starlight045

[starlight045]

The Price of Revenge

Chapter 4

Luca Changretta x OFC Summary: Eliza is frustrated with her arranged marriage to Luca, feeling isolated and controlled. Luca's dressmaker, Sofia, reveals their shared past and warns Eliza of the dangers of mafia life. Eliza confronts Luca about his emotional distance, and he promises to try harder, suggesting a night out at his club to reconnect.

A/N: Hey guys! I hope you like this chapter and I know I haven't posed in a long time. I've been caught up in school but I hope to post more frequently. The fifth chapter is currently in the works as well. here is the link for AO3 if you want to read it there: https://archiveofourown.org/works/61013341/chapters/163731979. Also, let me know what you guys would think about me making a Spotify playlist for this series? <3.

Early in the morning the next day the sunlight streamed in through the gaps in the long curtains. Eliza stirred opening her eyes as she stretched feeling the silk of the sheets.

She looked over at the other side expecting to see Luca but his side was empty and cold. And if she was being honest she didn’t even remember Luca coming into the room. She didn’t remember him getting ready for bed but only briefly coming into the room.

When Maria threw open the curtains sunlight bathing the room in a warm glow Elizabeth opened her eyes rubbing them.

“Good Morning Mrs.Changretta,” Maria said busying herself with various things around the room. “Mr.Changretta wanted me to inform you that the dressmaker will be here in the afternoon.”

And at this Elizabeth sighed and threw her head back into her pillow.

Once Maria left Elizabeth got dressed before heading downstairs. She slowly walked into the dining room which Maria also told her to do. Eliza never understood why Tommy had maids. And now she really didn’t understand as she didn’t like how they were telling her what to do here and there.

She sat down for breakfast sitting by the chair that was adjacent to the chair at the end. The long dining room was as quiet as a tomb as she sat there picking her fingers. That was until Luca came in.

“Where have you been all morning?” Eliza asked her husband.

“In my study. I had paperwork to go over and phone calls to make.” Luca explained as Eliza nodded.

She sat there as a maid brought out their plates and when Eliza looked at what was brought to her she looked confused.

“What is this?” She asked softly not wanting to be too rude. The maid turned standing by the door that led to the kitchen as she answered.

“That is fritta Mrs.Changretta.” she said.

“Oh.” Elizabeth said softly.

“I can ask the cook to make you something new if you do not like that. That is if you wish.”

“No it’s ok. Everything is fine Giovanna. Thank you.” Luca smiled and nodded as she went back into the kitchen.

Eliza’s eyes narrowed as she looked at Luca. She hated that he had to speak for her. As if she couldn’t do it herself.

“Here…let me show you.” Luca said taking his chair and scooting it closer to Eliza.

He took the silver knife and for that load next to the plate before cutting into the fritta. As he cut a piece of Luca held the fork out to Elizabeth. She hesitated before leaning on and taking a bite.

Luca’s hazel green eyes watched her as she looked at him and smiled. This made him smile too.

“Oh Luca. That’s amazing. It’s like an omelet but it’s different.”

Luca laughed looking into her brown eyes. “There’s better food than just that. I promise I’ll show you all of them.” He said

“My God.” Elizabeth said mouthful as she ate.

“I remembered when you had an espresso for the first time. And my mama made you those pastries. I should have her do that again.” Luca smiled fondly laughing at the memory.

“I’d love that.” Eliza chirped. And for a moment when she looked up that 16 year old boy was back again as he smiled at her.

But that look quickly disappeared as he opened his mouth again.

“Don’t forget either. Sofia is coming by today to see you.” He said cutting into his own breakfast fritta.

“Sofia who?” Elizabeth asked.

“My dressmaker friend…you should go shopping afterwards. I’ll give you money. I’ll have someone take you.” He said almost more to himself than Eliza.

“But Luca you don’t need to give me money. I really don’t wanna take from you.” Elizabeth pleaded.

“Please Eliza you’re my wife now. I want you to have fine things. Besides if would be cheaper than having your clothes sent all the way here.” He half lied.

“Alright then.” she sighed.

And as soon as they were done Luca hurried off back to his study and Eliza went into the sunroom sitting on the big leather chair in there. She relaxed looking around.

As she looked outside she seen a car pulling up and a woman get out. Her hair was black and lined up in a unique style. She looked Italian too as she dressed in fine clothes too and just had that look to her.

And soon Eliza realized that that must have been Sofia and she got up and walked down to the foyer.

As she got into the foyer Maria was taking her coat and Sofia smiled wide. “You must be Luca’s stunning wife.” She said locking eyes with Eliza.

“Yes you must be Sofia. The dressmaker right? It’s lovely to meet you.” She said offering her hand as Sofia shook it.

“And you are….oh I know it starts with an E-”

“Elizabeth. But you can call me Eliza.” She said as Sofia nodded. Before Sofia could even open her mouth to get a word out Luca stalked over smiling.

“Sofia, come, stai, cara? É passato un pó di tempo.” Luca said both greeting each other in the traditional way as they kissed each other’s cheeks.

“Sono stata brava. È incredibile che finalmente vi siate sposati. Ma non c’era nessun invito per me, eh? Mi sarebbe piaciuto molto confezionare per voi due!” Sofia said playfully hitting Luca on the arm.

“Well that’s the thing…it was um…not your average wedding period say. Kind of rushed.” Luca tried to explain but Sofia gave him one of her looks.

“Ah sí I see how it is.” She said as Luca playfully rolled his eyes.

“Now may I steal your lovely amazing wife and make her even more stunning?” Sofia asked gently grabbing my arm.

“Of course you may Sofia. Work your charm,” he said to Sofia before looking at Eliza and turning back to his study.

Maria had set up all of Sofia’s equipment in the master bedroom. Once the door was shut behind her Sofia spoke.

“You’re even more beautiful than Luca described. She said her tone genuinely impressed.

“I can imagine why he was so bewitched by you to marry you. You have a lovely face and your features are almost perfectly symmetrical. You’re like a beautiful porcelain doll.” She smiled.

Eliza blushed and turned red which made Sofia giggle. She set her big leather bag down as she motioned for Eliza to sit.

“Sit down, cara mia,” she said somewhat motherly. “Let me take those measurements and we’ll get started up on a new wardrobe.” Sofia smiled grabbing some tools.

Sofia hummed softly as she took basic measurements of everything jotting them down in a notebook. Her movements were precise, swift, and calculated as if she had been doing this her whole life.

“I must say, Eliza,” she spoke her Italian accent coming through. “Not only is your face almost perfectly symmetrical you also have excellent proportions,” She said looking up from her notebook and humming in approval. “You have a slender frame, with a small waist and long legs. You’re going to look stunning in some of the pieces I’ve been coming up with.” She said.

“These clothes are all completely unsuitable for you.” Sofia started again shaking her head as she looked at some of the clothes Eliza brought over. “They are ill-fitting. They do nothing to flatter your figure. I know you have an amazing one.” she sighed. “It’s a travesty truly.”

Eliza nodded and smiled softly as she picked at her fingers. Sofia noticed and smiled reassuringly.

“Don’t worry cara mia. That’s what I’m here for,” she said gently taking Elizabeth’s hand. “I’ll help you get used to this lifestyle I know it’s a lot. I understand. So part of that means making you beautiful clothes that match your beautiful self.” Sofia said and Eliza thought she was going to cry. There was finally somebody.

“Sofia…how do you do all of it? I mean I know you’re Italian too..” Eliza said as Sofia stood and pulled some rolls of fabric out.

“Well…my Papà he was a tailor and dressmaker like me. He worked for the mob bosses and the biggest Dons in Italia.” Her eyes sparkled with comfort and Mirth as she pulled Eliza up. A look of longing and fondness on her face.

“He was magnificently brilliant. And when I was a little girl in Italia I followed him to all of these expensive houses. We had it all. He taught me and I soaked it up. And I became his assistant. Till the day he died.” She said sad.

Elizabeth looked down and nodded. “I’m sorry Sofia.”

“Don’t be. I miss my Papà but he’s always here when I do this. He died in the states, unfortunately. But I’ve been working for the Changretta’s for years.”

“Sofia he sounds like a wonderful man. He’s be proud of you.” Eliza said softly as Sofia dropped a satin blue silk over her body.

“Thank you amore.” She said pinning the satin silk to Eliza’s Clothes trying to envision what it might look like. “With my help you’re going to be turning heads on Luca’s arm. People will be begging for your attention.” Sofia said before grabbing out another fabric mumbling something in Italian and then putting it back. “You’re a lucky woman Eliza.” She said her tone sincere as she pulled out gold trim. “Luca is a good man even with all of his faults. I know it may be hard to believe. He’s strong, smart, obviously wealthy, and he has a kind heart. Even if he doesn’t show it.”

Eliza smiled. “I know. I knew him when he was young. When we were both 16 we were each other’s first time. But then he left to come back here the next morning. And I haven’t seen him since a few months ago.”

Suddenly Eliza felt Sofia’s delicate fingers stop. Looking down she saw the dressmaker’s eyes wide in disbelief.

“You and Luca…you were both each other’s first?” Sofia croaked out.

“Yeah we were something wild together.” Elizabeth laughed remembering all the trouble they would get themselves into.

“I…I had no idea,” she said her voice just barely a whisper. “Luca never told me anything. We were best friends when my dad tailored for Vicente. He never said a word about you or his trip to England. I knew he had a colorful past obviously but…this?” She looked at you her eyes filled with awe.

“I can’t believe he kept a secret like this from me. He never talks much about his past. Not that there isn’t much I don’t know. But he especially doesn’t talk about his romantic history. I always thought he never let anyone get too close but here you are I guess right?” Sofia said as Eliza shrugged.

“When I seen him for the first time in 18 years in that little shop. Sofia I swear I didn’t know who I was looking at. I saw the Mafia boss who had just lost half of his family. The one who was ready to kill mine. I’ve only seen that soft boy a few times in his gaze.” Eliza confessed feeling like she barely knew her husband, whom she loved.

“Trust me, Eliza. The way he talked about you when he wanted me to help, he talks as if you hung the stars in the sky. That man downstairs loves you if not more than he did before. Something tells me you both will work out.” Sofia said sketching something down in her notebook.

“I sure hope so.” Eliza sighed.

About 20 minutes later when Sofia was just about done she and Eliza had become fast friends. They talked and laughed about a range of things but eventually, Sofia’s eyes darkened as she packed up her bag.

“Cara mia…before I go. Let me warn you of something.” She said softly turning around. Her voice was firm and stern and Eliza was getting nervous. “With men like Luca their love and company comes with a price. Between the enemies they have and the lifestyle they live, their loved ones and families are never truly safe. Many wives and girlfriends have been taken, hurt, or worse just because of bad blood, sick revenge, or vendetta.”

Sofia told all of this to Eliza. Her expression was grave as she looked her in the eyes needing her to understand.

“When you marry into the Mafia you marry into a life of danger.” She continued.

“You’re a target now, a weak spot that Luca’s enemies can exploit. You need to know that Elizabeth and you need to be prepared for what might happen.”

Sofia finished explaining but when she looked back at Eliza she saw fear in her eyes. Sofia sighed her shoulders dropping as she stood fixing her suit coat.

“Hey…but don’t let that scare you away ok?” She said gently smiling.

“Luca will do everything in his power to protect you, that much I know. He’s gone through so much to get back to you. And you’ve been through so much to get back to him. He’s been through hell and back many times, and he knows how to fight. You’re as safe as you can be.” Sofia finished before hugging Eliza.

“It’s ok,” Eliza said as Sofia pulled back.

“I think I somewhat understand. Especially after my brother was killed. I get it I think.” Eliza explained.

_________________________________________________

Before Sofia left she went downstairs to talk to Luca. She knocked softly on the door as Luca told her to come in.

“Sofia! Tesoro, come sta? Come sta?” he said. Luca stood up placing his hands on the top of his desk. His sleeves were rolled up and his suit jacket was once again discarded.

“Luca she’s going to look great but listen we need to talk,” Sofia said her tone dire.

Luca’s face immediately turned stone cold as he crossed the room over to his best friend. “Sofia what is it huh?” he asked nervously. She never came to him like this. It was rare.

“Luca I need you to listen to me when I say this. Bringing her into this life…It’s not just about her safety it’s about her future. Both of your futures.”

As Luca looked at her his expression faltered and his jaw clenched. He didn’t like where this conversation was going one bit. But in the end, he knew that he had to listen to Sofia. She had always been the voice of reason and he respected her opinions.

So he let Sofia continue no matter how thick the topic was to swallow.

“Luca I know you love her…I know you want to keep her safe too, but you have to look beyond immediate danger. This life we live…it’s not a life for everyone. It’s a life of danger and violence. A life where loved ones can be used as leverage to hurt you and to get to you. You have to think about how your relationship will affect her.”

Luca’s eyes never left Sofia’s face. She was right and he damn well knew it. And all of this scared him since he had met Eliza and knew he had loved her.

Sofia softened at seeing the concern and worry etched onto the mafioso’s expression. she sighed putting a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“Luca…I’m not trying to undermine your feelings or anything. I just want you to understand. you’ve been alone for so many years. And I know getting her back has awoken something inside of you you never thought you’d get back. But you have to think about what’s best for her too. Because in the end, you have something to lose now. Someone significant.”

Sofia then hugged Luca tight before turning around and picking her bag back up. Before she went to leave she grabbed the handle of the door but stopped.

“Signore…” She started for one last time.

“I would hate for Elizabeth to fall victim just because of a bad day or another bad deal. I can’t stand the thought of losing another mob wife. Another strong woman. I’ve lost three with other dons before I started helping Eliza and you. You know this.”

Luca looked at her then at the floor nodding. He felt his heart tighten for Sofia. Luca had known many other Mafia don’s and despite the rivalries they all had one rule.

Respect and never hurt the children or women. And when the one lowlife would drag the women and wives in it was devastating. Luca could only pray that it would never happen to him.

“I know Sofia,” He responded. “I know what this life does to women. I’ve seen it too many times. Hell, my mama watched my father be taken to be killed. And here we are she will never recover. I wish I could protect Eliza from all of it. But I’m not invincible and I can’t fix everything.” Luca said sitting back down behind his desk.

“Thank you, Sofia,” Luca said gruffly rubbing his face.

“You’re welcome, Luca.” She said before leaving.

________________________________________________

30 minutes after Sofia left Eliza was sitting in the sunroom looking out the window as Maria came in.

“Mrs.Changretta, a driver is ready to take you shopping, and Mr.Changretta has left your money on the table in the foyer,” Maria said as Eliza nodded and stood up, following her into the foyer.

When Eliza saw the two massive cash rolls on the small table near the door her eyes went wide in shock. “What is all of this?” She asked Maria as she picked up one of the big rolls of cash.

“That is the money Mr.Changretta has given you to go shopping,” Maria said hands clasped neatly in front of her.

“Where is he?” Elizabeth said looking in the direction of Luca’s study down the hall.

“He just left Mrs.Changretta. He said he had an important meeting to attend.”

“How much is all of this Maria?” Eliza questioned.

“I do not know Mrs.Changretta all he told me was that it was for you before leaving it on the table.”

Eliza scoffed out a laugh before putting the money in her bag and leaving. As she got into the car the Driver who was one of Luca’s men drove off heading into the city. Elizabeth knew that Luca had left so she couldn’t ask why he gave her all of that money and she couldn’t give it back.

There was around 2,000 in both rolls.

Elizabeth had returned shortly before dinner around 4:40. She had come home with bags of clothes and Maria and a few other maids had taken her bags upstairs to their bedroom.

When she stepped into the house a maid took her coat and she stepped into the house. When she turned her head she noticed that Luca’s office door was slightly ajar the light on inside.

“Mrs.Changretta dinner is ready.” the same maid who took her coat said.

“Thank you,” Eliza responded her gaze lingering on Luca’s open office door.

Elizabeth then walked into the dining room and sat down. Not shortly after she sat down though Luca came in with his sleeves rolled up, toothpick hanging out of his mouth and his hands in his pant pockets.

“How’d the shopping trip go eh?” he asked her sitting down.

“Luca, what was up with the almost 8,000 dollars? Why would you give me that much?” Eliza questioned.

“I wanted you to be able to buy whatever you wanted. What’s so bad about that?” He asked as their plates were set down in front of them.

“Luca..you don’t need to waste all of that money on me.” Eliza pleaded.

“You’re my wife I want you to have fine things.” he responded picking up his fork.

“What about what I want Luca? Huh what about what I want? I want my own clothes for fucks sake, I want my old home in London. That was my OWN home!” She told him.

Luca’s eyes widened and the maids that dropped their plates off quickly went back into the kitchen.

“All I do is sit around this house and do fucking nothing. I never know what I’m going to do. This type of lifestyle is all new to me, and you’re my husband! I know I loved you when we were kids and I know I didn’t have much of a choice in this matter but for how much you talk about rekindling that spark you sure don’t act or do anything about it. The least you could do for me Luca is act like it. Try to be a damn husband.” Eliza said tears in her eyes as she let all of her frustrations out.

She stood up and left the dining room going off somewhere into the house.

“Elizabeth-” Luca started.

“Don’t talk to me right now.” She said leaving.

Luca sighed and slumped further into his seat rubbing his temples.

After about 5 minutes of letting her have time to herself Luca stood up and walked around the house looking for Elizabeth. Eventually he found her in the room she always loved. The sunroom starring out the window at the moon. She sat curled up on the chaise lounge as the moonlight filled the room and illuminated her face. Luca stood there in the large doorway as he seen the tears fall down her porcelain-looking cheeks.

“Eliza-” Luca started again.

“Go away.” She mumbled sniffling as she whipped her face into her sleeve.

“I’m sorry I haven’t been around as much as we’d both like. And that I haven’t been as attentive towards you. I’ve just been busy handling all of the businesses since I’ve been away. You know with all of that stuff with your family I’ve been away. I promise I’ll be there more. That I'll put in effort.” Luca said as he walked over slowly and sat down on the edge of the lounge.

As Luca watched Eliza cry he felt his heart break. “Hey…look at me.” He said softly gently reaching out and making her look at him as he wiped the tears off of her cheeks.

“I’m sorry.” He responded and Eliza looked up at him with her wet eyes.

As they looked at each other they both felt something spark.

Eventually, Eliza looked back out the window and sighed. “I never wanted to get married like this Luca.” She said softly.

Luca nodded and looked down at his lap. “I never did either.” Luca softly told her.

“Then why would you marry me like this? or at all?” Eliza asked scooting closer and looking at Luca.

“Because under those circumstances at the time, I knew you would have never said yes Eliza. But please. trust me. I want this more than anything Elizabeth. I want to be married to you.” He said giving a soft look towards Eliza.

“Listen Elizabeth…” Luca started again slowly reaching out for her hand. “I’ll take you out to one of the clubs I own tomorrow. Show you a good time. Please.” Luca said trying to look sincere

“You don’t even know me anymore Luca. I never liked bars.” Eliza said taking back her hand.

Luca sighed before sitting there. He placed his hands in his lap. “Elizabeth. Please. Just let me get to know you again. I want to make an effort.”

He then stood up. “Come on. Let’s at least go finish dinner.” Luca said offering Eliza his hand.

Elizabeth didn’t look at Luca for a moment as she sat there. Eventually, she wiped her eyes and slid her legs off the chaise lounge. She nodded and took his hand as they walked out of the sunroom.

[starlight045]

The Price of Revenge

Chapter 3

Summary: Eliza Shelby prepares for her wedding to none other than Luca Changretta. Luca promises to care for her. Can he keep that promise? And after the party and the move to New York she struggles with her feelings fighting with her mind afraid that things won't work.

A/N Happy holidays to those who celebrate! This chapter comes just in time and I hope you all like it! Thanks again for reading.

Elizabeth stood in front of the mirror smoothing down her dress and fixing her flyaway hairs. She fidgeted nervously biting her lips.

Today was the day.

She was finally getting married to Luca Changretta after a few weeks of delegations.

Polly came up behind her both of her hands on her shoulders.

“You look beautiful,” Polly said smiling at her niece’s reflection in the mirror.

Eliza nodded her head.

“You know you don’t have to do this. Tommy can get you out of here and onto the first boat to Australia.”

Elizabeth then turned to look at her aunt. “Thanks, Pol. But I have to do this. I don’t think my younger self would forgive me. I’ll survive.”

Ada came upstairs into the room a pregnant Lizzie behind her. “Are you both ready? I think they are waiting.” Ada said.

Elizabeth looked at Polly one last time before hugging her and then going to Ada and hugging her and then Lizzie.

“Thank you all for helping me today. Wish me luck on the other side.”

She smiled tears in her eyes.

“Oh now don’t ruin your makeup darling,” Lizzie said grabbing a handkerchief that was on the table and blotting at Eliza’s eyes. “We can’t have you crying at your wedding.”

Eliza nodded and looked at all of the women in the room.

“Come on let’s go. I don’t want to be too dressed up for long.” She said as they all left for the church.

At the front of the church at the altar there stood Luca and Matteo next to him as his best man.

On the other side of Luca was an Italian priest straight from New York.

The church was divided up into two families. One side was all of Luca’s family and friends the other side was full of the Shelby family. Well most of them at least.

Elizabeth wished John could be here. But then again she thought that if he was he probably would have snapped Luca’s neck.

When the music started everybody stood as Arthur walked Eliza down the aisle.

Eliza could feel her heart racing. She didn’t know why she was so nervous. But then again she was marrying someone she felt she had barely known.

Luca had his eyes trained on Eliza and Eliza had her eyes trained on his.

She looked him up and down for a moment. His suit was nice and he was wearing no rings. But when Eliza looked back up at him she noticed a hint of softness in his gaze and her heart skipped a beat.

She hasn’t felt that since she was a teenager. And here she was on her wedding day as Arthur handed her off pressing a kiss to her temple.

_________________________

A few weeks before the wedding Arthur had caused a scene during one of the meetings. He had threatened Luca and his family. Saying that if he hurt Eliza he would personally shoot Luca himself.

And that caused both sides to fight as all of the men stupidly drew their guns.

This caused Polly, Eliza, and Audrey Changretta to stop the madness.

“Stop it! All of you.” Polly said as Eliza tried harder than she was already not to cry.

“This is madness. You should know especially Luca. You’re trying to marry this girl not make it worse.” Audrey Changretta told her youngest and now only son.

Luca nodded and put the gun back in his coat pocket before mumbling an apology in Italian.

And after Arthur apologized Luca looked down at Eliza a sorry look in his eyes that made her nod.

_________________________

Here she stood now in front of Luca as he gently held her hands in his. She looked up at him and he looked down at her.

The priest started speaking switching from Italian to English.

“Do you, Luca Changretta take Elizabeth Shelby to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness, and health, for richer or poorer and till death do you part?”

The priest asked Luca.

“I do.”

He then turned to Elizabeth before asking her a similar question.

“Do you, Elizabeth Shelby take Luca Changretta to be your lawfully wedded husband to solemnly swear to love and honor, in sickness and health and for richer or poorer.”

“I do.” She said before swallowing.

“With the power invested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Luca stepped closer and craned his neck down pressing a tender soft kiss to Elizabeth’s lips.

As they kissed she swore she felt a spark somewhere. Maybe she was just imagining things.

As Luca pulled away his side of the church was cheering and and whistling calling out words in Italian.

Meanwhile the Shelby side clapped out of despair and fear for Elizabeth.

__________________________

About an hour later everyone was back at Arrow house for the after party.

Elizabeth sat next to Luca at the head of the table her head down and her hands in her lap as she picked at her nails.

Luca was talking to his friends and family on his side of the table. When he noticed that Eliza wasn’t talking as much.

“Hey…you ok?” He asked looking down at her.

Snapped out of her trance Eliza looked up at her new husband and nodded.

“Yeah…I think I’m going to go get a drink.” She said standing up and Luca nodded slowly.

Over at the bar as she poured herself a drink she seen Audrey Changretta.

“Mrs.Changretta.” Elizabeth smiled rembering the woman who taught her how to read and write.

“Hi darling. Please just call me Audrey no more Mrs.Changretta. Afterall you’re Mrs.Changretta now.” She said pointing off to Luca.

Eliza nodded stiffly looking back at Luca who was taking to Matteo.

“I just wanted to say congratulations. I know it might not seem like it. Especially considering the circumstances that this is coming about. But trust me he’ll take care of you. Luca is a good boy.”

Audrey said putting a hand on her daughter in-laws arm.

“I think he could be…but if he really was a good boy Audrey. He wouldn’t be apart of the Mafia. And he wouldn’t get into fights like this.”

Eliza said softly taking a sip.

“Trust me he’s good at heart.”

She said squeezing her arm softly.

Eliza sure hoped he was.

“Now the bride and groom will have their first dance.”

Someone announced off in the distance and Eliza set down her drink. She walked over to Luca who stood alone in the middle of the floor and she took his hand.

As she took his hand his long fingers wrapping around her own. They swayed and moved slowly as Luca pulled Eliza closer.

“What did my mother say to you over there?”

He whispered close to her ear his warm breath giving Eliza goosebumps.

“She told me you’d take care and look after me.”

Luca nodded his head. “I will. I promise.”

And Eliza looked up into his hazel eyes.

“I didn’t just do this out of revenge doll…I really do wanna take care of you again. See you happy like when we were kids. It makes me happy.”

Elizabeth looked down at their hands as them music slowly stopped her heart doing funny things.

Was he truly serious? There wasn’t a thing in those eyes that told her he wasn’t.

Once off the dance floor Eliza had to get away walking off a separate way in to the house as Luca watched her go

They both didn’t see each other for the rest of the night.

_______________________

Polly found Eliza on one of Tommy’s balconies looking out into the night her dress still on.

“What are you doing out here? You’re going to get sick.” She said wrapping her coat around her niece’s shoulders.

“Can’t sleep can’t do anything. My head won’t stop going…he told me he wanted to take care of me.”

She sighed her eyes wet.

“And nothing in his eyes told me I shouldn’t believe him Pol. I don’t know how to feel.”

Polly hugged her niece rubbing her back.

“It’s ok. I think I trust that boy. Something tells me you’ll be more than ok with him.”

Polly reassured her.

Eliza nodded her head, sniffling as she wiped her eyes.

“Thanks, Pol. I’m going to miss you.”

“I’ll miss you too. Now let’s get inside. It’s cold out here.”

And for the rest of the night, Eliza painted the scene from the wedding that was ingrained in her mind.

She used the rest of her paints and was up until 2 AM when she finally was tired.

Eliza went upstairs to the room that she got ready in earlier. She picked up the clothes that she had brought and walked over to the bathroom to change.

When she came out though she saw Luca sitting on the edge of the bed taking off his suit jacket and slowly unbuttoning the top two buttons.

“oh sorry,” Eliza said turning her head, her cheeks turning a rosy shade of pink.

“It’s ok. The maid told me I was in this room for the night.” Luca explained.

Eliza nodded her head before moving out of his way and into the bedroom as he went to change.

Eliza settled into one side of the bed and when Luca came out she looked up seeing him walk over in only his boxers and undershirt.

Eliza turned in the sheets her back facing Luca.

He felt bad. He didn’t want it to go this way but he did know that this wasn’t the most likely situation to get married in. Luca just needed to give her time.

But as she laid there unable to sleep Eliza cried silently conflicted on how she should feel.

_________________________

The next few weeks went fast and we’re all a blur of a memory to Elizabeth.

After they got Married Eliza packed up all of what she brought with her to small heath before going to her house to pack the rest. She was heading to America.

She was beyond nervous. She has never been out of the country before and never traveled far. But now here she was heading to New York with her new husband and mother-in-law.

She had heard of stories from Micheal who had called her in the last week before they left and she didn’t know how to feel. But at least her cousin would be there.

The following weeks did a number on Eliza. Luca had managed to get her, her own room and Eliza was thankful despite the weird feeling inside.

She had always been feeling a mixture of guilt or something akin to a feeling of love but it definitely wasn’t that.

When the boat got to America Eliza stepped outside when Luca called for her. There it was the statue of liberty. And Eliza looked up at it in awe having a new found inspiration to paint.

Luca walked up behind her and looked down smiling. “That’s the statue of liberty. it’s beautiful isn’t it.”

Eliza just nodded her head. Her mind was saving details for later.

“It’s stunning.” She said after a minute.

“She was given to the Americans from the French. It was to celebrate their new allegiance during the American Revolution. Maybe sharing beautiful things to celebrate allegiance is a good thing.” He said.

Eventually, the boat docked and they got off getting into a black car.

“M Signor Changretta, dove vorrebbe andare?” the driver asked.

“portaci a casa. Ho alcune cose che devo fare.”

“Does everyone who works for you speak Italian?” She asked looking at him.

“No. They speak English too.” He said sighing as he looked out the window and the car drove off.

After a minute or two of silence, Elizabeth spoke up. “It’s definitely way busier than London…or Birmingham. Is it always like this?”

“Pretty much. Whatever you want desire or need you could find it in New York.” Luca explained to her.

About 20 minutes later the car pulled in and stopped in front of a beautiful home. It wasn’t as big as Tommy’s but it was comparable.

It had a long driveway and it had a beautiful brick exterior with accents of black and gold. It was also far enough for there to be less noise but close enough for Luca and his work.

The newlywed pair went up the stairs and Luca opened the door revealing a line of people standing by the door as they stepped in.

“Eliza these are our maids, butlers, and cooks. They are here to help assist you with anything you need.” Luca explained as one woman stepped aside.

“This is Maria. She’s our housekeeper.”

Maria stuck out her hand and Elizabeth shook it giving her a polite nod and a smile.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Mrs.Changretta.”

She said stepping back as the Driver brought all of the bags in.

“It’s nice to meet you too Maria.”

Elizabeth said before Luca checked his watch speaking up.

“Maria, could you show my wife around the house and take her upstairs to our room please?” Luca asked.

“Yes, of course, Mr.Changretta.” she said taking a few of the more important bags.

“Luca I thought you were showing me around?” Elizabeth asked her arms crossing and brow furrowing.

Luca sighed. “I know I have some calls to make.” He said motioning to his office down the hall.

“I won’t be long. I promise” He told her before turning on his heels an leaving.

Suddenly Maria called out “Bene, tutti quanti! Tornate subito al lavoro.”

And with that the rest of the maids, butlers, and cooks scattered throughout the house.

Maria then picked up another one of Luca’s bags before going to show Elizabeth around. She took her to the large dining room which held a portrait of the Changretta family (From when Angel and Vicente were alive at least) at the front.

Elizabeth looked at it for a moment before Maria quickly scooted her along taking her for a glimpse into the kitchen before out into the main drawing room.

Then it was down the hall showing off several other exquisite rooms before taking her into the breathtaking sunroom. The full glass room was beautiful and the light from the sun that tried to peak through the thick grey clouds filled the space. She then followed Maria upstairs.

“This is both yours and Mr.Changretta’s room.” She said placing the bags down neatly.

“Both of ours?” Elizabeth asked as she looked around.

“Of course Mrs.Changretta you are married after all right?”

Elizabeth just stood there staring out the window for a minute lost before she turned to her and nodded.

The room was massive. Sure with the money and commissions she got from her art going to big museums her apartment in London was nice. But it was rather minute compared to this room and house as a whole.

The bed was a four-poster canopy bed and there was an attached ensuite bathroom that looked massive. How could a person ever live like this she asked herself.

“Well, Mrs.Changretta I will leave you and let you get settled. If you do need anything do call.” Maria said turning to leave.

“Maria?” Elizabeth said making Maria spin around.

“Yes, Mrs.Changretta,” she asked.

“you don’t always have to call me Mrs.Changretta. It doesn’t need to be so formal. You could just call me Elizabeth or Eliza.” Elizabeth explained.

“I’m sorry Mrs.Changretta. I cannot do that for you. Mr.Changretta specifically instructed for all of us to only refer to you as Mrs.Changretta.” She explained.

“Ah…: Elizabeth said looking the dark-haired woman in the eyes.

“Will that be all?”

“Yes, thank you, Maria,” Elizabeth said as she walked out.

Elizabeth stood in the room for a long time staring at various things her mind on overload. How could a person have all of this and nobody live in the house but servants?

Why would someone want servants anyway? Couldn’t you just do all of that crap yourself. God, she missed home horribly. She missed Polly and Ada. Finn and Arthur.

What was of her now?

Luca Changretta’s wife? No, she still felt more like a Shelby. Maybe she always would. She thought as this feeling inside of her gnawed at her slowly. Could she find that same spark for Luca that they had? or would her life forever be miserable tied to this man and his bloody ambitions? Forced to bare his children who would carry on the same name and work just to be killed by bad blood.

The thought made her shiver.

Could she ever adjust to being his wife?

___________________________________________

Eventually, after forcing herself out of that fog she went downstairs into the main drawing room. It had luxurious furniture and a fireplace. Eliza slowly walked over to the mantle noticing an array of pictures on it.

The biggest frame was a picture of the whole family extended. She recognized a few from the wedding. All of them were Italian. Looking at the next picture was a picture of a middle aged man and two smaller boys.

Eliza could tell the taller one was Angel meanwhile she shorter one with black hair was Luca when he was a kid. The older man must have been Vicente. The next picture was Luca around the time he was 16 when she and him were first together.

She had looked at that photo for a long time before looking around. She found a phone nearby and decided to try to call Polly or somebody.

Elizabeth dialed the number and the phone rang for several minutes before it was picked up and she heard a familiar voice that she hadn’t heard in a few days.

“Watery Lane 5-5-2,” Polly said which made Eliza smile.

“Hi, Polly.” She said softly as she brought the phone closer.

“Elizabeth?” Polly asked sounding somewhat confused.

“It’s me Pol.”

“Oh, my lord. Where are you at?” She asked as Eliza heard some noise come from the other end.

“I’m at Luca’s home…well, I guess it’s technically our home now.

“How’s being married? Is he treating you well.” Polly asked.

“Well I don’t know. I really don’t Pol. I think I still care for him. I just don’t know if that spark isn’t going to ever go back. We were 16. A part of me hope it does but…I don’t know if I can live like this either. There’s maids and the house is so expensive all of it.

Elizabeth sighed sitting down in the nearby armchair.

“It’s ok love you’ll figure it out eventually. Out of everyone you can always figure a way. Micheal is there in New York too. Maybe you can arrange to go find him. Pay him a visit.” Polly said.

“Yeah I’d really like that.”

Elizabeth smiled.

She seen Maria coming up and looked at her before looking back out the window.

“Mrs.Changretta, Mr. Changretta is asking for you in his study.” Maria told her.

Eliza nodded before moving the phone and covering the speaker. “Ok, thank you Maria.”

“Pol I’m uh sorry I have to go. I’ll call you back later hopefully.” She told Polly wishing she didn’t have to hang up.

“It’s alright Eliza. Trust me. Something tells me everything will be alright. You’ll be ok.”

“Thank you Pol. Goodbye.” She said before putting the phone up and going down to Luca’s office.

Once she was there she hesitated for a minute before knocking on the door.

“Come in.” Luca called from the inside.

Elizabeth pushed open the door her hands shaking for some reason. Why was she like this?

It’s not like she didn’t know him. Did she though? He was a completely different man. He killed for a living.

“Maria said um…she said you wanted to see me?” She said shutting the door before standing still as a statue in front of his desk. Her hands shook as she picked at her nails.

“Yes, did Maria show you around the place?” Luca asked. He was sitting in his office chair slumped back into the chair. His suit jacket was discarded onto the coat rack by the door. His shit was also unbuttoned on the top three buttons and he rolled a match between his teeth.

“Yeah she did. It’s very beautiful…we’re sharing that room upstairs?” She asked still nervously fidgeting with her hands.

Luca’s eyes narrowed a bit in confusion. “Yes Eliza. We did get married no? We are man and wife.”

“Yes…I suppose so. Luca…I um…normally I know that married couples spend time together before. And I know that we had a past when we were 16. But Luca what if that spark doesn’t come back?”

“Well. Amore we’re different. And I want to try. I want to try to bring it back. If not forge something new.” Luca explained taking the match out and rolling it between his fingers.

“But I’m not going to force anything on you that you’re not comfortable with. I just want to get to know you again.”

He said.

Elizabeth nodded. “So we went pretending to be some lovey dovey couple in front of people right?”

“No. Not that I know of.” Luca answered scratching his head.

“Ok…was that all you wanted to talk about?”

Elizabeth asked and Luca nodded.

She was about to leave when a question popped into her mind. “My clothes…most of them are back in Birmingham. They won’t be here for weeks at best.”

Eliza explained to Luca.

“Your clothes are not coming. I’ve arranged for my friend who’s a dressmaker and fitter to come see you. She has some ideas in mind. She’s coming tomorrow for your measurements.”

“Okay.” She said softly before leaving.

As she walked out she thought about how different he was. All this money. Tailors and dressmakers. A big house. Could she ever love this man that was so horribly different than the boy she once knew.

What would be of her future? Of theirs?

[starlight045]

The Price of Revenge

Chapter 2

Luca Changretta x OFC

Summary: Elizabeth rushes to Polly, shaken after Luca Changretta confronts her and confides in Polly, who reassures her that the family will protect her. While Micheal gets a surprise visitor reoccurring nightmares push Elizabeth to talk to Luca and make a choice.

A/N: Thanks for some of the feedback on the first chapter! I'm almost finished with the third. This sorry is also on AO3 for my lovely friends who like to read on there too. I hope you like this chapter <3.

Elizabeth had never walked home faster in her life.

Her heels clicked hurriedly against the cobblestone ground as she practically ran into the betting den shaking her eyes watering.

With all of the noise being made Polly, Linda, and Lizzie looked over to see Elizabeth whiter than a sheet ghost coming over. Polly’s face dropped as she got up.

“Elizabeth?” Polly asked getting her niece’s attention.

“Pol…Pol he was there.” she choked out as Polly stepped closer.

“What happened? Who?” She asked holding both of her arms trying to calm her down as she found a place to sit her down.

“Luca…Luca fucking Changretta. He found me when I was buying paints.”

Polly’s heart dropped into her stomach and her eyes widened. “are you ok?”

“I mean… I don’t know. Shaken I guess.”

Elizabeth said her hands still shaking.

“What did he say?” Polly asked.

“Well, he um… He told me that uh you offered to spare everyone. Arthur, Finn, Micheal, and Ada for Tommy. But Polly you can’t do that. I understand what Tommy had done was upsetting. But at least he saved you all before it happened. He’s my brother.”

Elizabeth said shaking in her seat still her leg bouncing as her eyes watered.

“Tommy already knows about the deal,” Polly said sighing. “We came up with it shortly after we were all sent the letter.”

Elizabeth looked at her hands before looking back up at Polly.

“He told me. He told me that he wanted to marry me. That if I married him It would end the vendetta. Polly, I don’t know if I could.”

Polly felt her heart go out to her niece. Despite nobody in the Shelby family knowing about the teenage fling between Luca and Elizabeth Polly did.

She found Elizabeth the day after the Changretta boy left coming out of her room hair a mess smelling like Italian leather and sex. Her face was flushed and Polly knew.

Polly didn’t respond. She stood there sighing

“You knew already didn’t you Pol?”

Luca had made the offer to me a week ago. The first thing I did was tell Tommy. We decided you aren’t marrying him. We will make sure of it dear.”

Elizabeth nodded her head. “Did Luca believe any of this…he doesn’t seem like the type to trust anybody. Obviously.”

“He didn’t believe it anymore than I did.”

Polly told her niece as she wiped her eyes.

“I just…I don’t want anyone else to die Pol. Especially if I knew I could have prevented it. Nobody deserves to die. Not even Luca.”

Polly’s heart broke for her as she crossed the room and took Elizabeth’s face in her hands.

“Trust me. Nobody else will die. Me and Tommy have it. Don’t worry about any of this.”

Elizabeth nodded again swallowing as Polly wiped the fresh tears from her cheeks.

It was a day later when Mrs. Ross came into Tommy’s office to meet with him. She was the mother of the boy that Arthur had happened to kill during a sporting match. She had came to Tommy inviting Arthur to come celebrate her son’s 21st birthday. But something had obviously seemed off about the whole ordeal.

Tommy figured it was apart of a plan to have Arthur killed so the day of the party they set up a plan to divert Luca’s men so that Arthur wouldn’t be killed.

But waiting out they realized it was all a decoy and Luca was at the Hospital coming for Michael.

They all ran hurrying to get to the hospital. Luca had shot down the man who was standing guard and the nurse took Michael’s gun.

The tall Italian mobster slowly walked into the room shutting the doors behind him and locking them.

He looked at Micheal who was trying to stand still wobbly from healing.

“Uh, uh, uh. Where I’m from, a hat on the bed…is unlucky. My family…say it brings death. Maybe that’s what happened.”

Luca said pointing to Michael’s peaked cap on the bed as he got closer.

“Last time my men were sent for you, you got lucky. Now your lucks run out.”

He said pulling his gun and pressing it against Michael’s forehead as he looked up at Luca his eyes wide in fear.

He tried to accept death. I mean here it was. Luca Changretta was going to kill him.

Then it clicked.

And it clicked again…and two more times.

Luca continued to fire the empty gun before walking off.

As he stood in the doorway he turned looking over at Micheal one last time. “And tell your mother we have a deal.”

He told him running his finger down his left eye before winking and leaving.

And a few minutes after Luca left Tommy barged into the room coming up to Micheal.

“Micheal? What happened, eh? What happened?” Tommy asked his cousin as Micheal looked up at him.

“They heard you er…they heard you coming. The gun misfired. They ran away.” Micheal lied out of breath.

“Johnny!” Arthur called out to Johnny dogs getting his attention as they went to look for Luca.

“You came just in time,” Micheal told his cousin.

“You alright? You hurt?” Tommy asked.

“I’m fine…I’m fine.” Micheal said still panting.

Tommy then sat there staring off his mind working. Why would Changretta leave him alive? Micheal had to have been lying about something as he glanced back at his cousin.

Once he was back at Small Heath Tommy called Charlie to tell him to tell Aberama Gold and his men that the Italians were headed southbound.

Their car had been stopped by a knocked-over cart that was blocking the road, and they were told to wait.

After a while of waiting Luca got fed up and tried to go move it himself with his men but got told to wait again.

And when they got back in the car they realized Frankie’s throat was slit. Then they were being fired at and another man got killed before Luca had to turn the car around.

Late in the day, Elizabeth was painting upstairs and everyone else was finishing up for the day the phone rang. Polly went to pick it up figuring it would be one of the boys.

“Small Heath 5-5-2.” she answered

“Mrs.Gray. I wanted to illustrate to you that at any time, we can reach your son. And we will kill your son if you cannot deliver Tommy Shelby as you promised. Huh? You just tell us where and when. And we’ll do the rest. That, or you agree to my proposal. My wedding proposal.” Luca finished.

With a sigh, Polly looked at Tommy’s diary and told Luca that Friday would be the day and gave him the time before hanging up.

It was 2 AM and Elizabeth was out cold in her bed some of her oil paints uncapped and her paint pallette a mess. Her landscape portrait of Small Heath was almost finished but she would often get stuck on a painting for days.

She tossed in bed as she was going through a rather horrible dream.

It was supposed to be a few weeks later in her mind and she was getting married to Luca Changretta. But right after the priest said you may kiss the bride and Luca leaned in she woke up chest heaving.

She looked around her moonlight room in a cold sweat. The sheets were slightly damp and she shivered.

There was only one person she could talk to about this.

So walking across the street pulling her thin robe around her she knocked on Polly’s door.

After the fourth knock, Polly answered the door her eyes still full of sleep and her hair somewhat a mess.

“Eliza, what in God’s name are you doing up?”

“Pol I had a dream…a nightmare even. I need to talk to you about it. I can’t sleep without getting it out.” She said as Polly scooted aside and let her in.

Elizabeth sat right next to the empty fireplace as Polly put on a kettle of tea.

“So…you had a dream. I’m guessing someone died. And it was related to Luca.”

Polly said softly.

“No. Worse. Luca married me.”

And Polly gave her a look.

“Aunt Pol my dreams always come true you know this. I can’t marry him. I know we have a history but I can’t be with this man I don’t know him. He scares me.”

Elizabeth said wrapping her arms around her.

“Come here,” Polly said opening her arms as Elizabeth came over and sat next to Polly and hugged her.

“Trust me dear. I won’t let him touch you.”

And for the rest of that night, Elizabeth sat in Polly’s arms sipping on tea before she fell asleep on the couch.

The next day Tommy went out on business. Specifically to take out Luca and the rest of his men.

Once he drove off a truck followed behind him and he knew exactly who it was.

He parked the car in Artillery Square and the truck parked a few feet away. And within minutes the shootout started and Luca was tricked. Tommy was well prepared and more of his men were killed.

Tommy dogged the bullet several times and so did Luca.

But when the coppers showed up both Tommy and Luca were at a stalemate. Their pistols and guns pointed right at each other.

Luca looked over at his men and he and the other Italians quickly got out of there.

The police decided to let Tommy go and he went back to watery lane to tell everyone.

He spent a bit of time with Charlie first before everyone got there. Watching the little boy play with his toys.

The family was gathered in one of the rooms and of course, Arthur was the first to speak up.

“What the fuck happened today, Tom? We all heard. Shooting in Artillery Square.” He said putting down a line to snort.

“Yeah, there was. Today, I killed three men. now our enemies will have to act.”

“I suppose er…I suppose they took you by surprise, did they?” Arthur asked Tommy irritated that he had tried to kill Luca himself.

“No, I knew they were coming,” Tommy told him.

Polly spoke up next “Just after Christmas, I received a letter from Luca Changretta. Offering to spare my son, if I gave up Tommy. And I gave Tommy up.” She explained

“You’re a fuckin’ idiot, Tom,” Arthur said snorting more cocaine.

“I met up with Luca. A week ago or so. He offered not only to spare Micheal, and you two.” She said looking at both Arthur and Finn.

“But to end the vendetta completely.” she finished.

“He wants to marry Elizabeth.” Tommy put it simply.

“What?” Arthur asked shocked and angry.

“He told me he had a strong liking to her since they were kids,” Polly told him.

“He can’t marry her. Our Eliza! The same girl that swore off guns when she reached that age. She’s a kid!”

“Arthur she’s 30,” Polly said.

“Polly and I had first agreed not to tell her. Especially since we had told Luca no. But it seems he went to ask her himself.” Tommy said taking his glasses off.

“Where is Elizabeth anyway?” Ada asked noticing her older sister wasn’t there.

And when everyone fully came to their senses they feared something had gone wrong.

“Arthur, Finn check the house. Everyone check the fucking house!”

Tommy said as everyone ran about small heath looking for Elizabeth but she was nowhere to be found.

Out at the yard Elizabeth stood in her boots feeding Tommy’s new horse ‘Dangerous’.

“Are you sure you should be out here?” Curly asked grabbing more hay for the horse.

“They’ll be ok. I know what I’m doing.” She said smiling as the horse looked at her.

“Elizabeth Shelby.”

A familiar voice called out.

Turning around it was just who she was looking for. There stood Luca in his hat and black overcoat toothpick hanging from his lips. Matteo stood behind him and so did two other men.

“I thought you said we’d be alone.” She said walking over to them and Curly went to get Charlie.

“Listen doll. I don’t know if you’re gonna pull one on me like your fuckin aunt.”

Luca said looking down at her.

“What do you mean pull one? What did Polly do?”

“You haven’t heard. Huh. Your brother…Tommy and I had a little shootout. He got away. Your aunt was offering him up to me.” Luca explained.

“How about we walk,” Elizabeth said as Curly came back with Charlie who had a gun.

“What are you doing girl?” He asked her.

“Trust me, Uncle Charlie. I got this.” Elizabeth said as she told Luca to follow her.

“So you still wanna marry me?” Elizabeth asked.

“Of course. It would make this all so much easier. You could spare your family. And I would get to go home. With a new wife.”

“Do you actually love me, Luca? Be honest. Don’t say you’re doing this just because you need a wife. Or because it’s convenient.”

Elizabeth explained.

Luca just looked at her and huffed a smile. He took his toothpick out and threw it on the ground.

“Eliza…I’ve loved you since we were teenagers.” Luca started

“When I went back to New York with my father all those years ago…no woman has ever compared.”

“You’re just saying that aren’t you? That was years ago. We were kids.” Eliza sighed.

“You know Luca when you came to me in that shop and told me all of that…I was terrified. I didn’t know the man in front of me. And that scared me. Thankfully my family doesn’t just stick me in situations they don’t think I’m comfortable with.”

Elizabeth said as they walked.

“That boy I used to know. The kind one. The one that just wanted to help and not hurt a soul. He’s gone. I know it.” She finished as Luca looked at her

He gave her a look and nodded.

“Luca…I don’t know how I feel it’s complicated. But if marrying you would stop this or stop either of us getting hurt then I would be willing to try.”

Elizabeth explained.

“You haven’t changed much. But at the same time you have.” Luca smiled sadly.

“I know I might look like a monster Eliza. A horrible man. But I promise I’ll take care of you. That is if you let me.”

And for a moment Elizabeth swore she saw that old version of him again in his eyes.

Later that night around 10:40 Elizabeth came back to small heath and found everyone there waiting as they all came to check on her.

“Where were you?” Polly asked coming up and cupping her face.

“You scared us half to fuckin’ death.” Arthur scolded his younger sister.

“Im sorry. I was out with Luca. I needed to talk to him.”

As Elizabeth said this everyone looked at her as if she had two heads.

“Why would you need to talk to him? What did you both talk about?” Tommy asked.

“Well, I made my decision. I don’t want anyone else getting hurt. Yeah, I don’t know this version of him. And it still does scare me. But I’m willing to work and try If it means our families don’t fight anymore. I’m tired of this.”

Everyone looked at her and between each other concerned.

“Are you sure? You don’t have to do this.” Polly told her.

“I’m sure Aunt Pol. I’ll marry him,” she said as Polly put a hand on her arm before hugging her.

“Then let’s let Mr.Changretta know that he’ll be getting married,” Tommy said patting Elizabeth’s shoulder as he walked off.

Was she selling away her life to end this madness? This horrible bloodshed ended with three men dead. Hell, one was her own brother. Elizabeth thought she was doing the right thing.

She at least hoped she was.

[starlight045]

The Price of Revenge

| Chapter One |

| Luca Changretta X OC!

| Summarry: When Luca Changretta comes seeking revenge in the form of a Vendetta out for the Shelby family Elizabeth Shelby is forced to pick between two options. She can marry the man who has killed her brother or refuse and let the bloodshed continue. People get hurt, secrets are revealed and Elizabeth makes the unlikely decision. (This is set in 1925 during season 4 of the show Peaky Blinders.)

| I hope you guys like this story! And perusual feedback is encouraged. :)

Chapter One

1925, Birmingham, England

The rain came down steadily on the cobblestone streets in Birmingham. Luca Changretta stood in his hotel room looking out the window when Matteo came in. His sleeves were rolled up and his top buttons were undone.

“Luca,” Matteo said, taking his hat off. Luca stayed facing the window, turning his head over his shoulder to look at the man. He had his toothpick hanging out of his mouth.

“Matteo…dimmi.” he said, turning to look at him. Both Matteo and him had been close. Friends since infancy practically. Now they work together. Matteo helped him but sometimes Luca would lose his temper.

“John Shelby è morto. Abbiamo colpito Michael Grey ma pensiamo che sia sopravvissuto.” Luca nodded his head and walked up to the shorter Italian.

“Sì…sì, è grandioso. Perché quel fottuto Michael Grey è ancora vivo?” He asked, gritting his teeth.

“Someone managed to get him to the hospital on time I guess. I believe it was John’s wife.”

Luca shook his head and sighed.

“You can go Matteo.

____________________________________________________________

Angel Changretta who was Luca’s oldest brother and the eldest son of Vicente and Audrey Changretta was killed a year ago. It all started a year ago or so when the Shelby family found out Angel was the love interest of Lizzie Stark. So after Angel’s restaurant is burnt down Vicente goes to confront Arthur and John. But when both brothers threaten Angel the problem is made worse.

Vicente threatens the Shelby brothers and John gets into a fight with Angel beating him up and slashing his eyes. As a form of revenge, Vicente calls a hitman to kill Thomas Shelby but they end up killing his wife instead by mistake and later that week Angel is killed. This isn’t where the story ends as Vicente is ordered to be assassinated along with his wife Audrey but Audrey is spared and Arthur had shot Vicente.

With both his father and oldest brother dead Luca Changretta came from New York seeking revenge. The Changrettas were a family that belonged to a Mafia that dealt with liquor in New York. Luca was determined to avenge both his brother and father.

The Shelby family had all received black hands in their mail and were terrified. Everyone except for Elizabeth Shelby, the third oldest Shelby sibling.

When she received a call in her small neighborhood away from small heath she was surprised to hear the news. She came on the next train bags in hand as her family ushered her inside. “What’s going on? I got the call.” She asked setting her stuff down as Tommy and the whole family stood in the room together.

“Luca Changretta’s father and brother were killed by John and Arthur. Now he’s here from New York seeking revenge. It’s called a vendetta.” *He said, handing Elizabeth the card they all received.* __________________________________ And now here they were with John dead and Micheal in the hospital. Elizabeth hated staying in small heath; she promised herself she would never come back. She always hated what her brothers had been doing too. The killing, the illegal things, the never-ending wars.

But yet here she was and her younger brother was dead. He was killed by the men hired by an old flame. But her family didn’t know and she didn’t dare tell them.

Besides, it shouldn’t have mattered much. It happened when they were teenagers and Luca was just staying for a month as his father needed to clean up business.

He was different back then. Young, carefree, sweet, and caring. He was a doll. But now all Elizabeth heard was about how he had killed people or what he was doing in New York and that he had aged and grown cold. She knew a different Luca Changretta. And he knew a different Elizabeth Shelby.

____

The night was late and Polly Gray walked into a club wearing her red dress and fur shoulder wrap. She went to sit at the bar ordering champagne. As she sat a grey fedora was slowly placed next to her on the table.

The man’s tattoos were peaking out from under his sleeve, a black hand on his upper wrist, and a small cross on his middle finger. He stood letting the barman pour him a drink before sitting down next to her.

“This, is public enough, no?” he asked before taking a sip of the whiskey.

“yes.”

“So?” Luca asked in return.

“The boy in the hospital is out of bounds. And I’ll ask you to spare Finn and Arthur.” Polly said.

“In return for what?”

“Tommy Shelby.”

“And why should I trust you?” Luca asked before turning to look at Polly.

“Because you know our history. You know what happened between us.”

“You have an unlikely Cassius,” he said before drinking again. “You know…my mother. My mother knew your mother. She taught her how to read.” Luca said.

“Did she tell you that John and Arthur spared her life? When Tommy wanted her dead.” Polly asked not looking him in the eyes.

“Yeah and now she’s giving me the information about you people. So Tommy Shelby was right. his ruthlessness was justified. You should have killed her when you had the chance.” Luca told her.

“John was a good boy. Arthur tries. Tommy’s different. You take Tommy spare the rest.” Polly asked the man not once looking at him.

“But…What if it isn’t Tommy Shelby I want.” Luca asked which made Polly stop putting her dink down. “Years ago…I met this wonderful breathtaking girl. She was beautiful. Very polite in her mannerisms and all. I thought we’d get married one day.” Polly froze. He could only be talking about one person. “That is what I want. I want her.”

“Elizabeth is not a part of the deal.”

“Well, she is now. I marry her, we can end it.” Luca said as Polly sat there in disbelief not knowing what to do in this situation.

Polly didn’t look at Luca. She kept her eyes trained on anything but him.

“You know my mother used to say this about you. She said that ‘Polly Gray’ that child could never let go of a grievance.” Luca started making Polly look at him. “And she loves to dance. What do you say hm? Wanna dance?” Luca asked.

“I don’t dance, anymore,” Polly said as she stood up and pulled her fur shoulder wrap over her body before leaving.

“Yeah, that’s a shame. Cause you’re dancing with me.” Luca said as she walked off finishing his drink.

And Polly with this new news went to go tell Tommy that night. both she and him agreed that they wouldn’t settle with Luca’s new terms. There was no way they could marry off Liza who had never even picked up a gun in her life. It would kill her being married to an Italian mob boss.

A Week Later

It was a cold morning and tired of being cooped up in Small Health Elizabeth dressed up and went out. She was quite the painter and always had been. So as soon as she split from the chaos that was the peaky blinders she sold her art in upper Birmingham and even made it to a museum or two. She had planned on doing a few landscape portraits but couldn’t find the right tools at any of the nearby shops or vendors. So despite Tommy’s orders and wishes she went out in the outer parts of Birmingham and looked for what she needed.

It was at the fifth store of the day when she was looking at the different shades of blue when she felt the presence of someone standing behind her. Not thinking much of it she didn’t pay attention until it spoke up.

“That’s a nice shade.” He said and Elizabeth froze where she was at.

There was no way. It couldn’t be him. How did he find her if it was? Turning around Elizabeth’s suspicions were confirmed. It was Luca Changretta with his toothpick leaning against another shelf.

“Oh don’t tell me you don’t recognize me.” He smirked, taking his toothpick out and twisting it in his fingers.

Everyone was right. He did look older. He had a scar or two on his face and his eyes held more to them. As if he had seen the world and horrible things.

And of course, he was way taller and wore fine leather shoes along with tailored suits.

“Luca,” Elizabeth said softly.

“Elizabeth.” He said with a smirk.

“Are you here to kill me?” Elizabeth asked nervously.

“Because if you are just…just do it now.”

Luca just continued to smirk and he shook his head.

“No dolce I’m not here to kill you. Why would I do that?”

“Well because you killed my brother! You sent a black hand to my whole family except for me.”

“There’s a good reason for that Dolce. Besides it’s called a vendetta your brothers killed my brother and father.” And at that word, Elizabeth made a face.

“I just want to talk. Simple as that.” Luca shrugged putting his toothpick back between his lips.

“Fine,” Elizabeth muttered before going to buy her paints but Luca stopped her trying to buy them for her. “I can buy my own. I do make money Luca.”

“Let me be a gentleman, Liza,” he said putting the money down as Elizabeth rolled her eyes.

After the pair walked out Elizabeth was immediately met with the sight of Luca’s black Rolls Royce his men standing next to the car their pistols on their carriers.

Luca nodded to them before putting his hand on the small of Elizabeth’s back and walking down the street with him. She immediately swatted his hand away

With a spark of fear ready to ignite in her chest, she looked up at the tall mobster. “So Luca…if you’re not going to kill me. What the fuck do you want?”

“I met with your aunt, last night. She offered me a promising deal. To spare two of your brothers. and your cousin, for your brother Tommy.” Elizabeth’s head immediately snapped up to him her jaw dropped.

“Polly wouldn’t do that,” she said as Luca huffed out a laugh. “I didn’t think so either. She said uh, their history is why she’s doing it.” And Elizabeth thought about the story Ada had told her recently. how everyone was almost hung at the noose and Tommy saved them in the nick of time. Ironically it was also his fault.

“But I told her, Tommy isn’t the one I want,” Luca said looking down at Elizabeth. and Elizabeth felt the spark in her chest. Maybe he was there to kill her. Maybe he also grew into a liar. He was a mob boss now.

“I offered a deal. Marriage or vendetta?” which made her stop walking and Luca turned to look at her.

“You want to marry me.”

“I need a wife. I’ve got everything but one. Besides I liked what we had when we were young. I missed you.”

“Why would I marry you? You killed my brother. Almost killed my cousin. And you think things should be like when we were kids?” Elizabeth said getting bothered and upset.

“Hey, hey, hey,” Luca said gently grabbing her arm not wanting to draw attention.

“Get off of me,” she said yanking her arm off.

“I think you’d marry me, to stop this whole Vendetta. My mother told me about you now Elizabeth Shelby. You hate what your brothers do. You’ve never touched a gun. You hate your brothers for being like this. I hear you’re a great artist too. You already lost John. What about Arthur? or Finn? I know you’re close with Micheal at least. Wouldn’t be hard to kill that one. OR what about Ada hm? Your little sister.” Luca said as Elizabeth’s hands shook in fear and her eyes became wet.

Sure she wasn’t as bothered by Luca. But he unsettled her to her core. She knew she was no longer dealing with the sweet boy she once knew. She was now dealing with a grown man she didn’t know with the same eyes. They were essentially strangers. But strangers with memories.

“You choose, Liza. Vendetta…or marriage?” Luca told her. “You let me know soon amore,” he said pointing to her before Elizabeth turned around and walked away her legs wobbly. She couldn’t believe what had just happened.

____________________________________________________

[starlight045]

[starlight045]

#babyOppie #oppenhimer #J.Robert Oppenhimer #oppie

Cillian Murphy as young J. Robert Oppenheimer Oppenheimer 2023 | dir. Christopher Nolan