Chapter 4 Dangerous Allies

The morning sun filtered through Alessa's window, casting golden streaks across the room. She barely slept, her mind racing with thoughts of Luca's late-night visit and the look in his eyes. She couldn't shake the feeling that he was testing her, looking for a weakness to exploit.

Today, she decided to push back. She couldn't sit idly by, waiting for him to reveal his hand. She needed to take control.

Alessa dressed in a simple yet elegant black dress and slipped on her heels, feeling the familiar weight of power as she straightened. Her father had taught her that appearance could be a weapon, a way to unnerve opponents and throw them off balance. And today, she'd make sure everyone in Luca's home knew she wasn't just his wife; she was a Russo.

Downstairs, she found the household bustling with activity. She caught glimpses of Luca's men whispering in the hallways, each glance shadowed with suspicion. Yet, as she walked past, they nodded respectfully, acknowledging her as Mrs. DeLuca.

As she reached the dining room, she found Luca already seated at the head of the table, his gaze sharp as he watched her approach.

"Good morning, Alessa," he greeted smoothly.

"Good morning, Luca," she replied, equally poised. She took her seat beside him, her mind already working through her plan.

The meal passed in silence, but Alessa sensed Luca's eyes on her. Once breakfast was over, she stood, brushing her hands against the fabric of her dress.

"I'd like to explore the estate today," she said, meeting his gaze head-on. "After all, if this is to be my home, I should know every inch of it."

Luca's eyes gleamed with amusement. "By all means. Take Carmen with you."

Her jaw clenched. He wasn't going to let her wander freely, but that didn't mean she couldn't find ways around his rules.

Carmen led her through the grand corridors, pointing out various rooms and areas, but Alessa's mind was already mapping out possible exits, hiding spots, and lesser-used paths. She'd grown up in a similar world; she knew the importance of understanding every corner of her surroundings.

As they walked through the west wing, Alessa spotted Rocco in the shadows, watching her closely. His gaze was cold and calculating. Her encounter with him the previous day had been tense, and she could tell he viewed her as an intruder.

"Good morning, Rocco," she greeted, her voice laced with forced politeness.

He inclined his head, his expression unreadable. "Mrs. DeLuca," he replied, the title rolling off his tongue with sarcasm.

Carmen shifted uncomfortably beside her, glancing at Alessa for guidance. Alessa dismissed her with a subtle nod, and Carmen hesitated before leaving, casting a worried look in Alessa's direction.

As soon as they were alone, Alessa turned to Rocco, her eyes narrowing. "I don't trust you," she said bluntly.

Rocco's mouth twisted into a smile. "The feeling's mutual."

She crossed her arms, meeting his gaze steadily. "I overheard your conversation last night," she said, watching his face for any reaction. His eyes flashed with something dangerous, but he quickly masked it.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he replied, his voice low and threatening.

"Oh, I think you do," she continued, stepping closer. "I know you're planning something against Luca. Maybe I'm interested in helping you."

He laughed. "Why would I trust you? You're nothing but a pawn in this game."

She leaned in, her voice a whisper. "Because unlike Luca, I'm not interested in controlling you. I just want what's rightfully mine-and if that means taking Luca down, so be it."

Rocco studied her, suspicion across his face, but there was also a flicker of curiosity. "And what's in it for you?"

She smiled. "Power. Freedom. And perhaps a little revenge."

Rocco paused, clearly weighing his options. He was smart enough to realize that Alessa could be a valuable ally, especially if she truly wanted Luca gone. After a moment, he extended his hand.

"Alright, Mrs. DeLuca," he said, his tone mocking but begrudgingly respectful. "We'll see if you're as dangerous as you think you are."

As the day wore on, Alessa continued her exploration, her mind buzzing with possibilities. Aligning herself with Rocco was risky, but it could be the leverage she needed. If Luca thought she was a helpless pawn, he was about to be proven wrong.

In the evening, she returned to her room to find an unexpected guest waiting for her. Carmen stood by the window, her face pale, hands fidgeting as if she couldn't decide whether to stay or leave.

"Carmen?" Alessa said, raising an eyebrow. "Is something wrong?"

Carmen hesitated, then took a shaky breath. "I know you're not like the others, Mrs. DeLuca," she whispered. "I've worked here long enough to see what goes on... and I don't think you should trust anyone in this house. Especially not Luca."

Alessa's heartbeat quickened. "Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I know what he does to people who betray him," Carmen replied, her voice filled with fear. "I don't want to see the same thing happen to you."

Alessa moved closer, lowering her voice. "Carmen, if you know anything at all that could help me, now is the time to share it."

Carmen's face was conflicted, torn between loyalty and fear. Finally, she whispered, "There's a hidden passage beneath the house. Only a few people know about it. Luca uses it to hide things and...people. If you want to learn more, start there."

Alessa's mind raced. This was the opportunity she'd been waiting for.

"Thank you, Carmen," she said, gripping her hand. "You may have just saved my life."

Carmen nodded, her eyes filled with worry. "Just be careful. Luca isn't one to forgive easily."

Later that night, Alessa slipped through the darkened halls, heading toward the west wing where Carmen had said the passage was hidden. She'd memorized the patrol routes of Luca's men, moving silently through the shadows. If what Carmen said was true, she'd uncover a secret that could shift the balance of power in her favor.

She reached the end of a long hallway, pressing her hands against the wall, searching for any sign of an entrance. Then, she found it-a small latch, almost invisible in the dim light. With a quiet breath, she pulled it, and the wall slid open, revealing a narrow staircase descending into darkness.

Alessa hesitated, but only for a moment. She stepped inside, pulling the wall shut behind her. The air was cold, thick with the scent of dust. She went down the stairs, each step echoing through the silence. She could feel the weight of history in these walls, the whispers of secrets long buried.

The staircase led to a hidden room, dimly lit by a single overhead light. The walls were lined with crates and files, stacks of documents that looked decades old. But it was what sat in the center of the room that caught her attention-a small table with a file marked Operation Russet.

She moved toward it, her hands trembling as she flipped it open. Inside were pages of information-accounts, blackmail material, names of allies and enemies alike. Luca had been collecting secrets, tracking every powerful figure in the city. And he had files on her family, too.

But before she could process the information fully, she heard footsteps approaching the hidden door. Her heart leapt, and she quickly doused the light, clutching the file to her chest.

The door creaked open, and in the faint light, she saw Luca step inside, his eyes scanning the room. His expression was cold, and then his gaze landed on her.

"Enjoying yourself, Alessa?" he asked.

Alessa's breath hitched, her mind racing for a way out. She'd been caught red-handed, her intentions exposed.

Luca took a step closer, his eyes narrowing. "I warned you not to cross me, didn't I?"