Chapter 4 (GreenLee and Luca)

LUCA

Walking back to Sal’s office, I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something about this girl—GreenLee. Something electric. Something dangerous. She’s got fire, no doubt. But it’s not just the attitude. It’s the way she carries herself. Like she’s daring the world to underestimate her.

And I’ll admit it—I’m intrigued.

She’s got this mix of innocence and defiance. Like she could blush at a compliment and break your nose in the same breath. I don’t know whether I want to buy her a drink or bend her over Sal’s desk and teach her some manners. Hell, maybe both.

We settle into the office. She’s fidgeting—biting her lip, avoiding eye contact. She’s hiding something. And she knows she’s in trouble.

“Fiero mio?” Sal says gently, trying to keep his cool.

“Yes, Zio?” she replies, voice laced with sass. Damn. She’s got balls. It’s annoying. And hot.

“GreenLee, I’m asking nicely. Explain yourself. What happened?” Sal pinches the bridge of his nose, already bracing for impact.

She sighs. “Fine, fine, Zio. But let me finish before you ask anything, okay?” She glances at me too, like she knows I’ll have questions.

I nod. “Go ahead, sweetheart. We’re listening.”

She rolls her eyes. At me. Oh, little girl… you have no idea what you’re playing with.

“Well, for the past few months, I’ve noticed Ivan’s men following me. At school. When I’m out with Sam.”

Sal’s face darkens. “What? I’m sorry, what?”

“Questions after the lesson, please,” she snaps, and I swear Sal nearly combusts.

“Do what—what did you just—”

I raise a hand. “Let her finish. We agreed, Sal.”

He exhales sharply. “Right. Continue.”

“Thank you,” she says sweetly, knowing exactly how much she’s pushing. “It’s always two guys. Watching. Never saying anything. Until today.”

She looks at both of us, waiting.

“Why was today different?” Gio asks.

“I noticed four instead of two. That’s why I told Zio I’d be late. I wanted to see if they’d try something when the lot was empty.” She looks down at her hands. She knows she messed up.

“I’ve got questions,” Sal says.

“Of course, Zio,” she replies, batting her lashes. This girl knows exactly what she’s doing.

GREENLEE

I can feel Zio’s disappointment before he even speaks. That calm tone? That’s his warning shot.

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” he asks. “I know you can handle yourself. But you should’ve said something.”

“Yes, Zio. You’re right. I should’ve told you. But they never did anything. I wanted to see what they were after before dragging you into it.”

“So you just ignored them?”

“No. I looked into it. But I couldn’t find a reason. I figured it had something to do with Ivan’s obsession. I turned eighteen around the time they started showing up.”

Zio and Luca exchange a look. One of those silent mafia conversations. Okay… what do they know that I don’t?

“What did they say today?” Gio asks.

“Not much. Blocked me from my car. Said their boss wanted to see me.” I roll my eyes. “Oh, and the one with the broken arm thought he could drive my car.”

“Not important, GreenLee,” Zio warns.

“Okay, okay. Any other questions?”

“What happened to the other two?” Luca asks.

“After the first two failed, the other two tried to tag team me. But they didn’t see I’d grabbed broken-leg’s gun. I shot one in the shoulder. They ran like the cowards they are.” I look Luca dead in the eye.

We’re having a stare-down. There’s something about him that grates on me. Too calm. Too calculating. Too… Don.

Gio breaks the tension with a laugh. “My God, I like you,” he says, clapping. “You’ve got bite.”

“Sorry, I don’t do married men,” I reply, smirking.

He laughs harder. Luca doesn’t.

“Enough, Gio,” Luca snaps. His tone is sharp. Possessive. Interesting.

I glance between them. Something’s off. Gio usually comes alone. So why is Luca here?

LUCA

“Is there something I should know?” she asks, eyes locked on mine.

“What makes you ask?”

“Gio usually comes alone. With all the business between our families, you’ve never bothered to show up before.”

“GreenLee Reneé,” Sal scolds her.

I raise a hand. “It’s okay, Sal.” I turn back to her. “This meeting required my insight.”

She raises a brow. “Your insight?”

“Sí.”

“That’s all you’ve got?” She’s challenging me. Again. No more beer for her. But her ass is mine. She just doesn’t know it yet.

“GreenLee,” Sal interrupts, “go shower and get cleaned up. Dinner will be here soon. We’ll talk more then.”

“Of course, Zio. I’ll see you all at dinner.”

“Oh, and sweetheart—I want to see your tests. I know you got them back today.”

Tests? Really? Now?

“Of course, Zio.” She digs into her bag, hands him the papers, and heads for the door.

“All 100%. Very good, fioro mia.” She winks at him and disappears down the hall.

I watch her go. Beautiful. Fierce. Smart. That mouth of hers is going to be trouble. But I’d love to see what else it can do.

“Sorry about that,” Sal says. “She can be a little…”

“Spitfire? Smartass? Bratty?” Gio offers.

Sal chuckles. “Sí. She doesn’t like being looked down on because she’s a woman. She may be this family’s princess, but she doesn’t want that to hold her back. I raised her to handle herself—and this family.”

I nod, thinking it over. If she agrees to what I have in mind… this could be better than I ever imagined.

We shift to business talk. I’m surprised to learn she handles the clubs and the girls. She’s got more power than most men I know.

And I wonder—what else can she do?