Chapter 2 TIES THAT BURN

In the underworld, names are power-and few names commanded more fear and respect than Russo and Morano.

The Russo family was built on iron fists and bloody promises. Bruno Russo, the patriarch, ruled with a chilling mix of charisma and cruelty. His wealth came not only from the shadows-arms deals, extortion, smuggling-but from his ability to manipulate allies and enemies alike.

Bruno had two children:

Leonardo, his heir in blood and brutality, was as dangerous as he was charming. Behind his refined manners and tailored suits hid a temper inherited straight from his father.

And then there was Aria Russo. Beautiful, sharp, and calculating, Aria was the kind of woman who could bring a man to his knees with a smile. She was her father's hidden weapon-rarely seen, but always lethal when unleashed.

Once, not long ago, she'd given her heart away.

To Alessandro Morano.

The Morano family had once been close allies of the Russo's. Headed by Dante Morano, a man of ambition masked by diplomacy, the Morano's were kings of information-spies, blackmailers, hackers. They dealt in secrets, and nothing was ever out of their reach.

Dante's only child, Alessandro, was not like the others. Where Leonardo was fire, Alessandro was ice-strategic, quiet, and terrifyingly intelligent. He had no need to raise his voice; his silence was often more unsettling.

But years ago, something tore the two families apart.

A deal gone wrong. A secret exposed.

Some say the Russo's blamed the Morano's for leaking sensitive information to law enforcement, which led to the death of a close Russo ally in a police sting. Others whisper that Aria's relationship with Alessandro ended when she discovered he had been using her to gain access to Russo territory.

Whatever the truth, it ended in blood.

Bruno publicly denounced the Moranos, severing ties and declaring them enemies. Aria returned home heartbroken and furious, refusing to speak of what truly happened between her and Alessandro.

Since then, both families had walked a tightrope of silent war-waiting for the first bullet to reignite open violence. Every move was watched, every ally tested. Their former friendship had become a festering wound neither could afford to heal.

And now, years later, the wounds still bled in silence.

The Russo and Morano names had become synonymous with tension. Their feud spilled into business deals, territory disputes, and bitter alliances with other crime families. The balance of power in the city depended on their cold war not turning hot.

But change was in the air.

***

High above the city, in a sleek skyscraper that doubled as a fortress, Alessandro Morano stood at the window of his private office, staring out over the rain-slicked skyline. His reflection stared back-cold, composed, unreadable.

"Too many mouths. Too many eyes," he muttered.

His right-hand man, Rico, stood a respectful distance behind him. "You're talking about the staff?"

Alessandro turned. "I want someone new. Someone I can control. A personal assistant. Someone who can also tend to my daily needs. Discreet. Quiet. Loyal."

Rico raised a brow. "You want a maid?"

"I want an extension of myself," Alessandro replied. "But with less curiosity and fewer opinions. Find someone suitable. Run the usual background checks. I don't want another snake in my house."

"Understood, boss."

It was a simple request. But in the world they lived in, nothing stayed simple for long.

***

Miles away, inside the grand Russo estate, Bruno Russo sat in his study, a brandy glass untouched in his hand. A smirk curled on his lips as his informant whispered the details of Alessandro's request in his ear.

"A new assistant?" Bruno mused, stroking his jaw. "In his inner circle?"

"Yes, sir. He wants someone new. Completely loyal. No ties to either family."

Bruno leaned back, a glint of amusement in his cold eyes. "How convenient."

He turned to his other guest-his daughter Aria, seated on the velvet settee, arms crossed.

"Aria," he said, "remember how Alessandro always liked to keep things neat? Well... let's make things interesting for him."

"You're sending a spy," she said flatly.

"No," Bruno said, his smirk widening. "I'm sending a debt. A pretty little one who's too desperate to say no. And too clever to get caught."

Leonardo stormed into the room like a brewing hurricane. "You're giving her away?"

Bruno didn't flinch. "She'll be far more useful inside the Morano house."

Leonardo scoffed. "You mean to spy on your old enemy. But what about me? I haven't even broken her in yet."

Aria rolled her eyes. "You mean you haven't used her yet. Charming, as always."

Leonardo shot her a glare. "Don't start."

Bruno's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "Enough. Sophia belongs to this family, and this family will decide how she is used. If you want a toy, go find another one. This one is going to work."

Leonardo clenched his jaw. "So that's it? She goes to him. Just like that?"

"You think with your hunger. I think with strategy."

Leonardo didn't answer, but the fire in his eyes said enough. He turned on his heel and stormed out.

Bruno watched him go, then leaned back with a satisfied sigh. "Let's see what the little maid is truly made of."

***

Sophia sat silently on the edge of the bed in the small room she'd been assigned, fingers twisting the hem of her borrowed maid uniform. It had been days since her agreement with Bruno Russo, and though she hadn't seen much of him, she'd felt eyes on her constantly-watching, weighing.

The door creaked open.

"Sophia," a sharp voice called.

She stood quickly as Aria Russo stepped inside, dressed in black slacks and a silk blouse, her elegance intimidating. "You're coming with me. Father has a new job for you."

Sophia's heart skipped. "What kind of job?"

Aria's red lips curled into something that was almost a smile. "A dangerous one."

In a private wing of the Russo mansion, Aria led Sophia into a room that looked more like a military planning space than anything else. Screens lined one wall, maps and documents scattered across a wide table. A large monitor showed a still image of a man-tall, dark-haired, sharp-featured.

"Alessandro Morano," Aria said, pointing to the screen. "Your new boss."

Sophia blinked. "I-I don't understand."

"You're being placed as his new personal assistant. Maid. Shadow. Whatever he needs." Aria moved closer, her gaze piercing. "And while you're there, you'll gather information for us."

Sophia's breath hitched. "You want me to spy on him?"

Aria nodded. "You're smart, observant, and more importantly-disposable if you fail."

Sophia stiffened, but said nothing.

"Good girl," Aria said, almost approvingly. "Now listen carefully. You'll be briefed on the Morano family structure, routines, and areas off-limits. You will not act unless instructed. You will not snoop unless it's safe. You will report back discreetly, through encrypted messages we'll train you to send."

She gestured to the seat in front of a screen. "Your training starts now."

---

The days that followed were brutal.

Sophia was drilled in etiquette, body language reading, and memorized faces from the Morano network. She learned the layout of the Morano estate, the names of guards, staff, and associates. Aria personally trained her in how to blend in-how to lower her eyes just enough to appear humble, how to smile without giving away fear.

She was taught how to listen without being noticed, how to ask the right questions without seeming nosy.

And at night, she collapsed into bed, exhausted and anxious.

But she never complained.

Because deep down, Sophia knew this might be her only way out.

Finally, the night before her departure, Bruno summoned her.

She entered the study to find him alone, seated behind his massive desk, a dark cigar burning slowly in a crystal ashtray.

"You've done well," he said, eyes appraising her. "Tomorrow, you begin your real work."

Sophia stood tall. "Yes, sir."

"I expect loyalty, girl. Do your job right, and your grandfather lives comfortably. Fail... and you already know what happens."

Her chest tightened, but she nodded.

Bruno smirked. "Good. Now go get some rest. Tomorrow, you start a new chapter. One where even the smallest mistake could get you killed."

As she left the room, the reality finally settled in.

She was no longer just a maid.

She was a pawn in a deadly game.

And the Morano house was her first battlefield.