Chapter 45: Shadowed Loyalties

The scent of gunpowder still lingered in the cold night air as Marco returned to his car. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, but his face remained unreadable. Luca had tested him tonight—and he had passed.

But at what cost?

Killing had never been a problem for Marco. He was raised in this life, trained to act without hesitation. Yet, as he replayed the moment in his mind, something felt different this time. Luca hadn't just wanted the traitor dead. He wanted to see if Marco would falter.

And that meant Luca still wasn't sure about him.

As Marco started the engine, his phone vibrated. He glanced at the screen—Anna.

He hesitated for only a second before answering.

"Did you do it?" her voice was barely above a whisper.

"It's done," Marco said flatly.

A pause. "Are you okay?"

Marco exhaled sharply. He wasn't sure how to answer that. "I'll be home soon."

The line went dead.

---

Anna's Apartment

Anna paced the floor of her dimly lit apartment, her arms wrapped around herself. Something in Marco's voice had unsettled her.

She had known what Luca was going to do. She had known Marco would be put in a position where hesitation could mean death. But now that it was over, she couldn't shake the uneasy feeling crawling under her skin.

A part of her wanted to believe that once Marco proved himself to Luca, things would calm down. But she knew better. Luca didn't just test loyalty once—he pushed until there was nothing left to question.

A knock at the door made her jump.

She hurried to open it, relief flooding her as Marco stepped inside. But the moment their eyes met, her relief turned to concern.

His face was unreadable, his movements controlled. But she knew him well enough to see it—the tension in his shoulders, the weight in his eyes.

Anna reached for his hand. "Marco—"

He pulled her into an embrace before she could say more. His arms tightened around her, his body warm and solid against hers.

She closed her eyes, resting her head against his chest. "You're safe now," she whispered.

Marco didn't answer.

Because they both knew that wasn't true.

---

The Next Morning – Luca's Estate

Luca sat in his office, fingers steepled under his chin as Antonio stood across from him.

"He did what you asked," Antonio said.

Luca smirked. "Yes, but the real question is—did he do it out of loyalty or survival?"

Antonio didn't answer.

Luca leaned back in his chair, his expression darkening. "I need to know where Marco truly stands."

Antonio's jaw tightened. "You think he's turning against you?"

Luca exhaled slowly. "I think he has a weakness."

Antonio frowned. "Anna?"

Luca's smirk returned. "And what do we do with weaknesses, Antonio?"

Antonio hesitated, then gave a slow nod.

"We exploit them."

---

Anna's Apartment – Afternoon

Marco had barely slept. His mind wouldn't let him rest, not after last night.

He sat on the edge of the bed, his hands clasped together as Anna stepped out of the bathroom, towel-drying her hair.

"You didn't sleep," she observed.

Marco didn't respond right away. Then, after a moment, he said, "We need to be careful."

Anna's stomach twisted. "What do you mean?"

He met her gaze. "Luca isn't done testing me."

A chill ran through her. "You passed, didn't you?"

Marco exhaled. "He's not just looking for loyalty—he's looking for weaknesses."

Anna swallowed hard. "And you think I'm one of them."

Marco's silence was enough of an answer.

She sat beside him, reaching for his hand. "Marco, I knew what I was getting into. I won't run."

He turned to her, his eyes dark. "Maybe you should."

Anna's chest tightened. She had expected this—expected him to push her away for her own safety.

But she wasn't going anywhere.

Before she could answer, Marco's phone buzzed.

He glanced at it.

Luca.

His jaw clenched.

Anna watched as he answered.

"Marco," Luca's smooth voice came through. "Come to the club tonight. We need to talk."

The line went dead before Marco could respond.

He looked at Anna.

And for the first time in a long time, she saw something in his eyes she didn't like.

Doubt.

---

The Club – Midnight

Marco arrived at the club, his every sense on high alert. Luca's men were stationed throughout the place, their eyes tracking his movements.

Luca sat in a private booth at the back, a glass of whiskey in hand.

"Sit," he said smoothly.

Marco did.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then, Luca leaned forward.

"I have a job for you," he said.

Marco kept his expression neutral. "What kind of job?"

Luca's smirk was almost amused. "The kind that proves your loyalty once and for all."

Marco felt his pulse slow. "Who?"

Luca exhaled, swirling the whiskey in his glass. Then he met Marco's eyes.

"Anna."

The world seemed to tilt for a second.

Marco kept his face unreadable, but something in his chest twisted.

Luca was watching him closely. "She's a liability. And I don't keep liabilities."

Silence.

Marco's fingers curled into fists under the table.

This wasn't a test.

This was an order.

Luca smiled slightly. "You understand, don't you?"

Marco's throat tightened.

He had spent his life following orders. Killing when necessary.

But this?

His mind raced. There was only one way out of this.

He had to choose.

Loyalty to Luca.

Or saving Anna.

And no matter what choice he made—there would be no turning back.

---