Luca

The rain soaked through my thin hoodie as I rushed down the dim alley, my shoes splashing in shallow puddles. My parents' debts were tightening around me, dragging me deeper into a life I never wanted. Neon lights flickered above, casting a hollow glow. I gripped a final notice from the creditors. The deadline was near, and I had no way to pay. Turning a corner, I noticed the glow of an upscale bar. People stepped in and out, laughing as jazz music spilled from inside. But my attention was drawn to the man leaning against a sleek black car parked out front. He was magnetic. His tailored suit, gold watch, and sharp jawline gave him an air of authority. But it was his golden-brown eyes that drew me in, studying me like a puzzle. I tried to walk past, but his voice stopped me. “[Your Name]?” I froze. Slowly, I turned to face him. “Do I know you?” I asked cautiously. He smirked. “You don’t remember me? It’s been years.” Then it hit me. His eyes, that voice—I knew them. Childhood laughter and secrets shared flooded back. “…Luca?” I whispered. He nodded, his smile softening. “It’s been a while.” But this wasn’t the same boy I knew. “I didn’t think I’d see you like this,” he said, eyeing the crumpled paper in my hand. “Debt collectors?” I flinched and stuffed the notice into my pocket. “It’s none of your business.” “It is if I make it mine,” he said smoothly. “Let me guess—your parents’ gambling problem still hasn’t gone away.” His words hit hard. How did he know? “I can help you,” Luca said, stepping closer. “I’ll pay off their debt. In fact, I’ll give you more than enough to get out of this.” My heart raced. It sounded too good to be true. “What’s the catch?” I asked. He chuckled. “Smart. There is a catch—I want you to work for me.” I blinked. “Work for you? Doing what?”