Chapter 56

-Sebastian-

I paced in my penthouse, trying not to look at my phone, but I was incredibly anxious. "This isn't helping." I finally sat down and combed my fingers through my hair. I looked at my phone and the business card the man put in my pocket two nights ago. I closed my eyes and recalled what happened after the man left.

I took out the business card and looked at it. It was in a black, heavy stock paper with gold gilded lettering. "Francisco Deluca" in gold embossed letters.

"Fuck!" I thought. They're faster than I expected.

As soon as I got home, I placed the card on my bedside and left it there until I received a text from Vanessa.

"I found them." attached was a picture of Bucky and Jianna kissing.

Rage filled my chest, and all I wanted was to get to them and kill Bucky. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and tried to collect myself. I couldn't let my emotions get the best of me, not when so much was at stake. I needed to think clearly and rationally.

Then I remembered the card and Francisco Deluca. I knew better than to act on impulse, especially concerning the Deluca family. They were notorious for their influence. They are THE Italian mafia. I had to play this smart, or else I would end up dead.

I picked up the business card and dialed the number on it. It rang a few times before a deep, gravelly voice answered.

"Deluca," the voice said.

"It's Cross," I replied curtly.

"Ah, Sebastian," he said with a hint of amusement in his voice. "Can't say I'm surprised."

"It seems I am in need of your services after all," I said, cutting to the chase.

"I figured as much. Your girl, Vanessa, doesn't even have the nerve to finish the job. That's what happens when too much emotion gets involved." he said flatly.

I clenched my jaw at the mention of Vanessa's failure. I knew it was a mistake to get involved with someone so inexperienced. But it was too late to dwell on that now.

"Can you take care of it?" I asked, my voice steady.

"For a price, of course," he said.

"Money is no object. You knew that, or you wouldn't have come to me in the first place." I said with a hint of annoyance.

He laughed, and the way he laughed made my skin crawl. "Oh, Sebastian, do you think I came to you for money? Do you know who I work for? Who my family is?" he said condescendingly. "No. We need you for your resources. And we want you to owe us."

My heart sank at his words. I knew getting involved with the Deluca family would come with a price. But I had no other choice. I needed their help, so I knew I had to play along with their game. For now. I couldn't risk going after Bucky alone. I knew what he was capable of.

"What do you want?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

"In time, Cross. In time." he chuckled. "For now, I will send my men to care for your little problem."

"No. Not your men. I want you to personally see to it that it gets done." I said firmly. I needed to ensure that the job was done right and that no loose ends could come back to me.

There was a pause on the other end of the line before Deluca spoke again. "Fine. I'll take care of it personally. But remember, Sebastian, you owe me now. And I always collect my debts." He hung up without another word.

I knew what that meant. I was now in debt to the Italian mafia, and I had no idea what they would want from me in the future. But for now, I had to put that thought aside and focus on the task.

I sat there, staring at my phone for a moment. I knew I had just made a deal with the devil, but it was a risk I was willing to take to get what I wanted. I needed Jianna back. Bucky wasn't going to give her up without a fight.

I stood up and walked over to the bar, pouring myself a stiff drink. As I took a sip, I couldn't help but think about what I had just done. I had made a deal with the mafia. The Deluca family, no less. They were one of the world's most influential and dangerous criminal organizations. And now, I was in their debt.

But I had no other choice. I needed their help to get Jianna back. She was the only thing that mattered to me now. And I was willing to do whatever it took to make that happen.