CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY NINE – NEWS FROM ITALY

Once inside, Rebecca turned to Luca, her expression growing serious. "Okay, spill. What's going on in Florence?" Luca sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's... complicated. The Moretti family has been making moves, trying to encroach on our territory. Things have escalated in the past few weeks." Rebecca felt a chill run down her spine. "Escalated how?" "There have been... altercations. Nothing too serious yet, but the tension is high. That's part of why I came here. I needed to see you, to make sure you were safe." Rebecca's brow furrowed. "Safe? Luca, am I in danger?" He was quick to reassure her, pulling her into his arms. "No, no. Not directly. But it's better if you stay here, in Gilda's Bay, for a while longer. Just until things settle down." Rebecca pulled back slightly, searching his face. "And what about you? Are you in danger?" Luca's lips quirked into a small smile. "I can take care of myself, bella. Don't worry about me." But Rebecca could see the strain in