2025-01-11 19:02:54The screech of tires echoed through the street as another black car emerged from the shadows, its headlights cutting through the darkness. Anthony recognized it instantly—it was the same car that had been following him earlier.
The vehicle swerved between Jake’s motorcycle and the SUV, blocking Felix’s men from advancing any further. The car door opened, and a tall figure stepped out, cloaked in a black trench coat.
“Y-You?” Anthony’s eyes widened.
It was the guy from the restaurant earlier. And his voice... it was the same guy he saw a while ago.
“Step back.” the man ordered, his deep voice calm yet commanding.
Felix’s men exchanged uncertain glances before one of them sneered. “Who the hell do you think you are?”
The man didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he reached into his coat and pulled out a sleek handgun, pointing it directly at the lead thug.
Anthony was very surprised. In his entire time being alive, it was the first time he had seen a real gun.
“You don’t want to test me.” he said evenly, his tone laced with menace.
The thugs hesitated, their bravado faltering. The tension was palpable, the air thick with the possibility of violence.
Jake leaned toward Anthony, whispering, “Who is this guy?”
Anthony shook his head. “No idea, but I think he’s on our side... for now.”
The driver of the SUV stepped out, his face twisted in anger. “Do you even know who we work for? This is Felix’s business. Walk away now, and we might let you live.”
The man in the trench coat chuckled, the sound low and chilling. “Felix doesn’t scare me. But if you’re smart, you’ll go back and tell him to pick his fights more carefully.”
Felix’s men looked at each other, weighing their options. The stranger’s confidence was unsettling, and the fact that he hadn’t flinched once made them second-guess their advantage.
Finally, the leader growled, “This isn’t over.”
They retreated to their SUV, their tires screeching as they sped off into the night.
The man holstered his gun and turned to face Anthony and Jake. His face was partially illuminated by the streetlights, and Anthony’s breath caught. It was the same man from the dark corner outside his building.
“I told you to be careful, didn’t I?” the man said, his tone almost amused.
Anthony stepped forward, his curiosity overcoming his fear. “Who are you? Why are you helping me?”
The man smirked. “Let’s just say I’m someone who doesn’t like Felix and his games. As for why I’m helping you... you’ll find out soon enough.”
Jake frowned, his hand still on the motorcycle’s throttle. “That’s not exactly reassuring.”
The man ignored Jake and focused on Anthony. “Get in the car. You’ll be safer with me than out here.”
Anthony hesitated, his mind racing. Was this another trap? But something about the man’s demeanor—his calm authority—made him feel he could be trusted, at least for now.
Jake shook his head. “No way. We don’t even know this guy. We’re not getting in that car.”
The man raised an eyebrow. “Suit yourself. But if Felix’s men come back, you won’t last long on that bike.”
Anthony glanced at Jake, then back at the car. “Jake, we don’t have a choice. He just saved us.”
With a reluctant sigh, Jake relented. “Fine. But if this goes sideways, I’m blaming you.”
They climbed into the backseat of the car, the interior sleek and immaculate. The man slid into the driver’s seat, the engine purring as he accelerated smoothly down the street.
“Where are you taking us?” Anthony asked.
The man glanced at him through the rearview mirror, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.
“To a place where you’ll finally start to understand what’s really going on.” he said cryptically.
Anthony exchanged a nervous look with Jake.
The car sped into the night, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions—and a growing sense of foreboding.
“Why were you following me?” Anthony couldn’t help but ask.
The guy took a cigarette from his pocket and started smoking.
“Just sit and relax. You’ll know everything soon.” he smiled.
“Seriously, man, where are we going?” Jake asked, his voice tense.
The driver didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he took a sharp turn into an underground parking garage, the tires squealing softly against the concrete. The garage was dimly lit, with shadows stretching across the walls.
The car came to a stop, and the man in the trench coat turned off the engine. He twisted in his seat to face them, his piercing gaze locking onto Anthony.
“Get out. Both of you,” he said, his voice low but firm.
Jake looked ready to argue, but Anthony placed a hand on his arm, shaking his head. “Let’s just see what he wants,” Anthony muttered.
Reluctantly, they stepped out of the car. The man led them to a nearby elevator, swiping a keycard to access the top floor. The ride up was silent, the tension palpable. When the elevator doors opened, Anthony was stunned.
The space before them was a sprawling penthouse, sleek and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city. High-tech gadgets and monitors adorned one corner, displaying live feeds of various locations. A large map of the city was pinned to a wall, marked with red and blue dots.
“What is this place?” Anthony asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
The man removed his trench coat, revealing a tailored suit beneath. “A safe house—and a command center of sorts.” he replied.
Jake crossed his arms, his skepticism clear. “Who are you, and why are you so interested in helping us?”
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The De Luca Heir 6: Baptism by fire
The man smirked. “You can call me Victor. Let’s just say I’ve been keeping an eye on Anthony. You two? You’ve become collateral in a game much bigger than you realize.” Anthony frowned. “Bigger? What are you talking about?” Victor walked over to the map, tapping one of the red dots. “Felix isn’t just some rich jerk throwing his weight around. He’s the son of a big group.” Victor said. Anthony's heart raced as Victor stared at him with an intensity that made him feel both uneasy and strangely significant. Jake shifted uncomfortably beside him, his gaze darting between the mysterious man and the high-tech command center surrounding them. Victor finally spoke, his voice calm yet commanding. "Anthony, you’ve been in the dark for too long. But it’s time you know the truth about who you really are." Anthony frowned, confusion mixing with frustration. "What are you talking about? I’m nobody. Just a guy trying to survive in this mess." Victor chuckled dryly, shaking his head. "You’re fa
The De Luca Heir 7: Shadows of the past
The hallway erupted into chaos as more men stormed in, their shouts and gunfire echoing off the walls. Anthony moved on autopilot, ducking and firing as Victor directed him through the melee. He didn’t feel the pain of his grazed arm or the ringing in his ears. All that mattered was survival. A sharp whistle cut through the noise, and Anthony turned to see Jake barreling through the side door, wielding a shotgun. “Thought you could use some backup!” Jake shouted, blasting an attacker who had crept up behind Victor. Victor nodded curtly. “About time. Hold the west wing! You're so good, kid. Where did you learn that?” Jake ignored him and motioned to Anthony. “You good, kid?” Anthony didn’t answer, his focus locked on the next wave of intruders. They moved with precision, their formation tighter, their aim deadlier. These weren’t grunts. These were the professionals Victor had warned about. Victor cursed under his breath. “This is Felix’s message. He’s not just testing you—he’s try
The De Luca Heir 8: Bloodlines and betrayal
“Dad!” Anthony yelled, struggling against Victor’s iron grip. His father lay crumpled on the ground, blood pooling beneath him, but his hand twitched as he tried to push himself up. Felix’s laughter cut through the tension, sharp and mocking. “Touching, really. But this is just the beginning, Anthony. You’re not ready for the weight of that crown.” He waved the detonator for emphasis. “You think you’ve won, but I always have the upper hand.” Anthony’s vision blurred with rage. “You’ll regret this, Felix.” Felix smirked, stepping back toward his car. “Oh, I don’t think I will. But feel free to try.” Before Anthony could break free, Victor snapped him back to reality. “Focus! He’s not out of reach yet.” Jake appeared at their side, weapon ready. “What’s the call, boss? Do we take him out or save your old man?” Anthony’s gaze darted between Felix retreating toward his SUV and his father gasping for breath on the cold concrete. Every fiber of his being screamed for vengeance, but th
The De Luca Heir 9: Spark of vengeance
Anthony hesitated for only a moment, his mind racing as the older man’s piercing gaze locked onto his. Victor placed a hand on his shoulder, his grip firm. “You know who that is?” Anthony didn’t break eye contact. “Should I?” Victor nodded. “Leonardo Moretti. Your father’s closest ally in the old days. If he’s here, it means he’s got a stake in this fight.” Jake, still catching his breath, muttered, “Or he’s here to claim the spoils.” Leonardo chuckled, as if hearing Jake’s skepticism. “I assure you, I’m not here to take anything from you, Anthony. I’m here to make sure you don’t lose everything your father built.” Anthony’s jaw tightened as he glanced back at the smoldering wreckage of the garage. His father’s blood still stained his hands, and Felix’s mocking laughter echoed in his mind. “Why now? Where were you when he needed you?” They put his dad inside the car and drove away. Leonardo’s expression turned cold. “Your father made enemies faster than he made allies. He kept
The De Luca Heir 10: The Heir's Revelation
The sterile lights of the hospital reflected off the polished floors as the team rushed Alexandro through the emergency entrance. Anthony walked beside the stretcher, his jaw clenched, his hands still smeared with his father’s blood. Victor stayed close, scanning the surroundings for any sign of Felix’s men, while Jake barked orders to secure the area. “We need a surgeon now!” Anthony shouted as the staff took over, wheeling Alexandro into the operating room. The doors swung shut with a metallic clang, leaving Anthony standing in the hallway, fists clenched in helpless frustration. Victor placed a hand on his shoulder. “He’s tough, Anthony. He’ll pull through.” Anthony nodded, but his mind was elsewhere. He didn’t want to lose his dad anymore. His parents were out of the picture of how many years and his grandma never told him the truth until she died. “I want to be with my family again, Victor.” he sighed. Victor understood him. He glanced at the folder Leonardo had given him,
The De Luca Heir 11: Hospital ambush
Anthony felt his pulse hammering against his ribs, the weight of his mother’s revelation pressing down on him like a vice. He shook his head, his breath coming in short, angry bursts. "What the hell are you saying? My father—betrayed Felix’s family?"His mother took a steadying breath. "It wasn’t supposed to happen like this, Anthony. Your father and Felix’s father, Robert, made an agreement years ago. A marriage was arranged between you and Felicima to solidify the alliance. It was meant to bring peace. But when Robert wanted your dad and our family to participate on their illegal businesses which our family never done, Alexandro—he went back on his word. He called off the engagement and set fire to everything that connected us to the Carbones. Your dad didn't want you to be one of them when he found out their dirty doings."Anthony’s chest tightened as he processed her words. He exhaled sharply, rage twisting inside him. "So Felix wants revenge because my father humiliated his famil
The De Luca Heir 12: New life and new world
The echoes of gunfire had finally faded, leaving behind only the scent of gunpowder and the wreckage of Felix’s failed ambush. Anthony stood amidst the carnage, his breath coming in sharp, heavy gasps. His body ached from the bruises and minor wounds he had sustained, but they had won. Felix’s men had either been taken down or forced to retreat.Leonardo wiped blood from his brow, glancing at Anthony. "We need to get out of here before more of them show up."Victor nodded. "We’ll regroup at the hospital, get patched up, and then move."They piled back into the SUV, the tension in the air thick despite their victory. The drive back to the hospital was quick but silent, each man lost in his thoughts. When they arrived, the doctors worked swiftly, stitching wounds and assessing their injuries. Anthony barely flinched as a nurse disinfected a gash on his arm. His mind was elsewhere—on the truth he was about to uncover.Once their wounds were tended to, they didn’t waste any time. They lef
The De Luca Heir 13: Made his first negotiation
The next morning, Anthony woke up finding his dad, Victor, and Leonardo waiting for him in the living room. He sensed that they were talking about a serious matter."Good morning, son." Alexandro greeted him."Good morning, dad, Victor, and Leonardo. Am I not informed? Do we have a serious meeting?" he chuckled.Alexandro asked the maid to prepare Anthony coffee and cake."Yes. As your second day being the boss of this clan, we want you to show yourself up if you can negotiate with someone later on." Leonardo smirked.Anthony's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"Alexandro chuckled a bit."Sorry if we surprised you, son. But you really need to do this. Every starting mob boss had done this already. To prove you can lead our clan." he added."We want you to make them close the deal with us. This person is powerful and important to be on our side, Anthony." Victor stated.He was a bit nervous. All of his life, he hasn't negotiated big things. He swallowed hard looking at the three of them
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14: Losing a personal deal
Anthony turned his head, his grip on Harrington’s hand loosening slightly as he took in the woman who had just entered.Elena Russo.She was every bit as fierce and commanding as her reputation suggested—dressed in a sleek black suit that hugged her curves, her long, wavy brunette hair cascading over one shoulder. Sharp hazel eyes flickered between Anthony and Harrington as she strode inside with confidence, her heels clicking against the concrete floor.Harrington leaned back in his chair, clearly amused. “Elena, always one for dramatic entrances. What brings you here?”Elena smirked, her gaze locking onto Anthony. “I’m here because you’re making a deal that involves my logistics network, and I don’t recall giving my blessing.”Anthony’s jaw tightened. He had heard of Elena Russo—an independent powerhouse in the logistics world, supplying both legal and illicit clients. She controlled key shipping routes and warehouses, making her a crucial player in the game. If she was here, that m
13: Made his first negotiation
The next morning, Anthony woke up finding his dad, Victor, and Leonardo waiting for him in the living room. He sensed that they were talking about a serious matter."Good morning, son." Alexandro greeted him."Good morning, dad, Victor, and Leonardo. Am I not informed? Do we have a serious meeting?" he chuckled.Alexandro asked the maid to prepare Anthony coffee and cake."Yes. As your second day being the boss of this clan, we want you to show yourself up if you can negotiate with someone later on." Leonardo smirked.Anthony's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"Alexandro chuckled a bit."Sorry if we surprised you, son. But you really need to do this. Every starting mob boss had done this already. To prove you can lead our clan." he added."We want you to make them close the deal with us. This person is powerful and important to be on our side, Anthony." Victor stated.He was a bit nervous. All of his life, he hasn't negotiated big things. He swallowed hard looking at the three of them
12: New life and new world
The echoes of gunfire had finally faded, leaving behind only the scent of gunpowder and the wreckage of Felix’s failed ambush. Anthony stood amidst the carnage, his breath coming in sharp, heavy gasps. His body ached from the bruises and minor wounds he had sustained, but they had won. Felix’s men had either been taken down or forced to retreat.Leonardo wiped blood from his brow, glancing at Anthony. "We need to get out of here before more of them show up."Victor nodded. "We’ll regroup at the hospital, get patched up, and then move."They piled back into the SUV, the tension in the air thick despite their victory. The drive back to the hospital was quick but silent, each man lost in his thoughts. When they arrived, the doctors worked swiftly, stitching wounds and assessing their injuries. Anthony barely flinched as a nurse disinfected a gash on his arm. His mind was elsewhere—on the truth he was about to uncover.Once their wounds were tended to, they didn’t waste any time. They lef
11: Hospital ambush
Anthony felt his pulse hammering against his ribs, the weight of his mother’s revelation pressing down on him like a vice. He shook his head, his breath coming in short, angry bursts. "What the hell are you saying? My father—betrayed Felix’s family?"His mother took a steadying breath. "It wasn’t supposed to happen like this, Anthony. Your father and Felix’s father, Robert, made an agreement years ago. A marriage was arranged between you and Felicima to solidify the alliance. It was meant to bring peace. But when Robert wanted your dad and our family to participate on their illegal businesses which our family never done, Alexandro—he went back on his word. He called off the engagement and set fire to everything that connected us to the Carbones. Your dad didn't want you to be one of them when he found out their dirty doings."Anthony’s chest tightened as he processed her words. He exhaled sharply, rage twisting inside him. "So Felix wants revenge because my father humiliated his famil
10: The Heir's Revelation
The sterile lights of the hospital reflected off the polished floors as the team rushed Alexandro through the emergency entrance. Anthony walked beside the stretcher, his jaw clenched, his hands still smeared with his father’s blood. Victor stayed close, scanning the surroundings for any sign of Felix’s men, while Jake barked orders to secure the area. “We need a surgeon now!” Anthony shouted as the staff took over, wheeling Alexandro into the operating room. The doors swung shut with a metallic clang, leaving Anthony standing in the hallway, fists clenched in helpless frustration. Victor placed a hand on his shoulder. “He’s tough, Anthony. He’ll pull through.” Anthony nodded, but his mind was elsewhere. He didn’t want to lose his dad anymore. His parents were out of the picture of how many years and his grandma never told him the truth until she died. “I want to be with my family again, Victor.” he sighed. Victor understood him. He glanced at the folder Leonardo had given him,
9: Spark of vengeance
Anthony hesitated for only a moment, his mind racing as the older man’s piercing gaze locked onto his. Victor placed a hand on his shoulder, his grip firm. “You know who that is?” Anthony didn’t break eye contact. “Should I?” Victor nodded. “Leonardo Moretti. Your father’s closest ally in the old days. If he’s here, it means he’s got a stake in this fight.” Jake, still catching his breath, muttered, “Or he’s here to claim the spoils.” Leonardo chuckled, as if hearing Jake’s skepticism. “I assure you, I’m not here to take anything from you, Anthony. I’m here to make sure you don’t lose everything your father built.” Anthony’s jaw tightened as he glanced back at the smoldering wreckage of the garage. His father’s blood still stained his hands, and Felix’s mocking laughter echoed in his mind. “Why now? Where were you when he needed you?” They put his dad inside the car and drove away. Leonardo’s expression turned cold. “Your father made enemies faster than he made allies. He kept
8: Bloodlines and betrayal
“Dad!” Anthony yelled, struggling against Victor’s iron grip. His father lay crumpled on the ground, blood pooling beneath him, but his hand twitched as he tried to push himself up. Felix’s laughter cut through the tension, sharp and mocking. “Touching, really. But this is just the beginning, Anthony. You’re not ready for the weight of that crown.” He waved the detonator for emphasis. “You think you’ve won, but I always have the upper hand.” Anthony’s vision blurred with rage. “You’ll regret this, Felix.” Felix smirked, stepping back toward his car. “Oh, I don’t think I will. But feel free to try.” Before Anthony could break free, Victor snapped him back to reality. “Focus! He’s not out of reach yet.” Jake appeared at their side, weapon ready. “What’s the call, boss? Do we take him out or save your old man?” Anthony’s gaze darted between Felix retreating toward his SUV and his father gasping for breath on the cold concrete. Every fiber of his being screamed for vengeance, but th
7: Shadows of the past
The hallway erupted into chaos as more men stormed in, their shouts and gunfire echoing off the walls. Anthony moved on autopilot, ducking and firing as Victor directed him through the melee. He didn’t feel the pain of his grazed arm or the ringing in his ears. All that mattered was survival. A sharp whistle cut through the noise, and Anthony turned to see Jake barreling through the side door, wielding a shotgun. “Thought you could use some backup!” Jake shouted, blasting an attacker who had crept up behind Victor. Victor nodded curtly. “About time. Hold the west wing! You're so good, kid. Where did you learn that?” Jake ignored him and motioned to Anthony. “You good, kid?” Anthony didn’t answer, his focus locked on the next wave of intruders. They moved with precision, their formation tighter, their aim deadlier. These weren’t grunts. These were the professionals Victor had warned about. Victor cursed under his breath. “This is Felix’s message. He’s not just testing you—he’s try
6: Baptism by fire
The man smirked. “You can call me Victor. Let’s just say I’ve been keeping an eye on Anthony. You two? You’ve become collateral in a game much bigger than you realize.” Anthony frowned. “Bigger? What are you talking about?” Victor walked over to the map, tapping one of the red dots. “Felix isn’t just some rich jerk throwing his weight around. He’s the son of a big group.” Victor said. Anthony's heart raced as Victor stared at him with an intensity that made him feel both uneasy and strangely significant. Jake shifted uncomfortably beside him, his gaze darting between the mysterious man and the high-tech command center surrounding them. Victor finally spoke, his voice calm yet commanding. "Anthony, you’ve been in the dark for too long. But it’s time you know the truth about who you really are." Anthony frowned, confusion mixing with frustration. "What are you talking about? I’m nobody. Just a guy trying to survive in this mess." Victor chuckled dryly, shaking his head. "You’re fa
