Crimson vows

**Chapter 15: The Devil's Gambit**

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**Luca's POV**

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My heart pounds in sync with the roar of the engine. Each second that ticks by feels like a knife to my chest. I can't let Matvey win. I can't let him touch her. My grip tightens on the steering wheel, knuckles white with the force of my rage.

Matvey's text plays over and over in my mind.

*Checkmate.*

It's not just a game to him. It's a power move. He wants to get under my skin, make me crack. And he knows exactly how to do it. Valentina.

I speed down the empty streets, the city a blur around me. My thoughts spiral, but all of them lead to her. I need to get to her. Now.

*Hold on, Valentina.*

The streets flash by like streaks of light, but no matter how fast I drive, it doesn't feel quick enough. Every corner I take is too slow. Every stoplight a barrier between me and the only person I've ever let inside.

This is on me. I should've seen this coming. Should've known Matvey would strike where I'm most vulnerable. But I never expected him to make his move this soon. He's desperate, and that makes him dangerous.

I've dealt with killers, liars, and cowards. I've faced down death more times than I can count. But none of that means anything when Valentina is at risk. This isn't just about me anymore.

She's become part of my world—part of me. And if anything happens to her...

I push the thought out of my head, refusing to entertain the possibility.

I spot her building in the distance and slam the brakes. The car jerks to a stop, but I don't care. I jump out, my gun already in my hand as I sprint toward the entrance. My pulse pounds in my ears, my mind laser-focused on one thing—getting to her before he does.

The lobby is eerily quiet as I burst through the front door, the usual guard nowhere to be seen. Either he's been paid off or he's already dead. I don't stop to check. My eyes scan the area, searching for any sign of movement, any hint of danger.

I take the stairs two at a time, each footstep echoing in the stairwell. My gun is ready, safety off, my finger hovering over the trigger.

Matvey is a coward, but he's cunning. He won't be here alone. He's sent someone to do his dirty work. But whoever it is, they'll wish they never stepped foot in Valentina's apartment.

I reach her floor and rush down the hallway. The door to her apartment is ajar, the wood splintered near the lock. A knot of dread tightens in my gut as I push the door open, stepping inside.

The apartment is dark, silent, but I can feel the tension in the air. The living room is untouched, the furniture exactly as it was the last time I was here. But there's something off, something wrong.

My heart pounds harder, adrenaline surging through me.

"Valentina!" I shout, my voice cutting through the silence.

No answer.

I make my way through the apartment, gun raised, ready for anything. The bedroom door is closed, but I know she's in there. I can feel her. I just hope I'm not too late.

I kick the door open, gun pointed straight ahead—and my worst fear becomes reality.

A man stands in the center of the room, his back to me, but I can see Valentina's terrified eyes peeking out from behind him. She's on the floor, pressed into the corner of the closet, her body trembling with fear.