Threats and Tender Moments

The morning sun filtered through Leo's penthouse windows, casting a golden glow over Lussi's sleeping form. She woke up wrapped in silk sheets that smelled like him, but his side of the bed was empty. A handwritten note lay on his pillow:

"Had an early meeting. Breakfast is ready in the kitchen. Don't leave without security.

Your Devil ❤️"

Lussi smiled at the heart he'd drawn - such a small, sweet gesture from someone so feared. In the kitchen, she found a feast: fresh croissants, fruits, juice, and coffee kept warm in an expensive-looking machine.

As she ate, Nick appeared. "Miss Cambridge, the boss asked me to drive you home when you're ready."

"Thank you, Nick. And please, call me Lussi."

On the drive home, Lussi noticed two black cars following them. "Extra security," Nick explained. "Boss's orders."

At home, her mother was waiting with a stern expression. "Lussi, where were you? And what are these cars outside our house?"

"Mother, I..." Lussi started, but was interrupted by their butler.

"Madam, Duke Cambridge requests both of your presence in his study immediately."

In her father's study, Lussi found not only her father but also several important-looking men. Her heart stopped when she recognized one - he was at Leo's penthouse last night during the emergency meeting.

"Lussi," her father began gravely, "these gentlemen have brought some... concerning information about your new association."

Her mother gasped. "What association?"

"Leonardo Valentini," one man said, making Lussi's mother turn pale.

"The Devil of the Underground?" her mother whispered. "Lussi, tell me you're not involved with him!"

Before Lussi could respond, her phone rang. Leo's name flashed on the screen. Everyone stared as she answered.

"Little one," Leo's voice was worried. "Are you okay? My sources just told me about the meeting."

"I'm with my parents," she said softly.

"Put me on speaker."

When she did, Leo's voice filled the room. "Duke Cambridge, I apologize for not introducing myself properly earlier. I would like to request a formal meeting with you and your family."

The study fell silent. The Devil of the Underground, asking for a proper meeting? Unheard of.

"Mr. Valentini," her father spoke carefully, "given your... reputation..."

"I understand your concerns," Leo interrupted smoothly. "That's exactly why I wish to meet. Your daughter has become very important to me, and I want to do this right."

After a tense moment, her father agreed to dinner that evening.

Hours later, Lussi was nervous as she got ready. A delivery arrived - a stunning red dress with a note: "You look beautiful in anything, but this made me think of you. - L"

The doorbell rang exactly at seven. Leo entered their mansion looking devastatingly handsome in a tailored suit, carrying roses for her mother and a rare bottle of whiskey for her father.

Dinner was initially tense, but Leo handled it masterfully. He spoke of his legitimate businesses, his philanthropy work, and his plans for the future. He carefully avoided mentioning his other activities, but didn't deny them when her father brought them up.

"I won't pretend to be something I'm not," Leo said honestly. "My world is complicated, but my feelings for your daughter are pure. She makes me want to be better."

After dinner, while her parents discussed something privately, Leo and Lussi sneaked into the garden.

"You were amazing," she said, leaning into him.

"I meant every word," he pulled her closer. "You do make me want to be better."

Suddenly, shots rang out. Leo instantly covered Lussi with his body, pushing her behind a stone pillar. His men appeared from nowhere, returning fire.

"Stay down!" he ordered, his gentle demeanor replaced by fierce protectiveness.

It was over quickly. One of Leo's men approached. "Boss, it was Milan's family. They're trying to make a statement."

Leo's eyes turned deadly. "Milan? The same girl who drugged Lussi?"

Lussi grabbed his arm. "Leo, no! Don't hurt them."

"They tried to hurt you!" his voice was sharp with anger.

"Then protect me without violence," she pleaded. "Show them you're different."

Leo stared at her, conflict clear in his eyes. Finally, he sighed. "You're making me soft, little one."

"No," she smiled, touching his cheek. "I'm helping you remember who you really are."

Her parents rushed out, having heard the commotion. Instead of being frightened by the violence, her father seemed impressed by Leo's protection of Lussi.

"You really care for her," her father stated.

"More than my own life," Leo answered without hesitation.

Later that night, after everything calmed down, Leo and Lussi sat in her family's garden. Security patrolled discretely in the background.

"I'm sorry you had to see that side of my life," he said softly.

"Don't be. Every side of you is part of who you are, and I..." she paused, gathering courage. "I love all of you."

Leo froze. "You love me? Even after seeing the violence?"

"I love the man who cooks his grandmother's recipes, plays piano, and would take a bullet for me. The fact that you're also the Devil of the Underground? That's just part of your charm."

Leo pulled her into a passionate kiss. When they parted, he pressed his forehead against hers. "I love you too, my brave little angel. But loving me won't be easy."

"The best things in life never are," she smiled.

"Your father gave me permission to court you properly," he revealed. "No more sneaking around."

"The devil, asking for permission?" she teased. "What happened to your reputation?"

"You happened," he smiled, pulling out a small box. Inside was a delicate necklace with a pendant - half angel wing, half devil wing. "To remind you that sometimes the best love stories are between angels and devils."

As he clasped it around her neck, Lussi knew their story was just beginning. There would be more challenges, more dangers, but also more love, more tender moments, and more chances to show the world that even devils can find redemption in the arms of an angel.

In the distance, Milan's family was plotting their next move, unaware that crossing the Devil of the Underground was dangerous enough - but crossing a devil in love? That was a death wish they'd soon regret...

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