Ace’s POV

I flung my arm towards my side, feeling nothing but an empty space beside me. My eyes slowly tore open and I frowned, staring at the empty space beside me.

Why did it feel like something is missing?

I tried recollecting whatever it is I was missing but nothing was coming until I felt something in my hands.

I glanced at my hands and I found a pink lacey panty clasped in my hand. My lips slowly morphed into a smile as it all slowly came back to me.

“Luciana,” I muttered under my breath, sniffing her panties. I smiled in glee, my eyes closed as I reveled in it.

“If you're going to keep standing there watching me, I can as well just shoot you in the head,” I grumbled, not bothering to open my eyes as I kept sniffing the panties, registering her scent in my head.

“Are you sure you're not a vampire?” Russo asked, shutting the door closed as he walked in fully. I finally opened my eyes, glaring at him.

“When did she leave?” I asked, ignoring him and he frowned.

“I have no idea. I just came in and the receptionist told me I would find you here,” he replied.

“Why are you asking about her?”

“You never bother about any of bitches you've fucked before. Don't tell me you're already attached to her,” He eyed me suspiciously. I reached out, picking the gun beside me and fired three fast shots at him but he was fast to dodge it.

“What the fuck man!” He yelled, glaring at me.

“Still feel like questioning me again?” I corked the gun, giving him a bored look.

“Sicko,” he muttered under his breath, looking away and I smirked, keeping the gun away. I stuffed her panties into my pocket, laying back in bed as thoughts of Luciana filled my head.

She's so innocent.

Her smart mouth did nothing to hide that Innocence of hers. I couldn't help but fantasize about how fun it will be to ruin that little Innocence of hers till there's nothing left to ruin.

“Aren't you going to ask me why I'm here?” Russo asked, pouring himself a glass of whiskey.

I rolled my eyes. “What are you? A child or a robot? Do you need to be told when to talk before you talk?”

“You know, you should really walk on that grumpy attitude of yours,” he advised and I scoffed.

“Say whatever you need to say and get lost, Russo. I need to sleep.”

He huffed, having something to say but he smartly shut his mouth close when his eyes fell on the gun beside me. He knew better than anyone that I wouldn't hesitate to shoot him if he didn't stop talking and get lost.

“Your son asked me to pass a message across,” he began.

“What does the little brat want now?” I sighed, scowling.

“He said if you fucking go back on your words and refuse to take him to the book signing of L. Vega, he is going to burn down his school,” Russo said, smiling.

“That fucking piece of shit…….” I cussed, sitting from up from the bed.

“Well he's your son and the apple doesn't fall from the tree,” he shrugged, smiling.

I glared at him, irritated. “Here,” Russo tossed me a new shirt, the one I used yesterday torn to shreds.

“When is his class ending?” I asked, buttoning the shirt and lighting up a new cigarette.

“He’ll be closing from school in the next 1 hour,” Russo replied, looking up from his watch.

“Whiskey?” He asked and I shook my head negatively, going out to stand on the balcony, thoughts of Luciana finding its way back into my head.

She's far more intoxicating than whiskey. I wonder where she came from. She didn't look like she was from around here. The way she dressed was different and the way the words rolled off her lips tells me she isn't Mexican.

I felt tempted to tell Russo to go after her but as much as I craved her presence, I couldn't let myself get too addicted to someone I just met. She could be a weapon from the enemy to bring me down.

“What are you thinking about?” Russo came out to the balcony, standing beside me.

“Nothing that's any business of yours,” I replied and I could feel him rolling his eyes at me even without looking.

What the fuck have you done to me Luciana?

“Get the car ready, we're going to Hilton’s Top to go pick up Bruno.” I announced disposing of the cigarette as I walked away from the balcony, leaving every thought of Luciana behind me.

***********************

I was in the car with Bruno, my son and while I glared at him, he simply ignored me, reading the novel in his hands.

“Russo,” I called, glaring at the back of his head as he drove the car.

“Yes boss,” he replied, glancing back.

“Why the fuck is a child reading a book that's rated 18+ again?” He fell silent, stealing a glance at Bruno then back at me.

“I'm not a child, Dad. I'm way smarter than you,” Bruno finally looked up from his books, glaring at me with those glasses of his and Russo chuckled, earning a glare from me.

“I'll let you know that you got that smart head of yours from me young man and you did better start speaking to me with respect.”

He rolled his eyes. “Whatever dad,” he returned his attention back to his book, ignoring me again. I glared at him for a while before looking away, huffing in annoyance.

As much as Bruno is annoying, I'm quite grateful to the heavens that he's not like the other kids that cry and whine for every little thing.

The little devil might be a kid but he can be very scary and stubborn when he wants something.

We made it to the venue and I frowned, seeing the crowd lined up in front of the building with the same book as Bruno's, waiting for their turn.

“Don't fucking tell me we have to wait till they all get their books signed.”

“Don't worry about it Dad. I have a way to get in. You just need to come out and show them your scary face, I'll handle the rest from there.” Russo burst into laughter unable to help it and I scowled at him but I refrained from pulling out my gun and shooting him since Bruno was in the car with me.

He might be a smart ass but he's still a kid.

“Let's get this over with so I can get on with my day,” I grumbled, getting out of the car with Bruno.

“Good luck boss, have fun,” Russo said, grinning and I gave him my middle finger.

Like Bruno speculated, the moment everyone saw me they fearfully cleared the way for us, recognizing me.

Who in Mexico didn't know the Salvatore family?

We made it into the building and I froze, my hands slipping away from Bruno's.

“No…..” I muttered.

“What's wrong, Dad?” Bruno asked, looking up at me but I ignored him and watched her. She is even more beautiful and innocent during the day. The name of the author finally made sense. It was her all along.

Luciana Vega……..