Chapter 21 Cross Road

• Alessia
• After a long shift at the bar, I finally dragged myself home, my feet aching with each step. The warmth of the shower soothed my body, but my mind was far from relaxed. As the water cascaded down my skin, I kept replaying Luca’s offer in my head. Another job, same pay. The idea made my stomach churn. After everything I’d seen, did I really want to step further into his shadowy world?
• I wrapped myself in a towel, brushing my wet hair back as I stood in front of the mirror, trying to make sense of my thoughts. "You don’t have to do this, Alessia," I muttered to myself. "But you need the money..."