Chapter 6 (Luca)

This girl is pushing it.

I’m trying my best not to lose my shit, but then she throws that line—“I don’t want or deserve a fuckboy like you for a husband.”

What the actual hell?

Yeah, that’s it. No more Mr. Nice Guy.

“Listen, GreenLee,” I say, keeping my voice calm—barely. “I know I’m not perfect. But name-calling? That’s not necessary.”

She shrugs, unapologetic. “I’m just stating the obvious. I know I’m not what you normally go for. You probably thought I’d make this easy for you. But unlike the sluts you’re used to, I don’t just open my legs for a pretty smile. No need to get upset. I’m sure you’ve got opinions about me I wouldn’t like either.”

And then she rolls her eyes.

Why does she have to do that? Why does she have to be such a brat? So damn disrespectful.

“You’re right,” I snap. “Why would I want a little disrespectful brat who doesn’t know her place for a wife?”

I expect tears. That’s what most women do when I bite back.

But not her.

She smiles. Cool. Unbothered. And goes back to eating like I didn’t just insult her.

“Nothing more to say, little girl?”

I want to push her. Test her limits. See what makes her break.

“Oh, I’ve got plenty to say,” she replies, standing up. “But as you said—I need to know my place. So if it’s alright with you, I’ve got studying to do.”

She turns to leave.

“Actually,” I say, voice sharp, “we need to finish our agreement before everyone leaves. So sit back down.”

She stops. Breathes. Turns around.

But she doesn’t sit.

She stands there, arms crossed, eyes locked on mine. No fear. Just rage. Pure, unfiltered rage.

“I thought I already finished it,” she says. “Like I said—I don’t want or need a man-whore, fuckboy like you for a husband.”

And then she walks out.

She said no.

To me.

No woman has ever refused me.

Sal clears his throat. “Luca, please forgive her. She’s as bullheaded as her mother was at that age.”

“It’s alright, Sal,” I say, still staring at the doorway. “I get it. It’s a lot to take in. We should give her space tonight. Try again tomorrow.”

“You’re sure?” Sal asks. “I’d understand if you wanted to walk away from the deal.”

“Sí,” I nod. Gio gives me a look like I’ve lost my damn mind.

But all I can think about is her fire. That spark. That fury.

That fire I want next to me.

Wait—next to me?

What the hell was that?

Do I actually want her as a wife? Or just a challenge? I’ve never been husband material. But her rejection? It hits different. It makes me want to prove her wrong.

“We’ll talk more in the morning, Sal. John, Rob—good to finally meet you.”

“Likewise,” John says. “Sorry about our sister. She can be a handful.”

Rob smirks. “She’s got fire. Hope you can handle it. And I know you’re powerful, but if you hurt her—you’ll answer to us.”

“I understand,” I say, nodding. “I’ve got a sister too. I’d say the same thing to any man who looked at her.”

I laugh, shake their hands, and head upstairs.

It’s been a long day.

As I reach the top of the stairs, I notice her door is open.

Maybe if we’re alone… we can talk.

Or maybe I’ll finally figure out what the hell she’s doing to me.