Mafia or You - A Romance Novel

Chapter 4 - The Betrayal

Cassie paced her office, her mind racing with thoughts of the recent attack. Despite Debbie's assurances, doubt gnawed at her. Could she truly trust the daughter of her enemy? The alliance they had formed felt tenuous, threatened by the violent undercurrents of their families' history.

Marco entered, his expression grave. "Boss, we've got another problem."

Cassie stopped pacing and turned to face him, her heart sinking. "What now?"

"It's your brother, Luca. He's been attacked. We need to get to the hospital. Now."

Cassie felt a chill run down her spine. Luca was her only family, the one person she could always rely on. Without another word, she grabbed her coat and followed Marco out the door.

The drive to the hospital was a blur. Cassie could barely process the information, her mind racing with fear and anger. When they arrived, she rushed inside, her heart pounding in her chest.

A doctor approached her, his face etched with concern. "Ms. Russo, your brother is in critical condition. We're doing everything we can, but it's touch and go."

Cassie felt a wave of helplessness wash over her. She nodded, trying to keep her composure. "Can I see him?"

The doctor hesitated but then nodded. "Briefly. He's in the ICU."

Cassie followed him to the ICU, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. When she saw Luca lying in the hospital bed, covered in bandages and hooked up to machines, her heart shattered. She approached him slowly, taking his hand in hers.

"Luca," she whispered, fighting back tears. "I'm so sorry. I should have protected you."

Luca's eyes fluttered open, and he managed a weak smile. "Cass... it's not your fault."

Cassie shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "Who did this, Luca? Who attacked you?"

Luca's expression darkened. "It was Moretti's men. They... they said it was a message."

A cold fury settled over Cassie. She clenched her fists, her mind already planning her next move. "I promise you, Luca, I'll make them pay for this."

As Cassie left the hospital, her phone buzzed with a message. It was from Debbie: *Meet me at the rooftop of our club in an hour. We need to talk.*

Cassie's anger flared. She couldn't believe Debbie had the nerve to ask for a meeting after what had happened to Luca. But she needed answers, and confronting Debbie was the only way to get them.

When Cassie arrived at the rooftop, Debbie was already there, her expression a mix of concern and fear. "Cassie, I heard about Luca. I'm so sorry. I had no idea this was going to happen."

Cassie approached her, her eyes blazing with anger. "Your father's men attacked my brother. He's fighting for his life because of your family."

Debbie shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. "I swear, Cassie, I didn't know. My father went rogue. I tried to stop him, but he wouldn't listen."

Cassie felt a flicker of doubt, but her anger overpowered it. "You expect me to believe that? Your father has always been ruthless, but this... this is war."

Debbie stepped closer, her voice desperate. "Cassie, please. We can still work together. We can stop him. I love you."

Cassie's heart wavered at Debbie's words, but the memory of Luca lying in that hospital bed hardened her resolve. "Love isn't enough, Debbie. Not anymore."

Before Debbie could respond, a loud crash echoed from the stairwell. Cassie turned just in time to see a group of armed men burst onto the rooftop. At their head was Salvatore Moretti, his eyes cold and ruthless.

"Cassie Russo," he sneered. "It's time to end this."

Debbie stepped forward, her voice trembling. "Father, please. Don't do this."

Salvatore ignored her, his gaze fixed on Cassie. "You thought you could trust my daughter? How naive. This ends now."

Cassie reached for her gun, but Salvatore was faster. Shots rang out, and Cassie felt a searing pain in her side. She fell to the ground, struggling to breathe.

As darkness closed in, she heard Debbie's anguished screams and Salvatore's cold laughter. The last thing she saw was Debbie's tear-streaked face, and the world went black.

---

Cassie awoke to the sterile smell of the hospital. Pain radiated through her body, but she was alive. She looked around, disoriented, until she saw Marco sitting by her bedside.

"You're awake," he said, relief flooding his face.

Cassie tried to speak, but her throat was dry. Marco handed her a glass of water, and she took a sip, wincing at the effort.

"Where's Debbie?" she managed to ask.

Marco's expression darkened. "She's gone. After the attack, Salvatore took her. We haven't been able to find her."

Cassie closed her eyes, a mix of relief and sorrow washing over her. Debbie's betrayal had cut deep, but the thought of her in her father's clutches was even worse.

"We'll find her," Marco said, his voice firm. "And we'll make Salvatore pay for what he's done."

Cassie nodded, her resolve hardening. The alliance was shattered, and the war was far from over. But she would fight. For Luca, for herself, and maybe even for Debbie. The battle had just begun, and Cassie Russo was ready to face it head-on.