Thorns & Roses

-two-

AURORA VALENTINA MARINO

"I don't have a clear shot. I could end up killing Gio." I said to my brothers through the earpiece.

"We can't risk him getting away, Rory. You have to take the shot." Marco said before throwing a punch at one of Sergio's men.

"Do it." Gio grunted as he tried to fight off Sergio.

"I can't-" Luciano's voice cut me off.

"Take the fucking shot!" He yelled. I shook my head and slowed my breathing before aiming at Sergio.

The glass window shattered as it was met by the bullet and Sergio stilled before his body fell to the ground. My brothers ran to Gio and I took the chance to snipe the remaining two of his men.

"Did I hit Gio? Did the bullet go through him as well?"

"He's fine. You did good, Rory." Marco whispered breathlessly.

Luciano scoffed. "Pack your shit, Aurora. We'll take him to our hospital at home to get the bullet out. We'll meet you there."

I watched them as they walked Gio to the car, take out their earpieces and drive away.

"I'm coming to help you with your gear, ma'am."

"Thank you, Tommaso." I stood up, moving away from the ledge to wait for Tommy but was quickly knocked down to the ground.

"What the fuck?" I yelled as I looked up to see who it was. He was one of Sergio's men. I tried to get up but the man stabbed a dagger into my thigh, making me cry out in pain. "How the fuck did you get out alive?" He chuckled sinisterly before pressing a knife to my throat.

"That doesn't matter now. I'm going to be sending your head to your father."

A gun shot rang through the air and the man's eyes widened. His grip on the dagger loosened and he looked down to the side of his body, where he had been shot. I took my chance and I pushed him off me, making his body drop from the side of the building.

Tommaso ran towards me, asking if I was ok. "I'm fine, I just need to catch my breath. Give me a second." I said and smiled weakly.

"I've called some of the men. They'll come with a clean up crew and they'll pack your gear away."

"Thank you, Tommy." He nodded and helped me up.

-

I walked into Padre's office and sat down on the couch by his desk. "Can you not see we are in a meeting?" Mom said, making me roll my eyes.

"Can you not see the dagger that's literally sticking out my leg right now?"

"Stai bene, mia stella? Cosa è successo? (Are you ok, my star? What happened?)" Padre asked, standing up from his chair and coming over to me.

"Riccardo, we are in a meeting. You can't just stop half way through to focus on her." We both ignored her.

"I'm fine, Padre. I promise."

"Riccardo!" Mom yelled. I winced at the screechiness of her voice.

"Sofia, please leave. I'll call you back when we continue the meeting." She scoffed and stormed off, mumbling something under her breath.

"Are you going to introduce us?"

"Yes, of course. Elias, this is my daughter Aurora. Mia stella, this is Elias Moore-"

"Head of the American mafia?" Padre nodded. "I would get up and shake your hand but, you know..." I said, motioning to my leg with a laugh. "It's nice to meet you though."