1. The Gates Open- January 5th, 2026 #3
Luca slowly slid his eyes out the window and laid eyes on the white limestone columns that rose from the ground in a flawless symmetry.
Tall carved cherubs with marble wings stretched toward the sky and was frozen mid-flight.
Iron gates curled in delicate patterns of roses and thorns, painted pearl instead of black.
The building was beautiful enough to fool anyone who didn’t know what kind of business breathed behind its walls.
The place looked untouched by the grim of downtown L.A.
It had manicured hedges, a marble fountain that spilled crystal water into a basin shaped like angel wings, and valet attendants dressed in tailored white suits who moved with precision.
If a person didn’t know better, they’d think it was a high-end social club for politicians’ wives and philanthropists.
It was the exact illusion that Lucille wanted for House of Angels.
House of Angels was Lucille’s main domain, especially this particular building. It’s where she spent most of her time. Over the years her high-class escort house rose in business. It was also a gold-plated pipeline for information, money laundering, and leverage in which gave her power.
Luca’s gaze slid past the glowing front entrance toward the back of the property.
A large camper sat parked behind the building, partially hidden by a row of tall trees.
The camper was matte black with chrome accents.
Solar panels sat along the roof. The heavy-duty tires on the camper said that it wasn’t built for comfort but for movement… possibly escape.
Luca’s jaw tightened as his thick bushy brows furrowed. He lifted his hand slightly, fingers moving with controlled precision.
“Why is that here?” He signed sharply.
Roy followed his line of sight and let out a low breath. La’Nova remained a big question mark to him. He didn’t know her personally, but knew that she was young, ugly, and big. She worked close to Lucille and was mean as hell.
“La’Nova Reign works for LuLu.” Roy spoke instead of signing back to Luca.
“Employee…or problem?” Luca signed back.
“Depends on who you ask. If you ask LuLu, she’s cool and loved by her. If you ask me…she’s weird as fuck.” Roy smirked faintly. “I don’t trust her either,” Roy added bitterly.
Luca studied Roy for a beat and nodded his head.
He wouldn’t speak on the facial expression that he picked up from Roy.
Roy didn’t want to admit that he tried his hand with La’Nova simply because he thought she’d be easy pussy since she didn’t have it all in the looks department to him.
She turned him down coldly and even bruised his male ego while doing so.
Roy saw the look Luca gave him and decided to add more to her description.
“She’s Lucille’s eyes and ears. Overseas operations at this location. She schedules the girls, clients, and sometimes deal with the money flow. LuLu even lets her handle disputes before they reach her. Surface shit, but to me, if shit went bad…Lulu would have to kill her.”
It was evident in Roy’s voice that he disliked the woman.
Luca found it comical and interesting. He simply nodded his head in understanding, not wanting to spend wasted time talking about a woman that he didn’t care to know any further.
He did find himself wanting to know why she chose the huge camper as a way of transportation to House of Angels.
The Maybach sat idle as Luca remained quiet. Roy didn’t know why Luca hadn’t gotten out of the car yet but knew better than to rush him.
“She lives in that camper.” He offered information that wasn’t asked.
Just as Luca prepared himself to sign to Roy that he didn’t give a fuck, the doors to the camper opened. Both men couldn’t believe who stepped down on the top step adjusting his pants to ride his waist.
Luca’s brother Kentrell’s eyes were wide and wild as he looked around. His eyes never landed on the Maybach to take note that his brother was behind the heavily tinted windows. Luca squinted his eyes and studied Kentrell from a distance.
Kentrell had scratch marks on his neck and forehead.
Underneath Kentrell’s right eye was red and slightly swollen.
He stumbled down the steps like he was drunk and hopped into his Lamborghini truck.
Seconds later he skirted out of the parking lot with Luca’s mind spinning different scenarios of what he was doing inside of La’Nova’s camper.
“Wow,” Roy stated lowly with his own jealousy and rage simmering.
“Kentrell swear up and down all he fuck on is bad bitches—”
Roy stopped talking when he noticed Luca’s eyes pinned on him.
He’s still a bitch ass nigga… Luca thought as his jaw tightened.
He didn’t take it to heart about never hearing a word from his brother the entire seven years of his bid.
He didn’t trust Kentrell and hated that Lucille put so much trust into her eldest son.
Kentrell was nothing more but a nigga on the streets to Luca.
He wrote his brother off when they were kids.
Although it pained Dontrell Sr., it made Di Luca no never mind.
Some words couldn’t be retracted once said.
Ever since Kentrell told Di Luca how he really felt about him, he held him to it and vowed to never forget.