☆Chapter 48: The De Luca Interrogation☆
A slow bloom...
Days had passed, and the air around Seraphina and Lucian had shifted.
They weren't rushing.
There were no confessions of undying love or promises of forever.
Just them. Happy. Contented.
Lucian walking beside her, always three paces back, but this time…
Feels closer.
Seraphina sneaking glances at him, her eyes filled with warmth.
They didn't need words.
Their silence spoke volumes.
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But Lorenzo Knew
Lorenzo was no fool.
He noticed.
The way Lucian's eyes lingered a second too long on Seraphina.
The way Seraphina's usually mischievous grin softened whenever Lucian was around.
And Lorenzo didn't like it.
Not one bit.
☆☆☆
"Lucian."
Lucian froze.
Lorenzo's voice echoed across the training grounds.
Everyone went silent.
Matteo stopped mid-punch— his fist— a few millimeters away from Lucian's face.
Nonno lowered his cigar, watching with interest.
Even the birds seemed to quiet down.
"Come with me."
Lucian gulped.
"Sì, sir."
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Lorenzo led him to the one place where all De Luca matters were handled—
The War Room.
Massive mahogany table.
Dim lighting.
Walls lined with portraits of De Luca ancestors who stared down like silent judges.
And sitting at the table…
Lorenzo. Matteo. Nonno. The whole inner circle of the De Luca family.
Lucian's feet felt heavier with every step.
"Sit."
Lorenzo's voice was cold, void of warmth.
Lucian sat.
A Long Silence
No one spoke.
Not a single word.
The air was thick, suffocating.
Lorenzo was staring at him, fingers tapping rhythmically on the table.
Matteo leaned back, arms crossed, an amused smirk tugging at his lips.
Nonno was the only one who seemed… entertained.
Lorenzo broke the silence...
"You're getting chummy with my daughter."
It wasn't a question.
It was a statement.
Lucian's heart stopped.
"Sir, I—"
"Don't lie."
Lorenzo's gaze was like ice, pinning him in place.
"You think I haven't noticed?"
Lucian looked away.
His voice was barely above a whisper.
"I love her."
The air went colder...
Lorenzo leaned forward, clasping his hands together.
"Do you know what that means, Lucian?"
Lucian's throat went dry.
"It means…"
"You're either the luckiest man alive…"
"Or a dead one."
Matteo couldn't hold it in...
"Damn, Lorenzo."
Matteo coughed, covering his laugh.
"You're scaring the kid."
Nonno Joined In
"Let the boy breathe, Lorenzo."
Nonno was grinning.
"He's been loyal to Sera since they were kids."
"And besides… I'd rather let Lucian be with her than some fool who can't handle her."
But Lorenzo wasn't convinced...
"Loyalty isn't enough."
Lorenzo's eyes never left Lucian.
"Can you protect her?"
"Can you give her a life worthy of a De Luca?"
Lucian met his gaze.
"I'll die before I let anything happen to her."
His voice was firm.
"And I'll spend the rest of my life making her happy."
A long pause
Lorenzo said nothing.
Matteo was watching closely now, his usual grin replaced with something… serious.
Nonno nodded approvingly, then whistled.
Lorenzo finally spoke.
"You'll have to prove it."
"To all of us."
Lucian nodded.
"I will."
Lorenzo stood up.
"Good."
He turned to leave but paused.
"One more thing, Lucian."
"Sì, sir?"
"If you hurt her…"
Lorenzo's gaze was deadly.
"No one will ever find your body."
Matteo leaned closer to Lucian.
"Welcome to hell, kid."
And with that…
Lucian's initiation into the De Luca family was complete.