INSEPARABLE | 18+

T W E N T Y

Present time.
Rome, Italy.

-

Valentina could not believe this.

"I know this looks bad, but I can explain." Dimitri spoke in a cautious tone. He placed the file back on the desk and then moved toward Valentina who was still rooted in her spot.

"Explain what?" She snapped back at him, "Valerius is nowhere to be seen. You are in his office, going through his files without his knowledge. Am I wrong?"

Dimitri only shook his head, "You are correct, but hear me out."

"What explanation could you possibly have?"

"Do you think I would betray him?" Dimitri said in an insulted tone. Valentina only arched his brow at him, "No but," She was about to argue when he spoke instead.

"Exactly," He ran a hand through his hair, "Listen to me please."

Valentina huffed but nodded, "You better have a valid explanation or I am going to Valerius this second."

"I will not stop you from telling him, in fact I was about to myself but I needed to confirm everything first."

"Confirm what?" Valentina asked suspiciously.

Dimitri turned around and grabbed the file he was previously holding, along with another. He came towards Valentina and showed it to her.

"Look," He pointed towards a series of numbers, "now look at this," He opened the second file which revealed even more numbers.

"What about it?" She asked him, holding one of them in her hand.

Dimitri started explaining, "You know that there are two sets of files, right?"

"Yes." She nodded, "One of them stays in this office while the other is with Antonio or you."

"Correct." He spoke, "This is the same file. Now look at the numbers, and tell me if there is any difference."

Valentina looked at him as if he had grown two heads, "If it is the same file, then why would the numbers change?"

Dimitri kept staring at her, suddenly her eyes widened and she looked at the figures.

They were different.

"But—"

"Exactly," Dimitri grumbled.

She remained quiet.

"There are three more like these," He pointed a finger towards the desk, "All of them belong to our legitimate business."

Valentina grabbed his shoulder in her hand, "Antonio handles that side."

Dimitri kept his head down, "I know." His voice was low, almost a whisper.

"We have to tell Valerius." Valentina insisted, "Like right now."

"It could be.." Dimitri trailed off, "Someone else."

Valentina understood it all too well. How hard must it be for him, and now Valerius as well.

"It is him." Her voice trembled, "I know." She closed the file in her hand and grabbed the one Dimitri held, "Come." She held his wrist and then left the office with him.

Valentina noticed a maid near the stairs, "Is Valerius in his room?" She asked her.

"Si, Signora Valentina."

"No one is allowed in this wing until I say so." Valentina ordered and then went towards her room.

Dimitri just quietly followed her. He did not say a word when they came near her room, and neither did he speak once they were inside.

"Valerius," Valentina spoke and this made Dimitri break out of his reverie. He looked around the room only to find Valerius sitting on the edge of the bed.

Valerius raised his head and turned towards both of them. Valentina noticed that he had taken his suit jacket off along with his tie. His sleeves were rolled up and the first few buttons of his shirt were open.

"Valentina," He called out to her, his gaze flickering to Dimitri beside her, "Yes?" He asked.

Valentina left her hold on Dimitri and moved forward, "I remembered the man."

Valerius remained quiet, and this made her continue.

"I had seen him with Antonio." She felt her heart sink as she said those words, "I saw them talk. It was only for a second, maybe that is why I did not remember him instantly."

It was Dimitri who spoke up now, "Antonio has rigged the figures. They are different. Wrong." He swallowed a lump in his throat, "He has been stealing from us."

"He is the one we were looking for," Valerius stated in a monotone voice.

Dimitri grew confused at his behavior. He knew about his nature. But there was no emotion. None. He even noticed that Valentina was thinking the same.

She tilted her head to the side and kept her gaze on Valerius, who slowly stood up and came to stand in front of them.

"But you knew that already, didn't you?" Valentina whispered in a low voice.

Dimitri stammered, "W-what? How?"

Both of them looked at Valerius, waiting for an answer. Their eyes were solely transfixed on him, but he only stared at Valentina.

He gave her a small nod, confirming her suspicion. She took in a deep breath and felt Dimitri stiffen beside her.

"Is that why you called him to your office in the afternoon?" She asked him, noticing the way his pupils dilated.

"I had to give him a file," Valerius cleared his throat, "there is a shipment coming in the evening."

Dimitri squinted his eyes, "No there isn't."

"You baited him." Valentina said and then looked at Dimitri who finally understood, "Vladimir is still in the country. They will mess it up." Dimitri added.

He spoke further, "And when they do.."

"We will be there." Valentina finished.

"Exactly." Valerius affirmed.

Dimitri ran a hand through his hair, "I will make the preparations for tonight."

He turned around and left, his steps were hurried. Valentina knew he was troubled, and rightly so. It would take time for Dimitri and Valerius to come around. Hell, even she could not believe it.

"Are you alright?" She asked Valerius, placing her hand on his shoulder, and caressing it with her thumb.

"I have to be."

Valentina moved her hand towards his face, "Not with me," She said.

Valerius placed his hand on hers and leaned in her touch. His eyes closed as she stroked his cheek gently. She brought her other hand to his face and brushed the strands of hair away from his forehead.

"Staremo bene," Valentina murmured. His eyes opened and the grey storm stared back into hers with ferocity. They slowly melted under her touch.

(We will be fine)

"Noi saremo," Valerius nodded, he knew that with her by his side, everything would be alright.

(We will be)

-

Hello everyone. How are you enjoying the story so far?