Killian’s Game

Luca's mind raced. The knife at his back was steady, its presence a silent threat. He had underestimated Killian D'Angelo, and now he was paying for it.

But Luca wasn't the type to go down without a fight.

Think. Fast.

The alley was tight, limiting movement. The figure behind him had the advantage, but Killian was standing in front of him—closer than he should be.

A mistake.

Luca's grip on his gun didn't waver. "So, what's the plan, D'Angelo?" he asked, voice steady. "You gonna kill me right here? In the middle of the city?"

Killian smirked. "That depends."

His eyes held something unreadable. Curiosity. Amusement. Maybe even respect.

Luca wasn't sure which was worse.

Then Killian moved.

Fast. Too fast.

Before Luca could react, Killian's hand closed over his wrist, twisting the gun away. In the same breath, Luca threw his weight back, elbow slamming into the ribs of the person behind him.

A grunt. A stumble. The knife's pressure eased.

Luca didn't hesitate. He pivoted, grabbing the arm holding the blade and snapping it backward. A curse rang out as his attacker—a tall, broad-shouldered man—fell to one knee.

But Killian was already on him.

Luca barely got his guard up before Killian's fist connected with his jaw. Pain exploded across his face, but he didn't drop. Instead, he used the momentum, rolling with it, twisting free.

Now they were both armed. Both dangerous.

Luca exhaled sharply, wiping blood from his lip. "You could've had me killed."

Killian shrugged. "Could've. Didn't."

Luca narrowed his eyes. "Why?"

Killian took a step closer, his gaze unreadable. "Because you intrigue me, Luca."

The way he said his name sent something sharp and unsteady through Luca's chest.

Damn it.

He was in more trouble than he thought.

—

The Proposition

Luca didn't trust easily. And he sure as hell didn't trust Killian D'Angelo.

But when Killian leaned against the alley wall, watching him like he was studying a puzzle he couldn't quite solve, Luca knew something was coming.

And he wasn't going to like it.

Killian sighed. "You're good. Not great, but good."

Luca scowled. "Gee, thanks."

Killian smirked. "You were going to try to kill me. That's ambitious."

Luca didn't deny it. "And yet, here I am. Still breathing."

Killian tilted his head. "For now."

Silence stretched between them. Then, finally, Killian spoke.

"Work for me."

Luca blinked. What?

He had expected a warning. A threat. Not a damn job offer.

"You're kidding."

Killian's expression didn't change. "I don't joke."

Luca's heart pounded. This was insanity. He had spent months preparing to take this man down. And now Killian wanted him on his payroll?

Luca scoffed. "And if I say no?"

Killian's smirk was slow, deliberate. "Then I kill you."

Of course.

Luca had a choice to make.

A dangerous, impossible choice.

And no matter what he chose—he was already trapped.

—

Next Chapter: The Devil's Bargain