Luca walked down the bustling streets of Valleria, flanked by Maya, the class president. She was a striking figure, standing at about 5'6" with an athletic build that hinted at her active lifestyle. Her long, chestnut-brown hair cascaded in soft waves, framing her face and contrasting beautifully with her warm hazel eyes .
"You know, you don't have to come with me, right?" Luca exhaled, sounding nonchalant.
"What? No way! I'm also the class president, and the teacher asked me as well," Maya replied, her tone playful.
"Hey, I think I forgot my notebook," Luca said suddenly, shifting his weight slightly. "You go ahead. I'll catch up."
"What? Are you sure? Fine then" Maya replied.
"I'll be fine, really," Luca insisted, flashing her a reassuring smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Just go."
Maya hesitated, a frown creasing her brow, but she eventually nodded. "Alright, but don't take too long!" she called back, still unconvinced as she walked away, her thoughts racing with concern for him.
Once she was out of sight, Luca slipped into a narrow alley, a strategic move that concealed him from the watchful eyes of those behind. The sounds of the bustling street faded into the background, replaced by the echo of his footsteps against the cold, damp pavement.
What followed him were 6-7 goons of Vince, at the front was Sammy. Sammy was a tall guy and wide enough to cover half of the alley. Luca threw down his bag and the jacket as well. "Well well well, look at his smartass. Such a shame, that you sent your squeeze away. We wanted to embaress you in front of her as well. Kehehehe"
Luca tired of his theatrics and threats, ran upto him and puched his stomach, making Sammy spit and gasp. Then he kicked his knee, making him fall on the ground and gave him an uppercut. Sammy fainted with seconds.
"He's only one man.!!!!"
"Just attack him together"
"You dirty fucker"
and so the rest of the remaining guys attacked him. But they were filled with fear as well. 'He's just a nerd isn't he?' , 'He just fainted Sammy . That fucker looks like a fucking adult'. Luca just kicked Sammy's body towards two of them and grabbed collar of one and threw his head to the wall. He dodged a punch and punched one of them on the waist and grabbed his neck. His black eyes looking at the remaining of two. They were dumb founded. He was just strangling that guy while looking at two of them. The strangled guy trying to fight Luca's grip, struggling for air. Luca threw him towards the trashcan. Thudd!!! He took his stuff with him, and put his hand one guy standing blocking his path. He immidiately moved away. "Tell Vince's he's next."
Luca made his way to Dante's house, the tension in his muscles still alive. He knocked on the door, and it swung open to reveal Dante, who was leaning against the door frame with a slight smile.
"Luca! I thought you'd come by later," Dante said, his voice warm despite the circumstances. He noticed the fresh energy radiating from Luca and raised an eyebrow. "What happened? You look like you've been busy."
"Just taking care of some business," Luca replied, He glanced around, taking in the familiar surroundings. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm getting there," Dante said, motioning for Luca to sit down.
Maya was already sitting in the living room, giving him the notes.
"Just taking care of some business," Luca replied, stepping inside as if it was his own house. He glanced around, taking in the familiar surroundings of Dante's home—comforting yet charged with tension. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm getting there," Dante said, motioning for Luca to sit down.
Maya was already sitting in the living room, flipping through her notes. She glanced up, a smirk dancing on her lips. "So, Mr. 'I've got everything under control,' what kind of business are we talking about? Did you finally decide to run for class president too?"
"Ha-ha, very funny," Luca replied, rolling his eyes. "If I wanted to spend my time debating lunch menus, I'd have run ages ago.
Maya stood up, stretching her arms above her head. "Alright, I should get going. Got my piano lessons. Just… be careful, okay?" Her concern was genuine, and she offered Luca a soft smile before heading toward the door.
"Will do," he assured her, watching as she stepped out and closed the door behind her.
Luca leaned back, his expression steely, his gaze unwavering. "You know who did it and why, right?"
Dante adjusted himself against the bed's headboard, wincing slightly. "It's Vince, isn't it?"
A slow nod from Luca. "I'm tired of these pawns playing games, Dante. We're done with their small leagues. It's time we moved up."
Dante met Luca's gaze, catching that glint—the cold ambition simmering just beneath the surface. It wasn't just revenge. This was strategy, something Dante recognized from countless glances and half-spoken words between them. Luca's ambition had always been there, lurking beneath every plan and every step forward. Dante had known for a while now that his friend's path was different; Luca wasn't meant for the ordinary, and as much as he'd tried to deny it, he knew Luca was set on something far larger.
Luca leaned forward, voice quiet but steeled. "You have Rocco's number, don't you? Give it to me."
Dante hesitated, the weight of what was happening finally sinking in. But he reached for his phone, handing it over without question. He knew this was only the beginning. There was no turning back now.
Later that evening, Luca stood waiting in the shadows, his eyes narrowing as Rocco and Elio approached. Rocco, lean and sharp, wore a determined scowl. He'd been the only one to stand against Vince, though he and Elio, his closest friend, had been overwhelmed by the sheer numbers Vince commanded. Now, they were sizing up Luca, cautious but hopeful.
Without preamble, Luca spoke, his voice like steel. "You know what life under Vince is. But I'm offering you a real way out."
Rocco tilted his head, unimpressed but intrigued. "And why should we trust you?"
Luca's gaze was unflinching. "Because I don't want a piece of this place. I want it all. You can keep fighting Vince , or you can come under me. You get your cut, your freedom. Or you stay stuck in his shadow."
Elio glanced at Rocco, sharing a silent look of understanding. Rocco extended his hand, no trace of doubt left. "Alright, Luca. We're in."
Their hands met, a pact formed in the silence. With Rocco and Elio on his side, Vince's hold was already weakening.
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Writing novel for first time. Appreciate comments and good criticism.