Twisted Loyalty

Chapter 8: The Battle Lines Drawn

Dante

The office hums with quiet efficiency, a stark contrast to the chaos outside. My men are sharp, focused—moving like a well-oiled machine as they handle the constant influx of information about our operations and our enemies. Luca and Enzo may think they have the upper hand, but they've underestimated how far ahead I am. This city is mine, and no amount of interference from them is going to change that.

I flip through the latest reports, noting the figures, the patterns, and how we've managed to stay ahead of Luca's attempts to hit back. His recent moves have been calculated but predictable. Every strike he lands, I'm already two steps ahead, waiting for him to make the mistake that will cost him everything.

But as much as I'm focused on the game of power between us, my thoughts keep drifting to Sienna. It's been a few nights since we spoke, but the memory of her voice on the phone—breathless, desperate, begging—still plays in my mind. She had touched herself for me, and I'd made sure she wouldn't forget it anytime soon. The way she whispered my name, her need breaking through her reluctance, was intoxicating. If Luca knew how easily I could make her crumble, he'd lose his mind. But that's the beauty of this game—I hold all the cards, and Luca has no idea.

I'm still thinking about her when Nico steps into the office, his expression serious but calm. "Got an update on the docks," he says, dropping a folder onto my desk. "We've tightened security. No more problems from Luca's crew."

"Good," I mutter, scanning the folder briefly before tossing it aside. The docks are secure for now, but Luca won't stop there. He's testing my patience, pushing where he can, but he doesn't realize how quickly this can turn against him.

Before Nico can say more, there's a knock at the door. One of my men steps in, his posture tense. "Luca Romano is here to see you."

I raise an eyebrow. Luca, here? He must be more desperate than I thought. "Send him in," I say coolly, leaning back in my chair as I prepare for whatever bullshit excuse he's come up with.

A few moments later, Luca strides into the room, every inch of him radiating control. His suit is immaculate, his eyes sharp, and he moves with the confidence of someone who's used to getting what he wants. But he's not getting anything from me today.

We don't bother with pleasantries. There's no point. The only reason Luca's here is because he thinks he can intimidate me into backing down.

"Dante," Luca says, his voice smooth but edged with menace. "I thought it was time we had a little chat."

I motion toward the chair across from me, though I know he won't sit. Luca's never been one for small talk, and neither have I. "What's on your mind, Luca?"

He moves toward the window, his hands tucked into his pockets as he surveys the city below. "Our little back-and-forth," he says slowly, "it's gone on long enough, don't you think?"

I smirk, watching him closely. "I think it's been entertaining," I reply, my tone casual. "But I'm guessing you don't see it that way."

Luca turns to face me, his expression hardening. "You've been reckless. You're stirring up trouble neither of us needs."

I raise an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "Reckless? I'd say I've been strategic. I've only hit where it matters."

His eyes narrow, and I can see the irritation bubbling just beneath the surface. Luca's always prided himself on being in control, but I know I've been pushing him to the edge. "You're playing with fire, Dante. And it's going to burn you."

I suppress a laugh. If only he knew what I'd been doing behind the scenes—what I'd been doing with his carefully protected world. The thought of how Sienna had sounded on the phone, how easily I had made her fall apart, flashes through my mind. But I keep it to myself, letting the tension between us simmer.