Bound to the Devil

Chapter 1 - The Devil’s Debt Everyone in the city knew the first rule about the Romano family. You never owed them money. The second rule was even simpler. If you did… you prayed they never came to collect. Elena Russo clutched the envelope in her trembling hands as she stepped out of the taxi. The nightclub stood before her like a dark promise - tall glass walls reflecting the city lights, velvet ropes lining the entrance, and men in black suits guarding the doors like silent soldiers. This place didn’t just belong to the Romano family. It was their territory. And she was about to walk straight into it. Her heart hammered painfully in her chest. You can still leave. The thought whispered through her mind as she stood on the sidewalk. But leaving wasn’t an option. Her brother had made sure of that. Marco Russo had always been reckless. Charming, impulsive, and completely incapable of thinking about consequences. This time, his mistake had been borrowing money from the most dangerous man in the city. Luca Romano. And now Marco was gone. Disappeared. Vanished. Which meant the debt had fallen on her. Elena took a slow breath, trying to steady the trembling in her fingers. The envelope in her hand contained every dollar she had been able to scrape together. Ten thousand. It wasn’t even close to the two hundred thousand Marco owed. But it was something. Maybe if she explained… Maybe if she begged… The two men at the door noticed her approaching and immediately stepped forward. “Private club,” one of them said flatly. His voice carried the quiet authority of someone who was used to being obeyed. “I need to speak to your boss,” Elena said. The guards exchanged looks. Then one of them chuckled. “Everyone thinks they need to speak to him.” Her fingers tightened around the envelope. “It’s about debt.” That changed everything. The amusement vanished from the man’s face instantly. He studied her for a moment longer before stepping aside. “Follow me.” The doors opened. The moment Elena stepped inside, the atmosphere changed completely. Music pulsed through the room, deep and hypnotic. Red velvet booths lined the walls while powerful men lounged around tables filled with expensive liquor. Women in glittering dresses laughed softly, leaning close to whisper secrets into dangerous ears. But Elena barely noticed any of it. Because the entire room seemed to orbit around one place. The balcony overlooking the club. And the man sitting there. Even from across the room, his presence was unmistakable. Dark suit. Broad shoulders. One hand resting lazily against the arm of his chair while the other held a glass of amber liquid. Luca Romano. The devil of this city. His dark eyes were already on her. Watching. Studying. Assessing. Like a predator deciding whether she was worth the trouble. Her escort led her up the curved staircase toward the balcony. Each step felt heavier than the last. By the time she reached the top, her pulse was racing. The guard stepped aside. “Boss.” Luca Romano didn’t move. He simply continued swirling the drink in his glass, his gaze fixed on Elena with unsettling calm. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then he said quietly, “People who owe me money usually send lawyers.” His voice was low and smooth. Terrifyingly calm. Elena forced herself to meet his gaze. “My brother took the loan.” “Marco Russo.” The way he said the name made her stomach drop. Of course he knew. Men like Luca Romano knew everything. “Where is he?” Luca asked. “I don’t know.” Silence stretched across the balcony. A dangerous silence. “You expect me to believe that?” “It’s the truth.” His eyes moved slowly over her. Not politely. Not respectfully. Carefully. Like he was evaluating something he might buy. Or destroy. “And what exactly did you bring me tonight, Miss Russo?” Her throat tightened. Still, she stepped forward and placed the envelope on the table between them. “Ten thousand dollars.” Luca didn’t even glance at it. “Your brother owes me two hundred thousand.” “I know.” “Then I assume this is a joke.” “It’s a start.” That finally got his attention. One dark eyebrow lifted slightly. “I’ll work,” Elena continued quickly. “I’ll pay it back.” A quiet laugh escaped him. Cold. Amused. “You?” “Yes.” “You think debt to the Romano family works like a bank loan?” “I think you want your money.” Now he leaned forward slightly. Interested. “And what exactly do you plan to do, Elena Russo?” Her name sounded strange in his voice. Like he was testing it. She hesitated only a second before answering. “I’ll do whatever it takes.” The moment the words left her mouth, she realized how dangerous they sounded. His eyes darkened. “Oh?” Heat rushed to her face. “That’s not what I meant.” “Isn’t it?” He stood slowly. And suddenly the distance between them felt much smaller. Up close, Luca Romano was even more intimidating. Tall. Broad. The kind of man who filled a room without trying. He walked around the table until he stood directly in front of her. Too close. Elena forced herself not to step back. His hand lifted. For one terrifying second she thought he might grab her. Instead, he reached for a strand of her dark hair, letting it slip slowly between his fingers. “You came here alone.” “Yes.” “That was either brave…” His fingers released her hair. “…or very stupid.” Her heart pounded. “I needed to speak to you.” “You’re speaking.” Their eyes locked. Something dangerous flickered in his. “You said you’ll do whatever it takes,” he said softly. “Yes.” Luca studied her face for a long moment. Then he smiled. It wasn’t a kind smile. It was the kind predators gave just before closing the trap. “I think I have a solution.” Hope flickered in her chest. “What is it?” He returned to his chair and picked up his drink again, completely relaxed. “You’ll work for me.” Relief flooded through her. “I can do that.” “Oh, I know you can.” Something in his tone made her stomach twist. “For how long?” she asked carefully. He took a slow sip before answering. “Until the debt is paid.” “That’s fair.” His dark eyes lifted to hers again. “And while you’re under my protection…” Elena frowned. “Protection from what?” Luca’s smile returned. Slow. Dangerous. “From the men your brother stole from before he borrowed my money.” Cold dread washed over her. “What do you mean?” He leaned back in his chair. Watching her reaction carefully. “Your brother didn’t just take my money.” Her stomach dropped. “He borrowed from the Bratva too.” The room suddenly felt much smaller. “And right now,” Luca continued calmly, “they’re looking for him.” Elena’s voice barely came out. “…why does that matter?” Luca’s gaze locked onto hers. “Because when they can’t find him…” He set his glass down. “They’ll come looking for you.” Fear tightened in her chest. “And the only reason they haven’t taken you yet…” His eyes gleamed. “…is because they know you’re standing in my territory.” Elena swallowed hard. “What does that mean for me?” Luca Romano smiled again. Sharp. Possessive. Dangerous. “It means,” he said quietly, “You belong to me now.”