Page 48 of Tormented Hearts

Bianca’s lips curl into a twisted smile, her eyes gleaming with something dangerous. "I told you, Luca. She doesn’t belong in your world. You’re only fooling yourself if you think she’ll ever be able to handle this life."

Luca’s fists clench at his sides, his anger simmering beneath the surface. "This isn’t about her handling anything, Bianca. This is about you. You couldn’t handle losing, and now you’re trying to destroy everything I care about."

Bianca laughs, the sound hollow and bitter as she takes a step toward him. "I was there for you, Luca. Long before she ever came into the picture. And you threw me away like I was nothing."

"You were never more than a pawn," Luca growls, his voice low and dangerous. "You used everyone around you to climb higher. But you made the mistake of thinking you could control me."

Bianca’s smile falters, her eyes flashing with anger. "Control you?" she spat. "You’ve always been out of control, Luca. You think you’re untouchable, but I know you. I know what you are. And deep down, you know you belong with me—not her."

Luca takes another step forward, his expression hard as stone. "What I am, Bianca, is done with you."

For a moment, Bianca’s bravado cracks, and Luca sees the desperation in her eyes. She had lost everything—her power, her influence, and now, her last chance at holding on to Luca. But rather than backing down, Bianca’s face twists with fury, and she lunges for him.

Luca was ready.

In an instant, he grabs her wrists, twisting her arms behind her back and pinning her against the bar. Bianca lets out a frustrated scream, struggling against his hold, but Luca doesn’t let go. His breath is ragged, his anger boiling over as he leans in close, his voice cold and deadly.

"You came near Phoenix, you threatened my family, and I will make sure you disappear. For good."

Bianca’s breath hitches, and she stops struggling, her body trembling beneath his grip. For the first time, Luca saw real fear in her eyes—fear of him, of what he was capable of. But there was still a spark of defiance, a glimmer of the woman who had always thought she could bend the world to her will.

"You think you’ve won, Luca?" Bianca whispers, her voice shaky but still filled with venom. "You think you can just walk away from this? From me?"

Luca’s grip on her tightens, his heart pounding in his chest. He had spent so long keeping his anger in check, trying to handle things diplomatically, but Bianca had pushed him too far. She had threatened the people he loved, and now she had to face the consequences.

"I already have," Luca states coldly.

He releases her, pushing her away from him with one final shove. Bianca stumbles, catching herself on the edge of the bar, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps as she stares at him with wide, fearful eyes.

For a long moment, neither of them speak, the weight of what had just happened settling over them like a heavy fog. Bianca had lost. She knew it. And Luca had made sure she understood that there was no coming back from this.

Finally, Luca turns, his heart still pounding as he heads for the door. He had come here to end things, and he had done just that. But as he reaches the exit, Bianca’s voice cuts through the silence, filled with bitterness and desperation.

"She’ll never be safe," Bianca spits out, her voice trembling with fury. "No matter what you do, she’ll always be in danger. Because of you."

Luca stops, his hand resting on the door handle as her words sink in. He didn’t turn around, didn’t give her the satisfaction of seeing how much her words affect him. But deep down, a part of him knew she was right. Phoenix would always be in danger, as long as she was with him.

But he would make damn sure that danger never reached her.

Without another word, Luca opened the door and stepped out into the night, leaving Bianca behind. His heart pounded in his chest, a mixture of rage, fear, and determination swirling insidehim. He had done what needed to be done, glancing towards his right he nods at the man standing near the door as he continues to walk towards the car.

Today was the end of Bianca’s threats, the end of her obsession, today she was dealt with.

But now the real challenge lay ahead—keeping Phoenix safe, no matter the cost.

When Luca returned to the penthouse later that night, Phoenix was waiting for him. The moment he walked through the door, she rushed to him, her arms wrapping around him as she buried her face in his chest.

"Is it over?" she whispers, her voice trembling.

Luca holds her close, his arms wrapping tightly around her as he presses a kiss to the top of her head. "It’s over," he assures softly. "She won’t be coming after you again."

Phoenix let out a shaky breath, relief flooding through her as she clings to him. She had been so afraid that something terrible would happen, that Luca wouldn’t come back. But now, standing in his arms, she felt a sense of peace wash over her.

"Thank you," she whispers, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you for protecting us."

Luca tightens his hold on her, his heart swelling with love.

LUCA 24

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