CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 4

LUCA MORETTI - POV

Damon stormed into my office, tossing his jacket onto the nearest chair with more force than necessary.

"If I hear one more word out of that kid's mouth, I'm gonna lose it," he grumbled, running a hand through his hair.

I didn't even glance up from the papers in front of me. "You survived a three-hour flight with him. Congratulations."

Damon shot me a look. "He's chatty. And annoying. And flirty. For someone who just got kidnapped, you'd think he'd be a little less—" he made an explosive gesture with his hands, "—alive."

I exhaled slowly, signing the last page of the document. "Where is he?"

"Guest bedroom," Damon muttered. "Already settled in like he owns the place. Little shit. Anyway, I gotta head out — call me if he tries to set the place on fire or something."

He grabbed his keys and left without another word.

I stood, rolling my shoulders, and made my way down the hall. The guest rooms were at the far end. Safer that way.

The door was slightly ajar.

I pushed it open without knocking.

The room was empty.

I barely had a second to process it before I felt the cold press of metal against my throat.

A soft click.

A blade.

Interesting.

I smirked, not moving. "Not bad," I said quietly.

For a second, there was only silence.

Then, faster than a heartbeat, I moved.

I grabbed the wrist holding the knife, twisted, and slammed the body behind it against the wall.

A soft grunt escaped him.

I stepped back just enough to get a proper look.

And there he was.

Adrien.

The infamous brat.

He didn't look scared. Not even close.

In fact, he stared at me with clear turquoise eyes, wide open and unguarded.

He was prettier than his photos suggested.

The camera hadn't captured the fullness of his lips, the way his hair — a messy dark bun — framed his sharp jawline, or how ridiculously flawless his skin looked under the dim lighting.

He was...ridiculous.

And he was smirking at me.

"So you’re the boss," he said, voice light, almost amused.

"Depends who's asking," I replied coolly.

He grinned wider, unbothered. "Adrien Moreau Laurent, at your service." He made a small mock bow, still pinned to the wall. "And you must be Luca Moretti."

He winked. Actually winked.

"You're very handsome, by the way. Thought I should get that out of the way."

I blinked once. Slowly.

Was he seriously trying to flirt right now?

"I expected someone older," Adrien went on, chatting like we were at a damn coffee shop. "You know, grayer. Wrinklier. Maybe a scar across the face for dramatic effect?"

I said nothing, simply watching him.

He didn't flinch under my stare.

If anything, he leaned in slightly, studying me right back.

"And shorter," he added with a mischievous glint. "No offense. You’ve still got the whole ‘sexy mob boss’ vibe going strong."

Without a word, I let him go and stepped back.

He straightened his shirt, grinning like he'd just won a prize.

"So," Adrien said, brushing invisible dust from his shoulder. "What’s the plan, boss man? You gonna chop off a finger? Lock me in a dungeon? Feed me to your pet shark?"

I stared at him blankly. "You’re here because daddy dearest owes me."

Adrien’s smile faded slightly.

But not because he was scared.

No. He just looked...thoughtful.

"Huh," he said. 

I crossed my arms. "You’re taking this surprisingly well."

He shrugged. "This is the second time today someone’s asked if I’m scared."

He tilted his head, studying me.

"You guys expecting me to piss myself or something?" he asked. "Would that make you feel better?"

I didn't answer.

Adrien stuffed his hands into his pockets, rocking back on his heels.

"Listen," he said, casual as anything, "if you’re gonna kill me, get it over with. If not, can I at least get some decent food? Damon’s plane snacks sucked."

I stared at him for a long moment.

Most people who found themselves at my mercy begged. Screamed. Offered deals.

Adrien Moreau Laurent flirted, cracked jokes, and complained about airplane peanuts.

Ridiculous.

And yet...

I turned toward the door. "Come on," I said shortly. "You’re not staying locked in here all day."

He perked up instantly. "See? I knew you had a heart in there somewhere."

I didn't dignify that with a response.

Adrien followed me down the hallway, humming under his breath.

"You ever consider smiling, Luca?" he asked conversationally. "Might make you seem less murdery."

I ignored him.

"Is this the part where you chain me to a chair and interrogate me?" Adrien continued. "Because if so, can we at least agree on a safe word? I'm thinking...pineapple."

I stopped and turned to face him.

He skidded to a halt, nearly bumping into me.

I leaned down slightly, bringing my face inches from his.

"If you don’t shut up," I said quietly, "I will gag you."

Adrien grinned, completely unbothered. "Kinky."

I exhaled through my nose and kept walking.

He trailed after me, whistling tunelessly.

This kid was going to be a problem.

A big one.

But for now...

He was mine to deal with.

And somehow, I had the feeling Adrien Moreau was going to make it very, very interesting.