“POV:Lucian”

I didn't flinch. I crouched low behind the door, peeking through the door hole, with my Glock in my hands loaded and my finger curled tightly around the trigger.

‘Uncle Matteo.’

I hissed under my breath, “Shit.”

The last time Uncle Matteo showed up unannounced, a warehouse full of traitors had disappeared without a single trace.

I tucked the gun behind my waistband, smoothing down my shirt.

Then paused, steadying my pulse, before flipping the door knob open. I greeted, nodding and placing a hand over his chest then kissing his knuckle.

“Zio,” I said with respect.

“Lucian,” Matteo replied with a grunt. His voice was dry and cold. Two guards flanked him like silent , hulking shadows.

“Come in,” I said, stepping aside and motioning into the apartment. Matteo stepped inside like he owned the place, his eyes scanning every inch of my apartment.

“Want a drink?” I asked.

“I didn’t come here for drinks,” Matteo snapped. Brushing past me.

I shut the door behind him. My pulse ticking

Still Matteo didn’t sit. He stood in the centre of the room like a storm about to break, his arms crossed and eyes sweeping over the place with disdain.

“We’ve sent messages. Calls. Even your cousin,” he said. “And you’ve been dodging us like some scared little boy.”

“I’m not dodging,” I said carefully. “I’m just not ready—”

Matteo barked out a cold humorless laugh.“You think readiness matters in this family?” Matteo cut in sharply. “This empire doesn’t wait for your mood swings. Your father built his legacy with blood. Your grandfather bled for it. And you? you sit up here playing music, smoking weed , while vultures circle what’s ours?”

I kept mute, trying to suppress my words. Until I could not hold back any longer . My jaw tightened.

“I didn’t ask for this life.”

“Well, guess what?” Matteo snapped. “It’s yours. Whether you want it or not.”

He stepped forward, close enough that I could smell the reek of cigars and gunpowder on his coat. His voice dropped into a low threat.

“This is your final warning, Lucian. Either you come home and take your place, or we take everything back.”

I sank to the armrest, trying to control myself.

“You haven’t even given us a woman,” Matteo continued, his voice slicing deeper. “No wife. No girlfriend. No heir. Nothing.”

My throat tightened.

“You want to act like a free man? Fine. But it’ll cost you more than you can afford.”

I tried to force calm into my voice . “You want me to kill my dream just to make the mafia look good on paper?”

“I want you to protect what’s ours,” Matteo thundered. “You’re the heir. The only one”.

He stalked forward, “And don’t act stupid. That tech company of yours? We know everything. Clean. Profitable. Invisible. Perfect for laundering. And we need it.”

I blinked slowly. “So that’s what this is really about.”

Matteo’s eyes darkened. “It’s about loyalty. Family. Blood. You can’t outrun that.

He leaned in, his voice turning deadly soft. This empire made you. It can bury you too.”

Then, he turned on his heel and strode out. The guards followed.

I stood frozen until the door clicked shut.

Then I let myself breathe slowly, before dropping onto the couch, scrubbing my hands over my face, dragging down the tension.

My heart thundered. I knew better than to call Matteo’s words a bluff. He was quiet. fast. Brutal and he always kept his words.

I leaned back into the sofa, staring at the ceiling , the silence pressing in.

Then, I reached for my phone.

Unlocked it, and scrolled down.

Paused at a contact.

I tapped the screen and dialed the number.

It rang once. No answer.

I tried again, a second time. Still nothing

“Come on”, I muttered under my breath.

On the third try, there was a soft click

Then, a quiet voice answered.

“….Hello?”

For a second. I remained silent, her voice caught me off guard. It was tiny, soft and charming .

“Hello! Sophia,” I said quietly.

“It’s Lucian”.

She paused. Silent for a while, before finally speaking.

“How did you get my number?” she asked with concern.

“You handed me your phone the night I took you home, remember!”. I replied.

“Huh! …..that makes sense.”

“Why are you calling me?” she asked, her tone cautious.

“I need to see you. In person.”

“What for?”

“I promise, nothing weird. I just… need a minute. Please.” being hopeful.

She hesitated. “Fine. Come over. Kylie’s not home.”

The call dropped.

••••

A few minutes later, I stood by the door bell,tapping the button . Sofia quickly rushed down, dressed in an oversized hoodie and messy bun. She twisted the door knob, opening it slightly.

“You’ve got five minutes,” she said sharply , stepping aside.

I stepped into the apartment . It looked quiet and organized,even though the space was little.

“I didn’t expect I’d see you again so soon,” she added. “Especially after last time.”

“I know,” he said. “But I’ve been thinking.”

Sophia crossed her arms. “About what?”

“You. Us. And an idea.”

Her eyebrow lifted. “Us?”

He didn’t blink. “Yes! Us!”.

“Let's date.”

She blinked. “What?” Stunned.