Twenty-two

                                    

                                          
Vincent Moretti
The same night Elena and I reached Milan, I already knew I had a lot to deal with. I have to go to the office to close a deal, and sort out things for my city. I also knew my mother would want to meet Elena, and I had absolutely no time for that.
After the conversation with Elena in the kitchen, I'd asked Viola to ensure she's comfortable and has everything she needs for her show tomorrow. I need to see Nicholas to sort out a guard for her, he'd know who I should use and I'll have that arranged for tomorrow. I would be Elena's personal chauffeur if I had the time and patience to deal with her. Wherever she goes, I need to know she's safe. This is becoming borderline obsessive. 
I'm worried about her, I'll admit that. But it's clouding my thoughts. I can't keep my head clear. 
The dark streets welcome me, and it's a Friday night so everywhere is busy. I hear people laughing, loud music, beautiful lights. I feel a twinge in my chest, knowing Elena would like something like this. I need to investigate these feelings, it may be evidence of an underlying heart condition. 
I spot Nicholas in the far corner of the bar I'd sold to him years ago. Axle and him don't like each other, but Christian and him were in prison together and when they both got out Nico came back here and turned his whole life around. "damn, look who they let out of the top floor." he says when he sees me, and I reach for his hand. "I've been in my city plenty, Nick, I just didn't want to see you." I say, and he laughs as I pull a chair to sit next to him. He signals the bartender and orders us two drinks.
"what's going on? You're getting worry lines on your forehead." he says. I take a swig of the cold whiskey, as flashes of Elena rush through my head. "I need to find my brother. He's on the run." I say softly. "that's not surprising. Who's after him?" Nico always looks happy, it's one of the most annoying things about him. "I am. He hurt my wife. I shot him and then he threatened her. So I brought her here until I find him." I tell him, and he smirks at me. "your wife, huh? That architects daughter? I heard about that on the news. Are you happy?" he asks, still smiling. "never been happier." I say sarcastically, and he laughs at me. "I need to find him. If he gets here, you tell me. I want to get rid of him." I say. He nods. "you know we'll take care of it if anything happens. I'm happy for you, Vin, a woman could be just what you need." he says, and he doesn't really seem bothered by my situation. "she's a pain in my ass. It was a contract, Nick." I say, and hear him laugh. "I'm sure that's why you're doing all this to protect her. You've always had a penchant for things you couldn't have. A city, domination, now even your choice in a woman. You still get what you want." he says. I feel my fists ball. Everytime I wanted something, I always found a way to get it. This time, I don't even know what I want. I don't understand anything. In this aspect of my life, I am truly and utterly fucking clueless. 
"get me your best guard. I need a sharpshooter with good driving skills. Anything happens to her and it's your head." I say, and he rolls his eyes. "I'm your friend, you don't threaten friends." he says. "I threatened blood if he touched my wife, I wouldn't think twice about killing you." I tell him. He ignores my death threat. "I'll send Russo to your house tomorrow morning." he says.
Leaving the bar tonight, I don't know what befalls Elena and I. All I know is that I have business to take care of, and I need to get rid of Cal so Elena can live in peace. Elena's door is shut when I get home. If I had to knock, what would I even say? She's probably pissed at me, wishing I died on the street. I have no fucking idea what I'm doing anymore. Bitterness and regret keep me awake. 
The next morning, I hear Elena busy in the kitchen chatting away with Viola. She's still not used to this house and I must admit there's parts of it I haven't really seen yet either. It's a classic manor, with medieval touches and fine art. There could be over five hundred people here, and I wouldn't even notice.