When shit hit the fan, it usually did so in a spectacular fashion. Today had started out according to plan. They had all arrived at the warehouse in the middle of nowhere. Men disappeared into the surrounding buildings and brush, already knowing their positions while a select six would follow Enzo into the warehouse. He usually kept his hands clean of these arms deals, all part of maintaining his facade of an upstanding businessman but this one is different. If all went well, he’d be partnering two families together in business and checking one less enemy off his list. He kept his lack of faith in success to himself. This is his father’s idea. Enzo couldn’t let any of these men know that he’s been fighting his father tooth and nail against this, he needs them confident, on their A game as they step into the lions den.
Much to his surprise, everything had unfolded rather pleasantly. The air is thick with tension and distrust, but negotiations were going rather smoothly. Until his phone started vibrating in his suit pocket. At first, he ignored it. Anyone who would be calling him, knew where he was, what he’s doing. They knew whatever it was, would have to wait. But the irritating device is insistent, vibrating repeatedly until he finally excused himself. Stepping away from the group, he pulled his phone from his pocket. Omar. The man had called and texted at least a dozen times. What in the actual fuck? Of all people to be calling. Unease spread across his skin.
{{“What?!”}} He hisses through clenched teeth when he finally answered the older man’s call. His driver knew better than anyone where Enzo is and why he isn’t to be disturbed. I can’t find her. The blood in his veins ran cold. Omar didn’t need to explain. This she was important enough to warrant the interruption. {{“Fucking find her.”}} He snarled lowly. He didn’t have time for this. Shoving his phone back in his pocket, the mafioso drew on the self control he had spent years cultivating to focus on the task at hand. Rayne couldn’t distract him.
And just like that, everything went to shit.
As he turned, voices began to rise and the tension thickened until you could cut it with a knife. Salvaging the situation went up in flames the moment gunfire filled the air. {{“Fuck.”}} He hissed, immediately reaching for the gun tucked into his waistband. Lifting his weapon, he’s a second too late. Too late to duck behind cover, too late to fire first. The pain didn’t register, not right away at least. Something hit him in the chest with enough force to knock him backwards and force the air from his lungs. Then again. And again. Drawing in a breath is suddenly impossible. When the pain finally does register in his brain, it sends him to the ground. Blood quickly stains his dress shirt, warm and wet and it spills way too fast from the bullet hole. Clutching his chest, he barely registers when someone drags him backwards and out of the line of fire. Someone’s talking to him but he can hardly hear the words over the rush of blood in his ears.
When his vision grows spotty, Enzo knows he’s in trouble. He fucked up. All for the sake of a woman. Everything else fades away. He wouldn’t remember being dragged from the warehouse, he wouldn’t remember the chaos of being rushed to the hospital. All he’d remember is the excruciating pain in his chest, the way he had to fight for what little oxygen he could suck in. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he knew this would change everything. It was the beginning of a war. A new chapter was being written in his blood.
Fast forward, to the sound of sirens and gravel crunching beneath tires fast approaching as she's rounding the drive to the estate, following the vehicle that's carrying Lorenzo. With snap decisions—and threats she would carry out undoubtedly— she's redirected everyone involved to the Vincenza manor. Her father finally answered, but only after she had to pull teeth practically to get everything to work her way—not his, and he's furious on every level but is there the moment she's reaches for the doors to the house and holds one side open as another man does so. Her cheeks are stained from tears, reddened from frustration and worry as she watches another group of men haul her brother's body In with the familiar face of the family's surgeon. Blood stains everyone and everything that is or surrounds her brother, who looks nearly lifeless and pale as they all pass her in the door way. She's already made the argument with her father that her brother—his son—deserved more than some over crowded emergency room and doctors who run around half asleep. She uses the reassurance of image, something her father rarely argued; Noone else needed to know that the Vincenza heir was infested with bullets and was just a step away from being the dead Vincenza heir.
Luciano Vinzena is not the type to be undercut, to be doubted or challenged. And so Alessa did none of the above—atleast not directly. She made the idea sound like it was his, and he agreed after contemplation and said contemplation put a sour taste in her mouth when it came to her father in this moment.
What ensued after was more negotiating, more fighting when she was still left in the dark. Her brother had bullets—not one, not two, multiple fucking bullets— plastered across his body and for what? Where was the protection her father always reassured them all with, why was Lorenzo on his own—were the bullets even meant for him? Was it retaliation, a way to aim for her father without him being the literal target.
A week goes by, and she's found only the best to help her help her brother—she refuses to leave him alone, at the hands of anyone she can't easily tie a noose around and hang if she had. Many are usual faces she's seen over the years with the family. One, who usually only made himself seen and rarely heard when her brother was.. not laying in a comatose state in a hospital bed, was Omar. He was reluctant to even speak to her, but she was able to pry out the concern and soon learned that her Brother was after the girl she could only assume was who he kept holed up in his part of the estate for the last couple of months. More favors were cashed in, threats made, but she helped ease Omar's mind just a fraction after she spent the day in connection with those she used to track Rayne down. She couldn't blame the girl for running away in the first place, not entirely, but she wouldn't exhaust herself trying to get her to atleast make a visit.
A simple visit was a mistake on Alessa's end, too tied up in everything else to remember just how tightly her father locked the place down. Rayne did make an appearance, exactly how Alessa instructed her to do in her messages, and nothing about her arrival was simple after that. She heard the chatter on the radios clasped to the men's belts outside of her brother's room, then the running. And as she made her way to the commotion herself, she hears the confrontations, and a voice not quite familiar to her ears in the estate. Her father was at the center of it all, a raised voice that was cold and callous and unrelenting. She saw a flicker of red hair before him and took no time in making her way to her father's side. His arm is outstretched as she approaches, her heart jumps subtly to her own throat and she reaches for that same arm without a second thought. "Papa, È qui per Lorenzo, per favore— (Papa, she's here for Lorenzo, please—) as if her brother's name is his own personal trigger, and her touch sends hom to cock the gun and fire , her father swings his arm around and a flash of silver and black is seen just seconds before a crack to the side of her face has her wanting to fold over onto the marble floor beneath them. Her ears are ringing as hands grip her arms to steady her—or maybe even restrain her— and she moves a hand up slowly as she traces the strike of her father across her face with a shakey hand. She can't even hear the words her father is spitting as she's still trying to make sense of what just happened, and what's still happening. She blinks slowly, looking to Rayne standing in the foyer in front of them all. She searches the faces around them, seeking out Omar, who's making a step towards Alessa before she cuts him short and makes a small gesture towards Rayne as she holds her own battered face gingerly and reaches for her father once more. "Omar si occuperà di lei, lei se ne andrà, papà, per favore... (Omar will handle her, she'll leave, Papa, please..) She's softly pleading with him, despite him rattling every bone in her face, as if she hasn't quite registered what's happened yet and her father is innocent in his stress ridden state. He let's her turn to leave, but the gun stays aimed until the doors slam shut and it leaves the foyer filled with her father's men and her. Luciano has stormed off to his office, where he remains for another week.
She hides her face when they meet again, subtly of course, because her father seems to ignore the cut and bruises he's left painted across her face—as if he didn't cause any of it. Unlike their usual time together, they spend the brief moments they have arguing—an amplified concern for her wellbeing is driven by the recent events. And he's made arrangements for a marriage for her, while Enzo lays in his hospital bed. She points that fact out, but eventually her words are tuned out and he remains absolute in his decisions, no matter how many times she revisits them and tries to plea with him.
She remains in Enzo's quarters from there on out, all of her business conducted from his study and her laptop and phones. Her father has yet to make a visit, but claims "if nothing has changed, he has other concerns to deal with". So, when there's commotion coming from her brother's room and she's sought out, she catches man relaying the information and warns him not to fetch their father—not yet. She's made a dash for his room, half expecting it to be signs of him just moving his hands or the little eye movements behind closed lids. But as she enters the doorway, his half lidded mismatched is dazed but it seems like forever since she's seen her brother's gaze and gives a sob wracked laugh as she forces her way past the staff tending to him. "Fottuto idiota, dovresti schivare i proiettili, non vedere quanti riesci a gestirne." (You fucking fool, you're supposed to dodge the bullets, not see how many you can handle.) she says as she runs to his bed and, as carefully but as fast as she can, she wraps herself around the less damaged parts of him, clinging to him. She takes a few minutes to just hear him attempt to laugh and breathe, reassuring herself with every breath he takes and every blink he does that he is alive.
She struggles to find the right time to tell him of everything that's happened in the past couple of weeks—but does so, much against her own approval and the doctors. She tells him about how she got him here, how their father's been—she makes a brief mention of a practically forced marriage she's supposed to agree to but detests—and finally how she was able to find Rayne, and how she was greeted when she did infact show up to see him. She doesn't point out the black and blue and cut that still riddles her face and the cause of it, she knows he'll find out himself anyways if she lies about it—but she was embarrassed and still in shock herself, blamed herself, really. It took a day for her father to finally appear, to see his son himself. When he makes an entrance, Alessa makes a quick exit with peck to Enzo's cheek and uses the excuse of needing to move her belongings back to her quarters, not wanting any part of what was likely to ensue in that room should her father's anger rise once more. Surely he would have mercy on Enzo as he's still healing, but after the last experience with an escalated version of her father, she has her doubts. Doubts she let's linger even as she's in her own room for the first night since her brother was brought here with bullets buried in him.
Since the ball there seemed to be an odd shift in the air, and if she knew anything about Enzo she would have known that it had nothing to do with her and more so had everything to do with business. He was careful about keeping her in the more personal parts of his life, and because of that she felt as though he was just slowly pushing her away. Many times he was gone and many morning she would wake up with a cold draft by her side. She didn’t dare question him because she knew that he wouldn’t tell her, and she would bottle it up until she had enough of his secrecy. She packed a bag that night and had it ready for the morning, explaining to Omar that she had some shopping to do and requested if he could bring her.
Of course he would comply, as instructed and they would go about their day as they did many times before. He would bring her to the familiar shops and she would pick out things here and there before the time was perfectly right. She walked into an unknown shop and requested a couple clothing items to try on. She was certain that there would be a way out the backside, considering the window that hung above one of the dressing rooms . Rayne Was adamant about getting that room and the shopkeeper wouldn’t fight her on that. “ I’ll be right out,” She explained to Omar, who Would hang out on the outside of the room with his arms folded. She knew she had a couple of minutes and she was careful to talk to him as she faked, getting dressed, unhooking the latches of the window and slipping out . “These pants don’t fit quite right, can you ask her for a size two and leave them outside the door, Omar?” With a grunt, he would walk away and that’s when she would move quicker than she ever moved before. She knew Enzo was going to be pissed, but she had to think about herself this time.
She Already had a cab ready and accumulated thousands of dollars over the last couple of months that she’d been saving. Wasn’t sure how long she planned on being gone, but she knew she needed some time away. Where to? The cab driver asked she requested a couple of towns over where she made reservations to stay at a hotel.
By the time Omar knew she was gone it would be too late.
———————————-
She turned her phone off, Scared that he would be able to track her location and made it a point to find herself a new phone. Not that she used it because she didn’t call anyone or contact them for that matter, but she would occasionally use it to order food. She wasn’t sure why she turned on this particular day, but when she did She was horrified by the messages that were left.
Enzo was shot, and in critical condition, Alessa would explain. Her heart hammered her chest because even though she wanted some time away, she didn’t hate Enzo, in fact, she actually felt completely opposite of that, though she would never admit it to him.
We’re at the manor, the text read.
Her stomach felt like it was in her throat, but she hurried into the next cab and found her way back at the manner no sooner than a couple hours after that. When she knocked on the door, however, she couldn’t imagine what she was going to be met with . Never met dad, but she didn’t need to be told. It was him when she was greeted by a gun cocked in her face. Her heart hammered in her throat as she took a step back. Alessa was quick to be by her dad’s side, pleading that he allow her to see Enzo, but their father wouldn’t have any of it. He turned on her and pistol whipped the side of her face, sending alessa to the floor. Rayne gasped as she reached out, her steps passing the door but their father would point the gun directly between her eyes. “Get the fuck out of here you’re not welcome, Enzo doesn’t need his dick wet by you anymore. You’re only one amongst the hundreds.” Rayne Swallowed back the lump in her throat, the heat in her cheeks caused them to grow pink, but she did not say anything else as she can only find herself staring him directly in the face as Omar gently push past their father in the doorway. “I got it boss.” He stated before their father finally turned away, leaving only her and Omar standing in the doorway with a look of disappointment on his face. Her mind was racing as she Tried to fight the different emotions. Maybe his dad was right.
Enzo never needed her.
The world is slow to come into focus around him. First, he’s aware that he’s lying on something soft, comfortable, warm. A bed. One that seemed far too comfortable to be a generic hospital bed. The beeping comes next and the sound of his steady pulse pounds in his skull. When he tries to move, his body is stiff and sore, but more than that, a white hot pain sears across his chest if he moves too much. Blinking, his eyes feel like sandpaper as the room slowly comes into view. What he didn’t expect to see is his own room. Groggily, he looks around. He’s hardly aware of anyone in the room until Alessa appears beside him. She scolds him even as she gingerly wraps herself up in his embrace. No matter how much they push each others button, Alessa is still his little sister and he loves her dearly. Wrapping his arms around her is more painful than he anticipates and his body tenses in response. A laugh huffs past his lips before the sound is cut off with a painful grunt. ”You make it sound like I was trying to get shot.” His voice is raspy with lack of use.
For a time, they stay like that. Alessa undoubtedly seeking the comfort and assurance that he’s alive. Enzo revels in still being alive.
Before she breaks the silence, Alessa pulls away and the look on her face is a grave one. Dread creeps up his spine. She recounts the events from the day he was shot to the present. It was Alessa who had him brought here, hiring private physicians and surgeons, tending to his every need with only the best money can buy. Not their father. His absence in that part of the conversation is noted. And it’s far from surprising. Though the current don of the Vincenza family did finally come up, more accurately his behavior. Mismatched eyes stray to the bruise that darkens the side of her face. One she tries to cover up with make up. His eyes flash before they narrow. No one knows their father temper better than him. A tic in his jaw appears. “He did that?” His eyes dart to the bruise she sports.
The bad news doesn’t stop there.
Alessa is practically engaged. His jaws clench. His father has just decided this. He didn’t want to think about what asshat their father is attempting to sell her off to. Arranged marriages aren’t uncommon in their lifestyle, but Enzo has impossibly high standards for the man that would one day marry his sister. Standards that her own father didn’t have. He seethes silently. The first order of business is to look into this man. Enzo wants to know everything about him before the end of the day. If the man needed to have an accident, then the sooner the better.
Unfortunately for him, his sister doesn’t stop there. Rayne. Memories snap into place harder than his father fists. Rayne. Omar had called because she was missing. She went shopping and vanished into thin air. After that, all hell had broken loose in the warehouse. Clarity. It’s a real bitch sometimes. A rock sits heavy in his gut. Alessa found her though. That has his mismatched eyes snapping back to his sister. Rayne had actually returned to the manor. But that’s where things when from bad to fucking worse.
Enzo has always been a man that prided himself on his ability to keep it together, to not let anyone else in the room know what he’s thinking or feeling. There were only a handful of occasions where Enzo lost his cool and it usually results in bodies dropping. His vision turns red and tunnels just in time for his father to make his grand entrance. This would be one of those times.
If looks could kill, Luciano Vincenza would drop where he stood. Alessa takes that as her cue to leave. Standing at the foot of his bed, Enzo doesn’t wither under his father’s disapproving stare. He hasn’t in many years. It reminds him of how his mother had been Luciano’s complete opposite in every way. Where his father is callous and merciless, his mother was kind and patient. She had provided the comforts that Luciano is incapable of providing. It’s times like this that he secretly misses her the most.
But Lorenzo Vincenza steps into the lions den with the confidence that even on his worst days, he can still best Luciano. ”I think you’ve managed to hit a new low.” He drawls. ”And that’s quite impressive.” He sneers. The vein above his father’s temple starts pulse. ”Watch it, Lorenzo.” His father warns. ”Abusing your own daughter before threatening an innocent woman.” Enzo tuts disapprovingly, knowing exactly how to get a rise out of his father. His palms itch to wring the life right out of his father but he knows he’s in no condition take him on. For now. ”Alessa forgets her place.” A hand is waved dismissively. ”And your latest whore is hardly innocent.” Luciano scoffs. The muscle in Enzo’s jaw tics. His anger skyrockets as he sits up. The effort is excruciating and his father sneers the moment he sees it. A weakness. Enzo doesn’t put anything before Luciano, the Don isn’t above murdering his own heir. He’s come close once or twice before. But that was before Enzo turned out bigger, meaner, stronger than his soon to be predecessor.
The very last thing Enzo should be doing, is getting out of bed. But he does. He swallows the grunt of pain as he rises, forcing his weakened body to find its balance. Only then does he approach his father, like a wounded panther, he stalks towards the man, the promise of his murder in his light eyes. To his credit, Luciano doesn’t falter, he only arches a brow at his son. Enzo’s lip curls in disdain for the man as he brazenly grabs the collar of his father’s dress shirt and jerks him closer. ”Since you seem to have forgotten who you raised me to be,” His voice is low. ”Let me remind you.” Without anymore warnings, Enzo lands his fist across his fathers cheekbone, knocking the older man backwards. The sudden movement sucks the air right out of his lungs as pain burns across his chest, making the mafioso stumble a step forward, catching himself on the post of his bed.
”You so much as breathe in either Alessa’s or Raynes direction, I’ll fucking kill you.” His snarls over his ragged breathing. Righting himself, Luciano scrubs a hand over his now bruised cheek, the side of his face immediately swelling. ”No Lorenzo, you see that little bitch again, I’ll give her to my men before I kill her myself.” The two men square off. ”And you’re in condition to protect anyone.” Luciano taunts him, poking the proverbial bear. And Enzo seethes.
Leaving Enzo propped against the post of his bed frame, Luciano leaves. With his hand on the doorknob, he looks over his shoulder at his son. ”You’re sister will pay for your mistakes too.” Then he’s gone, slamming the door behind him.
Alone, Enzo sags, exhaustion immediately crashing down on him like a tidal wave. Alessa appears a moment later, no doubt eavesdropping the entire time. Rushing to his side, she scolds him again, fussing over him being out of bed. She helps him back into bed, his breath coming out in painful heaves. ”Wheres Rayne now?” His question makes her still, telling him that he’s not going to like the answer without saying a word. ”I don’t know.” She admits. Blowing out a breath, Enzo grapples with the new sense of anxiety. ”I need to find her.” The usual demand in his voice is absent. Maybe it’s the sudden exhaustion, the strain he just put his still injured body through. More realistically, it’s the knowledge that his father doesn’t make empty promises. He won’t involved Alessa, he wouldn’t paint an even larger target on her back.
Exit