Luca drove through the streets, heading toward the rundown part of the town where Tony lived.
Annabelle's words replayed in his mind , but he knew Tony was the only one who could help him now.
After parking the car, he stepped out and made his way to the alley.
Tony was speaking to a man.
The man was larger and older, and he watched Tony with a look that could burn holes through steel.
From where he stood, Luca could hear a little of their conversation, but it wasn't just talk. It was an argument.
"Look, I told you, I'd get the stuff. I just need more time!" Tony's voice cracked slightly as he tried to keep control of the situation.
The man, however, was unmoved. His eyes narrowed as he took a step closer to Tony.
"Time's up, Tony. I gave you a deadline, and you missed it. You think I'm running a charity here? This is the second time you've come empty-handed. Where's my stuff?"
Tony ran a hand through his hair. "It's coming! My guy was running late, there were some complications. You know how this business works!"
Luca watched quietly. He wasn't there for this, but seeing Tony under pressure was rare, and it was clear the situation was about to escalate.
The man in front of Tony stepped closer. "You keep saying that. But every time, it's the same old excuse. You had one job. Bring me the product. Now you're here empty-handed, again."
"I've been good at my word before, haven't I? Just give me until tomorrow! I'll have everything you need. You know I'm not going to screw you over!"
The man sneered. "You think I care about your words, Tony? Do you know what happens when people don't deliver in this business?"
Tony shifted nervously, trying to hold his ground. "I know, I know, but listen, I'm telling you, I've got it handled. You're not going to lose anything in this deal. Just give me another twelve hours!"
The man wasn't convinced. He reached out, grabbing Tony by the collar and yanking him close. Tony flinched, but he didn't fight back.
"I'm tired of your games, Tony. If I don't have the stuff by tomorrow, I'll find someone else who can handle business better than you. And trust me, they won't be as forgiving," the man said.
Luca could see the sweat on Tony's forehead, the panic in his eyes as he tried to wriggle free from the man's grip. The man eventually shoved him back, letting go with a snarl.
"I'll be waiting. One more screw-up, and you're done," the man growled, turning to leave.
Tony staggered back, adjusting his shirt and taking a deep breath. He scratched for his cigarette and during that moment Luca finally stepped out of the shadows and approached him.
"Rough day?" Luca asked coolly, leaning against a nearby wall as Tony jumped at the sound of his voice.
"Jesus, Luca," Tony muttered, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "You always know how to show up at the worst possible time."
Luca raised an eyebrow. "Looks like you're in over your head, Tony. What's going on?"
Tony shot him a frustrated look. "Nothing I can't handle. Just some business that didn't go as planned."
"Didn't look like anything," Luca said, nodding in the direction the man had left. "Who was that?"
Tony shrugged, trying to act casual but failing miserably. "No one important. Just a guy who's impatient for his delivery."
" I see."
Tony took a long drag from his cigarette, his eyes narrowing.
"What the hell are you doing here, Luca? I thought you were done with this side of town," he said, with the same agitated tone.
"I need to talk to you, Tony."
Tony took another drag and exhaled slowly, his gaze never leaving Luca. "Talk? You know you're in deep trouble, right? Those guys you picked up drugs for? Yeah, they've been looking for you. You're not exactly off the hook."
Luca waved it off. "I'll settle them. I'll send you some money to take care of it."
Tony barked out a laugh. "Listen to you, talking like one of those rich bastards. What's the deal, huh? You've been playing dress-up in suits now? Look at you, acting all high and mighty."
Luca smirked, folding his arms. "Haven't you heard? Haven't you read the news?"
Tony snorted, flicking his cigarette to the ground and crushing it under his boot. "News? I don't read any of that garbage. What's it to me?"
Without a word, Luca pulled out his phone, opening up a blog post and shoving it in Tony's face. Tony squinted at the screen, his eyes widening in disbelief.
"What the—" Tony yanked the phone closer, scrolling through the article. "You're a La Russo? Holy crap, no wonder you're not crawling around this town like the rest of us anymore. I thought you were just lucky, but damn…"
Luca chuckled, taking the phone back. "Yeah, that's why I'm here. I need your help, Tony."
Tony raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "Help with what? You're a La Russo now. What could I do for you?"
"Annabelle. She's been messing with me, and I need to deal with her. She's not going to stop unless I shut her down, and I need someone who knows how to… make things difficult for her." Luca said.
"Annabelle, huh? That girl was always in trouble. So, you want me to handle her? You know that's going to cost you." Tony leaned back against the railing, letting out a low whistle.
"I'll settle you," Luca said firmly, "but I need her to suffer, Tony. I want her to regret crossing me."
Tony scratched his chin, grinning. "Well, lucky for you, I've just got the thing. A man who can make her life a living nightmare without ever touching her. The kind of guy who specializes in these things."
"Good. That's exactly what I need."
"I'll help you out, Luca, but remember once we do this, there's no going back. You sure you want to cross that line?"
Tony said, flicking the ash from his cigarette.
Luca didn't hesitate. "She crossed it first."
Tony chuckled darkly. "All right, then. I'll make a few calls. But don't forget you still owe me for this, and I expect to be paid in full."
Luca nodded, already turning toward his car. "You'll get what's yours. Thanks, Tony."
As Luca walked away, Tony called after him. "Hey, Luca! Don't forget to send me a fancy car when you've got time. I could use an upgrade from this dump."
Luca laughed, waving without turning around. "I'll see what I can do."
He climbed into his car, his mind already racing with plans. Annabelle had made a mistake coming after him, and now, with Tony at his side, she was about to learn just how ruthless he could be.