Chapter 8 Shadows in the Dark

The ride back to the estate was silent.

Luca stared out of the tinted window, his mind replaying every word from the meeting with Santino Scarpetti. He had made his stance clear, but that didn't mean the war was over.

It hadn't even begun.

Niccolo finally spoke, his voice low. "He won't take that well."

Luca exhaled. "I know."

Niccolo shot him a look. "Then why not take the deal? At least buy yourself some time."

Luca turned to him, his expression cold. "Because a man like Santino never stops at a 'small piece.' Give him one inch, and the next thing you know, he owns the whole goddamn city."

Niccolo studied him for a moment, then nodded, as if approving. "Then we prepare."

Luca didn't respond. He already knew what needed to be done. If Santino was looking for a weakness, he wouldn't find one.

But Luca also knew-a war wasn't fought with guns alone.

It was fought in whispers, in shadows.

And right now, there was one person who might have answers.

The Informant

The underground club smelled like sweat, cheap perfume, and desperation.

Luca hated places like this. They reeked of weakness-of men trying to drown their troubles in alcohol and women who only smiled because they were paid to.

He stepped inside, ignoring the lingering glances. He wasn't here for pleasure. He was here for information.

In the back booth sat Matteo Ricci, an old associate of his father's. Matteo had made a living as a fixer-he knew secrets, covered up crimes, and sold information to the highest bidder.

And right now, he was grinning up at Luca like a man who knew too much.

"Don DeLuca. What an honor." Matteo gestured to the seat across from him.

Luca didn't sit. He simply placed his hands on the table and leaned in slightly. "Tell me what Santino is planning."

Matteo chuckled. "Straight to business. I respect that."

Luca didn't blink. "I'm not in the mood for games."

Matteo's smirk faded slightly. He exhaled, swirling the whiskey in his glass. "Word is, Santino has been making quiet moves. Buying loyalty. There's a new player in town, and he's working with them."

Luca narrowed his eyes. "Who?"

Matteo hesitated. "That... I don't know yet. But what I do know is that this isn't just about territory. Santino is playing a long game."

Luca exhaled slowly, processing the information. A new player. Someone powerful enough for Santino to align with.

That meant one thing-this was bigger than just a turf war.

"Find out who it is," Luca ordered.

Matteo hesitated, then nodded. "Of course. But information like this..." He smirked. "It doesn't come cheap."

Luca gave him a slow, measured look. Then he leaned in just enough that his voice was barely a whisper.

"Do I look like a man who pays for loyalty, Matteo? Or do I look like a man who takes it?"

A beat of silence.

Then Matteo chuckled nervously. "Alright, alright. Consider it a favor, Don."

Luca straightened. "Good." He turned to leave but paused. Without looking back, he said, "Don't make me regret trusting you."

Then he walked out, leaving the scent of blood and whiskey behind him.

Back at the Estate – A New Arrival

By the time Luca returned home, Niccolo was waiting for him. But this time, he wasn't alone.

Beside him stood a woman.

Luca's steps slowed as he took her in. She was tall, poised, and completely out of place in the brutal world he ruled.

Her sharp green eyes met his with an unwavering confidence, and the way she held herself told Luca one thing-she wasn't afraid of him.

Niccolo smirked slightly. "Luca, meet Celeste Romano."

The name was vaguely familiar, but Luca couldn't place it. "And why is she here?"

Celeste answered before Niccolo could. "Because I can help you win."

Luca arched a brow. "That so?"

Celeste stepped forward, unbothered by the weight of his scrutiny. "Santino Scarpetti thinks he's playing chess." She smirked. "What he doesn't know is that I play a different game entirely."

Luca studied her for a moment, intrigued despite himself.

Maybe-just maybe-she was exactly what he needed.