Page 77 of Malevolent Secrets

Lorenzo

The docks are chaos. Bullets fly through the air and the acrid smell of gunpowder fills my nostrils.

The sound of gunfire is deafening, interspersed with the occasional explosion as barrels and crates are hit.

My men and I are locked in a fierce battle with Massimo’s forces and the stakes couldn’t be higher. This is more than just a fight over territory—it’s personal.

“Hold the line!” I shout, my voice barely audible over the din. Vincent and Victor are beside me, their faces set with grim determination. Dino and the others are spread out, taking cover behind whatever they can find.

Massimo Raineri stands across from me, his face twisted in a sneer. He’s flanked by his men and the hatred in his eyes is palpable.

This is the man who dared to challenge my family, who orchestrated this attack. The rage I feel is almost blinding.

“Lorenzo Duretti!” Massimo shouts, his voice carrying over the chaos. “Is this the best you can do? Pathetic!”

I clench my jaw, my grip tightening on my weapon. “You have no idea what you’re messing with, Massimo.”

He laughs, a cold, cruel sound. “Oh, I think I do. Your time is over, Duretti. Your family’s reign ends today.”

Before I can respond, a burst of gunfire erupts from his side. I duck behind a stack of crates, returning fire.

My mind races, strategizing our next move. We can’t afford to lose the docks—they’re crucial to our operations.

Amid the chaos, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I ignore it at first, focusing on the fight. But when it buzzes again, a sense of dread settles in my stomach. I duck behind cover, and pull out the phone, seeing Carla’s name on the screen.

“What is it?” I bark, keeping one eye on the fight.

“Lorenzo, it’s Daniella. She’s at the club.”

The words hit me like a physical blow. “What do you mean she’s at the club? She’s supposed to be at the house!”

“She came in unexpectedly. I tried to keep her hidden, but—”

I don’t hear the rest of what she says. The only thing that registers is the danger Daniella is in. I feel a surge of panic, a rare emotion for me.

“Fuck!” I shout, slamming my fist against the crate. I look at Victor, who is close enough to see the expression on my face.

“Lorenzo, what’s wrong?” he asks, concern lacing his voice.

“Daniella’s at the club,” I say through gritted teeth. “I need to get to her.”

Victor grabs my arm, his grip firm. “You can’t leave now. If you go, this whole operation falls apart. We need you here.”

I know he’s right, but the thought of Daniella in danger is unbearable. I turn back to Massimo, who is watching me with a smug expression.

“You look distracted, Duretti. Something wrong?” he taunts.

“Massimo, if anything happens to her, I swear to God, I will tear you apart with my bare hands,” I snarl.

He laughs again, a sound that grates on my nerves. “You always were dramatic, Lorenzo. But let’s see if you can back up those words.”

I signal to my men and we launch a coordinated attack. Bullets fly, and the air is filled with the sounds of battle.

I move with purpose, my rage fueling every step. Massimo is going to pay for this.

The fight is brutal. Men fall on both sides, the docks turning into a war zone. Massimo and I exchange fire, each shot filled with the hatred we feel for each other. The explosions and gunfire create a chaotic symphony, a backdrop to our deadly dance.

As the battle rages on, I can feel my control slipping. Every minute that passes is another minute Daniella is in danger. But I can’t abandon my men, can’t let Massimo see any weakness.

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