A Deal with the Devil

The city stretched before Luca in a blur of neon and shadow as he drove through the empty streets. The black folder sat on the passenger seat, its presence heavier than the gun tucked against his ribs.

Killian D'Angelo.

A name that carried weight. Power. Fear.

Cassian hadn't given him an option—only an order wrapped in an illusion of choice. Take out Killian, or die trying.

Luca's hands gripped the wheel tighter. He'd spent his whole life avoiding men like Cassian, refusing to be another pawn on their board. And yet, here he was.

Trapped.

The Weight of the Mission

Luca pulled into a parking lot near the docks, cutting the engine. The city skyline shimmered in the distance, but his mind was fixed on one thing—how the hell was he supposed to pull this off?

Killian wasn't just some street thug. He was a king in his own right, ruling his empire with blood and fire. Getting to him meant walking into a war zone.

His phone buzzed. A message from an unknown number.

Cassian: You have 48 hours. Don't disappoint me.

Luca exhaled sharply.

Cassian had just shortened the leash.

A Dangerous Ally

Luca needed intel. And he knew exactly where to get it.

The underground club was alive with music, bodies moving in the dim glow of golden light. He pushed through the crowd until he spotted her.

Sienna Moreau.

Sharp eyes, a smile that could cut, and a reputation for knowing things no one should.

She was leaning against the bar, swirling a glass of bourbon when she noticed him.

Sienna smirked. "Luca. It's been a while."

Luca slid into the seat beside her. "I need information."

She arched a brow. "You always do. The question is, what's it worth to you?"

Luca pulled out a thick envelope and placed it on the bar.

Sienna glanced at it, then at him. "Cash is boring."

Luca clenched his jaw. "What do you want?"

She leaned closer, her voice dropping. "A favor. One I can cash in later."

Luca knew better than to agree blindly. But time was running out.

He nodded. "Fine."

Sienna grinned. "Then let's talk about Killian D'Angelo."

A Suicide Mission

Sienna's intel was worse than he expected.

Killian was untouchable. Armed guards, multiple safe houses, and a paranoia that made him impossible to track. His main residence was a fortress—a high-rise penthouse with reinforced security and a kill-on-sight policy for intruders.

Luca exhaled sharply. This wasn't an assassination. This was a suicide mission.

Sienna watched him. "You look like a man who just realized he's in way over his head."

Luca ran a hand through his hair. "It's worse than that."

She tilted her head. "Then tell me—who's making you do this?"

Luca hesitated. Saying Cassian's name out loud felt like putting a target on his back.

Sienna's smirk faded. "Ah. Cassian."

He glanced at her, surprised.

She sighed. "I warned you about him."

Luca shook his head. "I didn't have a choice."

Sienna leaned back, watching him closely. Then, after a long moment, she exhaled and slid a folded piece of paper across the table.

A blueprint. Killian's penthouse.

Luca frowned. "Why are you helping me?"

Sienna smirked. "Because I hate Cassian more than I like Killian."

Luca took the paper, knowing this was just the beginning.

He had 48 hours.

And no room for mistakes.

Next Chapter: The Countdown Begins.