LOGINAdriana’s POV.The cab slowed down as we approached the tall iron gates.I remembered the last time, I came here. I had just found out about Vincent and Stella. I was heartbroken, I still am and my father wasn't helpful, then again I didn't expect him to be.The Russo mansion stood, large, silent, and intimidating. The high walls stretched endlessly on both sides, guarded like a fortress. Nothing about this place felt warm, It never really did.“Ma’am… are you sure this is the right place?” the driver asked, his voice hesitant.I didn’t answer immediately. My eyes were fixed on the gates.Of course I was sure.“Ma’am?” he repeated, more nervous this time.“Yes,” I said finally, my tone sharp. “It’s the right place.”He let out a small, uneasy laugh.“With all due respect… this place belongs to some dangerous people, it's not safe for outsiders.”That made me turn to him slowly.“You don’t think I know that?” I asked, my voice cold.He went quiet immediately.Good.I didn’t have the pa
Adriana’s POV.The walls of the mansion felt closer every day, like they were slowly closing in on me, suffocating me without mercy. Everything was quiet… too quiet. The kind of silence that made your thoughts louder than they should be and mine wouldn’t stop.Being idle was getting to me, I thought back to everything that has been going on recently in my life.A shaky breath left my lips as I stared at the ceiling of my room. I had been lying here for hours, doing nothing, thinking too much.Luca’s voice echoed in my head.“Be careful.”“Don’t go out alone.”I turned to my side, frustrated.Careful?How was I supposed to be careful when I didn’t even know what I was being careful for?Someone attacked me.Someone killed Fred and I could still see his face every time I closed my eyes.Was I supposed to sit here and do nothing?No.I wouldn’t.I sat up abruptly, swinging
Luca's POV.I had just arrived, and already there was too much to handle. Spain was supposed to be simple, handle the shipment. Fix whatever delay there was. Make sure everything moves smoothly. Then leave, that was the plan but things rarely went according to plan in this business.I stepped out of the car, adjusting the cuffs of my shirt as my eyes scanned the area. The warehouse stood tall in front of me, old but heavily guarded. Men stood at different points, watching everything. Watching me.Good.At least they were alert.I didn’t slow down as I walked in.The large metal doors opened, and the moment I stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted. Conversations died down, movements slowed. Every man in the room turned toward me. Then one by one, they lowered their heads in acknowledgment.Respect.I kept walking.My steps were steady, controlled, each one echoing softly against the concrete floor. The smell of salt, metal, and oil filled the air.Then I saw him. Standing at the cent
Vincent's POV.I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the cuffs of my navy blue suit. Everything had to be perfect.Today wasn’t just another business day.Today was my day.I straightened my tie slowly, watching my reflection. I had to look calm, controlled and untouchable.That’s what they needed to see.Not the man who had been standing in Luca’s shadow for years.Today, I wasn’t second to anyone, I had made sure of that.Convincing my father to send Luca to Spain hadn't been easy, but I did it. I played it smart, said all the right things and promised results. This was my chance. If I handled this deal right, everything would change.My father would finally see me, not just as a son or a failure but as a successor.A knock came at the door.“Come in.”The door opened and a woman stepped in.She was dressed in a fitted red blouse and a short black skirt that barely reached mid-thigh. Her heels clicked softly against the marble floor as she walked in, holding a file close to her
Adriana's POV.I had to wait.Not just for a few minutes… but long enough to be sure. Long enough to convince myself he was really asleep.Vincent had always been a light sleeper. The kind of man who woke at the smallest sound, the slightest movement. So I lay there, still as possible, my eyes closed, my body tense.After his shower, he had come back to bed, his hair still damp, his presence heavy in the room. For a moment, I thought he would try again. Maybe pull me close or even touch me but he didn’t. He must have thought I was asleep.Thank God, because I didn’t think I could handle it again.When I was finally sure he was fast asleep, I opened my eyes.The room was dark and quiet but it didn't feel peaceful in any way, it felt suffocating.Like the walls were closing in.Carefully and slowly, I pushed the blanket off my body. I turned my head slightly, glancing at Vincent. He was on his side, facing away from me.I held my breath for a second longer… just in case but nothing.Goo
Adriana's POV.I don't know for how long, I've been asleep but when I opened my eyes, everything felt heavy. My head, my body, even my thoughts.For a second, I didn’t recognize where I was.Then I saw him... Vincent.He was sitting on the couch across the room, watching me.My heart skipped.He was home. That alone was enough to shock me, considering the fact he hardly ever comes home.“Vincent…” My voice came out soft as I pushed myself up, rubbing my eyes.The moment I moved, he was on his feet. In seconds, he was beside me, helping me sit up carefully.That… was new.“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice low, almost gentle as he held my hand.I blinked at him, confused.“Yes… I think so. What’s going on?” I looked at him properly now. “You’re scaring me… Am I dreaming?”A quiet laugh left him.I froze.I hadn’t heard him laugh like that in a long time.“Luca told me what happened,” he said. His expression changed, something darker settling in his eyes. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there with







