Page 32 of Tainted Ties

The Underground Club was exclusive to high-society families.

After passing through the large gates, I dropped my car off with the valet.

The outside of the building had a vintage aura to it. Alluring to the eye, with black and gold linings.

I punched in the code and entered.

Black marble floors with high ceilings were decorated with intricate art and chandeliers.

“Mr. Mancini, what a pleasure.” Giuseppe—the host—greeted me in surprise.

“Giuseppe,” I regarded him with an appreciative nod. It had been a while since I came to the club. I hadn’t needed to until now.

I made my way across the grand room and down the basement.

The Underground Club had many amenities to entertain guests, but its highlight were the occasional events. They were extreme and over the top.

Luca was already in the boxing ring, wrapping his hands in tape when I set my bag down and did the same.

“To what do I owe the pleasure?” Luca smirked at me, knowing fully why I was here.

I stepped into the ring and circled him, causing him to turn with me. “If I wanted to talk, I would’ve gone to a therapist.”

Before he could respond, my fist landed against his jaw.

A deep laugh rumbled from him.Sick bastard.“Oof, I guess marriage really isn’t for everyone.”

The muscle in my jaw ticked, ready to land another hit.

Luca was quick on his feet this time. He ducked, dodging my aim before his arms wrapped around my waist. He slammed me on my back, the pain diluting my anger.

I recovered fast, using the outside of my leg to pull him down before I laid my forearm against his throat.

He smiled at me mischievously. My anger resurfaced like an ugly demon waiting to pounce. I applied more pressure on his throat, gritting my teeth.

“You’re lucky you’re my friend,” he sputtered. “I’m going easy on you because it seems that your ego has taken a hit—undoubtedly from a certain someone.” I breathed hard, knowing he had given me a free pass to release my anger. “And as your friend, I’m telling you that you won’t survive her.”

“What the fuck does that mean?” I spat out.

“It means, I only needed to meet your pretty little wife once to know you’re in for it.”

I’d think he was trying to be funny if it wasn’t for the seriousness with which he said that.

Despite his absurd statement, I wanted to bash his face in for calling my wife pretty. Instead, I released my hold on him and got to my feet. I didn’t want my actions to justify his theory.

“Don’t sweat it. You could always file for divorce.” He winked, which earned him a snarl from me.

It wasn’t that Luca was ignorant to my plans—no, he thought my heart would miraculously soften up to Aurora. As if she wasn’t the one who murdered my kin.

Leave it to Luca to be optimistic.

We went a few more rounds, landing brutal punches on one another.

By the time we finished, we were left with cuts and bruises. It wasn’t the first time and wouldn’t be the last. I welcomed the pain and luckily, Luca didn’t mind it either.

The house was quiet when I arrived home, which was unsurprising. It was nearly three in the morning.

I headed toward the kitchen to grab a glass of water before tending to my wounds but stopped halfway in when I saw someone standing by the sink.

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