INSEPARABLE | 18+

T W E N T Y - S I X

Present time.
Rome, Italy.

-

The air thickened and the smell of blood lingered in the atmosphere. Valentina walked through the narrow passage with Dimitri and Salvatore in front of her. She placed her hand on her mouth as the foul smell only grew stronger.

"Siamo qui," Dimitri unlocked the door to a cell. He shifted to the side to let Valentina and Salvatore pass. When they were inside, he closed the gateway behind them.

(We are here)

Antonio and Vladimir were chained to the ceiling, with their legs dangling in the air. Their bodies were marked with scratches and lashes from the whips. Their skin was starting to peel, showing blood beneath.

Valentina looked towards the side, noticing the two men in the room. She motioned her hand towards a cane, "Wake them up."

Screams echoed in the room with the harsh sounds of wood meeting with the skin. Every hit made them cry for their life. But Valentina was not going to make it easy.

They had tried to kill her man.

Her Valerius.

She wanted to put a bullet between their eyes.

"Cease!" Salvatore raised his hand and the men lowered the canes, resuming their positions near the wall.

Antonio lazily raised his head, and spurts of blood left his mouth, staining the ground. His eyes were swollen as if they had been punched repeatedly. Vladimir was in no better position, there was a deep cut on his chin that ran to his mouth.

"Ciao Nonno," Antonio grinned, showing his bloody teeth.

(Hello grandfather)

"Non voglio essere imparentato con te," Salvatore spat, "You have disgraced us, Antonio!"

(I do not wish to be related to you)

The news would be broken to the media, one way or another. A mole from inside the family was frowned upon. It would certainly damage the reputation of the Sicilian Mafia.

"And you!" Salvatore's gaze went towards Vladimir, who still hung his head low, "Such an incompetent Don."

The men remained quiet.

No one uttered a word.

Salvatore turned to Valentina, "Do what you wish," He said, "Throw them in the sea for all I care," He walked to the door as Dimitri unlocked it, and with a nod at him, Salvatore left the cell.

Valentina straightened herself and placed her hand out, "Gun."

Dimitri put the weapon in her outstretched palm.

"Any last words?" She asked, looking between both of them.

"Fuck you," Antonio muttered.

Valentina chuckled, "You wish," She shook her head, "But your cousin does quite well."

Dimitri barked a laugh, kicking Vladimir in the legs, grinning even more when he earned a groan from him.

Valentina loaded the gun and raised it, pointing the barrel towards the men, "This is for targeting me," She pulled the trigger and shot both of them in the legs, "This is for betraying Valerius," Another in the stomach, "This is for using the family." Another in the arms, "And lastly,"

"This is for hurting him."

Another shot straight between the eyes.

Their screams came to a halt.

"It is over." Dimitri came to stand beside her.

"It is."

_

"Valentina," Zara called out to her when she noticed her entering the house. But Valentina paid no attention. She only proceeded to ascend the stairs.

Her eyes were blank.

She walked towards her room slowly. It was when she touched the cold handle that she returned to reality. Valentina pulled it down and opened the door.

She hadn't been here in ages.

She couldn't even remember the last time she had painted.

It had been two weeks since her last visit to the gallery.

Valentina grabbed an empty canvas and sat down in front of it. Her hand went towards the paintbrush and she raised it, dipping the tip in black paint.

Her strokes were confident. She moved her hand across the canvas, filling it with color. Valentina added red to the picture, her eyes remained transfixed ahead as she worked. All the pent-up frustration from weeks came raging out.

She painted with only one picture in her mind.

This was her therapy.

Her safe haven.

"Can I get a look?" Valerius asked while looking over Valentina's head. She stood on her toes and raised her arms, blocking his view.

"No!" She placed her hands on his chest, pushing him away from the room. He did not budge but one look from her and he was backing out.

Valerius looked into her eyes, "Not even a glance?"

"You can see it in a few days at the gallery." She crossed her arms, tilting her head to the side.

If Valentina gazed into his grey orbs, she would fall for his charms.

Valerius leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her cheek, "Please?" He moved towards her forehead, "Please?" Another kiss.

Valentina looked at him, her eyes softening. Valerius smiled at her as she grabbed his face in her hands, "Valerius.."

"Yes?"

She stroked his cheek softly, "No."

He groaned in annoyance. "This is not fair, mio cuore."

Valentina giggled, making the corner of her lips turn upwards, "Everything is fair in love and war."

"Is it?"

"Si," She nodded, a gasp escaping her lips when he placed his hands on her hips.

"Then you wouldn't mind if I steal you away for a few hours?" His grip tightened, bringing her closer to his chest. His hot breath fanned her hair, inching closer to her ear, "Will you?" Valerius whispered.

"I suppose I could take a break," Valentina murmured, grabbing him by his tie, and bringing his lips to hers as he chuckled.

"I love you," He said against her lips.

The brush hit the ground with a clang.

It was finished.

She stared at the painting with tears in her eyes.

Her heart clenched painfully from the memories.

"I love you," The words left her mouth in a trance.

-

He needs to wake up.