The car ride was silent except for the hum of the engine. Elena sat stiffly between the two men, her fingers gripping the hem of her worn-out sweater. Every instinct screamed at her to run, to fight, but she knew it would be useless. These men weren't just thugs—they were Luca Castellano's men.
As the city lights blurred past the tinted windows, her mind raced. Luis, what have you done?
The SUV turned down a private road, leading to a sprawling estate surrounded by towering iron gates. This wasn't just a house—it was a fortress. Armed guards stood at every corner, their gazes cold and unreadable as the vehicle passed through.
Elena swallowed hard. There was no turning back now.
The car rolled to a stop in front of the mansion's grand entrance. Matteo stepped out first, then motioned for her to follow. Her legs felt like lead, but she forced herself to move.
The inside of the house was just as intimidating as the outside—black marble floors, gold-trimmed chandeliers, and an eerie, suffocating silence. It was the kind of luxury that screamed power.
Matteo led her down a long corridor until they reached a set of large double doors. Without knocking, he pushed them open.
And there he was.
Luca Castellano.
He stood by the window, his back to her, a glass of whiskey in his hand. Even from behind, his presence was overwhelming—broad shoulders, a perfectly tailored suit, and an air of dominance that filled the entire room.
"Elena Vasquez," he said, his voice smooth but carrying an undeniable edge. He turned to face her, and the moment their eyes met, her breath hitched.
He was gorgeous.
Dark hair, piercing gray eyes, sharp cheekbones. But there was nothing soft about him. His expression was unreadable, his gaze calculating. This was a man who was used to control.
Elena clenched her fists, forcing herself to stay composed. "If this is about my brother—"
"It is," Luca interrupted, walking toward her with slow, measured steps. "He owed me money. A lot of it. And now, he's vanished."
She lifted her chin, refusing to let him see her fear. "I don't have fifty grand."
Luca smirked, amused by her defiance. "I know." He took another sip of whiskey before setting the glass down. "That's why you're going to work for me."
Elena's stomach dropped. "What?"
"You heard me," he said. "Your brother's debt is now yours. And until it's paid, you belong to me."
Her pulse roared in her ears. This couldn't be real. "I—I have a job," she protested.
"Not anymore," Luca said smoothly. "From now on, you work for me. You'll do as I say, when I say it." His eyes darkened. "And if you try to run? I'll find you."
Elena knew she had no choice. If she refused, she wouldn't walk out of here alive.
Taking a shaky breath, she whispered, "What do you want me to do?"
Luca's smirk deepened.
"Let's start with obedience."