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The first time they met, it felt like fate. The second time, it felt like a warning.

She was running from a past that refused to die. He was chasing a future that seemed just out of reach. When their worlds collided, it was more than just love—it was an obsession, a wildfire that threatened to burn them both alive.

But love isn’t always salvation. Sometimes, it’s destruction in disguise.

Bound by Fire: Ashes of Desire

The city never stayed quiet for long.

Luca had barely had time to breathe since putting a bullet in DeLuca's head. The moment the body hit the floor, the balance of power shattered. Now, everyone with a gun and an agenda wanted to test him.

But Luca wasn't the kind of man you tested.

The meeting was set for midnight at The Atrium, one of the few neutral territories left. It was the kind of place where enemies sat across from each other with forced smiles, pretending they weren't planning each other's downfall.

Luca arrived with Henry and Sofia at his side. The moment he stepped inside, all eyes were on him. The men seated at the long table weren't just criminals—they were the city's old guard, the ones who had been in power long before Luca was even a threat.

At the head of the table sat Enzo Moretti, a kingpin with deep ties to DeLuca's operations. He studied Luca with a smirk, swirling the whiskey in his glass.

"You've made quite the mess," Enzo said. "Killing DeLuca. Starting a war."

Luca pulled out a chair, slow and deliberate. "I ended a war."

One of the younger men scoffed. "You think putting a bullet in DeLuca makes you king?"

Luca tilted his head, eyes cold. "I don't think. I know."

Then Enzo chuckled, shaking his head. "You've got balls, Romano. I'll give you that."

The doors to the restaurant opened.

Five armed men stepped inside, spreading out like wolves surrounding prey. Luca barely blinked. A test. Of course.

The first man reached for his gun—

In one smooth motion, he pulled his own weapon and fired. The bullet hit the attacker square in the chest, dropping him instantly.

Sofia grabbed the nearest man's wrist, twisting until his gun fell, then drove a knife into his side. Henry ducked as another attacker swung at him, countering with a brutal punch to the throat.

Luca turned, firing two more shots—clean, precise. Moretti's men barely had time to react before they were dead on the floor.

Enzo leaned back in his chair, unfazed by the bodies surrounding them. He exhaled slowly, then smirked.

"Now that is how you claim power."

Luca holstered his gun, his voice calm. "Anyone else want to test me?"

Sofia wiped the blood from her blade. "I think they got the message."

Luca met Enzo's gaze. "You work with me, or you join DeLuca."

Enzo chuckled. Then, slowly, he raised his glass.

Because he knew—this wasn't the end.

Next Chapter: Blood Oaths – Loyalty is tested, and Luca learns that power doesn't just come with enemies—it comes with betrayals.

The Price of Power