Page 44 of His Ruthless Claim

LUCA

Ilean back in my leather chair, studying Enzo across from me. He looks more on edge than usual.

"I can't keep meeting with you, Luca," he finally says. "I know you want Maria, but if you can't offer me what I need, you're only jeopardizing me."

I trace the edge of my watch, the metal cool against my skin. "Your current position with the Cappalletti isn't sustainable."

Enzo's jaw tightens. "Alfonso made sure of that."

"Which is why I'm prepared to offer you more than just protection." I slide a folder across the mahogany desk. "You'll have your capo status, as discussed. But I'm also giving you the Fourth Ward territory."

His gray eyes widen slightly - the only crack in his composure. The Fourth Ward is prime real estate, bordering both Cappalletti and Mantione territories. It's a power play that will piss off both families, but I don't give a fuck about their feelings.

"The territory around Lincoln Park?" Enzo's gray eyes narrow. "That's Figarello's turf."

"Was." I adjust my watch band, the familiar metal cool against my skin. "I acquired it last week. Consider it a gesture of good faith - a sign of loyalty."

Bas shifts beside me, a slight movement that would be imperceptible to most. He knows what it took to get that territory - the bodies we had to bury, the deals we had to break. But Enzo's worth it. His connections alone make him valuable, but his ruthlessness makes him perfect for what's coming.

Besides, I'd do anything for people I actually care about. Maria is one of the few.

"Along with protection and the capo position you requested." I keep my voice steady, controlled. "What do you say?"

My fingers find my watch again, checking the time. Two hours until I need to pick up Skye. The image of her in that silk dress floods my mind - the way she felt against me, how she tried to stay quiet as I-

"You seem distracted." Enzo's voice cuts through my thoughts.

Bas coughs, poorly hiding his knowing smirk. This is the third time I've checked my watch, and he knows exactly why.

"I'm growing impatient." I force my thoughts away from amber eyes and soft skin. "It's all that you want. Just help me get Maria."

I can admire him wavering. Loyalty is important and I wouldn't trust someone who could be so easily swayed. But I don't care for men that can be walked all over. So, in Enzo's position, I understand his position.

"I'll help you. As long as you make it look like you kidnapped me in return. And the guys that are there with me."

I nod. "We can do that." Keep the heat off him. The Cappallettis might come for him, but it's nothing I can't handle

But even as we dive into logistics, my mind keeps drifting to Skye. The way she challenges me, pushes my control. How she makes me feel things I've spent years burying.

Bas catches my eye as I check my watch again, his expression far too amused for my liking. I'll have to deal with that later. For now, we have to focus on saving Maria.

Once we have a plan laid out, I leave, Enzo staying behind for the next half hour so we aren't seen together. He has his burner to reach out to me if he needs.

I head back to the office, somehow managing enough control to not go to Skye's boutique. Maybe it's Bas' smug smile.

And I can't escapethat, either. I'm barely in my office for ten minutes when he raps on the door, and I'm about to threaten him when I see who is with him.

The door opens and Bas leads in Flavio Russo, my father's former consigliere. Even at seventy-two, he carries himself with quiet authority, his silver hair neatly combed and suit impeccable.

"Look at you." He spreads his arms wide. "Running your own operations now."

I stand to greet him, memories of his steady presence during my childhood flooding back. He was there after my mother died, offering quiet support while my father raged. Never stepped in - no one dared challenge Don Mantione - but he'd slip me books on strategy and business when father wasn't looking.

"How's Florida treating you?" I gesture for him to sit.

"Peaceful." His dark eyes scan my office. "Though I miss the excitement sometimes. I hear you've been expanding territories."

"Among other things." I pour us both drinks, scotch neat. I don't care to drink, but I won't disrespect Flavio like that.

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