Page 15 of Boss of Brooklyn

Back in my apartment, I collapse on my bed, feeling utterly defeated. How could I have been so blind? So stupid? I'd let myself fall for Luca, believing he was different, that he truly cared about me. Was it all just a big plan to destroy me?

With shaking hands, I call my sister. “Gia? Can I stay with you for a while?”

An hour later, I'm throwing clothes into a suitcase, tears blurring my vision. A knock at the door makes me freeze.

“Sofia? Baby, please talk to me.”

Luca's voice, usually so comforting, now sends a chill down my spine. I open the door but leave the chain on. “I can't do this right now, Luca. I need some time.”

His eyes are wild with worry. “Where are you going? Let me help you.”

I shake my head. “I'm staying with Gia for a while. I just... I need to think.”

“Think about what?” His voice is low, dangerous. “Sofia, you can't possibly believe I had anything to do with the fire.”

But I say nothing, and my silence speaks volumes.

Luca's face hardens. “You're not leaving. It's not safe. Not until we know if the fire was intentional or not.”

I straighten my spine, meeting his gaze. “You don't get to decide that, Luca. Besides, if anyone wanted to hurt me, wouldn’t I be safer staying somewhere else?”

“Then stay with me.” It’s not a question.

We stare at each other for a long moment, the air thick with tension. Finally, Luca steps back. “Okay fine,” he says, his voice tight. “Go to your sister’s. But if anything feels off, you call me immediately.” Then he adds, softer, “Please.”

I nod, relief and anxiety warring in my chest. “Deal. If you promise to give me space. I’ll let you know when I’m ready.”

As I close the door, I hear Luca's fist hit the wall. Part of me wants to run to him, to let him wrap me in his arms and tell me everything will be okay. But I can't. Not until I know the truth.

An hour later, I'm at Gia's apartment, curled up on her couch as she makes us tea. “Want to talk about it?” she asks gently.

I shake my head, then pause. “Gia... do you think Luca could have... I mean, is it possible he...”

“Had something to do with the fire?” Gia finishes, her eyes wide. “Do you really believe he'd do that?”

“I don't know,” I whisper, and the admission breaks my heart. “I don't know anything anymore.”

Gia sits beside me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “Then take all the time you need to figure it out.”

As I sip my tea, I stare out the window at the Brooklyn skyline. Somewhere out there, Luca is probably pacing his penthouse, furious and hurt. Part of me aches for him, while another part knows I need this time to think.

Chapter 9

Two weeks later

Luca

Iwipe my brow, the heat from the stove warming my face as I stir the pot of marinara. The rich aroma of tomatoes, garlic, and basil fills the air, reminding me of Sofia's kitchen. My heart aches at the thought of her, but I push the feeling aside. Today isn't about my pain; it's about making things right.

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind, each day a battle against my own demons and the life I've built. After Sofia asked for space, I was lost, drowning in regret. The sight of her tears, the hurt and betrayal in her eyes as she fled my penthouse, haunted me. I couldn't eat, couldn't sleep. The empire I'd built, the power I'd accumulated – it all felt hollow without her.

But her absence sparked something in me—a determination to be better, to be the man she deserves. It wasn't an easy decision. The world I'd known, the only life I'd ever lived, wasn't something you could just walk away from. But for Sofia, I was willing to try.

I reached out to Vince, my old friend turned legitimate business owner. I knew he was my best shot at redemption. I still remember the disbelief in his voice when I called.

“Luca? Is that really you?”

“Yeah, Vince. It's me. I... I need your help.”

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