1. When The Sex Is Meaningless.

Luca’s POV

“Fuck” I thrust harder, beads of sweat trickling down my forehead with my brows pulled together in concentration. But it wasn’t enough.

My fingers dig into his hips, raising him higher as I force his head against the mattress, my fingers pulling at his root ends. He moaned out loud, his eyes rolling to the back of his head from pleasure.

After a few more thrusts, he came undone, his body shuddering as his seed splattered onto the bed sheets. But I was far from satisfied.

Still empty.

He gasped as I yanked his head back by his hair, dragging him upright against my chest. His lips parted in awe as I hooked my arms under his legs and lifted him, maneuvering our positions. I rammed into him, harder, rougher, faster, hoping it would make a difference, but it didn't.

This was pointless.

Frustrated, I pulled out and tossed him on the bed with a scoff.

“Hey!” he called after me, his eyes wide in confusion as he sat up, but I was already moving to get dressed.

I took a bundle of hundred dollar bills from my jacket and threw it at him, not bothering to look his way.

“You're fired.”

“Luca!” He sounded desperate now, scurrying out of the bed. I turned to the door but froze as he pressed himself against me once more. “Did I do something wrong? Let’s go for another round.”

He looked up at me seductively, his grubby hands sliding down my stomach, reaching to palm my crotch. I caught his wrist before he could touch me, and he yelped in pain at my grip.

I tightened my hold on him, and he trembled, his face turning pale from fear. I leaned in, my voice cold as I whispered into his ear. “You’ve outlived your usefulness. Don’t show your face in front of me again.”

I shoved him aside, and he stumbled back against the bed, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

With that said, I left the hotel room, cursing under my breath as my hands combed through my hair.

Elias waited for me outside, a cigarette resting between his crooked smirk. “Seems you lost another toy.”

I ignored his remark, my gaze hardening. “Find me someone else.”

Elias sighed, a puff of smoke escaping his lips. “We can’t find someone else on such a short notice. Your next job is tonight.”

“Damn it.” My hands balled into fists at my sides. “How serious is it?”

Elias leaned against the railings of the balcony, fishing into his coat to pull out a file. “Nothing you can’t handle.”

I took the document and accessed the details. As he said, it was easy, but I was still pissed off.

“Would you really bomb a mission if you don’t have a good fuck?”

I glared at him, and he raised his hands in surrender.

“I’ll find someone else by tomorrow, boss.”

“Better do.” I glanced at the document, and Elias straightened up as we made our way out of the hotel.

******

Alex’s POV

“Alex, are you alright?”

I snapped out of my daze, turning to Isabelle with a forced smile. I didn't even realize she was standing there until she tapped my shoulder. The cafe was quiet in the evenings, but I still had to work overtime to clean up.

“I’m fine.” I lied, and she seemed to see right through me.

“Liar.” Isabelle shook her head at me, her brows furrowed in worry. “You can go home, I'll cover your shift.”

“No it's okay—” My words died on my tongue as she sent me a no-nonsense glare, and I had no choice but to give in.

My shoulders slumped. “Alright.”

I undid my apron, and as I reached for my backpack she waved at me with a bright smile.

“Good luck on your college exams, and make sure you rest!”

I returned the gesture, but my smile didn't reach my eyes. “Thank you.”

As I made my way out of the cafe, I heaved out a long sigh, knowing I would never get the chance to rest. Instead of going home, I took the chance to head to my second part-time job as a cleaner. It was a huge firm and with the spare time Isabelle granted me, I could rack in some cash from working overtime.

I didn't have the luxury to rest, not when a huge debt weighed on my shoulders. By the time I got home, it was already past midnight, and to say I was exhausted was an understatement.

My apartment was cramped, with a single room that could only take a small bed and a desk. A bathroom and a kitchenette. I eyed the assignments that waited for me on my desk and sighed, knowing I couldn’t sleep without completing them.

A knock pulls me out of my train of thought. Who could it be at this time? I hesitated a bit before opening the door and instantly regretted it.

My landlord, Mr Gerald, stood on the other side with a sleazy grin on his face. He was a middle-aged man with a pot belly, and the predatory look in his eyes never failed to make my skin crawl.

“Alex my boy.” He showed off rows of brown teeth, pushing his way inside without invitation. “You know why I’m here don’t you?”

I swallowed hard, dread pooling in my stomach. “I told you I needed more time, I would pay as soon as I get the—”

“Bullshit.” He cut me off, clicking his tongue in annoyance. “You’ve been narrating the same story for weeks, and my patience has run thin.”

“I’m sorry.” I reasoned, my heart lurching in my chest as he took a step closer. “Just give me some more time.”

Mr Gerald shook his head, his eyes flashing with lust as his gaze washed over me. Not this again.

“You know how to solve the problem.” He murmured, and I flinched as his fingers grazed my chin, tilting my face up to his. “With a face like that, you could have anything you want.”

I slapped his hand away, my irritation boiling over. “I don’t seem to understand sir.”

Mr. Gerald's face darkened. “Then let me make you understand.”

Panic surged through me as he suddenly grabbed my wrist and shoved me against the wall. My breath hitched as I felt the cold metal of a blade on my neck. I stopped resisting, afraid he would slit my throat. From the way he spoke, I guessed he was drunk, but I never thought he would take it this far.

Mr Gerald let out a sick chuckle, grinding against me as he used his free hand to unbuckle my belt. “I’ve been wanting to do this since you got this place, why don’t we have some fun pretty boy.”

“No..” I protested, but it fell on deaf ears. “Stop it…” my voice trembled as I fought the tears that stung my eyes. In the end, there was nothing I could do. It was always like this.

Bang!

A gunshot echoed through the apartment.

Blood splattered on my cheek, and Mr Gerald’s body slumped to the ground with a loud thud. My eyes widened, the color draining from my face.

He….he was dead.

At that moment, the world around me froze. My heart stopped, my breathing became uneven, and no matter how many times I blinked, it was still there.

I stared at his lifeless body. Empty eyes open and blood gushing out of his head. My stomach churned, as if I’d been punched in the gut. My knees grew weak, and I slumped to the ground, my fingers trembling as I wiped the blood on my cheek.

“What a hassle.”

A cool voice cuts through the silence, and I realize I’m not alone. Of course. The person who fired the shot.

Slowly and dreadfully, I raised my head, seeing the gun that had killed Mr Gerald now pointed at me.

The man wore a dark face mask, but his eyes were like staring into a bottomless pit. There was no mercy in them.

“No witnesses.”