161
Dean’s POV
The tension in the air was suffocating as I stormed into my room, slamming the door shut behind me. My mind was spinning, the weight of the picture Luca had sent me pressing heavily on my chest. How had things spiraled so far out of control? I didn’t know what Luca thought he was doing, but whatever it was, it wasn’t going to end well for him.
I yanked open my closet, grabbed a crisp shirt, and threw it on, my movements sharp and deliberate. My hands trembled slightly, but I pushed the unease aside. I needed to focus. If Luca wanted to play games, I’d play. But I’d make sure he regretted it.
Just as I fastened the last button on my shirt, there was a knock at the door. I froze for a second, letting out a frustrated sigh before opening it. Alina stood there, her arms crossed, her eyes narrowing at me.
“And where are you heading off to in such a rush?” she asked, her voice carrying a note of suspicion.
“I need to get out for a bit,” I said, keeping my tone neutral. “Clear my head. Everything going on has been... a lot.”
Her eyes softened slightly, but I could still see the doubt lingering there. “You’re not planning anything reckless, are you? We need to stay united now more than ever.”
I forced a small, tired smile. “Reckless? No. I just need some air, Alina. I’ll be back soon.”
She seemed to hesitate, her gaze searching my face for any sign of deceit, but I didn’t flinch. Finally, she nodded, stepping aside. “Fine. But don’t take too long. There’s still a lot to deal with.”
“Of course,” I murmured, brushing past her and heading for the car park.
As I approached my car, I spotted Bianca and Jenny standing near one of the other vehicles, deep in conversation. My steps faltered slightly, but I quickly composed myself and walked past them, hoping they wouldn’t notice me.
“Dean!” Bianca’s voice called out, stopping me in my tracks.
I turned slowly, my expression blank. “What?”
“Where are you off to?” she asked, her tone sharp.
“Out,” I said curtly, not in the mood for their interrogation.
Jenny stepped forward, her arms crossed. “Out? Care to elaborate?”
“No,” I snapped, my patience thinning. “It’s none of your business.”
Bianca raised an eyebrow, exchanging a look with Jenny. “We’re just curious. You’ve been acting... strange.”
I rolled my eyes. “I don’t owe you an explanation. Now, if you’ll excuse me...”
Without waiting for a response, I turned on my heel and climbed into my car, slamming the door shut. As I started the engine, I caught a glimpse of the two of them watching me, their expressions unreadable.
The drive to the location Luca had sent was tense, the silence in the car broken only by the hum of the engine. My grip on the steering wheel tightened as I replayed the events of the past few days in my mind. I couldn’t let him get the upper hand. Whatever he thought he had on me, I’d make sure it wasn’t enough.
When I finally pulled up to the abandoned building, I parked the car and sat for a moment, my heart pounding. This wasn’t how I’d envisioned things going. But if Luca wanted to confront me, then so be it.
I pulled out my phone and dialed his number, the tension building with every ring.
“You’re here,” he said when he answered, his voice calm, almost taunting.
“Where are you?” I demanded, my eyes scanning the building’s exterior.
“Inside,” he replied. “Come in. Let’s talk.”
His words hung in the air as the line went dead. I shoved the phone into my pocket and stepped out of the car, taking a deep breath. Whatever game Luca was playing, he’d soon realize I wasn’t one to back down.
___
Luca's POV
I leaned back in the chair, my arms crossed as I stared at the door. The faint sound of footsteps echoed in the distance, growing louder with each step. My eyes narrowed, anticipation simmering beneath my calm exterior. Dean was finally here.
The door creaked open, and there he was his expression a mixture of anger and wariness. His gaze flicked around the room before landing on me.
“You’ve got some nerve,” he said, walking closer. “What the hell is this about, Luca? Why did you abduct my man?”
I smirked, rising slowly from the chair. “Why did you send him to Benedicta’s house?”
Dean scoffed, his eyes narrowing. “Merlin is my son. I have every right to want to see him.”
“Your son?” I repeated, my voice dripping with disbelief. “You mean the child you conveniently ignored until now? Spare me the excuses, Dean. We both know this has nothing to do with Merlin and everything to do with your desperation to cover your tracks.”
Dean stiffened, but his voice remained cold. “What do you want, Luca? What’s your endgame here?”
I stepped closer, keeping my gaze locked on his. “It’s simple. I’ll let go of Lia. I’ll even go far away and disappear from your life and everyone else’s. But only on one condition.”
He tilted his head, suspicion evident in his eyes. “And what condition is that?”
“You destroy the gun,” I said, my voice steady. “The same gun you used to kill Finn.”
The mention of Finn’s name made his face twitch, though he quickly masked his reaction. “Why would I do that?” he asked, his tone laced with skepticism. “Why should I trust you?”
I reached into my pocket, pulled out my travel documents, and held them up for him to see. “This is my visa to Puerto Rico. I boarded a flight three days after... everything. I’ve got nothing to lose, Dean. All I need is your agreement. Destroy the gun, and I’ll leave peacefully. No more games, no more threats.”
He stared at the documents for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then his gaze shifted back to me. “And I’m supposed to just take your word for it?”
I chuckled, shaking my head. “Dean, this isn’t about trust. It’s about survival. Do you want to keep Alina in the dark about who you really are? Fine. But as long as that gun exists, you’re vulnerable. Destroy it, and I’m out of your hair for good.”
He seemed to consider my words, his jaw tightening as he weighed his options. The room fell silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife.
Finally, he exhaled sharply and nodded. “Fine. We have a deal. But if you cross me, Luca—”
I raised a hand, cutting him off. “Save your threats, Dean. I know exactly who I’m dealing with.”
His eyes narrowed, but he didn’t respond. I watched as the tension in his shoulders eased slightly, the smallest crack in his otherwise unshakable facade.
“Good,” I said, slipping the documents back into my pocket. “Then let’s get this over with.”
For the first time in years, it felt like I had the upper hand. But I knew better than to trust Dean entirely. This was just the beginning, and I was prepared for whatever came next.
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