Chapter 22 Luciano
Luciano
Isit rigid in the office, my fingers barely steady as I shoot off a group text to my brothers and Charlie:
Each second crawls, every sound outside sharpening my edge. When they finally storm in, Charlie comes straight over to me and sits on my lap, calming me instantly. My brothers sprawl around the room, and I force the meeting to start.
“We recently found out the Andrettis were behind the ambush, thanks to Gabriele’s hacking skills.” I nod towards my brother. They’re all aware of this already, but I make a point to state it again. Their grunts acknowledge their frustrations. “There are rumors they’re trying to push into our turf.”
“What are they playing at?” Charlie’s voice is tight, trying to act tough.
“New cocaine supplier,” I say, coldly stroking her leg.
“But they can’t. We distribute the cocaine in the area,” she questions.
Stefano pipes up, “Want me to set up a meeting with Vince?”
I nod, my eyes sharp while scanning the room. “Yes. But on our turf. I want the upper hand.”
“Can I come?” Charlie asks.
“No,” I cut her off hard. “You’re safer here.” She opens her mouth to protest, but one look from me shuts it down. “Not today, Charlie,” I warn her. “I will not risk your safety. They’ve already threatened your life.”
She doesn’t say a word, just gets up and leaves with a huff.
Carlo grunts his disapproval. “Let her come, Luciano.”
Mattia laughs. “He will tonight.” He raises his hand for a high five.
“Grow the fuck up,” Stefano snaps at Mattia from his seat in front, but Mattia just shrugs and lounges further into the couch, unbothered.
“It’s too risky. What if this turns out to be another setup for Vince to get to her?”
“You can’t keep her locked away in a tower, Luciano.” Carlo stands. He’s becoming more of an advocate for Charlie and how she’s coping in our world.
I throw my glass at the wall. How dare they question me about Charlie’s safety? “I’m protecting her.”
Stefano presses on, unphased by my outburst. “We know who to watch out for.”
Gabriele’s quiet voice cuts through, backing his brothers. “Danger’s always going to be close by, Luciano. She’s Caterina’s daughter.”
“It’s not the time yet,” I bark. My heart pounds; fear and duty clash inside me. I need to keep her safe, but I also want to stand strong with her by my side against what’s coming.
Stefano wastes no time setting a meeting with the Andrettis for two days’ time, at our docks.
Our turf, our rules. The days blur into tense preparation.
Every detail sharp: who’s seen, who’s hidden, every position locked tight.
Charlie drifts through the office, quiet, on edge, prodding for answers, but I slam them shut every time.
“Let us focus, Charlie!” I yell at her. “I’ll explain later.”
But beneath it all, something’s wrong. Why does the Andrettis’ sudden push feel like a trap?
As we load into the cars, Charlie waits on the steps, her eyes locked on our convoy. “Are you sure I can’t come?” she pleads.
“It’s too dangerous. Stay with Rocco,” I say, the weight of what’s coming crushing me. “I need to find out what they want first.”
She stays silent, her eyes on the cars, worry carved deep. “Be safe,” she whispers.