The Devil's doll

Chapter 10

Vincenzo

It had been two long days since I found the perfect moment. The image of my Cecilia, standing gracefully on her balcony, had been more than worth the careful planning. She looked angelic, as if she belonged only to me. That serene vision had filled me with a warmth I hadn't felt in a long time, but the real delight came when I caught sight of her brother, Mattheo, glaring from inside. The anger in his eyes when he noticed me watching her only heightened the pleasure. I was getting closer, that Cecilia was slipping through his fingers and into my grasp. Soon, she would be mine. Ah, my Cecilia! My beautiful doll!

I could almost feel her in my arms, her breath against my skin, but for now, I would have to wait just a little longer. Patience is a virtue, or so they say.

Tonight, I returned to the same spot, the shadows concealing me as I gazed up at her empty balcony. But something was wrong. The balcony was dark. She wasn't there. For hours, I lingered, hoping for even the faintest glimpse of her, but nothing. It was as if she had vanished.

I scanned the streets, expecting my men to report back with sightings of her around the city. Not a single word. No one had seen her.

A huge suspicion crawled up my spine. Mattheo. It had to be him. That bastard couldn't have locked her up forever. Or... had he already sent her away to Campania?

Anger welled up inside me. Mattheo was a smart man, I knew that, but he wouldn't outsmart me. Not now. Not when I was this close.

I pulled out my phone, my fingers dialing the number almost on instinct. If anyone knew what was going on, it was her.

The phone barely rang twice before I heard her voice. "Vincenzo, you don't call me unless it's pay day. Is it that time already?"

I chuckled darkly. She always had a way of cutting straight to the point. "How many assholes did you have to rip apart this week?" I teased, though I knew she would've done it without a second thought.

I heard her laugh a sharp, careless sound. "I lost count after the first three. Your boys had already sold the organs and shipped them off when I finished." She paused, and I could almost hear the smirk in her voice. "Italy does seem to agree with me. I'm impressed with how things went down. But, you don't sound like you're calling for a progress report."

She was right, as usual. I shifted my tone, turning serious. "Look the reason I called you is that she is on her to Italy..."

Suddenly, there was a loud bang on. Did she droppedher phone. I could hear only a little bit. A girl's voice."Mom... I will... call you later. Bye!"

The line went dead before I could get another word in.

I gritted my teeth, frustration pulsing through my veins. That motherfucker. Mattheo had outsmarted me, sending her away before I could make my move. Now, she was in Italy, out of my immediate reach, but not out of my mind. I would find her. Mattheo might think he's won this round, but he has no idea who he's playing with.

I tucked the phone back into my pocket, the cool night air doing little to calm my growing rage. If Mattheo wanted to play this game, I was more than ready to show him the stakes. I'd turn Italy upside down if I had to. There was no escaping me.

The darkness of the city seemed to wrap around me like a shroud as I moved through the streets, my mind already working out the next steps. I'd need to call in favors, reach out to the people who could move faster than anyone else. Mattheo's influence was limited, but mine? Mine was far-reaching.

I dialed another number, this time for someone closer to home. "It's time," I said when they picked up. No pleasantries. No small talk.

"Already? Thought you'd be a little more patient."

"I don't have time for patience anymore." My voice was ice. "Mattheo sent her to Italy. I need every eye on the ground."

There was a pause on the other end, followed by a quiet chuckle. "I'll get it done."

I hung up, feeling the gears beginning to turn. If Mattheo thought sending her to Italy would keep her safe, he was sorely mistaken. There was nowhere in this world Cecilia could hide from me. Soon, she would be back in my sight, back where she belonged.

As I turned the corner, the cityscape spread out before me, alive and bustling with its usual energy. But none of that mattered. All I could think of was Cecilia how close I had been to her, and how soon she would be within reach again. And this time, I wouldn't let her slip away.