CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

The kiss was a whirlwind of emotions, a collision of anger , passion and unspoken words . Lucas hands roamed over Olivia's back, pulling her closer , asif trying to fuse their bodies together. Olivia responded with equal intensity, her fingers tangling in his hair, feeling the heat and strength emanating from him.

But quickly as it began Olivia's phone buzzed, making Lucas pull away, breathing heavily , his eyes dark with a mixture of regret and longing, “It's Monica” Olivia whispered.

“Go ahead, You can take it” Lucas said, his voice strained.

Olivia hesitated for a moment before stepping out of the room to answer, “Monica”, She greeted , trying to keep her voice steady.

“Olivia! Have you started making plans to get us out of this mess”? Monica’s voice was a mix of impatience and concern.

“No, I haven't”. Olivia replied, glancing back at Lucas's door.

Monica's sighed heavily, “Liv, I like the soft treatment I'm getting here, but I still want to get out, Why haven't you made any plans?”

Olivia took a deep breath, “I think, I think, I'm in love with Lucas”.

There was a long silence on the other end of the line before Monica’s incredulous voice broke it, “Are you mad! Or high on something? Liv , this is the man who is responsible for everything we’re going through”.

“I know, but….there’s more to him, than just the ruthless Mafia boss. He’s complex , and I can't help how I feel”.Olivia exclaimed , her voice wearing.

Monica's tone hardened, “Olivia, you’re letting your feelings cloud your judgement! This man has kept us captive, put us in danger, and you’re falling for him? Wake up Liv!

“He’s not just a monster Monica, there's a side to him ……that cares, that's protective. I’ve seen it”, Olivia argued, tears welling up her eyes.

“Protective? Liv , he’s the reason we are in this mess! Don't you get it? Falling for him is a death sentence . You have to think about our safety , about getting us out of here,” Monica’s voice was desperate, pleading.

“I do think about our safety . But it's not that simple. I'm torn, Monica my feelings for him are real, and I can't just switch them off”, Olivia said, her voice breaking.

“Liv , please, listed to me. You can't trust him. No matter what soft side he shows you, he’s still a Mafia boss. His world is dangerous , and it will destroy you”, Monica's voice was thick with emotions.


“I know the risks, but I can't help how I feel. I promise, I'll find a way to keep us safe, but I can't ignore my heart” ,Olivia whispered wiping her tears.

“You’re making a mistake Liv, a big one. But if you're determined , then I just hope you don't end up regretting it”, Monica's said, her voice resigned but still worried.

“I hope so too, Olivia said quietly, “Stay, safe , Monica, I’ll figure something out”.

“You better,”Monica's said before ending the call.

When Olivia returned to Lucas' room, she found him asleep, the sight of him lying there, so peaceful and vulnerable stirred something deep in her.

She quietly walked over to his bed, admiring his chiseled figure, his strong jawline was softened by sleep, his usually intense eyes closed, and his lips slightly parted.

She sat at the edge of the bed, trying to gently remove a strand of hair from his forehead. As she did, a wave of tenderness washed over her.

She stood up to leave, but before she could move, Lucas's hand, grabbed her wrist with surprising gentleness.

“Stay”, he murmured, his eyes still closed and his voice husky with sleep.

Olivia's eyes ponded in her chest as she sat back down, Lucas’s grip was firm yet tender.

“Why do you want me to say”? She whispered, her voice trembling.

Lucas’s eyes were now half opened,a mixture of vulnerability and need as he looked at her, “Because….. I need you, even if I don't show it, I need you”.

The raw honesty in his words surprised Olivia. She felt moved by Lucas’s words , she blinked her eyes, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes.

“I’m here”, She said softly, her hands resting on his.

Lucas pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her, like she was gonna run. Olivia felt Lucas' arm firmly around her, as he pulled her closer.

She could feel his breath against her ear, sending sensations down her spine. He whispered, his voice low and sexy, “Olivia, I need you to promise me something”.

Her heart pounded as she listened, waiting for his next words, “Don't try to escape. I have a lot of enemies out there, enemies who would do anything, to harm the people around me. I want you always by my side”.

She pulled back slightly , just enough to look into his eyes, “Lucas,I …I don't want to escape anymore, I want to stay with you”.

His gaze softened, and he nodded slightly, “I’m glad to hear that. But you need to understand the danger. Massimo thinks I killed his sister , Olga. He's coming for war, and he won't hesitate to use anyone to get me”.

Olivia's eyes widened in shock, “But you didn't kill her, did you?”

Lucas shook his head, “No, I didn't , She got into an accident after leaving the club. But Massimo dosent believe that, he thinks I ordered her death, and he’s coming for revenge”.

Tears welled up Olivia's eyes, as she realized the gravity of the situation , “Lucas, I’m sorry, this is all complicated and dangerous”.

Lucas cupped her face in his hands, his touch gentle despite the intensity of his gaze, “I don't want you to be sorry, Olivia. I want you to be safe . And the safest place for you is here, with me”.

She nodded, her emotions swirling inside her, “I understand. I’ll Stay . But what are you going to do about Massimo?”

A hard look crossed Lucas face, his jaw tightening. “We’ll be ready for him. But you need to stay out of harm’s way. Promise me you’ll do that”.

“I promise”, She whispered, her voice trembling with emotions.

Lucas expression softened, and he leaned in pressing his forehead against hers, “I want you close to me”, he murmured.

Olivia felt a tear escape and slid down her cheeks, She knew she was getting herself involved in a dangerous world, but she just couldn't help her feelings for this Mafia boss who has captured her heart.