"I am the boss—the mafia boss who called you—and this is one of my right-hand men," Matteo said, his voice calm but carrying authority.
Lorenzo nodded smoothly. "Yeah. Nice to meet you."
"Same," Jerry replied.
Matteo's disguise was perfect: glasses, a cap, and a scarf covering most of his face. He looked… cool. Luna's stomach knotted. Why would he need a disguise? He's my husband.
"Do you have what we need? I did my research—you said you have around a thousand men?" Lorenzo asked, playing the role of the boss flawlessly.
"Yes, I have them," Jerry said eagerly. "I've been trying to get into the mafia for a long time. The cops, military, government officials—they make things difficult. I need to be under your protection. I handle my business, but I want authority and security. I'm involved in drug smuggling too. I can be useful to you."
Lorenzo's gaze hardened. "Okay. But trust isn't given lightly. Where are your men? I need to see them, prove their usefulness. Prove your usefulness. Otherwise… you're useless. And useless pawns get disposed of."
"You understand?" Matteo added, his tone measured. "You don't need us for money. You want power. That's what we can give you. So… where are your men?"
Jerry swallowed. "They're busy at the moment. But I can call them—within thirty minutes, they'll all be here. They won't all fit in this building, but they'll come at my command. I'll be useful however you need. If I fail, you can dispose of me, but I'll prove myself. Just tell me what to do."
Lorenzo's voice cut through, calm but deadly. "There's no need for your men right now. We're just talking. I'll contact you later with your first task. Consider yourself a pawn—I use pawns however I like. Be grateful I even came to meet you."
"Yes, sir. Thank you," Jerry said, bowing slightly.
Luna's hand trembled as she fumbled for her phone, switching it to silent. She cracked the door just enough to snap a quick picture.
"Alright. That's it for now," Lorenzo said, glancing at Matteo. "Next time, I'll give you something to prove yourself."
Matteo checked his watch. "We should go."
Luna's heart raced. They're coming out—I have to leave—now!
She darted down the staircase, grabbing her shoes as quietly as she could. Her adrenaline surged as she sprinted to the taxi.
"Start the car! Drive—NOW!" she shouted.
The driver didn't hesitate. Tires screeched as the taxi surged forward, tailing Matteo and Lorenzo's Mercedes.
From the abandoned building, Matteo's eyes narrowed. "Did you hear that?"
Lorenzo's hand instinctively went to his weapon. "Yeah. Let's check it out."
Matteo's hand hovered over his gun, but by the time they burst outside, the taxi was gone. He lowered his weapon with a frustrated sigh. "Damn it."
Inside the taxi, Luna's chest heaved. Her hands shook. She'd gotten the proof she needed—but if Matteo had noticed, it would have been over. She gave the driver instructions to head home immediately.
Meanwhile, Matteo and Lorenzo remained on edge.
"Who could that have been? Who's following us?" Matteo muttered. "At the restaurant, I felt eyes on us. I looked, but saw nothing."
"Could it be another group?" Lorenzo asked. "We're the biggest mafia in the country. Anyone bold enough to follow us will face war once we find out."
Matteo's jaw tightened. "Maybe it's the Yakuza. Skilled fighters… but they don't have our numbers. Still, they're dangerous."
Lorenzo nodded. "It could also be about money. The former boss's fortune isn't ours yet. Only a few know my real identity. Only my most trusted men have seen me. So who could it be?"
Matteo exhaled sharply. "Enough. Let's go. I need to see my wife."
The Mercedes roared to life, Lorenzo stepping out at a stop while Matteo's car continued home.
Luna's hands still trembled as the taxi pulled up to the mansion. The security guards were posted as usual—she had to be careful. She waited in the shadows, letting them relax before sneaking in.
Just as she thought she was safe, the maid appeared.
"Ma'am? Where have you been?" the maid asked, eyes wide with curiosity.
Luna held up a finger. "Shh! Don't tell anyone. I just went out to buy something."
The maid frowned. "Buy something? But you're carrying nothing."
Luna rolled her eyes. "I didn't find what I wanted. That's enough for you? Now get back to work."
After a hesitant nod, the maid walked away.
Luna let out a slow, shaky breath. That had been too close.