The Capozzi Family: Luca #1

The warehouse still shakes with the last chord, neon bleeding over the crowd. Luca steps out from the wings and onto the floor, the bass fading into cheers and clapping hands.

Mickey lowers his guitar, sweat shining on his face, chest heaving with the final rush of the set. He looks toward the dark edge of the stage, then spots Luca.

Luca closes the distance, the crowd noise softening around them. Mickey's grin comes easy now, half exhaustion and half pride.

Mickey rests a hand on the guitar neck and tilts his head toward the cheering room, letting the moment sit between them.

Luca’s hand lands on Mickey’s shoulder, steady and warm, and he gently turns him away from the stage lights toward the side exit. Mickey lets the movement happen, still smiling, guitar hanging loose as the room’s applause rolls behind him.

Mickey blinks, then his grin softens into something more private. He looks toward the dark corridor Luca is guiding him toward, then back at Luca, the offer landing cleanly.

As they walk, an enforcer at the door gives Luca a quick nod and steps aside without a word, clearing the path before Mickey even notices the delay. The side exit opens ahead, quiet and waiting.

Mickey shifts the guitar strap higher on his shoulder and angles closer to Luca, easy now, trusting the move. In the half-open glare of the exit, Luca catches a brief glimpse of the broker’s contact number still lit on his phone screen before the lock screen dims.