Page 12 of Stolen Seconds

I backed away a step, bringing my finger to my lips, telling him to not make my presence known to her.

He raised his brows, a silent question asking me if I was okay.

That made me smile. Not because he was concerned for me but because he knew Aurora would’ve wanted himto ask. By extension of my best friend, I was in good graces with her husband.

I nodded, turning on my heel and leaving them.

I’d once believed in love, but the love that was true wasn’t sunshine and flowers. It was heartbreaking and painful, fear of allowing someone to hold that power over you.

A love that I’d never submit myself to.

Chapter 3

Luca

“Your decision is final?”

I took a drag of my cigarette as I stared out onto Roman’s property.

We stood on the balcony of the third floor, the cold breeze of early morning seeping through my clothes.

“Yes.”

One simple word yet it held the weight of an anchor.

Roman turned to face me, his silence louder than any words he could’ve said. I knew he wasn’t happy with my answer with the way his lips pursed.

He knew me through and through. It didn’t matter if we didn’t share the same blood, we were brothers in every sense of that word.

“Don’t.” I leveled his gaze. “It’s the only way I can protect Eva.”

“And does Evangeline know that you’ve chosen to become the leader of the Camorra?”

Another inhale of smoke, feeling the burn in my chest.No, she didn’t, and it wasn’t any of her concern. I wouldn’t hide it from her, but I wouldn’t explain my choices either. She’d beg me not to do this for her sake. And it’d be useless.

I had already spoken to my father last night and finalized my position.

“It doesn’t matter. Her reaction wouldn’t have hindered my decision.”

“I see,” he said, turning toward the view before us. The sun had fully risen, brightening the winter sky.

“Any advice?”

“On?”

“Being a leader.”

I knew the ins and outs of our organizations but Roman was the most fearedDonwhich earned him my respect. He unapologetically did as he pleased, and the other three clans followed whether they approved or not.

I had always been a one man show, bound by nothing and not giving a shit what others did either.

He didn’t answer me, causing me to glance over at him. His body shook as he laughed silently.

It caught me off guard. Roman rarelyeverlaughed openly.

“You’re asking me for advice on how to run a criminal organization.” He chuckled, shaking his head. “Don’t worry, Luca. I’ll be sure to hold your hand every step of the way.”

“Oh, fuck off.” I threw the cigarette on the floor, crushing it under my boot.

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