Shadows of Desire

Chapter Six: The Wolves Close In

The dimly lit café was nearly empty when Matteo Ricci walked in. A man with sharp eyes and a face weathered by years of violence, Matteo was known for his precision and ruthlessness. As Vincenzo Moretti’s consigliere, he was more than an advisor—he was the gatekeeper of the family’s secrets.

He slid into the booth opposite Vincenzo, who was nursing a glass of espresso.

“Is she secure?” Matteo asked, skipping pleasantries.

“For now,” Vincenzo replied, his voice low. “But we both know that won’t be enough.”

Matteo frowned, leaning closer. “The note wasn’t just a warning, Vincenzo. It was an invitation.”

“To what?”

“To war.”

Vincenzo’s jaw tightened, but his expression remained calm. “Who’s behind it?”

Matteo glanced around the room, lowering his voice further. “It’s the De Luca family. They’re testing you—seeing how far they can push before you push back.”

The De Lucas had been a thorn in Vincenzo’s side for years, a rival family determined to encroach on Moretti territory. But targeting Elleyanna? That was a move designed to hit him where it hurt most.

“They think she’s leverage,” Matteo continued. “A weakness they can exploit.”

“They’re wrong,” Vincenzo said coldly.

Matteo studied him for a moment. “Is that what you want them to think? Or is it the truth?”

Vincenzo didn’t answer. He didn’t have to.

---

A Target Painted

Across the city, Elleyanna stood at the window of her small apartment, staring out at the darkened street below. She couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching her.

She pulled the curtains closed and turned back to the envelope on her desk. She’d spent hours analyzing the note, the handwriting, even the faint scent of cologne that lingered on the paper. None of it made sense.

A knock at the door made her jump.

Her heart raced as she approached, peeking through the peephole. Relief flooded her when she saw Vincenzo standing there, his expression unreadable.

She opened the door, her voice shaky. “What are you doing here?”

“Making sure you’re safe,” he replied, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.

“I’m fine,” she said, crossing her arms. “You don’t have to babysit me.”

He turned to face her, his gray eyes locking onto hers. “This isn’t babysitting, Elleyanna. It’s survival.”

She bristled at his tone but didn’t argue. Instead, she gestured toward the envelope on her desk. “If you’re so worried about my survival, maybe you can explain this.”

Vincenzo walked over, picking up the note. He scanned it briefly, his expression darkening.

“They’re testing me,” he said finally. “Trying to see how far I’ll go to protect you.”

“Why?” she demanded. “Why do I matter to them? I’m just a student. I’m no one.”

“You’re not no one,” he said, his voice softening. “Not anymore.”

The weight of his words hung between them, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.

---

The First Move

Later that night, Vincenzo sat in his car, parked a block from Elleyanna’s apartment. His phone buzzed, and he glanced at the screen. It was Matteo.

“They’re moving,” Matteo said without preamble. “We’ve got eyes on a couple of their guys near her place.”

Vincenzo’s grip tightened on the steering wheel. “How close?”

“Close enough. You want us to take care of it?”

“No,” Vincenzo said quickly. “Not yet. Let them think they have the upper hand.”

“And Elleyanna?”

“I’ll handle her.”

Hanging up, Vincenzo leaned back in his seat, his mind racing. The De Lucas were playing a dangerous game, and they’d made their first mistake: they’d underestimated him.

He wasn’t his father. He didn’t react out of anger or pride. He planned, calculated, and struck when the time was right.

But this wasn’t just about strategy anymore. This was personal.

And if the De Lucas wanted a war, he’d give them one they’d never forget.