Luca's pov
Control.
That was what had always separated him from the men who'd drown in their own power.
He'd been taught never to flinch not when deals went bloody, not when the family name dragged through the papers, not even when he buried men who'd once called him brother, but lately something was shifting control wasn't as effortless as it used to be and it all started the day neo walked into his office.
The boy had a way of undoing things without realizing it soft spoken, sharp eyes two stubborn to know when to be quiet, there was something about the way he carried himself that mix of Innocence and pride that made Lucas wany to know whether he was truly as naive as he looked or just pretending.
He leaned back in his chair gaze fixed on the security feed looping silently on the wall the estate glowed faintly in the early morning light God's moving in rhythm black suvs lined in rows everything exactly where it should be.
Except his mind was in calm.
"You're overthinking again" Kellan's voice broke the silence as he entered straight backed jacket half buttoned that cold calm in his tone that Lucas always trusted. Lucas didn't look away from the screen "maybe or maybe I'm just being curious" "about neo?" Lucas Jaw flexed once "he knows too much already one mistake and every name we've kept buried could surface" not that he couldn't handle a minor problem like that kellan stepped closer folding his hands behind him "you're thinking of a test?" Lucas turned his chair slightly finally meeting his eyes "I'm sure of it" there was a pause one that carry both understanding and quiet disapproval "you want me to go after his friend?" Lucas didn't nod he didn't have to kellan sighed softly adjusting the cuff of his sleeve "you know this could go wrong right if the boy panics, if me neo finds out too early" "that's the point" lucas cut in quietly "I need to see how far neo's loyalty stretches before I decide how close I can let him stand the boy should be familiar with you since he walked into your car use that sweet mouth of yours to do the trick" he paused then added lower "and I want to see if he'll break".
For a brief moment kellan studied him "you sound curious" Lucas gave a humorless smile "curiosity is a sin I've learned to control" he stood brushing off invisible dust from his clothes voice turning brisk again "make it clean, no blood, no scene I just want answers,who he talks to what he knows if he's ever mentioned me,
Kellen nodded once turning for the door but lucas's voice stopped him halfway "be careful with him he's not like the others" "which one" Kellan Smirked glancing back Lucas lips curved faintly unreadable "both".
Kellan's pov
The streets were quiet, painted in the same washed out Gray that came before rain. kellan had always liked this kind of night when the world moved slower, when the air was heavy enough to muffle sounds. it made people careless ,predictable
He'd been tailing the boy for 30 minutes now. Aiden. that was his name Neo's friend from what I've read about him Aiden was the kind that joked his way through everything the kind that didn't scare easy, Kellan wasn't sure if that made his job easier or harder. Aiden walked into a dimly lit street, one hand on his phone the other holding a stick of gum he was trying to unwrap with his teeth he hummed something under his breath off key and unbothered kellan's eyes narrowed from behind the wheel of the black SUV he'd seen soldiers break before the first bullet hit but this boy he was humming while being followed "unbelievable" kallen muttered signaling the men beside him "Now" the SUV swerved tire screamed before Aiden could even react the world spun rough, hands a sharp prick at his neck then darkness.
Aiden's pov
The night smelled like rain and cheap perfume Aiden had been walking home the slow way the one that let him take in the neon and the City's tired glow because when you were Aiden De'vitale even the walk home felt like a scene you could score with the right playlist.
He'd texted neo a stupid GIF 5 minutes ago humming under breath with a gum in the other hand he had seen the car at first who wouldn't they weren't trying to hide that they were following him. it was a black SUV and familiar but couldn't really pinpoint it .
it pulled up beside him with a practiced move, quite as something that they had been doing this a long time.
Two men in dark clothing stepped out faces half covered by scarfs, one reached for him like he was grabbing a grocery bag and the other moved quicker a hand over Aiden's mouth before he could register panic "hey" Aiden shoved reflectively more annoyed than scared at first "listen.. I paid for that gum okay you can't just-" a gloved hand pressed harder then something pricked his neck then everything went dark.
He woke up to the sound of dripping water and the air thick and humid his wrist was tied ankles too but his mouth free big mistake
"Ugh... Did anyone at least ask if I had motion sickness before kidnapping me?" No answer just silence "who are you" now isn't that just stupid you kidnap someone you don't even know.Aiden stared at nothing as he couldn't see who was talking to him "Aiden" he supplied "discoverer of new flavors, collector of bad puns,you?" "You talk too much" "thanks" Aiden said cheerfully "people tell me it's a talent" this time no answer just foot steps he looked up and froze tall .cold eyes, ash black hair tied loosely in a bun wearing a sleek shirt with black gloves on his sleeves rolled up this man was familiar he had seen him somewhere, yep the same guy that was following him and neo the other day who looked like he'd kill someone for mispronouncing his name.
"Oh hey" Aiden chirped forcing a grin "you're the same guy.. Mr mysterious you know I've seen kidnappers on TV but you're like premium version very professional lightening and everything" kellan's silence was worse than shouting he just looked at him then crouched down he reached into his jacket and produced a photograph sliding it across so the light hits the gliss it was grainy still from a security camera neo on his phone laughing with someone in a corner the other week. Aiden knew the photo he'd been there he'd wave, he'd made an idiot face into the camera.
"You know him?" The man said Aiden shrugged like it was nothing "I know people, I know a lot of people big whoop neo's a Friend we go way back into gossip threads and group chats"
Silence followed instead the man's finger tightened along the edges of his seat Aiden realized with a small stupid jolt that the man knew exactly the kind of games that involved cameras watching the wrong people at the wrong time he also realized the man wasn't asking questions to be cruel, he was asking because he needed answers "look" Aiden tried softer "if this is about neo I don't, I mean he's my friend he's not involved in politics or like thingies he's not a spy he's just my friend"
"Do you know Lucas Luther?"
"Who?" Aiden blinked innocently 'Lucas never heard of her" kellen's expression didn't change but his gaze did, sharp calculating "try again" "alright alright fine" Aiden sighed "I might have heard of him, rich guy, scary face probably allergic to smiling".
Aiden blinked, he could have denied it, he could have played dumb, he could have lied through his gaps of fear and walked away with his life and a few bruises and a story to tell at parties instead Aiden did the thing he always did when things threatened to get heavy he deflected with humor because sometimes humor builds enough armor to keep the worst part out.
"You're expecting me to say, yes I'm lucas's mole and I run and underground syndicates on the side? because if that's the angle you are barking up the wrong tree I can't even run a microwave without starting a minor apocalypse" he forced a grin though it didn't meet his eyes "seriously you got the wrong target take me to Starbucks instead already the Wi-Fi is free" he said smiling like a child Kellan watched him the way someone might watch a small flame that was either about to go out or about burn them he was meticulous his questions were surgical "who else knows neo's schedule he asked".
Aiden thoughts quickly "um..me,pia and him that's all" he tried to keep his voice steady to sound impossible chill "that's it" Kellen sat across from him, no theatrics just the image of a man who had decided his life had random variables than aiden did "you know who we are" Kellen said.
Aiden huffed a laugh after that came out thin "you're the holiday decor committee .very stiff" then he leaned forward "although I am really interested in wanting to know who you Mr?"
Kellen's face remained unreadable you know neo, you know where he goes do you know if he speaks to anyone he shouldn't" Aiden swallowed "no" he said quieter "he doesn't talk to people like that he's not the type, he works he helps his family that's it".
Kellan watched him for a long time something in kelllan loosened not much but a fraction "you're lying" Aiden blinked the accusation stungg more than the ropes "I'm not, I mean okay I'll confess to hanging out and eating way too many fries and making neo late sometimes but I don't know about mafia stuff at least not to deep I'm just his emotional backup I swear" he tried to look earnest and failed spectacularly.Kellan stood, he moved around the camera adjusted the angle and then deliberately, clinically press record. Aiden felt the red dot blink head the quiet whir of the camera's motor. he had an impulse to perform, to make this tape something absurd ,a comedy sketch that would make Kellan pity him and then set him free instead his voice did what it always did for people who loved him it softened.
"Listen" he said eyes honest now "neo's Young, his kind don't use him as bait if you hurt him, if you do something stupid I will actually come after you and I'm terrible at revenge but I mean it okay? also you have bad table manners"
Kellen's jaw tightened for the first time since Aiden had been in the room kellan's expression betrayed something that wasn't professional it was almost faintly human he clicked the camera off then motioned to the men "take this back to him I will drop him" "okay" "wait I'm free?" thank you Jesus praise God, hallelujah.
On the drive back there was pure silence Aiden's hands were raw where the rope had rubbed, his throat sore from talking but there was a ridiculous flutter in his chest from the closeness, the tall man's cologne was becoming familiar to him now. when Kellan finally reached the corner they had picked him from "you'll forget this for your sake and for neo's sake" he said not looking at him "will he be safe there...I mean will he be fine with you guys" this time Aiden said we concern in his voice "yes he will, his one of us now he will be okay" "if you say so, I trust you just you not your boss" Kellen looked at him this time "are you sure you want to do that" Aiden turned and faced him looking deep into his eyes "hundred percent" he said "I'll get going now Mr?" he said still hoping for a response but didn't get one until he came down fully from the vehicle standing across the street "kellan" he said zooming of into the night "damn that was hot" Aiden said smiling sheepishly.
Neo's pov
The first thing neo felt that morning wasn't sunlight it was presence.
That strange heaviness in the air like someone was watching,even though he's curti were drawn shut and he's door was locked ,his body stiffened under the blanket half asleep, half alert trying to convince himself that it was nothing, he hated that feeling the way his chest tightened before his brain could catch up.
when he finally opened his eyes golden sunlight spilled through the half open blinds cutting across his face and the unmade bed, the Old clock on his bedside table blink 6:47 a.m. in a dull digits he groaned.
He rolled out of bed dragging himself to the bathroom, the mirror greeted him with Messy curls and half dead eyes, attractive he thought dryly turning on the tap the water was cold, bitting it helped just enough to wash away the strange dread that had settled in his chest. by the time he stepped back into his room pia was already banging at his door "neo you're going to be late, you think Lucas is gonna wait for you."
He sigher "good morning to you too pia" she pushed the door open without permission still tying her hair in a messy bun "morning you look dead" "thanks that's exactly the boost I needed" she perched on the arm of his chair munching on an Apple she must have stolen from the fridge "you had another bad dream" Neo paused mid button "no just a weird feeling" "like someone's watching you" she asked casually scrolling through her phone he froze "why would you even say that" she shrugged "you look like it"
He gave her a look "you really know how to comfort people you know that" "I try" she said with a grin, she walked out of his room "hurry up already" "alright alright" he's phone buzzed on the desk and the name headache popped up, he calls after all "good morning boss" "get the office early" he said ending the call as fast as it came.
By the time neo reached the office the building already felt heavier than usual the air was cold , sterile with that faint hum of central air conditioning that never seemed to end ,every footsteps he took echoed too loud against the floor "he's expecting you" the Secretary said barely looking up, bitch I know already.
Lucas was there leaned against the edge of his desk sleeves rolled up, his expensive watch catching light as his scrolled through some thing on his phone "your early" he said "thought you'd like that" neo tried to sound casual "you're going back to the estate today" Lucas suddenly said "again?" neo froze
"This time you will stay longer" Lucas turned eyes cold "and this time you will prove something" neo frowned "prove what?" "that I can trust you" before he could respond Kellan entered impeccably dressed as always "we'll leave now" neo's mouth went dry "can I at least know why-" "you ask too many questions let's go" Lucas interrupted.
The ride to the estate felt shorter this time though the air was heavier, the gates opened as the SUV rolled in and neo watched the tall trees passed by again, he wasn't blindfolded this time maybe that's was worse.
The room was different from last time the curtains were drawn tight letting only a shard of daylight in, a long table stood in the center sleek and there except for a glass of water a tablet and a stack of Manila files. on the far end Lucas sat leaning back like a man too used to control. Beside him stood kellan posture crisp, says unreadable the faint shadow of fatigue beneath his eyes "sit" Lucas lips tilted he obeyed his palms itched under the table his throat was dry he tried to focus on the sound of his own heartbeat to steady it but lucas's silence pressed heavy against him .Lucas finally spoke "Monday you made quite an impression Ethan said you were observant , Matteo said you were steady under pressure traits I like" "thank you" neo replied voice even but Luca's gaze flicked towards kellan "observation is nothing without control you say you can stay composed we'll see how true that is" he nodded once at Kellan.
Kellan moved to the tablet unlocked the tablet and set it down in front of neo the screen came alive a dim lit video file, neo's name flashed briefly on a label before it vanished neo leaned forward the image sharpened and his stomach dropped, it was Aiden bound to a chair the frame shaky but clear enough to see the fear he was hiding behind a crooked grin the timestamp read Monday night 22:47.
Neo's breath hitched "what..what is this"
"Watch" Lucas said simply neo's eyes darted to Kellan searching for explanation but kellans expression didn't waiver the video played on, he watched Aiden make jokes, smile nervously talk too much the way he always did when scared, he heard Aiden's voice, that same bright tone he the used a thousand times now quivering at the edges 'look if this is about neo he's my friend he's not into any of that spy stuff' neo's throat went dry his heart slammed once, twice he's fingers curled into a fist "stop the video" Lucas didn't move "no" "I said stop it!' neo's voice cracked sharper this time but Lucas only looks mildly entertained. "Control Neo remember what I said"
The room's silence thickened neo's jaw clenched every instinct screaming to reach across the table and smash that tablet but he forced himself to breathe shallow strained. The video ended with Aiden's final line "neo's kind don't use him as bait, if you hurt him I'll actually come after you I mean it"
Then the screen went black neo stared at it breathing hard the quiet hum of the projector was the only sound left he swallowed the tension crawling up his spine "what did you do to him" Lucas's voice was calm "his fine you can relax" "you had him kidnapped" "it was necessary" neo's chest rose and fell he forced his voice low "you don't get to use him like that" "and yet we just did" "neo you say you want in but you still think with your heart, that's dangerous in this business we needed to see how far your attachments go and from what I can see" his gaze sharpened "they go too far" Kellen finally spoke voice quiet but even "he wasn't harmed" Neo turned sharply "you were there?" his eyes unreadable calm but there was something behind it something that flickered and then died "yes" neo's breath came shallow,he wanted to curse to throw the glass at the wall, to walk out but that would mean failing Lucas would win he remembered Aiden's face in the video the stupid grin the terrible courage and that thought anchored him. He swallowed it all down
"what do you want me to say that I understand that I'll turn off my emotions like a switch" Lucas smiled faintly "that would be a start" "fine you got your reaction what next" lucas's grin widened sharklike "you'll be working with Kellan for the next phase he will handle your integration, congratulations you passed"
Passed.
The word made neo's stomach twist he stood nodding curtly "may I leave" Lucas waved him of Lazily "of course" neo turned his steps clipped Pulse still racing as he reached the door kellen's voice followed him quietly "neo!" he stopped half turned Kellen met his gaze tone unreadable "he's really fine you can call him when you are out of the gate" neo noded once "yeah I will"
then he left