When in Rome

Rome wasn’t like Venice. It didn’t exist in quiet control, in the careful arrangement of alliances sealed over centuries. No, Rome was restless—always shifting, always challenging the structures placed upon it.

And now, as Leonardo and I stepped into its heart, the city was watching.

They knew we were coming.

But they didn’t know what we were bringing with us.

The meeting was arranged at the Villa Aurelia, a place of quiet grandeur, far enough from the chaos to host discussions without distractions.

Leonardo and I arrived together, as always, the weight of our presence deliberate. He walked with calculated ease, his suit immaculate, his gaze scanning the gathering ahead of us. I matched his stride, my dress a deep sapphire—a color that commanded attention without screaming for it.

The first person to greet us was Matteo Romano, a man whose allegiance had always been uncertain. Too connected, too knowledgeable about movements that weren’t his own.

“Xena, Leonardo,” he greeted, offering a practiced smile. “Rome welcomes you both.”

Leonardo smirked. “That remains to be seen.”

Matteo chuckled, gesturing toward the lounge where others were waiting. “You always assume a fight before it happens.”

I accepted the glass of wine handed to me, swirling the liquid before responding. “Only when I know it’s inevitable.”

Matteo’s expression flickered, just slightly. Enough for me to catch it.

He knew something.

Inside, the gathering was filled with familiar faces—men who controlled Rome’s underworld, women whose influence kept it balanced.

One caught my attention.

Luciana Ferretti.

A woman dressed in quiet power—simple elegance, strategic movements, the kind that spoke of control without needing to declare it.

She approached me first, bypassing pleasantries.

“You’re dangerous, Xena,” she murmured, her sharp gaze assessing. “Rome isn’t like Venice. It doesn’t bow easily.”

I sipped my wine, meeting her stare evenly. “Then it will learn.”

Luciana smirked. “You’re certain of that?”

Leonardo joined us then, his presence settling beside me, his attention shifting toward her with silent calculation. “You seem to know what we’re dealing with, Luciana.”

She exhaled, setting down her own glass. “I know more than most.”

That caught my interest.

“Then tell me,” I said smoothly. “Who in this city thinks they can shift its balance?”

Luciana didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she studied us, as if measuring whether we were truly prepared.

Then, after a beat, she leaned in slightly. “Rome has its king. And that king is about to challenge everything you hold.”

Leonardo and I exchanged a glance.

The war had its architect.

And we were about to meet him.

After the gathering, Leonardo and I found ourselves on the villa’s terrace, the night stretched before us, the city humming in its usual restless energy.

“You enjoy making enemies quickly,” he murmured, watching the view but undeniably aware of me beside him.

I smirked, leaning against the stone railing. “Efficiency is important.”

Leonardo chuckled, turning to face me fully now, resting a hand against the edge of the railing near mine. “You weren’t even subtle with Luciana.”

I tilted my head slightly. “Would you prefer me to be more delicate?”

His blue eyes flickered, amusement dancing at the edges. “No. But I like watching you push them just enough to make them nervous.”

I exhaled, the cool air brushing against my skin. “And I assume that entertains you?”

Leonardo’s gaze lingered now, heavier than before. “What entertains me is watching you realize just how good you are at this.”

I turned to him, closing the space just slightly. “Is that a compliment?”

His smirk deepened. “It’s an observation.”

A pause. A quiet challenge between us.

Then, with deliberate ease, I reached for the glass in his hand, taking it from him, swirling the whiskey before taking a slow sip.

“Good,” I murmured. “Keep observing, Leonardo. This game is just beginning.”

His chuckle was low, rich, filled with something undeniably charged.

And neither of us moved away.

Luciana had given us what we needed.

Rome wasn’t just resisting us—it had a leader. One who believed his control couldn’t be shaken.

But Leonardo and I knew better.

We didn’t come to Rome to negotiate.

We came to win.