Crimson vows

**Chapter 2: Caged Bird**

**Valentina's POV**

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I hate this.

Everything feels wrong. The air, the silence, even the way the city looks tonight, like the streets are waiting for something to happen—something terrible. It's like the universe knows that my life has spiraled out of my control and it's just sitting there, laughing at me.

I stare out the window of Luca's car as we drive through the streets of New York. The city looks different now, darker. I used to find comfort in its chaos—the constant movement, the feeling of anonymity. Now, it just feels like a trap.

I'm being taken to Luca's home. Not because I want to go, but because I have no choice.

"You can't stay in your father's house," Luca had said back at the funeral. "It's too exposed. You're a target now, Valentina."

I hate that he's right. And I hate that I have to rely on him, of all people. I didn't argue much after that. What would have been the point? I'm out of options. I can't fight an entire world alone, and Luca... well, he's all that's left between me and whatever vultures are circling now that my father's gone.

My fingers dig into the seat, my nails biting into the leather. I want to scream, to rage, to let out the storm that's been building inside me since my father died. But I can't. Not with Luca sitting next to me, watching every move I make. He's too calm, too controlled. It's infuriating.

"Do you always stare like that?" I ask, my voice sharp in the quiet.

Luca's gaze shifts to me, cold and steady. "Like what?"

"Like you're dissecting me."

He doesn't answer right away, but the corner of his mouth twitches, just a little. "I'm trying to figure out what's going on in that head of yours."

"Well, stop."

"Why? Afraid of what I'll find?"

I glare at him, but he doesn't flinch. Luca Moretti is impossible to intimidate. He's the one who controls the room, no matter who's in it. Even with his silence, he holds power, and it drives me crazy.

"I'm not afraid of you, Luca," I say, my voice steady despite the knot tightening in my stomach.

"Good." His tone is flat, as if it doesn't matter one way or the other. "Fear won't help you survive."

The car pulls up in front of his penthouse, and the driver opens the door. The cold air hits me again, sharper this time. I step out, staring up at the looming building. It's luxurious, modern, all glass and steel, the kind of place that reeks of wealth and power.

Luca steps out behind me, his presence like a shadow that won't leave. "This way," he says, his voice low and commanding. He doesn't wait for me to follow.

I hesitate for a second, my legs screaming at me to run, but I don't. There's nowhere to run to. This is my life now. A caged bird, trapped in someone else's world.

The elevator ride up is suffocating. Luca stands beside me, his hands in his pockets, as if this is just another day for him. I can feel his eyes on me, but I refuse to look at him. I won't give him the satisfaction of seeing how much this bothers me.

When the elevator doors slide open, I'm greeted by a penthouse that looks more like a fortress than a home. Dark wood, sleek furniture, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. It's beautiful, but cold. Just like Luca.

"Welcome home," he says, his voice laced with sarcasm. "You'll be safe here."

I step inside, my chest tightening as I take in the space. Everything is too perfect, too controlled. It's the kind of place where you can't make a mistake. One wrong move, and the whole facade comes crashing down.