Luca's POV I stood in front of the window glancing down at the city. My city. The city was built with blood bricks and through the death of thousands. It was the first city I subdued and although I was feared, they couldn't deny the fact that the city was safer since I became the head of this territory. It was one of my largest territory and the more the territory of each family, the more they are respected and the more their family is. No one wants to mess with a large, strong and powerful family, but there are some people who messes with them still. I turned to pour myself a drink and that was when I remembered what happened the last time I was drunk. Alcohol had never been a comfort for me, but it helped dull the edges of my thoughts. The thoughts of betrayal and people who had gotten so close to me to betray me and take the consequences. It haunted me every day. I wasn't able to think on it quick as my phone started to buzz. I set the glass down and picked up the phone. It was
Astrid's POV I stared at the bag on my bed, my fingers twisting the straps as I tried to gather my thoughts. I've started to grow accustomed to the safehouse and now I have to move into the lion's den known as Luca's penthouse just because of that motherfucking bastard. I don't know if Luca knew I had any connections with him but that was the least thing I wanted him to know before looking for my family. I feel back for wanting to use him, but he wouldn't care about it since he was equally using me. He was strong enough to counter anything that attacks him since he's Luca Santoro. I zipped my bag with a sharp tug. It was the only one I had with me since he didn't get me much cloth after whisking me here. I had to do everything he wanted if I wanted my wish to come true also. The door to the safehouse creaked open, and one of Luca's men was standing there, his face blank as a mask. “The car is ready.” He said, as if announcing the time. “Let's get this over with.” I murmured, bru
Luca's POV I watched her reflection in the mirror with a slight smile on my face. She stared at herself, patting her flushed red cheeks like it would make it go away and I just wanted to chuckle, but it will catch her attention. It was so cute watching her trying to keep up the stringe facade before me. I noticed the way her breath hitched when I got close to her. The way she refused to back down even when she had no way out of it– it was almost amusing to me. If only she knew how amusing she was to me by trying so hard to keep up her feisty facade. I pushed aside the amusement, reminding myself she was only here for my business and to be my pawn for now. Not a sacrificial pawn, but one I would personally nurture no matter what they try. I moved to the study, deliberately shutting the door behind me with a snap. The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from the desk lamp, casting long shadows along the polished wood. I loved it that way– dark and controlled. I sat at the des
Luca's POV La Oscuridad. The second most powerful underground organization whose power was on the same level with El Sombra. Those two groups have been rivals right from the time they were both created. All they wanted twas to recruit powerhouse mafia families. Their head, Halo Oscuro, had been seeking an audience with me for months and his intentions weren't a secret to. At least his main goal, and that was to make me join their organization. I had ignored him, and suspended my response while I focused on my affairs. But now, the perfect time had finally come to answer his call. Not because I needed an alliance, but I needed those to have wrapped around my finger and Julian had made it easier for me alongside Astrid's details on she got form the Ivano family about El Sombra. “It's time.” I said, my voice cold and unyielding. I had no reason to fake my emotions because it really needed me to be cold and unyielding to see this through. Nico, my man after Vincent, who was standing
Astrid's POV The sound of the keyboard and the candy twirling in my tongue was the only thing breaking the silence in this huge penthouse. My fingers flew across the keys, tapping out code faster than anyone could type and my brain could comprehend it all at the same time. If there was one thing I was dearly in love with, that was coding and hacking. There was no drama, no stress, no ghost from the past, no mafia war– just numbers, codes and puzzles to solve and sometimes, pieces to move which was more intriguing than any out in the world experience. Luca had been gone for days, off on some whatever mafia business it was. I knew I couldn't die so I wasn't a tad bit worried about him, although the penthouse felt emptier than I would have loved. Although it gave me time to focus and immerse myself in the work he had given me. With a sigh, I leaned back in the sofa where I was seated, rubbing my eyes. I have been staring at the screen for hours and my brain is starting to feel fried.
Astrid's POV The room I was in was dark and I could tell it was still in the middle of the night. It took me a while to realize where I was because I was caught in between sleep and waking up for a brief moment. But then, I suddenly became aware of the warmth surrounding me, the solid weigh of an arm around my waist. Luca's arm. Luca's bed. My heart skipped a beat as I realized where I was. I didn't realize I actually fell asleep and now.were were both close in his bed. His chest was warm against my back, his breath soft against my neck. It felt too good, too comforting. But I knew I shouldn't really be enjoying this. I slowly tried to slip from under his arm. I moved carefully, inching my body towards the edge of the bed of the bed, trying not to wake him. But as soon as I shifted, his arm tightened around me, pulling me back against him. “Where do you think you're going?” His voice was rough with sleep, making me feel a pit in my stomach. I didn't know why it sounded so sexy. G
Luca's POV I had been stressed from my entire missjonyand duty but now having her before me just made all my stress disappear. For once, I just want to give in to my desire for her and face the consequences later. “Fuck… Luca… I'm coming…” She gasped and I've barely even started anything with her. I increased the pace of my tongue against her and her body jerked as she climaxed all over my tongue. She was trying to catch her breath when he looked up at her. Her face was flushed red which made her even more pretty under the dim light. I couldn't take it anymore, I wanted her. It was much more easier since I didn't have my shirt on and just pulled off the remaining of my clothes. I could see the shock on her face when she looked down at me. Where did all this begin? Yes, from me practically drugging her with a sex drug, which I was given to examine, instead of a sedative. She suddenly sat up in bed, grabbing my shoulders with a much more feisty look now. “I have something for you.”
Astrid's POV I opened my eyes slowly. I didn't know how long I was out for but looking by my side in bed, the warmth Luca gave to me was no longer there since he was no longer in bed with me. The room was quiet, soft flickers of light coming through the little opening that was made in the curtains. The room felt warm and welcoming despite the dark and gloomy color. For a moment, I just stayed there, staring at the ceiling, letting the events that took place yesterday flow into my head. Blush rose up to my cheeks as I thought of the embarrassing sounds and things I did last night. It was as if I was drunk in pleasure so I didn't know what I was doing. How was I going to face him after that embarrassing time? It was still unbelievable that I fell asleep in Luca's arms. Part of me wanted to stay in bed to avoid whatever awkward encounter we will have because it's inevitable. I slipped out of bed, looking for my clothes but I couldn't find them. Pulling on the loose shirt on the sofa a
Luca’s POVIn the end, I learnt that what was meant to be will always be. Here’s me, happy with my kids and my sweetheart Astrid. If someone had told me a few years back that I’ll find a girl who had the code to my heart, I would have laughed at them and called them foolish. I just? Cos I was a hard nut to crack. I was just all about my business, conquering cities and being the boss, bloody fights etc. I had no eyes for love. But Astrid isn’t just a hacker of systems, she had the ability to even hack into hearts. She did so to mine.I stared at her, as she walked round the house trying to put one or two things in place and I couldn’t help but feel blessed. “Dang! I had it all!” I said to myself smiling sheepishly. I had my baby girl and the kids… I felt like I had the entire world under my feet. Like I could trample on anyone and everything just for my family.“What’s running through your mind? You’ve been lost in thought for a while, I noticed” she said softly with a smile.“Mum…
Luca's POVI raised my hand and slowed in my movement. "Let her go, Ace. That's not an option.A sharp, bitter laugh pierced the cold night. "Do you think I care what you do, do you think I care?”Astrid winced but said nothing. Her teeth clenched and I saw her fist clench. She was angry, but she was also scared. I couldn't blame her."You've lost, Ace," I said calmly. "Your people are gone. El Sombra's job is done for. Let Astrid go, and maybe, just maybe you can get out of here alive."Ace scoffed. "Don't insult me, Santoro. Do you think I'm afraid of you? You're the one who should beg for mercy. You have no choice."What do you think, Ace?" I asked, ignoring his sarcasm."Money? Power? You name the price, I'll make it happen.He grinned, his eyes glinted with malice. "What do I want? It's simple. I want you to leave, Luca."I frowned, my mind filled with thoughts. "What did you say?"Ace hugged Astrid tightly and leaned toward her."Kill yourself," he said in a low voice. "If you d
Luca's POVAs I stepped out of the car with Halo beside me and the rest of my men behind me. My boots crunched onto the gravel path, past the blazing warehouse along the dark road.The air smelled strongly of diesel, and in a confused, oppressive way. I felt the weight of this decision on my shoulders, but I was too far gone to turn back.This meeting was not about reconciliation. It was about drawing a line. The door opened, and a dark figure emerged. One of the eldest members of the El Sombra group. That sharp, wild smile like a knife made my blood irate.Behind him, I saw Astrid. She stood motionless, close to Ace, with an unspeakable expression on her face."Luca Santoro, you've been here a long time." One of the El Sombra members stepped forward."I'm here. Let's get started," I said."That's a brave move, Luca," Ace said, his voice filled with the arrogance I hated."You made it to the gates of El Sombra with weapons. Or should I say you're just ... scared?I didn't answer, jus
Astrid's POVThe moonlight shone, exposing the gloomy night. I prepared to leave, I knew this would be my only chance to get away from Ace and his watchful guards.He trusted me less with every passing day, and I had to make my move before he decided to tighten his grip completely.I hung the small bag over my shoulder, tucking the paper with Luca's address into the inner pocket of my jacket. The laptop I’d used to track him was safely hidden, wiped clean of any traceable activity.I exhaled quietly as I opened the window of my room. The estate's security lights shone towards the grounds below in slow, predictable arcs.I had studied the patterns of the securities countless times, preparing for this exact day.As the lights went out steadily, I came out, clinging to the ledge as I lowered myself beneath the first floor balcony. My feet barely made any sound as they touched the tiled grounds in the balcony. I pressed against a wall, my heart pounding in haste.I waited.Some guards wer
Astrid's POVThe silence in the car on our way to Ace's house was just choking. He didn't say a word, but I knew a storm was brewing inside him. He was upset, obviously and I knew it, from the way his jaws kept clenching and unclenching every few seconds.I should be the one getting upset, not him. Not after what he did at the meeting.The minute we entered inside, I was done holding in the anger that was brewing within me."You had no right to interrupt me at that meeting," I said, wheeling back to him.Ace raised an eyebrow at me in pretended innocence. "Interrupt you? You had nothing to contribute, Astrid. You've been off your game for weeks."I crossed my arms, glaring at him. "The question they asked was directed to me and you didn't even give me a chance to answer."He leaned against the wall, an air of nonchalance, though his gaze was keen. "Alright then. What would you have said?"I froze. So fast my lie formed in my mind, I couldn't even stop it."I'd have said no," I said fi
Astrid's POVThe room felt like the walls were closing on me, it was suffocating. Ace and the El Sombra members were deep in their scheming, voices melding together into a hum of plans I couldn't force myself to care about.I sat at the edge of the long table, my mind elsewhere as they debated how to handle Luca's inevitable encounter with El Sombra."Astrid," one of them called, breaking through my haze. "You got any input?"I blinked, my eyes rising to meet the inquiring glances of the group. I used to love these moments; my sharp mind was always one step ahead of everybody else. But now? I couldn't muster the will even to play this game."No," I said briefly, coldly. "I have nothing to add.Ace's gaze lingered on me, an edge of suspicion alive in his eyes. I gave him a well-practiced look of indifference, refusing to let him see through the fissures forming in my resolve."Excuse me," I said, suddenly standing. "I need to use the restroom."Ace didn't respond, but I felt his gaze b
Luca's POVHelena sat across from Halo and me in a dim lit room, her arms crossed tightly, a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes.The atmosphere felt almost suffocating, a thick tension that wrapped around us like a heavy cloak. Nico and Vincent leaned against the wall in the corner of the dim room, his gaze fixed on her as if trying to decode the puzzle she presented.It was a standoff, and it wasn't lost on me that I had placed myself right in the middle of it."Start talking," I said, leaning forward in my chair, elbows resting on my knees. My voice was calm, though deep down I felt a storm brewing. I needed answers, and I wasn't in any mood for games.Helena squared her shoulders, and for a second, I saw something fragile behind the iron mask. Her face was impassive, but I saw her hands flinch just a little a tell, maybe."Ace killed my father," she said, her voice even and bitter. "My father was working for one of the El Sombra members, he was a low-level enforcer.” She p
Luca's POVWe were getting closer to my secret estate where my mother and sisters are hidden. My arm throbbed faintly, a reminder of how close I’d been to losing everything. As Nico drove with a characteristic focus, Halo perched in the back seat fidgety, his hand grazing the handle of his pistol, constantly.“We’re getting pretty close,” Nico finally spoke, breaking the silence.I nodded and looked out the window. I had not seen my family in weeks, had left them in Vincent’s care for weeks. The prospect of what I was going into sent a tight pain through my chest.The hidden estate was the same as I left it when we arrived surrounded by tall gates and cloaked in mystery. Nico had parked the car and I got out, boots crunching on the gravel. Halo was already patrolling the perimeter, his watchful shadow always near.The front door opened before I could knock, and there she was-my mother. Her eyes welled up then, and tears flowed down her face as she came to me."Luca," she whispered, h
Astrid's POVAs I entered the car, my heart kept pounding and I couldn't help but fidget. Maybe I shouldn't have told the driver to stop, it was my chance to escape from all this. And it could be the last chance I get to have.The silence between Ace and I was deafening and I knew if any of us began to talk, there would be an explosion of emotions, especially from my end.Ace began, “I see you've been busy, Astrid.” he said, his tone low and suspicious. He glared but I preferred to look elsewhere, at nothing in particular, rather than stare into those stern brown eyes.“I had some issues with proceeding with the mission last night.”I simply said because narrating everything that happened between Luca and I last night was something I couldn't do.It wouldn't only make me feel more guilty than I am already but it was surely not going to get Ace to be on my good side. Whatever he wanted to do to me, he could. I wasn't scared of him.“I know that, my men informed me about how you left the