Chapter 5 Meeting -stand off

CHAPTER 5

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The night air was thick with tension as a line of sleek, armored vehicles approached the grand hotel. The Romanos arrived first, their convoy of black Cadillac Escalades gleaming under the city lights. Lorenzo stepped out first, his broad shoulders tense as he scanned the area with sharp, calculating eyes. Behind him followed his cousins, Nico and Rocco, both radiating the same ruthless energy. Finally, Antonio Romano emerged, the weight of decades of power resting on his shoulders.

They moved in formation, eyes vigilant, and strode through the hotel's opulent lobby. Hotel staff kept their heads down, not daring to meet their gaze as they made their way to the top floor. Once they reached the private conference room, Antonio gestured for Lorenzo and the others to stay behind.

"This meeting is between me and Alessandro," he ordered.

Lorenzo hesitated but nodded, posting himself near the entrance. Antonio entered, and the heavy door swung shut behind him.

Not long after, the De Luca convoy arrived. Two black G-Wagons pulled up smoothly, and Luca De Luca was the first to step out, sharp-eyed and alert. His sister Sofia followed, effortlessly graceful yet visibly on guard. Alessandro De Luca emerged last, giving a brief nod to his children before heading inside to meet Antonio.

Valentina De Luca stepped out, adjusting the leather jacket that hugged her frame, her emerald eyes cold and unforgiving. Her dark hair flowed over her shoulders, framing her sharp features. She glanced at Luca, who gave her a reassuring nod, though he looked just as tense.

As the Romanos and De Lucas filled the spacious lounge downstairs, the air buzzed with animosity. Lorenzo leaned against the bar, eyes narrowing when he spotted Valentina striding in with her siblings. She caught his glare and didn't look away, determined to hold her ground.

"Well, look who it is," Lorenzo drawled, his tone mocking. "Little princess decided to show up."

Valentina gave a dry smile, unamused. "Bold of you to call me little when you can't even reach my level."

Rocco snorted a laugh, but Lorenzo's eyes stayed fixed on her. "Keep that attitude up, and you might not leave here with all your limbs intact."

Luca stepped forward, matching his gaze. "You wanna test that theory, tough guy?"

Nico scoffed, cracking his knuckles. "Like you'd stand a chance."

The hostility thickened, and neither side backed down. Sofia shifted closer to Valentina, subtly checking the room's exits. Valentina ignored her and met Lorenzo's stare head-on.

"Seems you're all bark and no bite," Valentina taunted. "Typical Romano."

Lorenzo stepped closer, his lips curling into a sneer. "Careful, sweetheart. Your mouth's gonna get you in trouble."

Valentina didn't back down. "I could say the same for you. Or did your brain not catch up with your ego?"

The tension boiled over when Nico moved closer, only to be intercepted by Luca, who shoved him back. Guns appeared as if from thin air-Lorenzo had his Glock out, pointing at Luca's chest, while Luca aimed right back. Sofia had hers pointed at Rocco, and Nico didn't hesitate to pull his piece, aiming straight at Valentina.

Valentina didn't flinch, pulling her own gun and pointing it at Nico's head. "Wanna try me, pretty boy?"

Matteo stepped in, his own gun aimed at Valentina. "Put it down, princess. You're outnumbered."

She just smirked. "You think I'm scared of you, Romano?"

The door behind them swung open, and Alessandro and Antonio walked out, both wearing grim expressions. They took in the scene-guns drawn, tempers flaring-and Alessandro's eyes darkened.

"What the hell is going on here?" he demanded.

Nobody lowered their weapons, but Matteo sneered. "Just teaching your girl some respect."

"Lower your guns," Antonio commanded, voice cold and absolute. Reluctantly, both families eased their weapons down, though no one holstered them completely.

Alessandro sighed, rubbing his temple. "This is exactly why we need to put an end to this."

Antonio nodded. "Enough blood has been spilled, and now whoever hit both our warehouses wants us to tear each other apart. We can't afford that."

Valentina raised an eyebrow, stepping forward. "You think some shared enemy means we forget the past? That's not how this works."

Alessandro shot her a warning look, but Antonio stepped closer, his eyes hard. "It's not about forgetting. It's about surviving. And this war won't just take us down-it'll drag the whole city into chaos."

Luca scoffed. "So, what's your brilliant solution?"

Antonio looked at Alessandro, and after a silent agreement, he spoke. "An alliance. One that shows unity between our families."

Lorenzo frowned. "And how exactly do you plan on pulling that off?"

Alessandro didn't hesitate. "A marriage."

Valentina froze, her jaw tightening. "A what?"

Antonio didn't blink. "Valentina and Matteo will marry. De Luca and Romano blood, united. That's the only way to secure the truce and send a message that we won't be torn apart."

Matteo stared at his father like he'd lost his mind. "You're serious?"

Alessandro gave him a steely look. "Deadly serious."

Valentina's glare could've set the room on fire. "You can't be serious. You're throwing me to the wolves?"

Alessandro ignored her outrage, eyes still on Antonio. "It's the only way."

Luca stepped forward. "You expect her to marry that arrogant asshole? Hell no."

Antonio gave a dangerous smile. "You have a better idea? Because I'm all ears."

Sofia muttered under her breath, but Valentina caught it. "This is insane."

Matteo finally spoke up, his voice low and venomous. "I'm not marrying that De Luca brat. I'd rather shoot myself."

Antonio shot him a glare. "You'll do what's necessary for the family. Both of you."

Valentina scoffed. "You can't just decide my future like that. I'm not some pawn to be traded."

Alessandro's face softened just a fraction. "This isn't a negotiation. It's survival."

Silence stretched out between them, the reality of the situation sinking in. Valentina glanced at Matteo, their eyes locking. There was nothing but hatred and fury between them, but buried beneath that was something else-something neither of them dared to acknowledge.

She tore her gaze away, forcing her face into a mask of indifference. "Fine. But don't expect me to like it."

Matteo gave a mocking smirk. "Trust me, princess, I'm not exactly thrilled either."

Alessandro straightened. "The public announcement will be made tomorrow. Prepare yourselves."

As the families dispersed, Valentina stayed rooted to the spot, fury simmering under her skin. Luca placed a hand on her shoulder, but she shrugged it off, trying to process what just happened.

Matteo walked past her, his voice low and taunting. "Looks like you're stuck with me now, sweetheart."

Valentina gritted her teeth. "Watch your back, Romano. I might just put a bullet in it before the wedding."

Matteo chuckled darkly. "You're welcome to try."