Chapter 4

Luca’s POV

As I walked back to my office, the weight of everything around me just pressed down on me. I've built my empire over the years from scratch and everyone was stunned by how quick and territorial it grew. More reason I couldn't let anyone, the Ivano or anyone else, tear it down.

My office was a basiton of steel and glass, perched above the city. The floor to ceiling windows offered a splendid view, but today, the view was nothing but distracting. I had too much on my mind. I poured myself a glass of whiskey, the amber liquid swirling in the glass as I turned back to the room.

I took a sip of the whiskey, letting the burn settle in my throat as I made plans in my head. Firstly, I needed more leverage to keep Astrid beside me. From the way she was able to escape from high ranked all this while, I could tell it will be much easier for her to do the same if she escapes.

As I pondered on this, there was a knock on the door. “Come in,” I called, setting my glass down.

The door opened, and Vincent stepped inside, his expression calm and serious at the same time. Unlike the rest of my men, he dressed more casually with his black shirt and trousers. From the air surrounding him, I could tell he had something important to say.

“What is it?” I asked, leaning forward slightly against the table.

“We got wind of their plans.” Vincent said, his voice low. “The Ivano are going over to get the good but I don't think it's just that they're going for. They're planning to hit us hard and cause a dent, a coordinated attack.”

“They've got nerves.” I scoffed, anger surging through me. Have I been too lenient? Just because I stopped claiming territories, did they think I was no longer in the business. Vincent's sources were always a hundred percent so if he said it's happening, it is happening.

I stood up, making the decision in an instant. “Then we hit them hard. I want everyone of our business shut down for the night and defended. And find out where they'll be meeting. If they want war, they get war. You get what you want from Lucas Santoro. I'll make sure to send whoever is leading Marcello’s head to their leader.”

Vincent nodded, already moving to carry out my orders. “I'll handle it.”

As he turned to leave, I stopped him. “One more thing. Astrid. If things go sideways, make sure she's protected. I still need her up and working.”

Vincent gave a sharp nod at the command. “Yes, boss.”

I drained the last of my whiskey, feeling the fire settle in my belly. Let them come. I was ready. And when the dust settled, I'd be the one standing.

The night her was more soothing than usual as I stood on the rooftop, surveying the city below. One thing I was proud of, even without showing it from my achievement over the past ten years of my empire standing was that I was proud of it and every attack that was launched was dealt with instantly.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I answered it without hesitation. “Report.”

“We're in position. Lockdown complete and we've got eyes on the Ivano,” Vincent's voice crackled through the line. “They are moving towards the warehouse on G district.”

I burst out laughing at the number of district away they are in order to stay far away from me or what? Nothing ever goes by me unless I want it to. “Goof. Let them think they have the upper hand and when in position, we strike. No survivors.”

“Understood boss.” Vincent replied, quite pleased. “And the leadership? Ivano and Marcello sent both underboss. I think they've got some crazy plan underneath.”

“I'll take care of them. Whatever it is they're planning, we get rid of it.” I said before ending the call. I pulled out a cigarette to take a smoke while counting down to minutes.

My phone buzzed again, this time it was a text from one of the scouts. Kyle Ivano, the underboss and Tai Marcello had been spotted arriving at the warehouse, flanked by their high lieutenants.

I texted Vincent to initiate the strike, then slipped my gun into its holster and headed for the stairs. I'm getting this done.

Despite the district being far away, it was a short drive since I knew my turf better than anyone. And it was foolish of them not to take that into consideration first.

I parked a few blocks away before making my way through the maze of alleyways, sticking to the shadows. When I got to the rendezvous point, I assessed the situation. There were two guards outside to make it all seem natural but I knew there was an insane amount inside. But my target was Kyle Ivano. Getting him means getting a upper hand on the Ivano.

I slipped though the side entrance, moving silently through the dimly lit corridor. The warehouse was vast, the smell of metal and oil heavy in the air and I knew it would soon b accompanied by the stench of blood.

I leaned against the wall as I finally caught their discussion. I wasn't bothered to start immediately. I was the only one here and the only one needed to be here or they will just get in my way.

“We have Intel on Luca Santoro but not much–”

“Isn't it sweet to walk in on you conversing about me?” I said, turning into the room with a devilish smirk.

Stepping out of the warehouse into the cool night air, my shirt was drenched in blood with blood splattered over my face. Vincent was standing there with his arms folded as he looked at me dump the almost lifeless body of Kyle Ivano before him.

“Mission accomplished.” I smirked while lighting the cigarette in my mouth.

“Next time, boss. Can you beat him to a much better condition?”

“Just take him to the doctor and make sure he doesn't die.”

“Yes, boss. And there's news from Astrid.”