The tension in the room only worsened when Luca didn't speak, his heated gaze fixed on Maria who found it hard to meet it, unlike their dynamic when others were around.
Her being the more hardened character felt almost like it was a play they acted out only when others were around, a shallow performance that crumbled the moment they were alone.
"I-I…" she stuttered, her voice small and unsteady, but Luca did not let her finish before he leaned forward in the chair he sat on and intertwined his fingers over his knees as he slowly began to speak. His voice was cold and harsh.
"I don't care how much pain you are in! I expect you to keep your mouth shut before I cut your tongue out of your mouth!" he told her, his voice lower and much gruffer than usual.
Eyes intense, showing a cruelty that was never seen from him before.
