Chapter 37: The Cost of Loyalty

The weight of Antonio's words still hung in the air as Luca paced his study, his mind a whirlwind of calculations and emotions he refused to name. The mention of Anna in the intercepted message wasn't just a warning—it was a direct threat.

Someone inside his own house was betraying him.

And Marco…

Luca clenched his fists, jaw tightening. He had always trusted Marco, relied on him in ways he never had with others. But the way Marco looked at Anna… it was a problem. One Luca didn't have the patience to ignore anymore.

With a sharp inhale, he made his decision.

He needed to remind Marco exactly where his loyalties lay.

---

Marco's Quarters—Midnight

The knock at the door was unexpected, but Marco wasn't surprised. He had been waiting for this moment, knowing Luca wouldn't let the growing tension between them go unchecked.

When he opened the door, Luca stood there, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. His presence carried the same authority it always did, but tonight, there was something colder in his stance.

"We need to talk."

Marco didn't say anything, just stepped aside and let him in. He knew there was no avoiding this conversation.

Luca moved inside, his sharp gaze sweeping over the room before landing back on Marco. The silence between them was heavy, neither willing to be the first to break it.

Then, Luca spoke.

"You've been spending a lot of time with Anna." His voice was deceptively calm, but Marco knew better than to be fooled by it.

Marco leaned against the desk, arms folded across his chest. "I didn't realize that was a crime."

Luca's jaw clenched. "It is when it involves someone under my protection."

There it was. A claim. A line being drawn.

Marco exhaled, letting out a humorless chuckle. "So that's what this is about?" He met Luca's gaze head-on. "Are you worried about her safety, or are you worried about losing control?"

Luca's eyes darkened. "Don't test me, Marco."

The air between them thickened. Marco wasn't stupid—he knew Luca was possessive, especially when it came to things he considered his. But this wasn't about ownership.

This was about power.

And for the first time, Marco wasn't sure where he stood in Luca's world.

Luca took a slow step forward. "You and I have fought beside each other. We've bled together. I never thought I'd have to question your loyalty."

Marco's expression didn't waver. "You don't have to."

Luca scoffed. "Don't I?"

Marco felt his muscles tense. "You really think I'd betray you over a woman?"

Luca's eyes flickered with something unreadable. "I think desire makes men reckless."

Marco let out a breath, shaking his head. "Anna isn't a game piece, Luca. And she sure as hell isn't just yours to control."

Luca's gaze turned lethal, but Marco didn't back down. The tension in the room was suffocating, an invisible battle being waged between them.

Then, just as quickly as it came, the storm in Luca's eyes calmed. He turned toward the door but paused before leaving.

"Remember where your loyalties lie, Marco."

With that, he was gone.

Marco stood there, running a hand down his face.

Luca wasn't just issuing a warning.

He was making a promise.

---

Anna's Room

Sleep didn't come easy.

Anna tossed and turned, her thoughts a mess of conflicting emotions.

Marco.

Luca.

The way Marco looked at her, the way he made her feel—safe, wanted. But Luca… he was different. His presence was overwhelming, his pull inescapable.

And then there was the threat.

The message that had been intercepted.

She wasn't naïve. Someone wanted her gone.

A knock at her door made her sit up instantly.

Her heart pounded.

"Who is it?"

A pause. Then—

"Me."

Luca.

Anna exhaled, steeling herself before opening the door.

He stepped inside without a word, closing the door behind him. His expression was unreadable, but there was something dangerous in his eyes.

She swallowed. "What's wrong?"

Luca didn't answer immediately. Instead, he reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering against her skin.

"You need to be careful," he murmured. "There's someone in this house who wants to hurt you."

Anna stiffened. "Who?"

His jaw clenched. "I don't know yet. But I will find them."

Something in his voice sent a shiver down her spine. It wasn't just a promise. It was a warning.

Anna met his gaze. "And Marco?"

Luca's expression darkened.

"He'll remember where his loyalty lies soon enough."

His words sent a chill through her, but she didn't look away.

She wasn't afraid of Luca.

But maybe she should be.