The Edge Of Innocence

Threats in the Dark

Ryan's POV

I knew the text from Luca meant trouble. He'd been waiting to make a move, and now, he had found the perfect way to get to me. As I made my way to the docks, where Luca had told me to meet him, my mind was racing. Caleb had warned me this was coming, but I hadn't expected it to happen so soon.

When I arrived, Luca was leaning against a black car, a cigarette dangling from his lips. He smirked when he saw me.

"Took you long enough, Brooks."

"What do you want, Luca?" I asked, keeping my voice steady.

He flicked his cigarette to the ground, crushing it under his boot. "You know exactly what I want. You owe me, and I'm here to collect."

I clenched my fists, trying to stay calm. "I'm out, Luca. I told you that."

He laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "Out? You don't just walk away, Ryan. You should know that by now."

"I'm done with this. I'm not part of your crew anymore."

Luca stepped closer, his face inches from mine. "You think I care? You walked away, and you left a mess for the rest of us to clean up. Now, you're gonna pay for that."

I could feel the tension building, the threat hanging in the air. Luca wasn't going to let this go.

"Stay out of my way, Luca," I said, my voice low.

But he wasn't listening. He leaned in closer, his voice a whisper. "And what about your little girlfriend? The one with the camera? You think she's safe?"

My blood ran cold. Sophie. He knew about her.

"I swear to God, if you touch her—"

Luca grinned, stepping back. "Better watch your step, Brooks. You don't want her to end up in the wrong place at the wrong time."

I watched him walk away, my hands trembling with anger. This wasn't just about me anymore. Luca had made it personal.

And now Sophie was in danger because of me.