Luca's POV

The air was heavy as I waited at the secluded spot I had chosen for the meeting. The dim glow of the streetlamp above barely illuminated the area, making it the perfect place for a private confrontation. My fingers drummed against my thigh as I replayed the plan in my mind. Russell wasn’t stupid—he’d be on guard.

I heard the faint hum of an approaching car and looked up, spotting Russell’s black vehicle as it rolled to a stop a few feet away. He didn’t step out immediately. I knew he’d call first, testing the waters. My phone vibrated, and I answered it on the first ring.

“Are...