The Mafia Couple

Chapter: 1 part: 3

(This chapter contains trauma and ptsd; may not be suitable for some)

I know we had fallen asleep together in the same bed, however when I woke up the bed was only half full.
I rubbed my eyes and yawned, yesterday felt like a year ago but the trauma was still with me.
I looked up at the ceiling recalling the conversations I had shared with Juliano. I remembered that he when any of his friends were over he'd grope me so everyone could know that he owned me. And that's just how I felt. Like a pet. When Francesco wanted sex, it didn't matter if I felt like it it was "bend over and take it Lisa." My vision became blurry with traumatizing memories. I felt a puking feeling arise in my throat until I was pulled away by laughing from a room down.
I looked at the wall mounted clock, it was 11am. No one bothered waking me up, most likely because of the night I had had. However, the laughter from the room next door must've indicated that brunch and poker was happening in the billiard room.

The thought of Vittorio playing poker made me blush a little bit. I needed to look as pretty as possible for him.
A flutter of excitement rushed through my stomach.
I nodded to myself and looked through my bags to find a silky white dress accompanied by golden flower embroidery. I had only worn it once before but I remember Juliano telling me that when I wore it all the guys stared at me, to which he also told me to never wear it again. But now I finally could.

Adorned in the gorgeous gown-like dress and shiny white heels, I walked to the billiard parlor, where my suspicions had been proven correct. Only, rather than brunch it was whiskey and cigars that the men consumed.
I walked through the doors to find a rowdy group throwing chips onto the table and laughing. A cheery "good morning" left my lips. The group turned to me in surprise.

A few of the men, including Nino, said hi to me. However, Vittorio's lips remained sealed. The silence was broken by Vitto who said, "Alicia is downstairs for brunch with a few of the other girls if you were looking for them."

Perhaps he wasn't expecting that I was here to see him. "Oh, no I was actually looking to spend time here."

A large man whistled at me and demanded that I bring him a cigarette from the bureau. I did as I was told and as I approached the table Nino ushered the fella next to him to scoot over a chair so I could sit.

"Thank you," I whispered to him.

"Anyways, as I was sayin'" the demanding burly man began. "Julia's squabbling 'bout the guy and I see em across the room. So you know what I do? I shoot the bastard in the knees."

Everyone around the table laughs at the story. I look around to find someone who wasn't laughing, but it appeared I was the only one.

"That wuss fell to the ground n' started crying!" The table of men laughed harder.

Nino noticed my dead-pan expression and began to start a conversation.

"So Elizabeth, the sparrow room. You got any crazy stories from there. Must've been a hold lotta rambunctious men over there."

I smile, but before I could answer the obnoxious man interrupts me.

"Elizabeth, huh? You're the one who banged Juliano right? HAHA, must've really wanted to quit mafia biz after seeing that limp sausage, huh?"

I could feel my face burn. I could imagine it was bright red with rage and embarrassment.

Nino put his hand on my shoulder. "Now now Antonio, it's a very touchy subject."

A thinner man wearing a fedora with a purple feather also joined in on the teasing.

"Puzo tells us your from the country, must've not got a lotta action around there. So was that your first."

Before Nino could comfort me again I jolted from my seat.

"Well, I think I should be joining Alicia for brunch!!" I yell, attempting to keep my cool.

I rush out the double doors and turn the corner to find myself on the floor, crying. I felt so used. The fact that Vittorio wouldn't stand up for me just added salt to the wound. I felt the warm tears run down my neck as I gently sobbed. Was that what I was? A skank from the country?

Just then a loud gunshot and what sounded like Antonio cursing. I ignored it returning to my sobs.

"Elizabeth." A voice said.
Vittorio appeared around the corner, kneeling to reach my eye level.

"I-"

I remove his hand from my shoulder and place my face in my hands.

"I shot him in the shoulder. He should've never said that."

"No!" I yelled. "No! You're not supposed to shoot him! You're supposed to stick up for me! Or at least let me keep some dignity and not tell them about what happened with Juliano!"

"I did stick up for you- I shot him," Vittorio replied calm and collected.

I begin to sob more. It's not because of what was said anymore.

"I can't do this... how many more people are going to get hurt because of me?"

"I'm not following," Vitto said.

"I..." I giggle a little. "I'm not making sense." I take a deep breath.

"There's a lot going on in my head right now." I look at Vittorio who hold my hand and nods, ushering for me to explain.

"I feel like anyone who I encounter dies. Rossi, Leonard, Juliano. I know that it was necessary but when 3 people die because of your actions, it becomes too much to handle. And then you shot Antonio, it's not fatal but it's still because of me."

"No, I shot him because I didn't want him talking about you like that." Vitto's eyes shift. I can sense the uneasiness in his shifting. But I can also tell that his idea of romance can be violent.

"I know that's your idea of being romantic, but it just makes me feel worse. I've gone through a lot in the past day, the last thing I need is to hear another gunshot to ring out because of me."

"I'm.... sorry." I could tell he wasn't used to saying those words so genuinely. "It's been awhile since I was in a serious relationship, not just a one night stand. I won't do it again. I'll be better, I'll be better for you."

Those words felt like a thousand doves released into my heart. His stoic voice saying those words was the most romantic gesture he could give me. Going into it I knew that maybe he wasn't emotionally available, but Somehow, I knew I could melt his Icy heart.

"I'll get Nino to clear out the boys, what-say you and I have brunch out in the town. I'll even have Alicia -... I mean I can, take you shopping for a new dress." Vitto cracked an awkward smile, regretting offering to take me dress shopping.

"I don't need a new dress. But brunch sounds incredible."

"Anything is incredible with you."

Vitto turned away in surprise that he had said that. I put my hands on his face and turn his, sinking into a kiss.