SIXTY

Lucas chuckled, trying to steady his voice, “Everything’s fine, Vincent. Just …..catching my breath.”

Vincent’s tone tuned playful. “Oh, I see. You must be uh ……..busy with Miss Carter.”

Lucas glanced down at Olivia, who was smirking at him , clearly listening to the conversation . Her roles his eyes, but couldn't help the smile that tugged at his lips. “You could say that.”

Vincent chuckled.“Alright, I won't keep you. Just wanted to update you on business front. Dominique Santos is pushing for a meeting.”

Lucas’s mood shifted slightly, his expression becoming serious, “Domnique, huh? Alright, set it up for when I get back. Anything else?”

“Nothing urgent, Boss. Just making sure you’re okay?” Vincent replied , his tone back to being professional.

“Thanks, Vincent. We’ll talk soon.” Lucas ended the call, placing the phone on the nightstand.

Olivia raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued, “Dominique Santos? Sounds serious. Who is he?”

Lucas nodded, running a hand through his hair, “He’s…. …..a complicated one . A business associate. But don't worry about it, for now let's just focus on us.”

Olivia smiled, nuzzling closer to him. As they lay there, the only sounds being the gentle rustling of the leaves outside and their steady breath.

“I’m glad you have someone like Vincent,” Olivia said softly. “And that I have you.”

Lucas's heart swelled with affection. He kissed her forehead, holding her close. “And i have you, my love.”

They drifted off to sleep , wrapped in each other's arms .


…….🌵

In the heart of Sicily , Dominique Santos sat behind a mahogany desk in his opulent office. He wore a tailored black suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist . His eyes, sharp and calculating, were the colour of cold steel, and they bore into Enzo Russo sitting across from him, and intensity that made Enzo's skin crawl .

He puffed on his cigarette, exhaling a smoke steam vapor that intermixed with the dim lighting of his office. The scent of expensive tobacco hung in the air.

Enzo's hands were clasped tightly together, his knuckles white with tension as he tried to maintain his composure.

Dominique’s face was chiseled and hard, with a scar running from his left temple down to his jawline - a permanent reminder of the violent life he led. Enzo knew too well that a deal with Dominique Santos was akin to making a pact with the devil .

Dominique leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled. “Enzo, you understand the terms of your agreement, don't you? His voice was smooth, almost oily , with a hint of menace lurking beneath the surface.

Enzo nodded nervously, “Yes, Mr Santos. I understand . But the percentage you’re asking for…. it's quite high.”

Dominique took another drag, his smile widening but not reaching his eyes. “High? My dear Enzo , I’m providing you with protection , connections and a lucrative opportunity . Surely you can see that my share is more than fair.”

Enzo swallowed hard, knowing he had little choice but to agree. “Of course, Mr. Santos. I just……..I wanted to make sure we were clear.”

Dominique’s expression hardened slightly. “Crystal clear. Now sign the papers, Enzo.”

With a heavy heart , Enzo picked up the pen and signed the contract , effectively handing over a significant portion of his business to Dominique . As he did so, Dominique eyes gleamed with satisfaction. His greed no bounds , and he reveled in the power he held over those who came to him in desperation.

“Excellent,” Dominique said, taking the sighed documents and placing them in a drawer. “You won't regret this Enzo, I assure you.”

Enzo forced a smile, though his stomach churned with unease. “Thank You, Mr Santos . I’ll do my best to ensure our partnership is successful.”

Dominique waved a dismissive hand. “I’m sure you will. Now go. I have other matters to attend to.”

As Enzo left the office, Dominique’s smile faded, replaced by a calculating look. He was always three step ahead, always looking for the next opportunity to expand his empire . He took another drag on his cigarette , savoring the taste of power and control.

He picked his phone and dialed a number, “It’s Dominique . I have another task for you. There's a small competitor in the southern district . I want them …..persuaded to sell. Make it happen.”

Dominique ended the call, a smirk playing on his lips . As he leaned back, a memory surfaced, one that always brought a mixture of irritation and grudging respect: his business deal with Lucas.

Years ago, Lucas had walked into Dominique’s office with same confidence he always carried, completely unfaxed by Dominique’s reputation.

Dominique, sitting behind his imposing desk, had studied Lucas with narrowed eyes “Lucas Moretti.” he had said, his voice laced with curiosity and a hint of challenge. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

Lucas had taken a seat, his posture relaxed, but his gaze sharp . “Likewise , Dominique. I understand you’re interested in expanding your operations into New York.”

Dominique’s eyes had gleamed with ambition, “Indeed. And I understand you control significant territory there. It would beneficial for both of us to come to an agreement.”

Lucas had nodded, his expression unreadable. “Agreed. But let's be clear - I'm not here to bend to your will. This needs to be mutually beneficial , or it won't happen.”

Dominique had leaned forward, intrigued, “Of course, so what do you purpose?”

Lucas had laid out his terms , each point meticulously detailed. He had offered Dominique a share of his distribution network in exchange for a cut of the profits and access to Dominique’s European contacts. It was a fair deal,but Dominique wanted to maneuver Lucas and take more than what was offered.

Dominique had smiled, a predatory glint in his eyes, “Your terms are……interesting. But surely , you can be more generous. After all , my resources could greatly enhance your operations.”

Lucas had met his gaze evenly. “Generosity isn't part of my vocabulary, Mr Santos . Efficiency and profitablity are.”

Frustration had simmered beneath Dominique’s calm demeanor , he had tried to push harder , using vieled threats and promises of greater reward, but Lucas had remained unyielding.

Finally, Dominique had realized that Lucas wouldn't budge. He had agreed to the terms knowing that Lucas was a formidable opponent. “Fine,” Dominique had said, extending his hand. “We have a deal.”

Lucas had shaken his hand firmly. “Good, let's make this work.”

As Dominique sat in his office now, the memory brought a bitter taste to his mouth. Lucas was the one man who had stood his grounds and made him respect boundaries. Dominique took another drag on his cigarette, he vowed that this time the outcome would be different.