A Love Worth Fighting For

Luca pulled away first, his forehead resting against Evelyn's, his breathing ragged. His hands trembled against her waist, as if he were trying to convince himself to let go.

But she wouldn't let him.

Evelyn tightened her grip on his shirt, refusing to let him slip away. "Luca, whatever this is, we'll face it together."

He let out a rough laugh, though there was no humor in it. "You don't understand. Being with me puts a target on your back."

She met his gaze head-on. "Then let them come."

Luca stared at her, something dark and conflicted swirling in his eyes. How could she be so fearless when he was terrified of losing her?

The wind howled through the docks, carrying the distant sound of sirens. A reminder that the world wasn't going to wait for them to figure this out.

Luca exhaled sharply, stepping back. "I have to fix this, Evelyn. I have to end it."

Her stomach twisted. "And what if you can't?"

Luca hesitated. "Then at least you'll be safe."

She reached for him again, but this time he pulled away completely. "Go home, Evelyn."

She shook her head. "No."

Luca's fists clenched at his sides. "Damn it, Evelyn! This isn't about what you want. It's about what you need." His voice dropped, softer now. "And you need to be far away from me."

Her heart cracked, but she refused to let it break. "You don't get to make that choice for me, Luca."

A car screeched to a halt in the distance. Headlights flashed over them.

Luca cursed under his breath. "Go. Now."

Evelyn turned, spotting the sleek black vehicle. The doors opened, and three men stepped out—Killian's men.

Luca pushed her behind him. "Stay quiet."

Killian himself emerged last, his smile slow and calculating. "You always make things difficult, don't you, Luca?"

Luca squared his shoulders. "This has nothing to do with her."

Killian chuckled. "Everything has to do with her now." His gaze flickered to Evelyn. "She's quite the fighter, isn't she? Maybe that's why you're so afraid to let her go."

Luca's muscles coiled, ready to strike. "You don't touch her."

Killian smirked. "That depends on you."

Evelyn stepped out from behind Luca, her voice steady despite the fear clawing at her chest. "You want to hurt him? You'll have to go through me first."

For a moment, silence.

Then Killian laughed. "I like her."

His amusement faded as he turned back to Luca. "But if you don't want her blood on your hands, you know what you have to do."

Luca's jaw tightened.

Evelyn grabbed his arm. "Luca, don't—"

He looked at her, something breaking in his expression.

Then he turned back to Killian.

And made his choice.

—

Next Chapter: A Deal with the Devil