The first strike

The next evening, Elena found herself seated in Luca’s private club, a lavish, exclusive den of crime lords and billionaires who all owed him favors. She sipped her whiskey, the burn a reminder that she was still standing, still fighting.

Luca sat beside her, watching the crowd with an air of supreme control.

"Our first move is financial," he said, handing her a sleek tablet. "Antonio has a major shipment coming in tomorrow—illegal diamonds. It’s worth millions."

Elena’s eyes darkened. "And we’re taking it?"

"Not just taking it," Luca corrected, leaning in close. "We’re making sure he thinks one of his own betrayed him."

Her lips parted slightly. "You're good at this."

Luca smirked. "You have no idea."

Their eyes met, and for the first time, Elena felt something shift between them—something dangerous, magnetic.

Revenge had brought them together.

But she was beginning to wonder if Luca DeLuca would be her salvation or her greatest downfall.

Elena watched the security footage on Luca’s tablet, her pulse quickening as the shipment of illegal diamonds was rerouted—right into Luca’s hands.

"Antonio is going to lose his mind," she murmured, satisfaction curling through her.

Luca smirked, swirling the whiskey in his glass. "Good. A man like him—arrogant, used to winning—he’ll react emotionally. That’s when we strike again."

But just as she leaned back, the club’s doors burst open. A man, bleeding from a gunshot wound, stumbled in, clutching his side.

"Boss," he gasped at Luca. "It’s Antonio… he figured it out. He’s already making moves."

Elena’s blood turned cold.

Luca’s expression darkened. "Looks like your ex isn't as stupid as we thought."

She clenched her fists. No matter how smart Antonio was, she and Luca would outplay him.

Because this was only the beginning.

__________

Luca’s club was locked down within minutes, his men sweeping the perimeter, weapons drawn. The bleeding informant groaned as he was laid out on a leather couch, his shirt soaked in red.

"Tell me everything," Luca demanded, his tone razor-sharp.

The man winced. "Antonio knew the shipment was intercepted. He didn’t know it was you at first, but someone tipped him off. Now, he’s putting a bounty on anyone who might’ve had a hand in it. He’s not waiting for answers—he’s out for blood."

Elena’s heart pounded. "Who tipped him off?"

Luca’s expression was unreadable, but his fingers curled slightly over his glass. "That’s what we’re about to find out."

Before she could respond, his phone buzzed. One glance at the screen, and his smirk returned—dangerous, knowing.

"Speak of the devil," Luca murmured, answering the call.

Antonio’s voice came through, smug and ice-cold. "I know what you did, DeLuca."

Luca leaned back in his chair, his confidence unwavering. "You’ll have to be more specific, Antonio. I do a lot of things."

"You stole from me," Antonio hissed. "Big mistake."

Elena stepped closer, listening intently.

Luca chuckled. "Oh, you haven’t even seen my biggest mistake yet."

A tense silence stretched between them before Antonio spoke again, voice dripping with venom. "You think you’re untouchable? You and that pathetic woman you’re playing bodyguard for? I’ll bury you both."

Elena’s fingers dug into her palm. "Tell him he can try."

Luca smiled darkly, his gaze locking onto hers. "You heard the lady, Antonio. You can try."

Antonio hung up.

Elena exhaled sharply. "He knows I’m working with you."

"Good," Luca said, pouring himself another drink. "Now, the real game begins."

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***