As Luna put a forkful of spaghetti into her mouth, the rich, savory flavor exploded on her tongue. She ate quickly at first, then forced herself to slow down. She needed to savor it, to stay composed. This wasn't just food—it was a moment of calm before the storm.
Italian spaghetti is incredible. I'll never regret coming to Italy, she thought, trying to cling to a sense of normalcy.
But Matteo's words from earlier echoed in her mind.
We have to go into hiding… people want to kill me—for the money…
Her fork hovered above the plate. Her stomach tightened.
Who wants to kill him? Who is after him?
She clenched her jaw, swallowing her fear along with her bite of spaghetti.
"Let's go meet the man I told you about," Matteo said, standing. "He has weapons, supplies, and a lot of men. We need more for the operation. But as I said before, we can't trust him until he proves his loyalty."
"Yes, let's go," Lorenzo said, following Matteo.
Luna's eyes widened. I just started eating… only half my spaghetti… She watched them leave, frustration gnawing at her, but she forced herself to focus.
As soon as they stepped into the Mercedes Matteo had brought, she pushed her plate aside and rushed to the waiting taxi.
"Once they start moving, follow them. No matter where they go," she instructed, leaning forward.
"Yes, ma'am. Don't worry. I'll follow them wherever they go," the driver said. "You paid me well enough that I can't fail you. I'm grateful, ma'am."
"Just do as I said," Luna replied. "That's all I ask. If you do this well… you might get an even bigger reward."
The driver nodded, revving the engine.
Inside the Mercedes, Matteo was giving Lorenzo instructions.
Lorenzo, you'll handle this man. Make him believe you're the boss. I'm giving you authority. I won't reveal myself yet.
Luna pressed her hand to her chest, trying to steady the rapid thump of her heartbeat. I have to see this through. I need answers.
The taxi driver fell into formation behind the Mercedes.
"Ma'am, can I ask something?" he said after a moment. "Why are you following them? I saw the house—you're rich. Is he your husband? Is he cheating?"
"Do not ask questions. Just follow them. Do you understand?" Luna said firmly.
"Yes, ma'am," he replied, silent after that.
For an hour, they drove in tense silence. Luna's thoughts churned. Where are they going? Who is this man? Why haven't they stopped yet?
Suddenly, the Mercedes slowed and pulled over. Luna's pulse jumped.
"They're getting out," she whispered.
Matteo and Lorenzo stepped onto the pavement, talking quietly. Luna's eyes followed their movements. She could see their lips, but not hear their words. She exited the taxi slowly, keeping her distance, moving like a shadow.
They entered an abandoned building.
No. I can't lose them now, Luna thought, scanning the area. Her eyes searched for guards. None. Strange—Matteo was never unprotected.
What were they doing here?
She crept closer, staying low. The building's eerie silence made every heartbeat thump in her ears. They climbed a narrow staircase inside. Luna hesitated. Her heels would give her away.
Damn it.
She kicked off her shoes and set them beside the stairs. Barefoot, she followed, each step measured and silent.
Finally, they reached a door. Luna pressed her ear against it. Voices—muted, indistinct. Her stomach twisted.
I need to see. I need to know what's happening.
She nudged the door open a fraction and peeked inside.
Her breath caught.
A tall, burly man stood before Matteo and Lorenzo, a gun in his hands. A deep scar ran down the side of his face, giving him a menacing, almost monstrous presence.
Luna stumbled back slightly, pressing her hand to her mouth to stifle a gasp.
Who is that? Is he the man they came to meet?
Her heart pounded in her chest. Fear clawed at her, but curiosity—and a desperate need for answers—kept her rooted to the spot.
She had come this far. She couldn't leave now. Not until she knew the truth.