SOLD TO SETTLE SCORES

“Today,” Derulo said, “I am sending you out.”

Alejandro arched a brow.

“To deliver a message,” Derulo clarified. “To someone who thought betrayal would go unnoticed.”

“And?” Alejandro prompted.

Derulo’s eyes darkened. “And I expect you to be convincing.”

He handed Alejandro a sealed black envelope.

“The address is inside,” Matteo added. “No screw-ups.”

Alejandro’s fingers closed around the envelope. His eyes shifted between it and Derulo. Every instinct warned him this was more than just an errand.

“Consider this your audition,” Derulo continued, his voice smooth but sharp. “You once told me I have forgotten who you really are.”

Alejandro slipped the envelope into his jacket, his gaze fixed on Derulo.

“Maybe I never did,” Derulo murmured. “It is time you make that clear to me.”

Derulo’s gaze lingered. “No need for Matteo. I will escort you to the car.”

Alejandro turned to leave, but Derulo’s voice called him back.

“One more thing,” Derulo said, his eyes glittering. “Be careful. He is more dangerous than he looks.”

Alejandro did not reply. He simply stared at Derulo.

Moments later, he slid into the black SUV, Matteo behind the wheel as they drove off.

---

The drive was silent. Matteo’s eyes occasionally flicked toward Alejandro, sizing him up.

“You know him?” Matteo finally broke the silence.

“Who?” Alejandro asked.

“Him,” Matteo replied, gesturing toward the envelope in Alejandro’s hand.

“No,” Alejandro answered.

“His name is Enzo Santez. Once Matini’s right hand man. More like a personal assistant. But now, a threat,” Matteo explained.

“That means he has been with you guys since the beginning?” Alejandro asked.

Matteo showed him a picture on his phone. “According to verified intel, he has been with Matini right from the start. Since the moment the empire was built.”

Minutes later, Matteo parked the car near a white mansion by the docks. They stopped several meters away.

Matteo handed Alejandro a concealed pistol. “My baby boy,” he said, referring to the weapon.

“No need for it,” Alejandro replied.

“There is always a need for it,” Matteo insisted. “My good luck gift.”

Alejandro accepted it, tucking the pistol at his waist.

“Do not hesitate. Call me if you need help,” Matteo said as Alejandro opened the car door and stepped down. Alejandro glanced around and slipped on his dark shades.

“See you, bro,” Matteo added as he drove off.

Alejandro approached the gate. To his right, he hesitated. Removing his shades, his face was scanned and identified. The gate opened immediately. Replacing his shades, he walked through the quiet, paved street.

---

A male receptionist sat at a counter in the center of the well furnished hall. He appeared to be in his mid twenties as Alejandro approached.

“How may I help you?” the man asked.

Alejandro’s grip tightened on the envelope.

Without a word, he handed it over. The receptionist read the contents briefly and then shut it, his eyes locking onto Alejandro.

Alejandro’s hand hovered near the pistol at his waist.

Footsteps echoed behind him. Alejandro turned, remaining alert to the man beside him. His eyes landed on the same person Matteo had shown him in the photo. Enzo Santez.

Matteo’s words played over and over in Alejandro’s mind. Enzo was Derulo’s former right hand man. But now, a threat.

Enzo’s voice snapped Alejandro from his spiraling thoughts. “He has been quiet for years,” Enzo muttered as he paced toward him. “I should have known it would not last. Who are you?”

“Marcus Vega,” Alejandro replied calmly.

“Marcus,” Enzo repeated, pausing slightly. “Vega.”

Alejandro stood still, observing Enzo. The man approached, his features sharp, his presence laced with dangerous charm.

“Mmm,” Alejandro hummed, arching a brow.

Enzo’s sharp eyes locked onto him. “Matini,” he chuckled. “You sent a kid.”

“Kid?” Alejandro asked, his voice low and cautious. “That is exactly where I fit in.”

Enzo’s lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile. “You are not just in the game, Marcus. You are the prize.”

Before Alejandro could respond, the receptionist hurried over, handing the envelope to Enzo.

Enzo opened it, glancing through the contents. “Miss me, Matini?” he said smoothly, his gaze locking onto Alejandro.

A faint, approving smirk crossed Enzo’s face. “Follow me.”

They stepped into an elevator, standing silently beside each other as it ascended. The doors opened. They walked out into a lavishly furnished apartment.

Enzo moved to the couch and sat down, motioning for Alejandro to join him.

“So,” Enzo drawled, his eyes sliding to Alejandro, “you are the new toy?”

Alejandro bristled. “Watch your mouth.”

Enzo’s laughter was rich, mocking, and fiery.

Alejandro leaned forward, his tone sharp. “Are you in for business or not?”

Enzo’s smile twisted with amusement. “You already know. I never lose.”

His voice lowered, intimate and dangerous. “I helped Matini build his empire. But still, he discarded me.”

“And now he is back,” Enzo added, his eyes flicking between Alejandro and the envelope. “You will regret this.”

“Are you in for business or not?” Alejandro pressed, his tone serious.

“Why would I not be?” Enzo shrugged. “I want the money. But the amount you are asking for will only be available in one month.”

“One month?” Alejandro asked, frowning.

“Yes. And more hands will be needed. If not, you can add another week to that,” Enzo replied.

Alejandro hesitated for a moment, considering.

“I will stay,” Alejandro finally decided.

Enzo’s smirk returned, both dangerous and amused.

---

It had been forty eight hours since Alejandro entered Enzo's empire, and since then, he had not seen Enzo.

Within a few minutes, Enzo entered, dressed in black, his eyes fixed on Alejandro.

"Please forgive my manners. I have been quite busy," Enzo said smoothly.

"Hope you are enjoying the place. It is going to be one month," Derulo added, crossing the room as he settled onto a couch.

"A nice place," Alejandro replied, nodding as he sat up, pouring two glasses of whiskey.

Enzo accepted the drink. Their fingers brushed briefly, and Enzo's eyes lingered on Alejandro's as they both took a sip.

"I must say, your handsomeness is one to behold," Enzo remarked, voice low. "I wonder how Derulo could give you out just like that."

"What do you mean?" Alejandro asked, keeping his expression unreadable.

"He is into men. The type who hardly falls for anyone," Enzo replied casually.

"That means you both had something in common," Alejandro observed, his eyes sharp.

Enzo laughed softly. "I wish. He never looked at me, despite all the green lights I threw at him."

Alejandro arched a brow.

"Sorry for saying all this to you. Straight man," Enzo added, a faint smirk curling his lips.

"You sent men after him," Alejandro cut in, voice steady.

"Sorry?" Enzo asked, feigning confusion.

"You sent men to his bar, did you not?" Alejandro repeated, his eyes narrowing.

"Maybe you are not getting it right," Enzo whispered, stepping closer into Alejandro's space. His hand slid onto Alejandro's thigh, fingers resting lightly. "Matini owes me, and you are the payment."

Alejandro met Enzo’s eyes in silence, but he understood exactly what Derulo Matini had done.