Page 18 of Lured By the Cartel

"He's too old for you, Lucas!"Mom exclaimed, exasperation clear in her voice."Nearly twice your age! What could you possibly have in common?"

I rolled my eyes heavenward, sighing internally at their predictability. Here we go...

"But age isn't everything, Mom,"I argued logically, turning towards her pleadingly and ignoring the thought that I should stay quiet."It's about what we feel for each other-"

"Not when safety comes into play,"Dad cut in gruffly, crossing his arms."He's dangerous, son. Involved in things far beyond your innocent little college life."

Innocent? College? Really? Was that how they still saw me? As some naive child incapable of making decisions on my own?

Marco wasn't unsafe because of his age. He was dangerous due to his profession, lifestyle, and choices made throughout the years shaping him into the man he became today. Yet, he protected me fiercely and prioritized my well-being above all else. That meant more than any 'innocence' they believed I possessed.

"And what about our love for each other?"I challenged softly, meeting their gazes steadily."What role does that play in all this?"

They exchanged uncomfortable glances, clearly caught off guard by my question. Good. Let them squirm under scrutiny for once.

"What if I told you I loved him?"I pressed further, holding their gaze intently."That despite everything surrounding him, threatening us both, I still wanted to be with him. Would you accept that? Or continue fighting me on this?"

I opened my mouth to continue, only to close it again quickly upon seeing their determined expressions. Arguing now wouldn't change anything; they were set in their beliefs, convinced they knew better. Convincing them otherwise required time, patience, and understanding—things I didn't have right now.

Besides, there was another option. A choice I had made long ago without realizing it consciously.

Rising abruptly, I ignored their shocked gasps, marching straight past them toward the door. They called after me, voices heavy with concern, confusion, maybe even fear. Ignoring them entirely, I rushed back towards the dining room, finding Marco still seated calmly, awaiting my return.

As soon as I burst in, relief flashed across his features briefly before hardening into resolve. Seeing me rush towards him, hestood swiftly, opening his arms just in time to catch me as I launched myself into his embrace, burying my face against his chest.

"It's okay,"he murmured soothingly, wrapping strong arms tightly around me."Whatever they said, whatever they did... it doesn't matter. You're mine now. Always."

Tears threatened then, burning hot behind my eyelids. Emotion clogged my throat, preventing speech for now. All I could do was nod helplessly, clutching onto him.

"No matter what problems you think we have, we're going to deal with them,"he promised, pressing a kiss atop my head."No matter what happens next, remember: you are my priority. My topmost concern. My entire world."

And just like that, any lingering doubts evaporated, leaving nothing but conviction, determination, and unwavering faith. They couldn't stop me from loving him openly, fiercely, unapologetically. Because he was worth everything.

Chapter 9

Marco

The knock came sharp and sudden, tearing through the thick wood of my study door, echoing loudly in the environment. Irritated, I paused mid-sentence, glaring towards the intrusion, barking,"Enter!"

The door creaked open slowly, revealing one of my most trusted lieutenants standing nervously in the doorway, eyes darting anxiously between me and the floor. Fucking fantastic. Just what I needed right now. He knew he had fucked up, whatever it was.

"Speak,"I growled low, leaning back in my chair, fingers drumming impatiently on the polished surface of my desk. No use pussyfooting around here; time was wasting. I had important things to do.

"I-I'm sorry, boss,"he stammered, wringing his hands together."But there's been an incident..."

Incident? Christ Almighty, not another fuck-up from those useless idiots under my command.

"Spit it out!"I barked harshly, slamming my fist down forcefully, rattling the various trinkets adorning my desk. Hisjump was barely noticeable, but I caught it nonetheless. Good. I wanted him to show me how much he respected me.

"The DeLuca..."he started hesitantly, trailing off under my intense glare.

"They attacked one of our territories,"he blurted out finally, looking relieved having gotten it out."Just south of the border, near where that old abandoned mill used to stand."

Fury surged through me, heating my blood, and pounding in my ears. Those bastards dared challenge my rule and threaten my claim over lands held sacred since time immemorial. They'd pay dearly for such audacity.

"How many casualties?"I demanded sharply, rising from my seat, and towering over him. He shrank back, cowering beneath my wrath.

"Not sure yet, sir,"he admitted softly, averting his gaze. Coward. Worthless piece of shit.

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