The black SUV rolled to a stop in an unassuming alley, its tires crunching softly against loose gravel. Ander killed the engine, and the group sat in tense silence, waiting for the hum of pursuit to fade completely. Nolan cracked open his door first, stepping into the cool night air, his hand still resting on his gun.
“We clear?” Sonia asked, her voice low but edged with exhaustion.
Ander nodded, scanning the narrow alley. “For now. But that was too close.”
"We should walk on foot, we can't risk leading them to us" Nolan said, the four of them walked quietly, eyes darting around looking for anyone that wasnt supposed to be here
But Rosa kept her eyes ahead her, she couldn't stop thinking about him, the way his eyes flickered down her body, the way he held her close as they danced. She wondered who he was, someone who wanted her head on the chopping block? Or someone who wanted her safe.
Her hands crumpled the paper, before taking a deep breath
"Finally" Sonia said drawing Rosa's eyes to the building, their safe house.
“Let’s get to work,” Rosa said, her tone cutting through the tension. She placed the flash drive on the table, her mind still replaying the night’s events.
Sonia plugged the drive into the laptop, her fingers moving deftly over the keyboard. Within seconds, folders of data popped up on the screen. “Bank transactions, payroll records, encrypted emails,” she murmured, scrolling through. “This is a treasure trove.”
“And his personal files?” Nolan asked, standing to peer over Sonia’s shoulder.
“Right here,” Sonia replied, opening a folder labeled PRIVATE. A series of photographs filled the screen, along with scanned documents and a list of aliases.
Then a photo appeared—a candid shot of Dante at what seemed to be a family gathering. He stood at the edge of the frame, wearing a rare smile, his arm around a young woman. She looked to be in her twenties, with dark hair and a striking resemblance to Dante.
“That’s his sister,” Sonia said, her voice quiet. “Luciana Balanche. She’s been off the grid for years. No one even knew she was still alive.”
Rosa froze, her eyes fixed on the image. Something about Luciana’s face stirred a memory deep within her, one she couldn’t quite place. A flicker of recognition danced at the edge of her mind—a connection she didn’t fully understand, she knew her, but how?
“You know her?” Nolan asked, noticing Rosa’s reaction.
“No,” Rosa said too quickly, tearing her gaze away from the screen. “At least, I don’t think so.”
Sonia frowned, glancing at Rosa. “You’re sure? You looked like you’ve seen a ghost.”
Rosa shook her head, forcing herself to focus. “It doesn’t matter. What else do we have?”
Sonia hesitated but continued scrolling. More photos appeared, including one of Dante at a private gala with several high-ranking officials. A document detailing offshore accounts followed, listing amounts that made Rosa’s stomach churn.
“Dante’s been funding more than just his operations,” Sonia said, her voice grim. “Bribes, political campaigns, even experimental research. He’s got his fingers in everything.”
“Experimental research?” Nolan asked, narrowing his eyes.
Sonia nodded. “Bio-tech, mostly. And not the ethical kind. If this data is accurate, he’s been bankrolling human trials in Eastern Europe.”
The room fell silent as the weight of the revelation settled over them.
“He’s not just dangerous,” Ander finally said, his voice low. “He’s untouchable.”
Rosa leaned against the table, her fingers tracing the edge of the photo of Luciana. Her instincts told her there was more to Dante’s story—and his sister’s—than the files revealed. Whatever connection she felt, it wasn’t a coincidence.
“We’re going to use this,” Rosa said, her voice firm. “Dante’s strength lies in his secrets. If we can unravel them, we can take him down piece by piece.”
Nolan stepped closer, his expression unreadable. “And what about the man from tonight? You think he’s tied to all this?” something in him still churned at the sight of the man holding her so close, it wasn't jealousy, he didn't want to admit it was
Rosa’s jaw tightened. “I don’t know. But I’ll find out.” somehow
Sonia glanced between them, her fingers pausing over the keyboard. “We’re treading on dangerous ground, Rosa. He knows we have the drive, it's only a matter of time before he takes us out—”
“He won’t,” Rosa interrupted, her tone leaving no room for argument. She straightened, her gaze hardening. “We’ve come too far to turn back now. Dante’s going down, no matter what it takes.”
As the group began dissecting the files, Rosa couldn’t shake the feeling that the answers they sought were just out of reach. And that photo of Luciana—her face, her eyes—it haunted her, she knew her, she felt like someone rosa trusted once, she felt too familiar. Like a friend would
Rosa’s past had taught her to trust her instincts, and they were screaming now. Dante wasn’t just a target; he was the key to something much bigger. And whatever it was, Rosa was determined to uncover it—even if it meant facing her own shadows
Even if it meant going back to what she once was.
YOU ARE READING
Lussaria; Her Final Blade
RomanceRosa Salvatore It's three years after Rosa Salvatore left the Rosario's, leaving the life she had always known, behind her, the life she grew up to, blood, Fighting and more sacrifices Now in the heart of New York city she resides, walking and liv...
