A Game of Lies
442 Words
Elena sat in the back seat of the sleek black car, the city lights casting long shadows through the tinted windows. Her mind was racing, trying to piece together everything she had just learned from her conversation with Luca DeLuca.
He was hiding something. That much was clear. But what?
And more importantly, how much danger was she in?
She glanced at the driver—a silent, stone-faced soldier of Adrian’s—and let out a slow breath. Her husband would be expecting a full report, and she had nothing solid yet. She needed to play this carefully.
As the car pulled up to the Valenti estate, she braced herself. The moment she stepped inside, a familiar voice greeted her.
“You took longer than expected.”
Adrian stood by the grand staircase, his suit jacket draped over one arm, his shirt sleeves rolled up. He looked as effortlessly dangerous as ever.
Elena handed her clutch to one of the maids and crossed her arms. “I had to make sure Luca trusted me.”
Adrian raised a brow. “And does he?”
She hesitated. “He’s suspicious, but he didn’t push me away. He said we’ll talk again soon.”
Adrian stepped closer, his presence overpowering. “Did he say anything useful?”
Elena bit her lip. “Not yet. But he’s watching me just as much as I’m watching him.”
For a moment, Adrian was silent. Then, in a move so fast she barely registered it, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer. “I told you to find out if he’s a traitor. I don’t have time for him to trust you. I need answers.”
Elena yanked her hand away, anger flashing in her eyes. “You expect me to get answers in one night? This isn’t some interrogation room, Adrian. If you want real information, I need to play the game.”
Adrian’s jaw tightened. Then, after a long beat, he exhaled and nodded. “Fine. But don’t take too long. If DeLuca is betraying us, I want his head before he even sees it coming.”
Elena swallowed hard. She had always known the mafia was ruthless, but hearing Adrian speak so casually about murder still sent chills down her spine.
As she turned to leave, Adrian’s voice stopped her.
“Elena.”
She looked over her shoulder.
His eyes darkened. “Be careful.”
She nodded once before disappearing up the stairs. But as she closed the bedroom door behind her, her hands trembled.
She wasn’t sure who she needed to be more careful of—Luca DeLuca or her own husband.
- Writer
