Max stood frozen in the entryway of the vast mansion, his eyes wide with disbelief as he took in the opulence that surrounded him. The marbled floors stretched out like a polished sea, reflecting the warm glow of countless chandeliers that hung overhead. Valentino stood beside him, watching Max's reaction with a mixture of amusement and concern.
"Quite a place, isn't it?" Valentino remarked casually, though his eyes betrayed a deeper emotion.
Max nodded slowly, still reeling from the shock of what had transpired just hours ago. "Yeah... it's... overwhelming," he managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper.
Valentino placed a reassuring hand on Max's shoulder. "You'll get used to it," he said softly, his voice holding a hint of warmth that Max hadn't expected.
They began to walk through the mansion, Valentino guiding Max through each room with practiced ease. They passed the grand living room with its plush furnishings and towering windows that offered sweeping views of the estate grounds. The movie room boasted state-of-the-art technology that Max couldn't even begin to comprehend, while the kitchen dazzled with its gleaming appliances and bustling staff.
"Now, let's head upstairs," Valentino said, breaking the silence that had settled between them. "I'll show you to your room."
Max followed Valentino up the sweeping staircase, his mind still racing with the events of the night. He had watched in horror as his father, consumed by rage, had brutally ended a man's life. The memory haunted him, mingling with the surreal luxury of the mansion he now found himself in.
"Valentino... why are you doing this for me?" Max asked suddenly, his voice wavering with uncertainty.
Valentino paused, turning to face Max with a solemn expression. "You're not safe with your father anymore," he replied quietly, his gaze steady. "I can offer you protection."
Max frowned, struggling to reconcile Valentino's calm demeanor with the violent underworld he knew existed beneath the surface. "But... why? What do you want from me?"
Valentino's gaze softened, a rare vulnerability flickering in his eyes. "I want to keep you safe, Max," he said simply, his voice tinged with sincerity.
They reached the top of the staircase and continued down a long hallway lined with closed doors. "There are many rooms here," Valentino remarked casually, attempting to lighten the mood. "Plenty of space for you to make your own."
Max nodded absently, his thoughts still consumed by the dangers that now surrounded him.
As they walked around the house, Max had sensed they were being watched, as he turned around he saw a few men at every corner "Valentino, those men... who were they?" he asked, finally voicing the question that had been gnawing at him since the ambush.
Valentino hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "They're... associates," he began, his tone guarded. "People I have business with."
Max frowned, sensing there was more Valentino wasn't telling him. "And you... you're involved in all of this, aren't you?" he pressed, his voice tinged with accusation.
Valentino met Max's gaze evenly. "I have my reasons, Max. But you're not a part of that world," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
They walked in silence for a while longer, the weight of their unspoken truths hanging heavy in the air. Max felt a strange mix of fear and gratitude toward Valentino, unsure of whether he could trust the man who had suddenly become his protector.
"Valentino, why did you bring me here?" Max asked quietly, breaking the silence that had settled between them.
Valentino stopped walking, turning to face Max with a pained expression. "Your father... he's dangerous," he replied finally, his voice barely a whisper. "I couldn't let him hurt you."
Max swallowed hard, the reality of his situation sinking in. "What happens now?" he asked, his voice barely audible.
Valentino's gaze softened, a tenderness in his eyes that Max had never seen before. "Now, you stay here. You're safe," he said gently, reaching out to squeeze Max's shoulder reassuringly.
As they continued down the hallway, Max couldn't help but feel a sense of relief mixed with trepidation. He had stepped into a world of shadows and secrets, where danger lurked behind every luxurious facade. But in Valentino's presence, he found a glimmer of hope — a flicker of light in the darkness that now surrounded him.
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The Change|| BxB
Mistério / SuspenseREWRITTEN - 2024. Meet Max Grover, an 18-year-old who decides to step into his family's business, thinking it's the right move for his life. Little does he know, his decision thrusts him into the world of Valentino Rose, the Mafia boss who now cont...
