Chapter 6

Luca's POV

The warehouse was quiet, the silence only broke by the occasional dripping of water from a leaking pipe. The stench of blood and gunpowder lingered in the air, mixed with the cigarette smoke coming from me. This was the third place I was clearing today since I was in a very bad mood.

“Fuck it…” I cursed, gritting my teeth. They've been unable to get nothing out of him and put of the information given by Astrid, we still needed his speaking in order to execute a plan.

I moved from the spot I was in, walking over the dead bodies laying on the floor. I've been in this business long enough to know I had to get my hands dirty if I wanted victory and I can't deny that I love the taste of it.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out with my gaze locking on the caller's ID. It was encrypted and I knew I haven't come across it before. “Luca.” The voice on the other side was smooth, almost too smooth for my liking. “It's been a long time.”

I didn't bother with pleasantries. “What do you want?”

A low chuckle echoed through the line, getting on my nerves. “Always straight to the point. I can respect that.”

“I'm not in the mood for games,” I replied, my voice cold and hard. “Say what you need to say.”

The tone on the other end shifted, growing more serious. “A little birdie told me you were able to get your hands on Vega. I have to commend you, Luca. Till today, only you and I knows her real identity despite her hundreds of dirty works.”

“What about her?” I asked, flinging the gun with me towards one of my men who caught it with a bow.

“I'm willing to make you a deal.” the voice continued, “I know where her family is whom you used in making a deal with her. And I know what you've been searching for, something she's also been searching for. But there's a catch; I want the girl. Alive. And I want her now.”

If I said I haven't been expecting something like this, it would be a total lie. Astrid was one who was sought after by a lot of people and there's no way at least one or two of a million won't know she's back online.

“What makes you think I'll agree to that?” I asked, my voice icy as I leaned against the car, letting out a smoke.

The chuckle returned, this time darker. “Because you are a smart man, Luca. You know what's good for you and your business. You know you sometimes have to sacrifice a pawn to protect the king. And trust me, if you don't give me what I want, you'll regret it because I know your weakness like its the back of my hand.”

My grip tightened around my phone harshly. I wasn't used to being threatened and I'm sure as hell that I won't just let one bastard ooze in and try to claim having the upper hand. But I knew better than to act impulsively. You want to play games of chess? It's on.

“I'll think about it.” I said, not waiting for any other word before hanging up and the line went dead.

As I got into the car, I felt nothing but irritation, Astrid was more valuable than anyone I could just let go like that. Having her was like having the key to thousands of systems and businesses. Back then, everyone knew her for being famous for breaking into system and being mysterious.

No one knew who she was and everyone wanted her in their family. I was finally able to get her and now I'm not ready to let her go, even if I had to lose a lot. Having her is like having a pawn with the straight path to the other side of the board. Once she gets there, she can easily be the queen. I wanted her as my queen piece.

I drove through the city, the streets near the district eerily empty. My men had done their job in cleaning everything up. I didn't dwell on that much as I decided to move Astrid from the safehouse to another place, but I still I haven't decided where.

“Fuck… I need a drink.” I groaned as I walked into the house, heading straight towards the bar to get a drink.

After a while, I heard the door being pushed open. Vincent walked in casually dressed than he usually his. “Boss.” He called, sitting next to me. “You sent for me.”

“I want a place where we can put her and it should be safer and the least place they can think of looking for her in. I also want her family taken out of the city once sighted. I don't want any strings affecting my deal with her.” I said, gulping another glass of alcohol before I started to light a cigarette.

“She should be in your first penthouse. It has the least obvious security and no one knows you own it personally, even your men.” He suggested and what he said was true. I loved my privacy so I had prepared places like that where even those working there didn't know I lived in it.

It was the perfect place and could also be dangerous but it was also the perfect place for her to work. “I'll let her know.” I said, standing up. “Do it.”

“Yes, boss.”

I headed up to her room, feeling quite tipsy as I walked up there. I couldn't remember the amount of glass I drank but it must have been too much to make me this drunk already. It wasn't like I couldn't take much alcohol.

“Astrid.” I said, pushing her door open. I stepped into the room without knocking as it was opened. The room was empty and I was about to call out for her when she stepped out of the bathroom.

“Goodness, what are you doing here?” She screamed, the towel around her chest slipping off. She was standing there with nothing but her panties on and a smirk appeared on my face as the flash of the first night we had together appeared before me.

“Are you trying to seduce me?” I raised a brow.