the first betrayal

Two nights later, Elena found herself in an underground casino—one of Antonio’s many money-laundering fronts. It was packed with high rollers, the air thick with cigar smoke and desperation. Luca had warned her that this mission was dangerous, but she insisted on being here.

"Stay close," Luca murmured in her ear, his palm resting lightly on the small of her back as they moved through the crowd.

She was here for one reason: to steal Antonio’s money right from under his nose.

Luca’s hacker had already breached the casino’s security system, rerouting millions into offshore accounts that Antonio wouldn’t be able to trace—at least, not until it was too late.

But something felt off.

A shiver ran down her spine, and her instincts screamed a warning.

Luca must have felt it too. His grip on her tightened just as the casino doors slammed shut.

Gunmen flooded the room.

Antonio stepped forward, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, a cruel smile on his lips.

"Did you really think I wouldn’t see this coming, Elena?" he taunted. "You always were predictable."

Her blood turned to ice.

Someone had betrayed them.

And judging by the smirk on Antonio’s face, it was someone close.

Luca exhaled, annoyed but calm. "You have terrible timing, Ricci."

Antonio chuckled. "You walked into my trap. What do you think happens next?"

Luca smirked. "I think your men should check their bank accounts."

Antonio’s confident expression flickered. He pulled out his phone, and within seconds, his face twisted in fury.

"You son of a—"

The lights cut out.

Gunfire erupted.

Luca pulled Elena down behind a blackjack table just as bullets tore through the room. "Stay with me," he ordered.

Elena's heart pounded. This wasn’t just about revenge anymore.

This was war.

_______

Chaos erupted as gunfire shattered glasses, overturned table, and sent high-rolling gamblers screaming for cover.

Luca moved fast-too fast.one moment,he was pulling Elena down;the next,he had his gun in his hand,returting fire with the deadly precision.

"Stay low".he ordered, shielding her with his body as he shot two of antonio's men trying to flank them.

Elena's heart pounded.she wasn't just a pawn in this game-she had been antonio's partner once.she knew how he played,and right now,they were in chechmate.

Unless they changed the board.

"We cat stay here",she said, scanning the room.A side exit,hidden behind the VIP booth,led to a back alley.but they'd have to cross open ground to get there.

Luca followed her gaze,then grabbed a dealer's cart and shoved it hard,sending it crashing into two of antonio's gunmen."Go!"

Elena sprinted,heart hammered as bullets recocheted past her.luca was right behind her,covering their escape.

Just as she reached the door,an arm grabbed her.

"Going somewhere, sweetheart"

Antonio.

His grip was iron-strong,his Cologne sickeningly familiar.

"Let me go",she hissed,twisting in his grasp,but he yanked her back against his chest.

"You thought you could steal from me and walk away?" Antonio murmured,voice dripped with venom."Poor Elena,you never learn who you were dealing with."

Before she could retort,a gunshot rang out.

Antonio's grip slackened.

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