INSEPARABLE | 18+

T W E L V E

A week later.
Rome, Italy.

-

"There is nothing in these files."

Valentina closed another one. They had ran over all the background checks, and even the information which Antonio provided.

She had a quick recovery, all due to Valerius. He never let her leave the bed, and all the servants were at her beck and call. He also kept a better check on her medicines than she did. Valentina thought that he did not get any work done as well since he was with her all the time.

"Antonio," Valerius addressed the Underboss. "What about the security footage?"

Antonio placed a piece of paper on the desk, "We had a clear face. The men are looking for him."

Valerius held the photo of the man in his hands. His gaze wandered over it but he did not seem any familiar.

"Can I see?" Valentina asked him while placing her hand out. Valerius held it out to her and she grabbed the paper from him. Her brows furrowed once she saw the man.

Valerius mirrored her reaction, "What is it?"

Valentina only shook her head slightly, "I have seen him before somewhere." She placed her hand on her forehead, leaning forward, "I just can't pinpoint, Valerius."

Valerius grabbed her arm in his, "Don't worry yourself." He reassured her calmly.

Valentina was confident that she knew this person. She wanted to concentrate and think of where. But she wasn't able to. Not right now.

"We will find him soon," Dimitri said.

Valentina nodded and placed the paper back on the desk. Valerius leaned back in his seat as Antonio stood beside him. Dimitri was behind Valentina, checking his phone.

"What about Vladimir? You were supposed to meet him," Antonio asked.

"I was." Valerius said, "We will send him an invitation."

The three heads in the room snapped toward him, "What?" They all said in unison.

"This might cause suspicion and —"

"There is no one who can question me."

"But -"

"My decision is final." Valerius ordered, "I will meet him here."

Dimitri and Antonio looked at each other but bowed their heads in submission. Valentina tapped her finger against the wooden desk. They had to find the mole soon. Then they could confront him better. Everything could be settled once and for all, she thought.

"Get the man from the security footage in the next twenty-four hours." Valerius said to Dimitri and then turned towards Antonio, "Approach Vladimir with an invite for next week."

"Si," They nodded as Valentina dismissed them. Once the men closed the door, and she was confident that they were alone, she started to speak.

"Who do you suspect?"

She knew that something was going on in his mind and the least she could do for him was to listen. Keeping everything inside was not healthy, and with the weight on his shoulders, she was scared that he would crumble.

Valerius leaned back in his chair and placed his finger out. He curled it slightly, as in motioning her to come near. Valentina bent down and pulled herself closer to him.

"Everyone except you."

She facepalmed and shook her head at him, "Seriously?" She asked him while standing up from her chair.

Valerius only shrugged, "I have a plan." He tilted his head to the side, "Will you help me?"

Valentina circled the table. She lowered down on his lap and placed her arms around his neck, "Ti aiuterò sempre," She leaned forward and pecked his lips sweetly.

(I will always help you)

"We are going on a vacation after this. I want to be alone with you." Valerius said against her lips. She giggled and cupped his face in her hands, "I cannot wait."

Valerius stared into her eyes, promising himself that he was going to make this trip special. More than anything.

"What?" She asked him, arching her brow.

Valerius shook his head, simply looking at her, "Nothing."

Valentina poked his nose playfully. His annoyed expression made her laugh, "Silly." She said while kissing his cheek. Her gaze went over his head and towards the wall behind him. A small smile appeared on her lips when she noticed the familiar painting.

The rose.

He had kept it during these years. She was surprised to see her paintings around his house when she first visited, but this particular one was close to her heart and it was to his as well. She always smiled brightly whenever she came across it.

"You should rest, love." Valerius brought his hand closer to her face and brushed the hair away, "I will join you after a phone call."

Valentina stifled a yawn, "Well, I am tired."

"You need your energy. The next few weeks might be stressful." Valerius knew that once Vladimir landed on the grounds of Italy, there was no going back.

"But so do you." Valentina argued, "You do not look after yourself at all. First, you were busy taking care of me and now you have your hands full with this. I have barely seen you get a good nights sleep." She rambled on.

"But I always sleep well with you by my side."

Valentina felt herself soften. "Valerius," She whispered lowly.

He grabbed her hand in his, "I have been prepared for such situations, Valentina. This life is all I know and, as cliché as this might sound, you are my light in all this darkness. I look forward to coming home to you each day. With you, by my side, I fear nothing. You, mio cuore, make life worth living."

Valentina didn't know what to say. This was the first time he had poured his heart out to her. She knew he loved her. But this was something else. She felt her eyes welling up.

"You are quite romantic for a Don." She joked, a tear left her eye and she wiped it quickly. He didn't like to see her cry.

"Only for you," Valerius brought her hand to his mouth, pressing a gentle kiss to it, "Only for you."

-

Enjoy these sweet moments.. while they last. Vladimir is expecting to land soon.