Page 60 of Traitor

The impact is sickeningly satisfying.

Luca grunts, his head snapping to the side, a smear of blood already trailing from his nose. He exhales, slow and measured, and then... He fucking laughs.Laughs.Like a maniac.

"Jesus," he mutters, shaking his head, wiping the blood with the back of his hand. "You are so in love with that woman, it's pathetic."

I don't answer. I don't need to. Because he's right. I am. I always will be.

I exhale sharply, my voice calm, lethal. "I won't marry Francesca. I won't marry anyone. I have an Ol’ Lady. And in my mind, I'm already married."

Luca stares at me, amusement dancing in his dark eyes. "You sure about that?"

I hold his gaze. Unflinching. Unyielding. "I'd rather slit my own throat than touch another woman."

Something flickers across his face. Something darker. "Then find another high-ranking member of the club to do it. Anothervirginal bride to be sold-off."

I narrow my eyes.

"The Famiglia demands this alliance, Bones," he continues, brushing invisible dust off his sleeve. "Doesn't have to be you. Could be your VP. Could be another top-ranking officer. We're not picky."

I clench my jaw so hard I feel the crack of pressure in my skull. I won't let them force this onto my club.

Luca stands, smooth and unbothered, like we didn't just have this conversation, like I didn't just put my fist through his nose.

He straightens his suit, adjusting the lapels before flashing me one last, easy fucking smile.

"I'll be expecting a name, Bones. And soon."

And with that, he walks out, leaving behind nothing but the scent of expensive cologne, blood, and my absolute fucking rage.

Three years since the betrayal

Three years, and my heart is still an open wound.

I've closed up completely. There's nothing left. No parties. No drinks with the brothers. Just the work.

I lead. I handle business. I run the club.

And I search.

That's it. That's all I do.

And I'll never stop.

Four years since the betrayal

My phone vibrates on the nightstand, cutting through the silence.

4 AM.

Definitely not good news.

I grab the phone, my body already bracing for a hit. The screen lights up. Luca Romano.

Fuck.

I answer, voice rough, empty. "What?"

Luca chuckles, too damn cheerful for this hour. "Get that stick out of your ass and your corpse out of bed. I found your girl."

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