Flaming ties

ith the scent of rain, and the streetlights cast long, wavering shadows on the damp pavement. The us

neighborhood, and people were always coming and going. But then the footsteps quickened, matching her own pace.

her cafe a few days earlier, sitting quietly in a corner booth, pretending to read newspaper

n her chest. She reached for her phone, but before she could d

op right

s. She could hear them behind her, their footsteps heavy and fast. S

nto a third man who had appeared from the shadows. She was trapped. Sh

uld see their faces now - cold, hard

elong," he said, his voice dripping with menace.

, no way out. She clenched her fists, trying to think o

e silence. A sleek black car swerved around the corner, headlight

his face a mask of

," he commanded, h

izing who he was. They hesita

," the man who had spoken before g

territory, it becomes my business." He stepped closer, his presence

. He lunged forward, his movements quick and precise. In a matter of seconds, he ha

"that Eva Williams is under my protection. If I see a

than to challenge Luca on his turf. With a final glare, they turn

n stumbled and then ran after his companions. Luca watched the

g heavily, her eyes wide with shock. "

e," he replied. "Or at least, enemies of my business." He took

d just happened. "I... I think so," she man

something you shouldn't have. Something

e anything," she protested. "I

Luca replied. "And they

ow close she'd come to real danger - and how far out of h

"Now," he said, "you stay close to me. I'

knew this wasn't just an offer of protection - it was so

't have much choice. Not i

fear coursing through her veins. "But don't think

his eyes. "Wouldn't dream of it," he said. "B

at was a promise or a thre