Twisted Loyalty

Chapter 6: The Devil's Gambit

Dante

The warehouse is quiet, save for the steady hum of conversation in the background. My men move with precision, cleaning up after the hit like it's just another day at work. For them, it probably is. But for me, tonight was a statement—one I made sure both Luca and Enzo heard loud and clear.

I lean against the edge of the table, my eyes scanning the room. Nico stands a few feet away, arms crossed over his chest, his sharp gaze tracking every movement. He's been with me long enough to sense when I'm in a mood like this—dangerous, restless, like a predator who hasn't quite had enough blood yet.

"It went clean," Nico says after a moment, his voice steady but low. "We hit the casino hard. No collateral damage. Enzo's operation is gonna feel it, especially with all the cash they were moving tonight. Luca won't be happy."

Good.

I smirk, the satisfaction of the hit still fresh in my veins. Enzo and Luca needed a reminder that they don't own this city—I do. They've been getting too comfortable, thinking they can tie Sienna to Enzo and strengthen their grip on power. But they didn't factor me into their little game.

"They'll scramble," I say, pushing off the table and moving toward the large windows that overlook the city. The lights below seem muted, calm—the calm before the storm that's about to hit both of their operations. "Luca will try to cover it up, but they'll know this was personal."

Nico shifts slightly, giving me a sidelong glance. "And what about Sienna?" he asks, his tone more cautious now. "She's in the middle of this, boss. You sure she's not getting caught in the crossfire?"

Sienna. The thought of her standing beside Enzo tonight, wearing his ring, letting him put his hands on her like she's some kind of prize—it makes my blood boil. She's not safe with them, and I hate the fact that she doesn't even realize how much danger she's in. But I meant what I said to her: I'll protect her. Even if she doesn't understand it yet.

"She's fine," I say, my voice low, tight. "For now."

Nico raises an eyebrow, a knowing smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You've got it bad for her, don't you?"

I shoot him a warning look, but he doesn't back down. He's been with me for years—he knows how far he can push. He's never been one to keep quiet when he thinks something's off.

"She's different," I admit after a moment, my eyes still on the city below. "She's not like them."

Nico lets out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "Careful, boss. Sounds like someone's got more than business on their mind."

"Shut up," I mutter, but there's no heat behind it. I know what he's getting at, and I hate that he's right. Sienna isn't just part of the plan anymore. She's gotten under my skin in a way I didn't expect.

Nico's smirk deepens, clearly enjoying this too much. "Come on, Dante. You can't tell me you haven't thought about it. That little princess of Luca's—what's stopping you?"

"Enzo," I snap, irritation flaring up at the mention of his name. "That bastard thinks he can own her."

"Right. Enzo. But you're the one who can't get her out of your head."

I clench my jaw, trying to shove down the surge of heat that rises at the thought of Sienna. Nico's got a point, and I hate it. I've been thinking about her all damn night—about the way she looked in that red dress, the way her eyes flashed when I got too close. I shouldn't care, but I do. And the worst part? It's not just about Luca and Enzo anymore. It's about her.

"She's part of the plan," I say firmly, trying to regain control of the conversation. "Luca and Enzo think they can use her to strengthen their alliance. But I'm going to make sure she's the one thing that tears them apart."