27: And there he is... Liam.

Maria’s POV

I woke up to the sound of the drawer opening. I could hear Luca putting on his belt, and with a low voice, he was humming a tune I didn’t recognize. 

The room was dim, just a faint ray of sunlight sneaking through the curtains. I rolled onto my side and saw him—shirtless, pants on, brushing his fingers through his hair.

“Where are you going?” I asked, my voice still heavy with sleep.

He turned, smiled. “Work.”

I sat up. “Work?”

He nodded. “What work?”

That made him laugh a little. “You know I have a number of businesses I run right. Today, I'm going to on of my bars.”

That caught me off guard. A bar? Luca? He didn’t seem the type.

“You never mentioned you had bars.”

He shrugged, slipping his watch on. “They’re just a cover. You know just to clean my money we make from the drugs and the guns.”

Just like that. No sugarcoating. No hesitation. And it made sense now—why he always seemed to be on edge, why he always knew things before anyone else. Why danger followed him like a shadow.

I nodded slowly. “Right. That makes sense.”

He grabbed his jacket and paused, looking at me. “Would you like to come with me?”

I shook my head, brushing my hair back with my fingers. “I want to visit my mom today. It’s been a while.”

He walked over, leaned in, and kissed me softly. “Alright.”

But then he didn’t move. He stood there, staring at me, like he was reading something behind my eyes.

“You’re part of this now, you know?”

I didn’t even flinch. “I know. And I’m not going anywhere, Luca. As dangerous as it’s been... I’m already in it.”

He looked relieved.

“Besides,” I added, eyes hardening, “I think I want that bastard that attacked my apartment.”

His expression changed—darkened.

“That...” he exhaled, “Yeah. I almost forgot. I’ll remind Alex to know what he has.”

We walked down the hallway together, steps light, quiet.

I wasn’t sure why I felt this calm after everything we’d been through. Maybe it was because I was no longer scared. I wasn’t running anymore.

When we got to the main door, we found Alex already dressed and ready to leave. Both Luca and I blinked in surprise.

“You’re up?” Luca asked.

“I’m fine boss,” Alex said quickly. “Emilio just confirmed to me that the shipments there and it’s our shipment. Complete.”

Luca narrowed his eyes. “You sure?”

Alex nodded. “Positive.”

Luca pulled out his phone. Then he called someone. I felt it was just one of his men or the Emilio Alex just mentioned, but no, it was him.

Alejandro.

“Gracias por el envío,” Luca had said smoothly, I believe he was thanking Alejandro for something.

“And... Alejandro, I know it may not sound true but I want to say I'm sorry about attacking again. And I promise I won't make any attack on you again. If you promise to let things go as well.”

My eyes widened. I didn’t even breathe.

A small pause on the line. Then Alejandro’s voice.

“It takes courage, Fomo, to do what you’re doing now. Surrender.”

“You don’t have to gloat,” Luca muttered. “I’m only doing this for Maria.”

“Is that right?” Alejandro said. Then he said something in Italian—quick, sharp. I only caught Alexa. It sounded like a warning.

Luca’s reply was cold. “Thanks for the tip. But Maria isn’t Alexa.”

Another silence.

Then Alejandro ended it. “Alright then, Fomo. I do hope you keep to your word.” The line went dead.

Luca lowered the phone and looked at me. I was still processing what just happened.

“You really did that for me?” I asked quietly.

“Of course,” he said, and smiled. “Besides, you’re right. And he’s right. A man should know when to surrender.”

I smiled.

He turned to Alex. “I hope you get that.”

Alex chuckled. “Yeah, boss.”

“Now go back to your room. Get some rest. I’ll fill you in later.”

“Sir…”

“No. Go.”

Alex obeyed and walked away, leaving us alone.

As soon as he turned the corner, I grabbed Luca and kissed him. Deep. Slow. My hands clutched his shirt, and I pressed myself against him.

“Thank you,” I whispered against his lips. “I love you.”

He kissed me again, his hand brushing my cheek. “You’re mine now, Maria and I’ll do anything for you, my little doll.”

My heart pounded harder at those words. I believed him. Every single one.

After one last kiss, he left.

And I stood there in silence, thinking about how much had changed in just a day. Yesterday I was nearly shot. Today I was in love with a mafia boss who surrendered for me.

*********

Later that afternoon, I found myself sitting at the bar on the street of our city. I was trying to get something strong enough to quiet the chaos in my head. 

The bartender slid a glass toward me and I took a slow sip. The place wasn’t too full. Dim lights. Low music. Perfect for hiding in plain sight.

I pulled out my phone and I called my mother. She answered almost immediately.

“Maria?”

“Hi, Mama.”

“Oh, honey. Are you okay? It’s been a while.”

“I’m fine. I just wanted to hear your voice.”

We talked for a bit—how she was doing, how she missed me, how she was trying a new tea she hated but still drank. I laughed. It felt good. Felt normal.

Then I told her, “I met someone.”

There was a pause.

“If he’s anything like Liam,” she said, her voice sharp, “run. Don’t wait for anything, Maria. You run.”

I laughed. “He’s not like Liam.”

She sighed, relieved. “Alright then, my baby girl. You take care of yourself, huh?”

We said our goodbyes. I dropped the phone on the bar and leaned back.

But then I smelled something familiar.

That scent.

Someone brushed behind me and went to the bar.

I turned slowly.

And my heart stopped.

It was Liam.

Same confident walk. His hair was a little longer now, and he seemed to have grown his beard a little and it looked really good on him.

He was stilldangerously handsome. But also still the man who tore me apart yet i still miss him. 

He obviously still has an effect on me because I almost couldn't figure out myself in that moment.

He turned, as if he knew I was there.

His eyes locked with mine.

And he smiled.

“Hello, Maria,” he said, voice deep, slow.

“Been a while.”