Chapter 5

Astrid's POV

The screen flickered before me as I did as he asked. I've been in here for over four days now and all I've been doing was breaking into the Ivano’s system which was even more complicated than I thought. Originally breaking through this would make me a lot of money to past my entire lifetime but I can't even ask that from him.

Although I've been gotten some information, I wasn't ready to give them to him just yet and just kept postponing it. But, one thing was for sure, and that was the fact that Luca wasn't just trying to protect his territory, he was trying to expand it.

And the last thing I wanted was to get involved in a mafia war but it wasn't like I had a choice already. It was either I stand with him or against him and that definitely means death which I am not ready to entertain. I still have a long life to live.

Drama, drama, drama. Hacking might be my comfort place, but getting involved in other people's messes isn't one thing I was interested in but that's exactly what the job is all about.

A noise from outside cuddle made me turn my head in the direction of the door. A few seconds later, the door creaked open and I tensed, my heart pounding in my chest. I was expecting Luca to barge in. But it wasn't Luca. It was one of his men, a tall, broad shouldered guy with a cold steel face. He stared at me for a moment, his eyes cold and assessing, before he spoke.

“Boss wants you in the main room,” he said, his voice flat.

I nodded. “Did he say why?”

Hus expression didn't change and he just kept on staring at me. “Just come with me.”

I followed him down the hallway, my hands buried deep in the pockets of my hoodie. It was obvious he didn't know the size of my clothes and just asked them to pick something oversized or even got me his size of clothes.

When we reached the main room, Luca was standing by the large window, his back to me. The city lights cast a glow over his figure, highlighting the power in his stance. He didn't turn around as I walked entered, he didn't acknowledge me at all but I didn't mind as I sank into one of the couches.

The man who had brought me closed the door behind, leaving us in silence. “What do you want from me, Luca?”

He slowly turned, his clod blue eyes locking onto mine. “I just want you to do your job, Ash.”

“For the last time, I am no longer Ash. My name is Astrid. And I've gotten what you asked for. Their finances and recent dealings. It took longer than expected because it looks like they used even harder codes inside which would have cost you millions of dollars to break through even if you were to find someone to.” I tutted, sliding the drive on the table for him to take.

He walked over to me in long strides and as he was about to take the drive, I pulled it back, making him stare at me questioningly. “First, what's the progress on my mother and sister?” I asked him.

His expression didn't waver as he stood back up. “My men are on it. Now hand it over.” He ordered, his tone laced in authority.

“How am I to know?” I raised a brow, while slightly closing my eyes. But he suddenly grabbed my hand, making me yank the on the drive was in behind me. “Answer me?”

“You answer me. Looks like you badly want physical touch after the other night.” He said, his voice cold, making me wonder how he could say such a thing with a straight face.

“You flatter yourself. I can't even remember most of that night. I'm just asking for the development and proofs before I go on. That's the point of our working together, isn't it?” I pointed out and it seemed to get to him but he suddenly pulled the drive out of my hand, his hands brushing against my finger, sending a strange warm sensation.

“Vincent is taking care of them but whoever has them is sure hiding them for a reason. It was by luck we came across them while I was searching for you.” He replied as he walked away from me heading towards his open laptop.

“Tch.” I tutted before standing up. “If you have anything to tell me, I'll be in my room.” I quietly walked back, my mind all over the place. Why was I even doing this for them in the first place? They might be the only family I have but they weren't the nicest to me. But, I still had to search for them since it was partly my fault they had to leave and be taken away.

As I reached for the door to my room, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out, frowning at the unknown number on the screen. I considered ignoring it because I never had a great experience with unknown number but I just answered it anyway.

“Hello?” I said cautiously.

There was a pause on the other end, followed by a voice that sent ice through my entire veins. “Ash Vega. I believe we have some unfinished business.”

It was a voice I hadn't heard in months that I've stopped my hacking program. The one I thought I had left behind when I escaped the life that had nearly destroyed me. But now it was back, and with it, the nightmares I had tried so hard to forget.

“What do you want?” I asked, my voice trembling despite trying hard to keep calm.

A low chuckle echoed through the line. “I think you know. I want what you took from me and I'm ready to do everything it takes to get it back.”

This snake, he has been waiting all this time for the perfect time to strike and what does he want now?

“I don't have anything you want.” I replied, this time my voice steady.

“You've always been a terrible liar, Astrid. But that's not why I'm calling. I'm calling to make you an offer that can save your life– and of those around you.” He replied, his tone saying he didn't by it one bit.

“And if I refuse?”

“Oh my, you haven't even listened. Well, then I'll make sure you never see your family again. And I will make sure Luca Santoro pays for every mistake you've made.”