INSEPARABLE | 18+

S E V E N

Present time.
Rome, Italy.

-

"Don Valerius."

The guard bowed in respect as he watched the Capo walk towards the office of his grandfather, Salvatore Rocco Bernardi, the former Don. He was in power before his son took over - Romano Salvatore Bernardi had a short reign, and eventually after his death, the crown fell on the head of Valerius.

The Don knocked on the door of his grandfather's study, entering once he heard his voice. He was one of the elders and demanded respect from everyone in the famiglia. Valerius wasn't terrified of him, but he knew that his grandfather was a powerful ally, and having him on his side only strengthened his position.

"Buon pomeriggio, Nonno." Valerius spoke, lowering his voice in respect.

(Good afternoon, grandfather)

The old man raised the cigar to his mouth as he looked at his grandson, and pointed towards the chair. He knew that Valerius was here for business. He didn't visit for any other reason.

Valerius lowered himself on the seat, placing his ankle on the knee of his other leg, crossing them. He fixed his grandfather with his eyes before speaking, "You know what I am here for."

"Must be the Russians."

"Si."

Salvatore puffed out a cloud of smoke, "They never learn."

"There is a mole."

The former Don looked at him with eyebrows raised. He knew that Valerius was a far more capable Don than his father was - and it was because Salvatore had trained him. Surely he wasn't here because he needed help to find a traditore.

"What do you want from me, figlio?"

(Son)

"I think you know the answer to that."

Salvatore shook his head, the strands of grey hair falling on his forehead. The wrinkles around his eyes were visible as he widened them, "No." He muttered as it clicked in his head.

"What no?"

Valerius leaned forward while uncrossing his legs, he placed his arms on the table as he clasped his hands. His posture stiffened.

"I won't offer your girlfriend protection." Salvatore spoke in a tone that was not to be argued with.

"I am not asking for it now. If something happens to me, you have to take her under your wing. Valentina is already exposed to the public eye. They'll come for her — "

"If only something happens to you."

Valerius chuckled humorlessly, "What world do you live in?" His voice deepened, "It never goes well with the Russians involved. I know there is a war coming. There are lives at stake here. Being the Don, I am responsible for every single one of them."

Salvatore only listened to him. He had never seen Valerius this emotional. He always thought of Valentina as nothing more than a fling, but now he knew that she meant much more to his grandson.

"I can't take her under my protection." He argued, "She isn't famiglia. She isn't your wife — "

"Yet."

Salvatore arched his brow.

"If it were up to me, I would marry her this instant. But she is not ready for marriage, and I would never force her."

The older man threw his cigar in the ashtray, "Then you better pray for your life."

"Is that a no?"