Chapter 8 - THE RESCUE THAT CHANGED LUCA
The rescue happened just before midnight.
Police entered the warehouse after establishing probable cause and coordinating a tactical operation.
Luna heard shouting.
Footsteps.
A door crashing open.
Then a voice.
“Police! Stay where you are!”
Dmitri tried to flee.
He was arrested near the loading bay.
Two accomplices were taken into custody.
An officer entered Luna's room.
“Miss Reyes?”
She nodded.
“Are you hurt?”
“No.”
“We're getting you out.”
The officer carefully freed her hands.
Luna stood.
Her legs nearly gave way.
Outside, rain fell across the warehouse parking lot.
An ambulance waited nearby.
And beyond the police vehicles stood Luca.
He didn't rush toward her.
He waited until she saw him.
Then asked:
“Can I come closer?”
Luna began crying.
She nodded.
He crossed the distance.
She fell into his arms.
For a long moment, neither spoke.
Then Luca whispered:
“I'm sorry.”
Luna held him tightly.
“I'm here.”
He closed his eyes.
“I thought—”
“Don't.”
She pulled back.
“I'm here.”
He nodded.
Tears filled his eyes.
The man who had faced armed rivals without blinking was shaking.
Luna touched his cheek.
“Luca.”
He looked at her.
“This has to stop.”
He nodded.
“I know.”
“No more pretending the family business is harmless.”
“I know.”
“No more threats. No more people disappearing because someone wants power.”
He closed his eyes.
Then whispered:
“I'll change it.”
Luna studied him.
“Don't promise me something you can't do.”
He looked at her.
“Then I'll show you.”
She nodded slowly.
“Good.”
As paramedics examined her, Luca watched the warehouse.
He had inherited a kingdom built on fear.
May you like
For the first time, he understood that keeping it might cost him the only woman he'd ever truly loved.
And he was no longer willing to pay that price.
