BOUND TO HER WILL

pte

Morett

uca Moretti remained unmoved. From his perch on the thirty-eighth floor, the city's neon pulse seemed dist

his partner in both business and ambition now felt like a ghost haunting his every decision. She arrived on cue,

enne said in a hushed tone, mo

with deliberate care. "We're talking now," he replie

. "Are we? Because it feels like I'm speaking into a void. I've be

g her reflection soften in the dark window

ted that love meant vulnerability, that you would evolve beyond al

rld-helping him steer his empire, offering strategies in boardrooms, sharing moments of camaraderie that now felt t

y, success," Luca said, though his voice

t your success, Luca. I wanted you-the man I thoug

would quicken at the slightest touch, yet his mind would retreat, locking away true feeling behind layers of

e finally admitted, voice softening, admitting a truth that h

s hoped you'd one day let someone in, really in, and feel so

d walked out. The heavy door closed behind her, leaving

and confidant, Jase Grean. More than just a business associate, Jase had been by his side through ev

ower, Luca met Jase. The soft hum of jazz filled the background as Jase, lean and ru

r by a train, Luca," Jase remarked,

nne left, Jase. I can't seem to do anything that isn't calculated. I gave he

ther. You made choices that suited the man you were t

der if there's even room to change in a

on was high and the pack gathered? I told you that even in our kind, beneath that steely veneer, there lies a

ark feels more like a flicker now,

ienne's departure was painful, yes-but it cleared space. Maybe it's time to let that s

ed in his potential for genuine love, the dreams they'd half-shared in whispered moments, and the final, anguished

," Luca confessed. "Afraid of what it might mean to

en you saw her? The way you saw that woman in the rain? You were somew

elt in ages-an urge to reach out, to not hide behind walls of power. But

You might not even be aware of it yet. I'm here, man. And remember, our kind isn't only about the

ubt and possibility. "I used to think I needed to b

when you let go of fear. Vivienne wanted real passion and connection-som

memory of Vivienne's parting and the lingering ache it left behind made h

r listening, for always knowing when I need so

riends are for, Luca. And who knows? Maybe this is

ibility of change simmered inside him. He wasn't ready to embrace vulnerability, but

n in the rain-soaked streets felt different now-a man who had just tasted the possibility of something m

eart. Vivienne's departure had left scars, and the memory of her passion still stung. Yet, intertwined with tha

hispered to the silent room. "Maybe

lculated ambition. But with Jase's steady guidance and the dim ember of hope glowing within him, Luca allowed himself to wonder:

ingled with a mysterious yearning. In the recesses of his mind, a thought stirred. Without realizing it, he ne

ght. One that was both t

t, Luca Moretti

d the loneliness and the ho