Page 9 of Hot Moves

“Yes,” I admit. “I know it’s not wise, and it’s probably not the right thing to do, but I can’t give her up.”

“You drank the goddamn water in Silver Spoon Falls when you met with Dante Arakas, didn’t you?” He shakes his head.

Not this fucking bullshit again. One visit to the small Texas town where there are more millionaires and billionaires than common folk and an unexplainable number of happily ever after unions, and the craziness seems to have worn off on me.

I lean back, rolling my eyes at his question. “I did.”

Luca raises an eyebrow, a rare sign of interest. “And you ignored the rumors about the water?”

I chuckle without humor, the sound unexpected even to my own ears. “Magical water that causes love at first sight didn’t really sound too dangerous at the time.”

“And now?” Luca asks, eyes narrowing slightly.

I take a moment, considering what to say. The memory of Silver Spoon Falls is fresh with serene landscapes, the affluent calmness, and yes, the almost palpable sense of charm in the air. “Now, I don’t know what to think about the water, but I do know I have real feelings for Mira Jones that I can’t fight.”

“Oh, how the mighty fall,” Luca says, a note of amusement mingled with disbelief.

“I know. It’s goddamn crazy,” I concede. “What I used to believe in could be counted in assets, alliances, and power dynamics. But now? Everything has changed.”

“And you’re sure this is a permanent condition?” He rubs his bottom lip. “It will be viewed as a weakness. Maybe even a sign that you’re no longer able to control the Amante Family.”

“Are you suggesting I’ve lost my edge?” My voice carries a warning, but he doesn’t flinch. He never does.

“No. I just want you to consider all the possible ramifications of this new… relationship of yours.”

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “I haven’t lost sight of who I am or what I need to do. I can maintain control of the family while pursuing Mira.”

Luca nods, accepting my words, but I can see the lingering doubt in his eyes. He’s been in this life long enough to know this won’t be easy. “So, what now?”

“Now, we focus on the Grimaldis. Ensure every move is calculated and effective. Protect Mira. Her safety remains a priority, whether you believe it’s because of the water or not.”

“And Silver Spoon Falls?” he asks. “Does it have a role in our future?”

I pause, letting the question settle. “Not yet. But Dante’s right about one thing: there’s potential there. Both business and…” I hesitate, choosing my words carefully. “Other avenues.” My little sister just married my best friend, and they now live in the small Texas town.

Luca’s smirk returns, albeit smaller. “Maybe we’ll all need a drink of that water. See if we can balance the chaos with some of that peace.”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” I reply, but there’s a lightness in my tone. “We’ve got enough to handle without all of you fuckers dropping like fucking flies.”

Luca shudders dramatically. “Never happening to me.”

“Find out everything there is to know about my girl.” I can’t believe I didn’t do this before now. I really am slipping.

“I’ll get right on it.” He leaves me to my thoughts, and I return my gaze to the beach. But in the back of my mind, memories of Silver Spoon Falls linger.

Mira’s face comes to me unbidden, her eyes filled with trust and a hint of something more. Did the small Texas town’s water have any bearing on this strange connection? Maybe. Maybe not. But the feelings are real, and in the midst of my world’s brutality, they’re a reminder that sometimes, even the most powerful man needs a touch of magic.

I return to my glass, but it’s no longer the baccarat crystal form of solace it was moments ago. Now, it’s a reminder of the treacherous world I inhabit, and the innocent life unknowingly caught in its crossfire.

Thoughts of Mira flood my mind. It’s fucking insane how a simple gesture, a bottle of aloe vera gel sent to soothe her sunburn, has potentially put my little soulmate in harm’s way. She’s become a target, a pawn in a game she doesn’t even know exists.

I take a final swig of my bourbon, the burn a sharp reminder of the harsh reality I have to face.

There’s no time to waste. I need to act, to ensure her safety. My world may be one of shadows and violence, but even in that darkness, there are lines I won’t cross. And allowing harm to come to an innocent woman because of my actions? That’s a red line.

Mira doesn’t know it yet, but her life is about to change. Now that I’ve got an excuse to keep her, I’ll do whatever it takes to make her mine. And if the Grimaldis think they can use her against me, they’ll soon learn the real meaning of retribution.

I stand by the floor-to-ceiling window, fingers drumming against the glass, thoughts swirling in my mind like a storm. Luca’s footsteps are barely audible, but I’ve been waiting for him.

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