Page 59 of Traitor

Still nothing.

I punch the wall of my office, my knuckles splitting open. The pain is nothing. Just another reminder that I failed.

Two years since the betrayal

Two years, and I still haven't found her. Two fucking years.

I haven't even looked at another woman. Not once. The thought alone makes my stomach turn.

The brothers started calling me "Monk." Real fucking funny, considering we already have a brother named Monk. But I don't care.

Because she was mine. And I let her go.

Where the hell are you, Ely?

Luca Romano walks into my office like a predator looking for his next kill.

He moves as silent as a panther, not a single wasted motion, smooth, effortless, deadly. The man is Death in a tailored Italian suit, all sharp edges and ease, a permanent smile carved onto his face. But it never reaches his eyes. Dark, cold, calculating.

I don't offer him a seat. I don't need him comfortable.

He takes the liberty anyway, lowering himself onto the chair across from me, crossing one leg over the other, his fingers tapping lazily against his knee. Too at ease. Too fucking smug.

I lean forward, planting my forearms on the desk, my voice flat. "You gonna tell me why you're here, Luca, or are we just gonna sit here eye-fucking each other until someone gets bored?"

His lips twitch. "You know why I'm here, Bones."

I don't answer. I just wait. Let him play whatever little game he thinks he's playing.

Finally, he exhales, dramatic as hell, like he's about to drop some earth-shattering news. Like I don't already know he's here to be a pain in my ass.

"My brother and I believe it's time to strengthen the bond between the Famiglia and the Iron Vultures," he says smoothly, adjusting the cuff of his shirt, meticulously perfecting the already perfect. "We've been good for each other. Business is solid. Trust is stronger than ever."

I raise a brow. "And?"

Luca smiles, but it's all teeth, all menace hidden beneath silk and charm. "And we believe a marriage would solidify this alliance. Our sister, Francesca, is a beautiful girl. Smart. Strong. She will be good for you."

My blood runs cold.

My hands tighten into fists against the desk, but I force my face to stay neutral. Expressionless. Unaffected. "Let me get this straight," I say, voice low, sharp as a blade. "You want me to marry your sister? For convenience?"

Luca tilts his head slightly, watching me. "Call it whatever you want."

I bark out a laugh. Cold. Hollow. Borderline unhinged. "You do realize I'm not some virginal bride from the 1600s, right? I don't getsold offfor political gain."

Luca sighs, looking almost bored. "It's been two years, Bones."

My spine locks up. That number punches me straight in the ribs. Two years.Two fucking years since Ely vanished into witness protection. Since she disappeared without a trace, without a goodbye, without a chance to fight for her.

Luca leans in slightly, voice dropping, like he's talking to a man he actually gives a shit about. "She's gone, Bones. You should give up on finding her."

My pulse pounds in my ears. Loud. Deafening. Fucking unbearable.

"She doesn't exist anymore," he continues, his voice almost gentle, like he's pitying me. "You're chasing a ghost."

I see red.

The rage erupts, surging through me like a fire I can't contain, and before I can stop myself, my fist connects with his face.

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