The Game Begins

Luca had been hunted before.

But not like this.

This wasn't a hit. It was a game.

And Ghost was playing for keeps.

—

3:00 AM – Underground Safehouse

Luca and Sofia moved fast, relocating to one of his lesser-known safehouses beneath an abandoned warehouse. Henry was already inside, fingers flying across his keyboard.

"That was a warning," Henry muttered, eyes locked on the security feeds. "Ghost could've killed you, Luca. He didn't because he's toying with you."

Luca rolled his shoulders, smirking. "Good. I was starting to get bored."

Sofia shot him a glare. "This isn't a joke. This guy is trained to kill men like you in their sleep."

Henry nodded. "And he doesn't stop. Not until you're dead."

Luca poured himself a drink. "Then we'll make sure he dies first."

—

Meanwhile – Across the City

Ghost sat in a dimly lit room, sharpening a knife with slow, deliberate movements.

A phone buzzed. He answered without looking.

Raines' voice. "Report."

Ghost chuckled. "DeLuca's good. Smart. But I'm better."

Raines sounded impatient. "Then kill him."

Ghost tilted his head. "Not yet. Breaking a man is more satisfying than killing him outright."

A pause. Then—

"I'm going to make him beg for death."

—

4:00 AM – Luca's Safehouse

Henry's screen flickered. "Shit."

Sofia stiffened. "What?"

Henry turned, face pale. "He's inside."

Luca's blood ran cold. "What?"

Before Henry could answer, the lights cut out.

The entire safehouse plunged into darkness.

Then—

A slow, deliberate clap.

Ghost was here.

—

Next Chapter: Face to Face – Luca and Ghost finally meet. And only one of them will walk away.