Page 91 of Inside the Sun

Luca doesn’t say a word. Which, honestly, is more disturbing than if he had.

"Fuck," Vito spits, "you hit me over some dumb slut?"

Luca punches him again. This time, so hard that Vito blacks out and collapses to the ground.

Silence falls.

Luca slowly lifts his gaze to me. Then he raises his hand and points toward the doors leading to the lounge room. Still silent. But the gesture is crystal clear:Get out.

I glance at Ragnar. For a moment, our eyes meet, but just for a split second. He’s still, unnervingly calm. I admire that, because I’m shaking from nerves.

I head toward the doors. After walking a dozen steps, I glance back. Luca is heading away, not even acknowledging Ragnar, who’s standing by the planters, watching the purple alpha disappear down the path.

What the hell just happened here?

It’s wild. I used to think Luca was in the same category as Rocco, another monster in a fancy suit. But maybe I was wrong. It makes me question everything I thought I knew about the dynamic between the brothers.

Before, it was simple: two bad ones, two neutral. But perhaps it’s three neutral and only one truly rotten.

One last glance at Ragnar. Now he’s observing me. And I’m grateful. He risked a lot stepping in. I just hope it doesn’t cost him.

The thought leaves a heavy knot in my throat, one that only tightens with every step I take.

Why should I care so much? Getting attached would be deadly stupid. But… that knot won’t loosen.

In my room, I walk to the window and press my forehead to the glass. I see Ragnar outside, mowing the lawn like nothing happened. Vito’s no longer by the kitchen door.

And I’m still left with one burning question: Why did Luca step in? Why didn’t he take the side of a made man?

What the hell is really going on in The Sun?

RAGNAR

Another day goes by.

There’s not much time left before the banquet, and I barely recognize myself. My body’s tight like a drawn wire.

Since this morning, I’ve been mowing, trimming hedges, and scrubbing around the pool as part of my usual duties. Roberto said everything has to look perfect, so I’m working hard. But my thoughts are scattered like flocks of wild birds. I’ve started doing stupid things. Unforgivable things. Things that could cost people dearly.

The eternal question: be a decent man, or a man on a mission, blinders on?

Earlier today, I got a call from my parents. I had to take it, I couldn’t stall any longer.

The first thing my dad said was, "Any progress? Did you see Summer?"

Biting my lip hard enough to draw blood, I mumbled, "No. But there are some new developments…"

"Oh?" I could hear the excitement and hope in his voice, and it made me feel even guiltier.

"Nothing major. There’s a new guy in The Sun, the capo’s lover. Very young and pretty. I’ve been hoping I could casually talk to him and maybe get some intel…"

"Ferro has a new lover parading around, and Summer’s nowhere to be found?! That could mean this bastard killed him!"

"Stop, Dad. I know that."

Of course, I didn’t make a fool of myself by admitting I’ve got the hots for the guy who might’ve replaced my own poor brother… No one would comprehend that level of stupidity.

"Listen," I said, clearing my throat. "There’s a banquet in two days. I haven’t been able to get into those events before, but now I’m planning to sneak in somehow…"

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