The next morning came with sunlight that felt like a lie.
Alina sat on the balcony of her "gilded cage," stirring coffee she hadn't touched. Below, men in black suits scanned the perimeter like wolves in expensive coats.
She wasn't sure if they were protecting her… or guarding her.
The door creaked open again—no knock this time.
"You're really into breaking and entering, aren't you?" she said without turning.
Luca walked past her and poured his own coffee, like he lived there. Like this was normal.
"You're still alive. You're welcome."
Alina scoffed. "Is that how you treat your guests? Or just the ones you abduct?"
Luca sat across from her, setting his cup down with precise calm. His eyes found hers.
"Your brother is getting louder."
Her stomach twisted. "What do you mean?"
"I mean Elijah's been speaking to people we monitor. Buying loyalty. Slipping money through fake subsidiaries. Moving like a man preparing for war."
Alina blinked. "He wouldn't—he's just—he's always been like that. Calculated, controlling, but he wouldn't—"
"He would," Luca said, voice cool. "He's your father's son."
She looked away, jaw tight. "He's not like my father."
"Then you're the only one who believes that."
Silence settled between them. Not hostile. Just... heavy.
She finally asked, "Why do you hate us so much?"
Luca didn't blink. "Your family put a bullet in my brother's throat."
Alina froze. "That—"
"I watched him bleed out on a floor just like this one," he continued, calm as stone. "He was smarter than me. Kinder. He tried to make peace with your father. And he died for it."
Her voice was small. "You think my dad ordered it?"
"I know he did," Luca said. "And if Elijah takes over… he'll finish what Richard started."
Alina's thoughts spun like a storm. She stood abruptly, needing distance from the truth—and from him.
"I need air."
"You're on a balcony," Luca said dryly.
"I need space, then."
When she stormed back inside, she didn't hear him follow. But she felt his presence, always—like the heat of a fire you couldn't see, only sense behind your skin.
She found herself back in the massive bathroom, leaning against the marble sink. Her reflection looked like a stranger. Her heart pounded too fast.
And that's when the door opened behind her.
Her eyes locked on Luca's in the mirror. He hadn't knocked. Again.
"I said I needed space," she snapped, spinning to face him.
He didn't apologize. He took a slow step forward. "Then stop standing in places where I can hear your heart race."
That stopped her.
"What are you talking about?"
"I hear it," he said quietly. "Whenever I get too close."
She swallowed. "You're imagining things."
He moved closer. "Maybe."
Now he was close again—too close. Just like the night before. His voice dropped low.
"You should be afraid of me."
Alina didn't back away. "Maybe I am."
They stood there for a moment—him in shadows, her in sunlight, both breathing like the air had teeth.
Then he stepped back, leaving heat in his place.
"If you want to live," Luca said, cold again, "stay where I can see you."
Alina watched him disappear into the hallway, heart hammering like it didn't belong to her anymore.
It wasn't just that he was dangerous.
It was that some part of her… didn't want to run.