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Salvatore's intense gaze locks onto mine as he probes for any hint of distress in my eyes, his concern palpable in the air between us.

As I recall the unsettling feeling of being followed, a shiver runs down my spine. "Yes, there were moments when I felt like someone was trailing me, but every time I turned around, there was no one there," I explain, the memory still fresh in my mind.

His response surprises me. "Those were our people," Salvatore reveals, his tone carrying a mix of reassurance and determination. "I had them watch over you discreetly to ensure your safety. However, in light of today's events, I'll have to reconsider our security measures."

I raise my hands in protest, a wave of reluctance washing over me. "That's not necessary," I interject, my voice trembling slightly. "If you felt the need to assign a bodyguard to protect me, does that mean the break-in today wasn't just a random act of theft, but something more sinister?" I inquire, my heart pounding with anticipation.

Salvatore's expression grows solemn as he weighs his words carefully. "I can't say for certain," he admits, his gaze flickering away before returning to meet mine. "But there's a possibility."

I can't help but feel a wave of relief wash over me as Salvatore's voice breaks through my swirling thoughts. "I, can I go to bed?" he asks, his tone carrying a hint of weariness.

My eyes widen in surprise at his unexpected request. "Here?" I echo, my mind struggling to process the idea.

"Yup," he confirms, deftly untying the bow of his apron and casting it aside.

An awkward silence descends upon us, filled with unspoken questions and uncertainty. I search for words to break the tension, my mind racing with thoughts of the cramped space we occupy.

"As you can see, this is the entire room," I gesture around us, attempting to lighten the mood with a touch of humor. Despite my efforts, it's clear that my cozy one-bedroom flat doesn't offer much in terms of extra space.

Her bedroom:

"I know," he murmurs, his movements deliberate and graceful as he removes the apron from around his neck, revealing the defined muscles beneath his shirt in a slow, tantalizing motion.

Settling into a chair, he listens quietly as I express my concerns about the limited space in our humble abode. Before I can finish, he interrupts with a gentle assurance, "If you're bothered, Bella, then I'll stay outside."

"I can't just leave my wife alone and go home," Salvatore's voice is tinged with worry as he speaks. "That guy was someone who only took seconds to open that door. There's a chance he will be around here." His expression softens into a gentle smile, reminiscent of a child seeking comfort. "If I went home in this state, I wouldn't be able to sleep no matter what." With that, he turns around to retrieve his blazer, his actions a testament to his unwavering dedication to my safety and well-being.

Rushing to catch up to him, I reach out, halting his departure. "Hold on, Salvatore," I implore, my voice tinged with urgency. "Are you really going to wait in front of my house?"

His response is unwavering. "Yeah," he confirms, retrieving his blazer. "I'll park at a place where you can see from the window. I'll be there," he reassures me, his smile offering solace amidst my growing unease. "Call me if you're scared, Bella."

"Good night, Bella," he bids me farewell, leaving me feeling torn between gratitude and frustration.

"Salvatore," I call out, my voice barely a whisper.

He pauses, his back turned to me, his hidden smile betraying the calm facade he presents. "Just sleep here," I finally concede, realizing that he already knew my true intentions.

In the solitude of the washroom, I gaze at my reflection in the mirror, the warm water cascading over my face as I ponder my actions. "I made him stay in the end," I whisper to myself, a mix of conflicting emotions swirling within me.

Though I try to reassure myself of my ability to handle the situation, the thought of facing off against a potential mafia adversary fills me with trepidation. Yet, deep down, I find solace in the unwavering presence of Salvatore by my side.

As I step out of the shower, thoughts of Salvatore waiting outside my door linger in my mind, igniting a flicker of something indescribable within me. "Shh, shh, brain, what are you thinking?" I chide myself, trying to push aside the tantalizing images that threaten to overwhelm my senses.

Despite the intimacy of our relationship, I can't shake the sense of awkwardness that accompanies the realization of how long I've spent in this house. Four years seem to stretch out before me, both familiar and foreign all at once.

A soft knock on the door breaks through my reverie, Salvatore's voice filtering through the wood. "Bella, I have to step outside for a second. I'll come back right away. I have to buy some underwear and clothes to change," he explains.

"Okay," I respond, my voice barely audible over the rush of water.

"Don't be scared while I'm out, alright?" he adds in a playful tone, his concern evident even in jest.

"Hmph," I huff in response, my heart fluttering with a mixture of anxiety and longing. Though his words offer reassurance, there's a part of me that yearns for his comforting presence.

As I towel dry my hair, I can't help but marvel at Salvatore's attention to detail, his dedication shining through even in the smallest of gestures. And though it may seem absurd, there's a sense of safety that envelops me when I'm with him, like a shield against the uncertainties of the world.

"He wraps me in the warmth of his presence, a fortress of protection amidst the uncertainty. Though the walls of our contract stand tall between us, his steadfast loyalty erodes my doubts. I may not trust easily, especially not men, but in his arms, even my guarded heart finds solace."

As he returns, laden with shopping bags, curiosity gets the better of me. "You went to the mall at this hour?" I inquire, a hint of amusement in my voice, grateful for the distraction his presence brings.

I chuckle softly, feeling the warmth of the moment enveloping us like a delicate embrace, a rare respite from the chaos of our lives.

"Please use the bed since you're here because of me," I offer, gesturing towards the bed, a faint smile playing on my lips.

He bounds onto the bed with an air of ease, flopping onto his stomach, his hands tucked beneath his head, a grin spreading across his face like the dawn breaking through the darkness.

"Alright, I love it," he declares, his voice laced with contentment as he gazes at me.

As he turns to hug the pillow, his eyes meet mine with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine. "Ah, I want to kiss you," he confesses, his words hanging in the air between us.

I raise an eyebrow, my expression a mixture of amusement and exasperation. "Salvatore, you need to be quiet," I chide gently, trying to suppress the flutter in my heart.

"The way you call my name sounds sexy," he teases, a playful grin dancing on his lips as he supports his head with one hand.

"Sexy my ass," I retort, burying my face in the pillow to hide my flushed cheeks.

"Why can't you even refuse just once? You climbed up the bed the moment I told you to use it. Do you like it that much?" I question, my voice laced with incredulity.

His laughter fills the room, a melodic sound that eases the tension in the air. "I love it, and it has your scent too," he muses, pulling the blanket up with a playful twinkle in his eye. "Wanna come up here?"

"Just sleep," I reply, my eyelids growing heavy with fatigue, my mind yearning for the solace of dreams.

"Hahaha, I'm kidding," he reassures me, his touch gentle as he rubs his feet against mine.

"Tomorrow, I'll install some additional equipment for the door at the terrace. You'll only have to work hard today," I say, my voice trailing off as sleep begins to claim me, the soft rhythm of his breathing lulling me into a peaceful slumber.

A/N: When I switch to Salvatore's point of view, I'll indicate it with an "S," and when I return to Valentina's perspective, it'll be "V." Flashbacks won't have indicators, as I'll write them in a way you'll understand.

S

Looking at her peacefully sleeping form, I gently reach out and touch her forehead with my finger.

"Are you worried about me?" I whisper softly, my voice barely above a murmur. "My beautiful wife, there's no need to worry," I assure her, leaning in closer until I'm hovering over her. "I have everything planned out."

As I bring my hand over her face, she stirs slightly and murmurs, "What plan?"

I place my palm gently over her eyes, blocking out the faint light from the room. "You said you'll wake up early tomorrow. Go to sleep, Bella," I say tenderly, my voice laced with affection and reassurance.

V

At that time, I didn't know.

Flashback-

The officer's questioning pierced Salvatore's resolve like a knife through butter. "Are you really Valentina's husband?" the inquiry echoed through the room, a challenge to Salvatore's authority and his very identity.

As the officer continued probing, doubt cast its shadow over the truth. "If she had a husband, why is she living here alone?" The words hung heavy in the air, stirring a storm of emotions within Salvatore.

With a clenched jaw, Salvatore braced himself, knowing he had to prove his legitimacy. "Allow me to check your identity... Oh, you are her husband," the officer's tone shifted, a begrudging acceptance settling in as he scrutinized Salvatore's documents.

"We'll reunite soon," Salvatore declared, his gaze fixated on the apartment with eyes ablaze with possessive love and smoldering lust. "Because this is my chance," he added, his voice tinged with determination.

Present-

V

Salvatore is a man who's much more unreasonable and stubborn than I thought.

A/N: How was it? 

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