INSEPARABLE | 18+

S I X T E E N

Present time.
Rome, Italy.

-

The sounds of cutlery being moved against the plates were heard in the dining room. The long wooden table had guests on each side of it - the Russian Pakhan sat on one side with Dimitri beside him while Valerius, Valentina, and Antonio sat next to each other.

Zara stood in the corner of the room, assessing the situation with keen eyes. She had a strict order from Valentina to not let Vladimir out of her sight. Given the record of his previous visit, he would surely pull something this time as well.

"What a beautiful dinner your woman has prepared, Don!" Vladimir praised while flashing Valentina a bright smile.

This was the third time Vladimir had spoken tonight - and it was addressed at Valentina, again.

She had ignored it the first time.

The second.

But this time, she was enraged.

Valentina knew that they were only compliments, and she wouldn't have paid much attention had he not delivered them... the way he did.

She could feel his eyes on her, watching her every move like a hawk. Vladimir occasionally passed her a smile or smirk whenever she looked up.

The grip of Valerius on her thigh tightened, he was about to speak but Valentina stopped him, she squeezed his hand gently, asking him to remain quiet.

"Don Vladimir," Valentina started sweetly, raising her head. "I will serve you your head on a platter for dinner instead if you do not cease with your flirting."

Dimitri let out a loud laugh. He placed his hand on his mouth when he noticed everyone staring at him, "I apologize but," He coughed, clearing his throat, "this is hilarious!"

Valentina smiled when she noticed the hard expression on Vladimir's face. He only lowered his head and continued his dinner.

Serves him right, she thought.

Antonio kept his face neutral and kicked Dimitri from underneath the table when he wouldn't stop laughing.

This did not affect him either.

"Dimitri," Valerius warned him.

He immediately quietened.

Valentina felt Valerius squeeze her hand in acknowledgment, and she turned her head to look at him. He passed her a quick smile and she felt herself beaming one too.

"I didn't mean any offense, Signora," Vladimir stated, wiping his mouth with the napkin.

Valentina only shook her head at him, "None taken."

_

The men had gathered in the office of Valerius.

Antonio and Dimitri remained standing near a bookshelf, while Valentina was behind the desk, on the main seat.

Vladimir and Valerius sat in front of each other.

"Now that we are done with the dinner," Vladimir clapped his hands together, "Can I ask the reason for this invitation, Don?"

"You know the reason very well."

Valerius cut to the chase. There was no need to beat around the bush. He needed answers, and he needed them now.

"I do?" Vladimir raised his brow, "But—"