Page 52 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Prince

Chapter fifteen

Luca

“Fuck, finally, someone worth talking to,” I mutter to myself as I answer the phone with a curt greeting.

“Finally, the De Santi heir is back.” Victor lets out a slight chuckle as he speaks.

“I’m back to reclaim my city.” I bring the cigar closer to my lips and take a quick drag.

“It has always been yours and you can rest assured that my people are with you.”

A cloud of smoke forms in front of me as I release it from the corner of my mouth and nostrils. Nothing’s ever straightforward with Victor. His dealings with my father have taught me to know better.

“Get to the point, Victor. What do you want?”

There’s a slight pause before he answers. “What are your plans to get your father’s... business back in the game?”

“Does it bother you that I’m back? I’m making moves; you don’t have to worry about it.” I’m back and I’m going to make the city know the De Santis are here to take their rightful place. This city belonged to my father, and it isn’t about to stop now.

“You have to be careful, kid; the Carusos are a deadly bunch and having the Mancinis with them makes New York City their den of crime.”

I’ve always known the Carusos to be slimy bunches but it sounds annoying just to hear him warn me about the fucking Mancinis. “The fuck do you mean, Victor? You think I’m gonna let those companies slip through my fingers like sand?”

My time away has left him underestimating what I’m capable of. That’s about to fucking change. “I’ve got a plan, and it’s all good to go. I’m gonna take what’s mine, and nobody’s gonna stand in my way.Capisce(Understand)?”

Victor’s old voice crackles with a chuckle. “Ah, Luca, you’re a real chip off the old block. But listen kid, watch your back. The Caruso family’s been makin’ moves, tryin’ to muscle in on our territory. They’re ruthless, and they’ve got connections. Don’t underestimate ‘em.”

With a smirk, I take a drag of my cigar. “That’s all? You’re telling me this like it’s news? Please, Victor. I’ve got this under control. I’m no rookie.”

Victor’s tone turns serious. “Just keep your eyes open, Luca. That’s all I’m sayin’.”

I nod, even though he can’t see me. “I’ll be fine.”

Immediately after the call ends, I dial Vito’s number, my fingers drumming impatiently on the desk. “Vito, get the men together. I want to meet with all our guys at the compound. Now.”

Vito’s voice is a monotone yes-man. “Got it, Boss. I’ll get ‘em rounded up.”

I hang up, my gaze drifting to the fish tank in the corner of the room. Those stupid fish, swimming around in circles, not caring about the shit going on outside their little glass world. I watch them, my mind elsewhere, thinking about the Caruso family and how they think they got in the picture so fast.

Fucking amateurs. This is my city. And it will always be my city. No fucking assholes are going to steal everything my father had built and worked for. They’ll have to kill me first. I’m back to reclaim what’s mine and no one is stopping me. Not even the Carusos.

My phone rings, snapping me out of my trance.

Vito’s voice is on the other end. “Boss, everyone is here.”

“I’m on my way.”

I walk with long, decisive steps up to the lavish green grass of my compound, the sunlight glinting off the champagne cup in my hand. Before me, a line of rough-looking men regard me with eyes as cold as stone, their gazes as unforgiving.

“Fucking hell, I’m in my city,” I yell, my voice echoing across the compound.

The men erupt in a chorus of cheers and whistles, their faces a mix of excitement and menace.

“Listen up,bastardos,” I snarl, my gaze sweeping across the sea of leather-clad thugs. “It’s time to let this city know that I, Luca De Santi, am back, and I'm here to reclaim what rightfully belongs to me.”

My men roar in approval, their fists pumping in the air like a bunch of rabid animals.

“We are taking back what’s ours, and we will run it all with no fear, no mercy.”

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