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Short filmTranscript
00:00I'm already sweating before.
00:01I even finished sliding the last stack of folders into place.
00:04And no, it's not because the office AC is broken again.
00:07It's because I'm one signature away from getting fired again.
00:11Come on, Nora, I mutter to myself,
00:14tapping the pen against the form like it insulted my mother.
00:17You can do this.
00:18You can handle basic paperwork.
00:20Adults do it every day.
00:21The universe, apparently, takes that as a challenge.
00:24Because the moment I lean forward to initial the final line,
00:27the file tower,
00:28I've built my sad attempt at organization.
00:32Tilts like a drunk cheerleader
00:33and crashes across my desk.
00:36Papers explode everywhere.
00:37My iced coffee tips over,
00:39splashing across forms that definitely weren't supposed to get splashed on.
00:43Great.
00:43Another Tuesday in my life.
00:45I'm scooping soggy papers
00:46into a messy pile when I hear the worst.
00:49Sentence any broke.
00:50Woman can hear in corporate America.
00:52Miss Hale, we need to talk.
00:54My manager's voice is nasal enough to peel paint.
00:56I don't even have to look up to know she's rocking that.
00:59I love power more than oxygen expression.
01:01I snap upright, trying to hide the coffee lake.
01:04Can this talk happen later?
01:05I'm mid, uh, admin victory.
01:07She sighs.
01:08You filed the Henderson contract under Biao, miscellaneous.
01:12I freeze.
01:13Well, technically, everything in this company is miscellaneous.
01:17Pack your desk, she says.
01:19And boom!
01:20My stomach hits the floor.
01:21I'm fired.
01:22Again.
01:23This makes, what, five times this year?
01:26Men have better commitment records and situationships.
01:28But I can't accept it.
01:30I'm broke.
01:30I share an apartment with two roommates and one angry cat.
01:33I have an overdrawn card and a collection of parking tickets.
01:37That could qualify as modern art.
01:39I can't lose this job.
01:40So I do what any desperate, stubborn American woman would do.
01:43I grab the stack of ruined paperwork, clutch it to my chest like it's a life-saving, magical
01:48relic, and say,
01:49Just one more chance, please.
01:51I swear on Target's seasonal aisle.
01:53I will not mess up again.
01:55My manager simply points toward the door.
01:57I inhale.
01:59Exhale.
02:00Okay.
02:00Plan B.
02:01Run!
02:02I don't mean run out of the building.
02:04I mean run to the one person who might.
02:06Maybe possibly save my job.
02:08The owner.
02:08A man I've never met.
02:10A man rumored to be loaded.
02:11A man who buys buildings the way I buy discounted burritos.
02:15A man the staff speaks about in hushed tones like
02:17He's a mythic creature who appears only when
02:19Someone majorly screws up.
02:21His name?
02:22Luca Valenti.
02:23A name that sounds like money dipped in gasoline.
02:26I grab the folders.
02:28Shove everything into my tote.
02:30And dart toward the executive hallway like a woman who absolutely
02:33Definitely does not have a plan.
02:35The sunlight streaming through the long
02:37Corridor windows is too bright
02:39For my level of panic.
02:41It highlights every dust moat.
02:42Makes everything feel hyper-real.
02:44Like the universe is watching my downfall in HD.
02:47I rehearse my begging speech in my head.
02:50Hi, Mr. Valenti, sir.
02:51Please don't fire me.
02:52I swear I can file things correctly if supervised by maybe three people and a dog.
02:57But when I reach his office door, I stop.
02:59Because the nameplate doesn't just say Luca Valenti.
03:02It says Valenti Holdings under it.
03:04My jaw drops.
03:05This isn't some small business CEO.
03:07This is a don of an empire.
03:09This is the man who allegedly owns islands.
03:12And ranches in six cars he never even drives.
03:14Some people say he inherited a crime-adjacent empire.
03:17Some say he built it.
03:19Some say he's dangerous.
03:20But every rumor agrees on one thing.
03:22He's not a man you inconvenience.
03:24My hand shakes on the doorknob.
03:26I'm about to inconvenience him.
03:28Inside, the office looks like a billionaire Pinterest board made of sunlight.
03:32The floor-to-ceiling windows overlook downtown.
03:35Everything gleams.
03:36Everything is bright.
03:37A giant ficus tree sits by the corner like it's living its best wealthy plant life.
03:42And behind a marble desk sits...
03:44No one.
03:45I blink.
03:46Mr. Valenti?
03:47Silence.
03:48Okay, maybe I can leave my apology note and run.
03:51Maybe I can...
03:52A shadow slides across the room.
03:54Long and solid.
03:55I turn and...
03:57Holy.
03:57Mother.
03:58Of...
03:59Plot twists.
04:00A man steps in through the balcony's open glass door.
04:03Sun behind him like a spotlight.
04:05He's tall.
04:06No, tall, tall.
04:07Broad-shouldered.
04:08Wearing a white button-up rolled to the elbows.
04:10Showing forearms that look like they could negotiate peace treaties or crack walnuts.
04:14His jawline is sharp enough to file my taxes for me.
04:18Dark hair.
04:19Touseled like he wrestled with the wind.
04:21A tattoo winding across his left arm.
04:23Inked roses and a watchful serpent.
04:25Bracelets and a heavy signet ring glint on his hand.
04:29He looks like trouble.
04:30He looks like power.
04:31He looks like the kind of man who doesn't ever get told no.
04:34He also looks straight at me.
04:36I panic smile.
04:38Hi.
04:38Hello.
04:38Um, I didn't know you were there.
04:40On the balcony.
04:42In the sunlight.
04:43Existing.
04:43He raises an eyebrow.
04:45A slow, amused curve.
04:46And you are?
04:48Nora Hale, I say.
04:49Paperwork disaster.
04:51Unofficial office clown.
04:52Future jobless woman if you don't help me.
04:54His eyes sharpen with the kind of interest that is either very good or very dangerous.
04:59Why are you in my office, Nora Hale?
05:01Oh God, his voice.
05:02Low, quiet American.
05:03With a faint trace of something.
05:06Older, European maybe.
05:07It hits like warm honey laced with threat.
05:10I got fired, I blurt.
05:11And technically that was fair.
05:13But also unfair.
05:14But mostly fair.
05:16Anyway, I came here to, uh, plead?
05:19Beg?
05:20Dramatically cry in the hopes you reconsider?
05:22He steps forward.
05:24Sunlight catching on the expensive watch on his wrist.
05:27How did you get upstairs?
05:29Elevator.
05:30He waits.
05:30And also, I told security you requested me.
05:34I add in a whisper.
05:35He laughs.
05:36Actually laughs.
05:37It's warm, shocking, and too intimate.
05:40He walks closer until he's right in front of me.
05:43Too close.
05:44Close enough that I can smell him.
05:45Clean.
05:46Masculine.
05:47Expensive.
05:48Like Cedarwood in Danger had a baby.
05:50I clutch the wet folders like a shield.
05:53Please don't fire me, I say softly.
05:55I really can do better.
05:57My life is kind of a mess, and I just need one win today.
06:00He studies me for a long second.
06:02Then he steps past me, leaning over my desk of paperwork like he's inspecting my chaos.
06:08When he speaks, his voice is low enough to shiver down my spine.
06:12You look like a problem, he says.
06:14Then his mouth curves in a slow, devastating smile.
06:18A problem I want.
06:20My breath disappears.
06:21He straightens, towering above me.
06:23Sunlight outlining him like some heroic villain come to life.
06:26I'm not letting you get fired today, he says.
06:30In fact, you're coming with me.
06:32Sorry, what?
06:33He nods toward the door.
06:35Walk with me.
06:36Walk with him?
06:37Where?
06:37Why?
06:38Is this how kidnapping starts?
06:40But then he adds,
06:41You're under my protection now.
06:43Protection?
06:44I freeze.
06:45Protection from what?
06:47He looks down at me, expression shifting from amused to serious in an instant.
06:52From everyone who thinks they can use you, he says.
06:55Including this company.
06:57I swallow.
06:58I don't understand.
06:59You will, he promises.
07:01Then he places his hand lightly on my lower back, warm.
07:05Steady, possessive, and guides me out of the office.
07:08Just like that, my life tilts off its axis.
07:10This isn't just a job I lost.
07:12This is the moment of no return.
07:14And I'm following a mafia dawn into the sunlight,
07:16wondering if I just saved my life, or ruined it beautifully.
07:19The moment Luca Valenti's hand leaves the small of my back,
07:23I already miss its warmth.
07:25Which is insane.
07:26Completely unhinged.
07:27Definitely not normal behavior for a woman.
07:30Who just begged a near stranger.
07:31The rumored,
07:33Mafia dawn of half the East Coast.
07:35Not to fire her.
07:36He leads me through the office with a confident stride.
07:39Sunlight flashing off his watch as if the universe has appointed him its favorite.
07:43His employees snap to attention as we pass.
07:46Some nod with fear.
07:47Some with respect.
07:48One guy almost drops his laptop.
07:51Sir, someone blurts.
07:52Is she supposed to-
07:53Yes, Luca says simply.
07:56No explanation.
07:57No pause.
07:58And suddenly I'm next to the most dangerous man in the city.
08:01With everyone watching like I'm the new mystery ingredient in the headquarters recipe.
08:06We exit the building into the midday heat.
08:08The sun hitting my face like a spotlight.
08:11Cars roar down the bright city street.
08:13People rush by in business attire.
08:15Iced lattes in hand.
08:16The world is bright and loud and very much real.
08:19Meanwhile, my pulse is doing Zumba.
08:21Before I can ask where we're going, a sleek matte gray SUV rolls to the curb.
08:26The driver, massive, tattooed, sunglasses, steps out and opens the back door for me.
08:31I freeze.
08:32I freeze.
08:33Um, this feels very mob adjacent.
08:37Luca pauses beside me, amused.
08:39You're not being kidnapped, Nora.
08:41That sounds exactly like something a kidnapper would say.
08:44He leans in, his voice dipping low.
08:47If I wanted to kidnap you, you wouldn't be confused about it.
08:51Yeah, that does not help my heart rate.
08:53But he steps back, extending a hand like a gentleman.
08:56Get in.
08:57I do.
08:58Because apparently logic has abandoned me today.
09:00We drive, in broad daylight.
09:02Through the city, with zero explanation.
09:05I'm pressed against the leather seat, clutching my tote like it owes me rent.
09:09Luca sits beside me, relaxed, arm thrown casually over the backrest.
09:14Close, but not touching.
09:16So, I start.
09:18Are you going to tell me where we're going?
09:20Or is this a spontaneous adventure-slash-hostage scenario?
09:23He smirks.
09:24You're bold.
09:25No, I'm panicking.
09:27This is my panic voice.
09:28He turns his head toward me.
09:30You're safe with me.
09:31It isn't the words that hit me.
09:33It's the certainty.
09:34Like he fully believes it.
09:36Like my safety is something he has already decided.
09:39Contractually bound to enforce.
09:41But why, I ask.
09:42You don't know me.
09:44You owe me nothing.
09:45His gaze sweeps over me.
09:47Down then up, like he's cataloging pieces of truth.
09:50You walked into my office like you had nothing left to lose.
09:53He says quietly.
09:55That interests me.
09:56Holy plot twist.
09:58I was desperate.
09:59Desperate people lie, he replies.
10:01You didn't.
10:02I open my mouth, shut it, open it again.
10:05Okay, but why protection?
10:07From who?
10:07I'm not in danger.
10:08I'm...
10:09Then I remember.
10:10My job.
10:11My fired job.
10:12The Henderson contract.
10:13The paperwork I messed up.
10:15Wait, I say slowly.
10:17Is this about the contract?
10:18Did my mistake, like, offend someone important?
10:21Luca looks out the window, jaw flexing.
10:24That contract wasn't supposed to be filed at all.
10:27Someone used you to try to hide it.
10:29What?
10:30They set you up, he says simply.
10:32To take the hit?
10:33My stomach drops.
10:35Why would anyone...
10:36Because you were an easy target, he replies.
10:39New.
10:40Unconnected.
10:41Overworked.
10:42Invisible.
10:42Well, that hurts in a weirdly accurate way.
10:46And you noticed?
10:47I whisper.
10:48I notice everything.
10:50I believe him.
10:51God help me, I believe this dangerously.
10:53Attractive man who could buy a small country, with the spare change in his pockets.
10:57The car slows as we pull into a sunlit.
10:59Plaza lined with palm.
11:01Trees and glass storefronts.
11:02People stroll around with smoothies.
11:04Kids chase pigeons.
11:06It's all so bright and normal.
11:07The car stops in front of a modern building with huge glass doors.
11:11What is this place?
11:12I ask.
11:13My office, he says.
11:15Wait, your other office?
11:16He gives a soft laugh.
11:18This is Valenti Holdings West.
11:20How many offices do you have?
11:22Enough, he says.
11:23Come.
11:24Inside, it's a sun-soaked, high-security paradise.
11:27Everything is glass, white stone, polished metal.
11:30Huge windows overlook the city.
11:32Indoor trees cast soft shadows.
11:34Sunlight pours everywhere, warm and golden.
11:36His people nod to him and stare at me.
11:38Why is everyone looking at me like I'm holding a live grenade?
11:42I whisper.
11:44Because you're with me, he answers plainly.
11:47Great.
11:47No pressure.
11:48He gestures for me to follow him into a bright boardroom.
11:51On the table sits a huge stack of files.
11:54Sit, he says.
11:55I drop into a chair, suspicious.
11:57Are these more random documents you want me to file?
12:00Because I'm pretty sure I'm a walking HR hazard.
12:02He rounds the table, loosening the top button of his shirt, because apparently he wants to
12:08destroy my sanity today.
12:10I'm not hiring you to be my assistant, he says.
12:12I'm hiring you to tell me which of my men tried to set you up.
12:16I choke.
12:17Me?
12:18Why me?
12:19Because you're observant, he says without pause.
12:22No, I'm chaotic.
12:24And honest.
12:25Sometimes accidentally.
12:27Nora, he says, stepping closer.
12:29You saw something.
12:30Even if you don't know it.
12:32I blink at him.
12:33I literally spilled coffee on half the evidence.
12:36A ghost of a smile touches his lips.
12:38Yes, you did.
12:39He sits beside me, too close again, his knee brushing mine.
12:43Heat shoots up my legs so sharply I almost levitate.
12:46He opens the top folder.
12:48Bright pages glowing in the sunlight.
12:50And says, walk me through your day.
12:53What, play by play?
12:54Yes.
12:55We're skipping over the part where I maybe cried in the bathroom for five minutes.
12:59His lips twitch.
13:01Include it.
13:02I exhale, dragging a hand over my face.
13:05Fine.
13:06We start piecing together the mystery.
13:08In daylight.
13:09In a room that smells like citrus and wealth.
13:11I tell him everything.
13:12My morning.
13:13The misplaced contract.
13:15The weird look my co-worker Janelle gave me.
13:17The file being missing, then suddenly reappearing in my inbox.
13:20Every detail I remember.
13:22Luca listens like no one has listened to me in years.
13:25Focused.
13:26Intense.
13:27Eyes tracking every expression.
13:29Janelle, he repeats.
13:31Describe her.
13:32Blonde.
13:33Big hoop earrings.
13:34Nails sharp enough to stab someone on purpose.
13:36His eyes darken slightly.
13:38She works under Bernard.
13:40Yes?
13:41Bernard answers to a family we don't get along with.
13:44Don't get along with.
13:45Sounds like a polite way to say organized crime turf tension.
13:49He gives me a look that says smart girl.
13:51Then.
13:52Someone wanted that contract hidden.
13:54Someone who assumed you wouldn't fight back.
13:57Well.
13:57I mutter.
13:58The joke's on them.
14:00Because I fight back erratically.
14:01Loudly and with bad decisions.
14:03He laughs again.
14:05Quiet and genuine.
14:06It does things to me.
14:07You did the right thing coming to me.
14:09He says.
14:10I literally barged into your office because I panicked.
14:14And still.
14:14He murmurs.
14:15You came to me.
14:17He leans back slightly.
14:18Studying me with a mix of amusement and something deeper.
14:22Something protective.
14:23Every cell in my body turns into static.
14:25I want to help you.
14:27He says.
14:28But understand this.
14:29Being under my protection is not casual.
14:31I didn't exactly sign up.
14:33You did.
14:34He says softly.
14:36When you walked through my door.
14:37My breath catches.
14:39But.
14:39He adds.
14:40You can still choose to walk away.
14:42I swallow.
14:43Walk away?
14:44From safety?
14:45From justice?
14:46From him?
14:46His eyes lock on mine.
14:48Sunlight sparking in the brown.
14:50Warm.
14:51Fierce.
14:51Impossible to look away from.
14:53What if I stay?
14:54I whisper.
14:56He doesn't smile.
14:57Doesn't smirk.
14:58He just answers quietly.
15:00Then everything changes.
15:01Before I can react, his phone buzzes.
15:04He glances at it, jaw tightening.
15:06What is it?
15:07I ask.
15:08His voice drops.
15:10Bernard just requested a meeting.
15:12About me, isn't it?
15:13Yes.
15:14The room suddenly feels brighter.
15:15Hotter.
15:16Danger is here.
15:17Not shadows.
15:18Not gloom.
15:19Danger in broad daylight.
15:21He stands.
15:22You're coming with me.
15:23What?
15:24Luca?
15:24I'm not letting them touch you.
15:26He says, fierce, final.
15:28I rise slowly.
15:30My heart pounds so loudly I feel it in my fingertips.
15:33I should say no.
15:34I should run.
15:35I should choose safety.
15:37Instead I say okay.
15:38Because somewhere between losing my job and sitting in this sunlit boardroom.
15:43Something shifts.
15:44I trust him.
15:45God help me.
15:45I trust him.
15:46He offers his hand.
15:48I take it.
15:49And we walk toward whatever daylight war is coming.
15:52Together.
15:53Luca listens like no one has listened to me in years.
15:56Focused.
15:57Intense.
15:58Eyes tracking every expression.
16:00Janelle, he repeats.
16:02Describe her.
16:03Blonde.
16:04Big hoop earrings.
16:05Nails sharp enough to stab someone on purpose.
16:08His eyes darken slightly.
16:09She works under Bernard.
16:11Yes?
16:12Bernard answers to a family we don't get along with.
16:15Don't get along with.
16:17Sounds like a polite way to say organized crime turf tension.
16:20He gives me a look that says smart girl.
16:22Then.
16:24Someone wanted that contract hidden.
16:26Someone who assumed you wouldn't fight back.
16:28Well.
16:28I mutter.
16:29The joke's on them.
16:31Because I fight back erratically.
16:33Loudly and with bad decisions.
16:35He laughs again.
16:36Quiet and genuine.
16:37It does things to me.
16:38You did the right thing coming to me.
16:40He says.
16:41I literally barged into your office because I panicked.
16:45And still.
16:45He murmurs.
16:46You came to me.
16:48He leans back slightly.
16:49Studying me with a mix of amusement and something deeper.
16:53Something protective.
16:53Every cell in my body turns into static.
16:56I want to help you.
16:58He says.
16:59But understand this.
17:00Being under my protection is not casual.
17:03I didn't exactly sign up.
17:05You did.
17:05He says softly.
17:07When you walked through my door.
17:08My breath catches.
17:10But.
17:10He adds.
17:11You can still choose to walk away.
17:13I swallow.
17:14Walk away?
17:15From safety?
17:16From justice?
17:17From him?
17:18His eyes lock on mine.
17:19Sunlight sparking in the brown.
17:21Warm.
17:22Fierce.
17:23Impossible to look away from.
17:24What if I stay?
17:26I whisper.
17:27He doesn't smile.
17:28Doesn't smirk.
17:29He just answers quietly.
17:31Then everything changes.
17:33Before I can react, his phone buzzes.
17:35He glances at it.
17:36Jaw tightening.
17:37What is it?
17:38I ask.
17:39His voice drops.
17:40Bernard just requested a meeting.
17:43About me, isn't it?
17:44Yes.
17:45The room suddenly feels brighter.
17:47Hotter.
17:47Danger is here.
17:48Not shadows.
17:49Not gloom.
17:50Danger in broad daylight.
17:52He stands.
17:53You're coming with me.
17:54What?
17:55Luca?
17:56I'm not letting them touch you.
17:57He says, fierce, final.
17:59I rise slowly.
18:01My heart pounds so loudly I feel it in my fingertips.
18:04I should say no.
18:05I should run.
18:06I should choose safety.
18:08Instead, I say okay.
18:09Because somewhere between losing my job and sitting in this sunlit
18:12boardroom.
18:14Something shifts.
18:15I trust him.
18:16God help me.
18:17I trust him.
18:18He offers his hand.
18:19I take it.
18:20And we walk toward whatever daylight war is coming.
18:23Together.
18:24The sun hits us full force as we step out of the office building.
18:28Too bright.
18:29Too hot.
18:29Too alive for what my heart is doing.
18:32Luca doesn't let go of my hand.
18:34Even when the valet practically folds himself in half, handing over the keys.
18:38This is a bad idea.
18:40I whisper as we walk toward the waiting SUV.
18:43It's the only idea, he says.
18:45I'm not built for confrontation.
18:47I'm built for crying in cars and filing things badly.
18:50He glances down at me, amused but also deadly serious.
18:54You're braver than you think.
18:56Are you sure?
18:57Because I once fainted during a blood drive.
18:59He opens my door.
19:01Hands warm on my waist as he helps me inside.
19:04Unnecessary.
19:05But I'm not complaining.
19:07You'll be fine, he says.
19:09You keep saying that like I'm not one panic away from
19:11Googling how to fake your own death but cheap.
19:14He huffs a soft laugh.
19:16Then rounds the car and gets in beside me.
19:19The drive feels like a countdown.
19:21Sunlight flickers through the windows as we speed through the crowded streets.
19:25People cross sidewalks with smoothie bowls.
19:27A dog wearing sunglasses sticks its head out of a jeep.
19:30The world is obnoxiously normal compared to the war brewing inside me.
19:34Tell me the worst-case scenario, I finally say.
19:37There isn't one, he replies.
19:39Luca.
19:40He exhales slowly, resting an arm across the back of my seat.
19:45Protective.
19:46Steady, unfairly calming.
19:48They'll try to intimidate you, he says.
19:50They'll assume you're fragile.
19:52I kinda am, I admit.
19:54He shakes his head.
19:56No.
19:56You walked into my office without fear.
19:58I was too stressed to notice my fear.
20:01That's still courage.
20:02I look at him.
20:03Really look at him.
20:05And something inside me softens.
20:07Or snaps.
20:08Or melts.
20:09Hard to tell.
20:10You don't have to protect me.
20:12I whisper.
20:13His jaw tightens.
20:14I do.
20:15Because if I don't, they'll keep using you.
20:18And what does protecting me cost you?
20:20Nothing I can't afford, he says.
20:22But the way he looks out the window tells me that's not true.
20:25Protecting me puts him in a spotlight he usually avoids.
20:28It's costing him power.
20:30Or worse, control.
20:31We pull into a sun-drenched outdoor cafe.
20:34Umbrellas.
20:35Palm trees.
20:35People sipping iced tea.
20:37A tiny fountain bubbling like this is not absolutely insane.
20:40Bernard sits at a corner table under blindingly bright sunlight.
20:44Sweating in a suit he probably thought looked intimidating.
20:47Beside him sits Janelle, the woman with the murder manicure.
20:50Her sunglasses are too big.
20:52Her smile too fake.
20:53This is a very public place, I murmur.
20:56That's the point, Luca says.
20:58No guns.
20:59No threats.
21:00Words only.
21:01Thank God, because I forgot my bulletproof cardigan.
21:04He steps out first.
21:06His presence shifts the entire patio atmosphere.
21:09Some people stare.
21:11Some pretend not to.
21:12Birds scatter like they know something important is happening.
21:15He offers his hand again.
21:16I take it.
21:17We walk across the sunlit tiles together.
21:19Bernard rises too quickly.
21:21Nervous.
21:22Good.
21:22Mr. Valenti, he says.
21:24This is unexpected.
21:26Not for me, Luca says smoothly.
21:28His voice is calm, level, but with steel beneath it.
21:32Bernard's eyes flick to me.
21:34And Ms. Hale, was it?
21:35A misunderstanding brought all this trouble.
21:37I grip Luca's hand tighter.
21:39He feels it, and steps half an inch closer, enough to make my pulse trip.
21:44A misunderstanding, I say?
21:46You tried to frame me.
21:48Janelle scoffs.
21:49Honey, you filed it wrong.
21:51That's on you.
21:52Don't.
21:53Luca says, voice low enough to slice through the heat.
21:57Lie to her again.
21:58Janelle freezes.
22:00Yep, there it is.
22:01The dawn part.
22:02Bernard clears his throat.
22:04We didn't know she would.
22:05Escalate things.
22:07Luca crosses his arms, sunlight catching on his inked bicep.
22:11You thought she'd just accept being fired.
22:13That's standard protocol.
22:15No, Luca says.
22:17Standard protocol is competence.
22:19What you did was manipulation.
22:21Bernard shifts in his seat.
22:22It wasn't supposed to blow up like this.
22:25Funny, Luca replies.
22:27That's what people say when they fail.
22:29Arguments rise in my chest, pushing against fear.
22:32All I did was show up and do my actual job, I say.
22:35You used me because you assumed I wouldn't fight back.
22:38Janelle rolls her eyes.
22:40Honestly?
22:41Yeah, you seemed harmless.
22:43Wow.
22:44That burns.
22:45But before I can respond, Luca does.
22:47He leans forward, palms on the table, voice sharp but calm.
22:50She is not harmless.
22:52She's honest.
22:53Smart.
22:54And she came to me instead of letting you throw her away.
22:57I blink at him.
22:58Because that sounds proud.
23:00Of me.
23:01My heart does a weird somersault.
23:03Bernard swallows, gaze flicking around the patio.
23:06People are watching.
23:07Phones are out.
23:09This is bright, public, humiliating for him.
23:12Good.
23:12So here's what's going to happen.
23:14Luca says, straightening.
23:16You're going to retract the firing.
23:18Publicly.
23:19In writing.
23:20Bernard's face pales.
23:21That's...
23:22And, Luca continues,
23:24you're going to cut ties with the family who sent this order.
23:28Janelle sputters.
23:30You can't...
23:31I can.
23:31He says sharply.
23:33And I am.
23:34The daylight makes his authority impossible to hide behind shadows or myth.
23:38He's exactly who they whisper he is.
23:40Powerful.
23:41Precise.
23:42Lethal in silence.
23:44Bernard opens his mouth again.
23:46But Luca lifts a hand.
23:47Or, he says casually,
23:49I buy out your division by the end of the week and fire you.
23:52Silence slams down.
23:54Birds stop chirping.
23:55Even the fountain pauses dramatically.
23:57Bernard caves first.
23:59Fine, fine.
23:59We retract it.
24:00She gets her job back.
24:02I don't want the job back.
24:03I cut in.
24:04Everyone turns to me.
24:05Even Luca.
24:06I breathe in the bright air.
24:08The sound of sunwashed city life around me.
24:11And for once I feel...
24:13Calm.
24:13No job is worth being manipulated.
24:15I say.
24:17Janelle scoffs.
24:18Good luck finding another...
24:19That's enough.
24:20Luca warns.
24:22Bernard raises his hands.
24:24Then what do you want?
24:25I blink.
24:26What do I want?
24:27A job?
24:28Stability?
24:29Money?
24:29Respect?
24:29No, I want control over my own life for once.
24:33I want a letter, I say.
24:35Stating I left voluntarily.
24:37With a positive recommendation.
24:39Bernard nods instantly.
24:41Done.
24:42And, Luca adds,
24:43you're never to involve her in anything again.
24:47Bernard nods harder.
24:48And, Luca says, leaning back,
24:50you'll apologize.
24:52Janelle and Bernard look like they swallowed sand.
24:54But they do it.
24:56They apologize.
24:57Badly, awkwardly, painfully.
24:59But still,
25:00the moment the words leave their mouths,
25:02something inside me unclenches.
25:04A nod I didn't know I'd been living with loosens.
25:07I didn't just survive this.
25:08I won.
25:09In daylight.
25:10With no hiding.
25:11We walk away.
25:12Together.
25:13The sunlight feels warmer now.
25:15Softer.
25:16Like the universe is rewarding.
25:18Me with a gentle pat on the head.
25:20Outside the cafe,
25:21Luca stops on the sidewalk and faces me.
25:23You were brave,
25:24he says quietly.
25:26I'm proud of you.
25:27Pretty sure my voice cracked three times.
25:30You stood your ground.
25:31Because you were there.
25:32He doesn't deny it.
25:34But he doesn't take credit either.
25:36You don't owe me anything,
25:37he says.
25:38You still have a choice.
25:39A choice about what?
25:41About me.
25:42My breath stutters.
25:44He steps closer.
25:45But not overwhelmingly.
25:47Just enough that the warmth between us becomes undeniable.
25:49I protect what's mine,
25:52he says softly.
25:53And am I yours?
25:55I ask before my brain can stop me.
25:57He inhales sharply,
25:58like the question hits him hard.
26:00You could be,
26:01he says.
26:02If you want.
26:03The world goes quiet,
26:05even though the city is loud around us.
26:07Sunlight flickers on his watch,
26:08on his hair,
26:09across his eyes.
26:10I don't want protection,
26:12I whisper.
26:13I want partnership,
26:14respect.
26:16And someone who doesn't think,
26:17I'm disposable.
26:18Then you want me,
26:20he replies.
26:21It's not cocky.
26:22Not smug.
26:23Just true.
26:24I exhale shakily.
26:25And you?
26:26What do you want?
26:27He lifts a hand,
26:28brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.
26:31Slow,
26:31warm,
26:32gentle.
26:33You,
26:34he says.
26:35Every stubborn,
26:36sarcastic,
26:37chaotic piece of you.
26:38I laugh,
26:39nervous,
26:40emotional,
26:41overwhelmed.
26:42You're insane.
26:43You walked into my office,
26:44he murmurs,
26:46and ruined everything I thought I was comfortable with.
26:49My chest tightens.
26:50Is that good or bad?
26:52A smile breaks across his face.
26:54Real,
26:55bright,
26:55beautiful.
26:57Good,
26:57he says.
26:58Very good.
26:59And before I can overthink it,
27:01I step closer,
27:02slowly,
27:03carefully,
27:04choosing him.
27:05He leans in,
27:06forehead touching mine,
27:08sunlight warming every inch of us.
27:11No more running?
27:12He asks softly.
27:13No more running.
27:15I whisper back.
27:16His smile widens.
27:18Then let's start something,
27:19he says,
27:20and not pretend it's anything less than dangerous.
27:23Dangerous?
27:24I echo.
27:25Dangerously perfect.
27:27His lips brush mine.
27:28Sunlit.
27:29Warm.
27:30Certain.
27:31And the world falls quiet except for the rush of my heartbeat.
27:35And for the first time in a long time,
27:38I'm not afraid.
27:39I'm exactly where I want to be.
27:40It would mean so much if you could like,
27:42comment,
27:43share,
27:44and subscribe.
27:45Your support helps me keep creating these wild,
27:47emotional sunlit mafia romances in an-
27:50I seriously love having you here for every twist and chaos-filled moment.
27:54So don't be shy.
27:55Tap that like,
27:56drop your thoughts,
27:57share it with a friend,
27:58and hit subscribe.
27:59We need to address this immediately.
28:02I'll handle it from here.
28:03I'll handle it from here.
28:03I'll handle it from here.
28:04I'll handle it from here.
28:04I'll handle it from here.
28:05I'll handle it from here.
28:05I'll handle it from here.
28:06I'll handle it from here.
28:06I'll handle it from here.
28:07I'll handle it from here.
28:08I'll handle it from here.
28:09I'll handle it from here.
28:10I'll handle it from here.
28:11I'll handle it from here.
28:12I'll handle it from here.
28:13I'll handle it from here.
28:14I'll handle it from here.
28:15I'll handle it from here.
28:16I'll handle it from here.
28:17I'll handle it from here.
28:18I'll handle it from here.
28:19I'll handle it from here.
28:20I'll handle it from here.
28:21I'll handle it from here.
28:22I'll handle it from here.
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