"That’s the thing about good men," he said. "I can watch an innocent person get killed on my doorstep and I wouldn’t even blink." Luca’s voice lowered. "You, on the other hand, Detective... it would haunt you. I like honourable opponents. They are predictable in the one way that matters."
Voss smiled. He finally realised the knife on the table could be held by either of them. "You know what..." he said slowly, eyes narrowing with a new interest. "Maybe I should take a page out of your own playbook."
"That would require taste, Detective."
"If the time ever comes that you need me to get your girl out of a fix," Voss said, "then you will owe me a debt."
Luca’s eyes changed. Voss saw it and smiled wider.
"You know what I want, right?"
"Of course, Detective. I do know what you want."
Voss wanted him. He wanted Luciano Genovese in chains. A conviction, a fall. And Luca, sitting there understood with perfect clarity what he was offering. If the day ever came when Veronica’s freedom depended on Detective Andrew Voss, the price would be absolute.
His life for hers. His freedom for hers. His empire, if that was what it took. Luca smiled faintly. "And I promise you, if she ever needs you, you will get what you want. You have my word."
Some of Voss’s anger faded into respect. Reluctant, bitter, unwanted respect, but respect all the same.
"You’d really do that," he said.
"Yes."
Voss’s smile widened. "Have a good day, Mr. Genovese." He turned toward the door, then paused with his hand on the handle. "And say hi to your Donna for me."
Luca raised a brow.
Voss glanced back, his smile sharpening. "I saw her name on the door right next to yours."
He opened the door and headed out. Luca remained seated long after the door closed. The man didn’t disappoint. He followed through just as Luca had predicted he would. Push the right button, offer the right moral trap, and Voss would find his way to the bargain all by himself.
If it ever came down to it, Vee’s life for his, Vee’s freedom for his. Luca picked up his empty glass, turning it slowly between his fingers.
He prayed he would get to spend the rest of his life with her. He prayed for quiet mornings, for her laughter in his bed, for her stubborn voice, for the life they kept talking about like the world might one day allow them to have it.
But if that didn’t happen, if the darkness finally came to collect its due, then there was nothing left to debate.
His life was hers both figuratively and literally. Right on cue, she walked in. He almost let the truth show on his face.
The fear, the decision, the silent agreement that if the day ever came, he would hand himself over before he let the world put her in a cage.
He quickly schooled his expression into his usual smug mask, because Veronica Scalese had terrifyingly sharp eyes and an even more terrifying habit of noticing the things he tried hardest to hide. "There’s my Donna," he said, spreading his arms slightly. "Claimed and owned by yours truly."
Vee paused by the door and stared at him. "You’re an idiot."
"But your idiot, right?"
She waved him off like she was swatting at a disturbing fly. "Unfortunately."


Damn it.
"He looked like he needed a drink or to get laid," Luca said. "I’m not exactly sure which."
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