Sasha
I watched Luca's broad back as he strode ahead of me, his posture tense with barely contained rage. A smirk tugged at my lips. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
When I'd first been captured, I'd thought my plans for revenge were ruined. But fate, it seemed, had other ideas. Now, I was not just free to move about Luca's compound, but I was being invited – no, begged – to help.
Fool.
As we entered his office, I schooled my features into a mask of concern. "What's the plan, Luca?" I asked, my voice carefully modulated to show just the right amount of worry.
He turned to me, his dark eyes blazing with an intensity that, despite myself, sent a shiver down my spine. "We're going to find this traitor, and when we do..." He left the threat hanging in the air.
I nodded, moving to the computer he'd provided. My fingers flew over the keys, and I wasn't lying when I told him his security was shit. It was almost too easy to access his systems, to plant the seeds of destruction that would bloom into his downfall.
But not yet. No, that would be too quick, too merciful. I wanted Luca Moretti to suffer as I had suffered. I wanted him to feel the sting of betrayal, the agony of losing everything he held dear.
And so, I played my part.
"I've found something," I announced, gesturing him over. "A encrypted transmission from within the compound."
Luca leaned close, his breath warm on my neck. It took every ounce of self-control not to flinch away. "Can you trace it?" he demanded.
I shook my head, feigning frustration. "Not precisely. But it's definitely someone in your inner circle."
I watched the play of emotions across his face – shock, anger, betrayal. It was delicious.
"We need to draw them out," he said finally, his voice hard. "Set a trap."
I raised an eyebrow, curiosity genuinely piqued. "What did you have in mind?"
"A party," he said, a grim smile spreading across his face. "And you, my dear, are going to be the guest of honor."
For a moment, genuine surprise overtook me. A party? Now? But as he explained his plan, I could see the twisted genius of it. It was exactly the kind of bold, aggressive move I'd expect from Luca Moretti.
And it was perfect for my plans.
"Think you're up for it, Ivanov?" he asked, his hand cupping my face in a gesture that was half-threat, half-caress.
I leaned into his touch, hating myself for the thrill that ran through me at his proximity. "Born ready, Moretti," I purred.
As his lips crashed into mine, I allowed myself a moment of weakness, returning the kiss with a passion that surprised even me. But as we broke apart, my resolve hardened.
This was my chance. While Luca was distracted by his hunt for a traitor, I would be free to move about, to access systems and information I'd only dreamed of before. By the time this party was over, I'd have everything I needed to bring the mighty Luca Moretti to his knees.
And if I had to play the devoted ally, even the lover, to do it? So be it.
I watched Luca as he paced the room, his mind clearly racing with plans for this impromptu party. A crazy idea struck me – one that could potentially accelerate my plans for freedom and revenge.
"Luca," I said, injecting a note of hesitation into my voice. "I'll need something to wear for this party. Perhaps I could go shopping? I promise I'll be on my best behavior."
I held my breath, hope and adrenaline surging through me. This could be my chance. Once outside, I could easily lose any guards and disappear into the city. My freedom was so close I could almost taste it.
Luca turned to me, his dark eyes narrowing slightly. For a moment, I feared I'd overplayed my hand. Then, a slow, dangerous smile spread across his face.
"Nice try, Sasha," he said, his voice a low purr that sent an involuntary shiver down my spine. "But I'm afraid I can't allow that. I can read you like an open book, cara mia."
Disappointment and frustration flooded through me, but I kept my face carefully neutral. "It was worth a shot," I shrugged, trying to play it off as a joke.
Luca stepped closer, his imposing presence filling my senses. "Indeed it was. Your cunning never fails to impress me." He reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. The gesture was oddly intimate, and I had to fight the urge to lean into his touch. "But don't worry about your attire. My sister, Giulia, will assist you in finding something suitable."
I blinked in surprise. His sister? That was unexpected.
"And if that doesn't suit you," Luca continued, his tone making it clear this wasn't really a choice, "my guards will bring you anything you might need. You'll want for nothing, Sasha. Except, of course, your freedom."
The last words were spoken with a hint of steel, a reminder of my position here. I nodded, swallowing my disappointment and anger. "I understand," I said softly, lowering my eyes in a show of submission.
Luca's hand cupped my chin, tilting my face up to meet his gaze. "Good girl," he murmured, and damn my traitorous body for the warmth that spread through me at his praise. "Now, let's get back to work. We have a traitor to catch and a party to plan."
As we turned back to the computer, my mind was already racing with new plans. So, I wouldn't be allowed out. Fine. I'd just have to be more creative. Luca's sister could be a valuable source of information, and the party itself would provide plenty of opportunities for mischief.
Luca Moretti might think he could read me, but he had no idea of the depths of my determination. One way or another, I would have my revenge. And if I had to burn down his entire empire to do it, so be it.
Let him think he's won this round. The game was far from over.