with threats too if you're unaware.”

“That so?” I asked, trying not to sound amused. “Deal, then.”

I stood up, my hands in my pockets while looking in the direction she just came from. “You'll see an unlocked room, everything you'll need is in there. You're not to leave unless I say so.” I walked towards the table behind me, handing her a black sleek laptop. “Start with this.”

I could see her hesitate for a few seconds before taking the laptop and after a few minutes, she was already tapping away with a glint of excitement in her eyes, despite that, her brows were furrowed in concentration as her fingers danced over the keyboard.

This was the version of Astrid I wanted – Ash Vega, the brilliant hacker who could hack even the most fortified systems. And judging by the way she was moving, she was already in her element.

Despite that, I couldn't trust her just yet. She was doing as I asked, agreed to my terms, but I knew better than to believe she'd simply fall in line. And no matter what she tried to do, two can play the game.

For now, though, I needed her to focus on the job. The Ivano family has been a thron in my side for too long and it was getting irritating. I was done playing games, they're getting too bold, too confident, thinking they count muscle into my territory without any real consequences. That was a mistake. A mistake I was sure they would pay for in blood.

But first, I needed her to get me what she could on them. I'd tried every other means, sent my Ken to dig up dirt on them, but they'd come up empty handed. They covered their tracks well but nobody could hide forever. Not from me. And certainly not from the Ash Vega.

“What's the problem.” I asked immediately she paused.

“You didn't tell me I was working with top notch encryption on a go.” She said, leaning back in her seat with whr legs on the couch, nonchalant. “It'll take hours to break through, are you sure you're up for the wait?”

“Just get it done as soon as possible and be careful.” I warned her.

“Whatever.”

As she continued, my phone buzzed on the table, pulling my attention to it. I picked it up, noting the name displayed– Vincent. Reliable, loyal and ruthless when needed to be.

“Speak.” I answered, my voice steady.

“Boss,” he replied, his rone all business. “We've got leads on the Marcello shipment to the Ivano family. It's coming in tomorrow night through the docs.”

I felt a flicker of satisfaction. I can finally get rid of those who weren't loyal to me and the Marcello just confirmed their disloyalty. “Good. Make sure we prepare for them. I want the goods intercepted and destroyed. I think it's time I reminded them that this is my city. And I run this place.”

“Consider it done.” Vincent replied, a hint of grim satisfaction in his voice. He was the one I could trust with that kind of work and he lived for it. “What about Ash Vega?”

“You know what to do.”