Page 36 of Crushed Vow

Ethan’s fist shot forward, fast and furious—but Luca moved like he saw it coming. He ducked easily, then drove a brutal uppercut into Ethan’s jaw.

The sickening crack echoed through the hall.

Blood sprayed from Ethan’s mouth as he stumbled back, dazed, clutching his face. He hit the wall with a thud and barely stayed upright.

The music screeched to a halt.

A beat of silence.

Then voices rose.

“Isn’t that Luca Moretti?” someone whispered.

“No way. He doesn’t show up unless something’s about to go down.”

“I heard he once shot a man in the spine for calling him arrogant. In front of his kids.”

“I heard he buried someone alive just for stealing his jacket...”

Panic began to ripple through the crowd, people stepping back, clearing a circle around us.

Ethan’s palm was slick with blood. His voice came out strangled. “You’re fucking insane.”

Luca rolled his shoulder, eyes gleaming. “You swung first. You should be grateful you’re still breathing.”

Ethan lurched forward like he might try again, but I stepped between them, arms out.

“Ethan, don’t,” I said sharply. “It’s not worth it. This is your friend’s party, remember? Don’t let this psycho ruin it.”

He hesitated, breathing hard, his eyes still locked on Luca with pure hatred.

“Come on,” I urged. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

Just then, a petite woman pushed through the crowd. “Ethan—God, are you okay?” she gasped, rushing to his side.

He leaned on her, dazed, and I followed them both as she led us away from the chaos.

But Luca followed too.

Of course he did.

I came here to dance. To breathe. To forget. Why the hell did he have to show up?

We turned down a narrow hallway and entered a clean room tucked behind a service door—sterile, quiet, probably meant for emergencies. The woman eased Ethan into a chair, grabbing a med kit from the counter.

He winced, trying to speak, but his mouth was too swollen. Too bloodied.

“Mr. Luca,” the woman said carefully, eyeing him. “Please. I need you to leave so I can treat him.”

Luca scoffed, stepping forward without hesitation. “I go where I want. Unless you’re in the mood to catch a bullet to the skull, I suggest you stop paying me attention.”

My patience snapped.

I backed toward the door, my pulse racing. Enough was enough.

Where the hell is Cassian?

He promised to keep an eye on me. To stay close.