-Mia-

I was trembling as I twisted the knob of Cat's room.

"Hey," I shakily said as she smiled at me, propping herself up comfortably on the bed as she held Bambi. She was laying down, her head rested on the headboard of the bed. Bambi was on her chest, curled up as she slept in her mother's arms. Valentina was sat on the edge, grinning at me as they both greeted me.

"I uh. .Vincen-" I sighed, swallowing. "Boss wants you." Her eyebrows creased in curiosity but she soon smiled again, "Okay," she lifted Bambi, placing her in Valentina's arms, taking her by surprise. She kissed her daughter's forehead. "I'll be right back."

I closed the door behind us as we left, ignoring Val's concerned gaze. As we walked she asked, "do you know why he wants me - us?" I didn't reply, instead continued to tremble as the horrible memory tormented me. "Are you okay?" She cautiously asked, noticing my body shake.

I bit my lip. "J-just brace yourself." She slowly nodded in confusion and asked no further questions as I led her down those creaky spiral stairs to the haunting room.

I hesitated before sighing. I turned to her, "I'm so sorry." Before she could reply, I pushed the door open.

"Ah, nice of you to join us," Vincenzo grinned sadistically. He motioned his hand forwards, "please do come closer and close the door, will you Mia? It's cold." I shakily did as he demanded, holding on to Cat's shaking arm as we slowly moved forwards.

She was shocked and frightened as she looked down at her beaten tormentor. "P-please. .h-help me." She let out a small whimper as she watched him.

Vincenzo snapped his fingers and the bulky man looming over Roberto tightened the belt around his neck causing him to cough more blood and choke. "V. ." I whispered, my eyes teary again. How could I love this monster?

He fixed his gaze upon Cat. "He's going to apologise for all that he has done to you. He will and almost had paid for his 'mistakes' and you will never have to see this bastard again."

Vincenzo kicked him in his gut causing Roberto to cry out in pain. Cat covered her mouth with her hand as she looked at the scene, terrified. Her other hand was wrapped on her stomach, as though she was protecting her unborn child from him. Tears were sliding out of her eyes and she nodded meekly at what Vincenzo had said.

"Talk!" He yelled, as the bulky man tightened the belt again. I shivered, my legs feeling as though they were going to buckle at any moment.

"I. ." He spluttered, more blood coming out. The room stank of his blood and it was revolting, I couldn't stand it.

"I'm sorry."

Vincenzo grabbed a stick and lifted it, hitting it on Roberto's shoulder. "Vince!" I cried, frightened.

"I-I'm sorry. .for all the pain. . I have brought upon you."

Cat nodded rapidly, biting her finger as more tears spilled down her cheeks. Roberto yelled as Vincenzo grabbed a knife and stabbed his leg. I took a step forward shakily. "Vince." I shook my head at him as he ignored me.

"Say her name!" He yelled as Roberto cried, tears pouring onto the wounds on his face. "He doesn't have to-" Vincenzo glared at Cat, causing her to stop midway in her courageous sentence. I furrowed my eyebrows, attempting to look Vince in the eye.

"I'm sorry, Caterina. I-I'm sorry for attacking you . .twice," his voice was strained and pained as he spoke the next words genuinely. "I'm sorry - I'm so sorry. I'm sorry for scarring you and giving you horrible memories for life. C-could I. ." His shaking and his finger reached out. Cat shakily took a step forward and his finger touched her stomach causing her to shiver at his touch before moving back, scared. "I'm most of all sorry for. .that."

She shook her head, wiping her eyes as she spoke to him for the first time, "don't be. That's the only good coming from this," she whispered sadly, both hands resting on her flat stomach.

"Do you have any last words for him?" Vincenzo asked her, darkness in his eyes as she bit her lip. "I know you're going to kill him," she said, "but not yet." I expected her to walk over and hit him and she did. She cautiously moved towards him, placing her hand on his bloodied cheek and slapped him. He cried out, coughing before she bit her lip and grabbed his chin harshly.

She whispered something in Italian shortly as his eyes widened. She gave him a small genuine smile before she looked him in the eye and moved away.

Her hands were on her cheeks as she stood beside me.

Vincenzo pulled at a gun and pressed it against his head. I bit my lip hard as Cat started crying, shaking her head. 'I'm sorry' she mouthed at Roberto, who looked down at the floor, preparing for death.

He pulled the trigger and blood splattered onto us.

I turned around, vomiting onto the floor, tears streaming down my face. I turned around, not wanting to see the body but couldn't help but look. I don't even want to go through all the gory details. I looked away, taking Cat's arm. She was slumped on the floor beside him, crying. I had to drag her up, "come on," I pleaded, as she stood. I pulled her away, not looking back.

I helped her up the stairs, taking her to the main maid's bathroom. Everyone else was asleep, it was bed time after all. "Take a bath," I told her, wiping my eyes. She stood still, shaking and looking down at the floor. I sighed softly, "Cat?" She didn't reply.

I took a deep breath in before undoing her clothing. I didn't care about her body or personal space at that moment in time. She was my friend and she needed the blood of her attacker off her.

I turned of the water, wiggling my fingers in the water before adding soap and splashing the water for bubbles. I helped her into the bath, grabbing the sponge and washing her gently but swiftly. "Bambi?" She whispered, looking at the tiled walls emotionlessly.

"She'll be with Valentina. Bambi's alright." I massaged my hands through her hair before washing her from top to bottom. I grabbed a clean towel and dried her before wrapping it around her body and leading her into her room.

Switching the lights on, I sat her on her bed, grabbing her pyjamas and helping her in them. I helped her under the duvet, tucking her in. She started crying again, "I want my daughter," I nodded kindly, tying her hair into a small bun. "I'll go get her Cat." I walked out the room, closing the door gently behind me.

Assuming that Valentina took her, I walked into the bathroom shakily. The horrible memory of the dead body filled my mind. I shook the thoughts away, leaning over the sink and wiping my arms and chest. I cleaned my neck and mouth before sighing into the mirror, wiping my eyes as tears formed again.

I left the bathroom, going to get Bambi. Questions on Vincenzo ran through my mind. I didn't want to think of that murderer but I couldn't. His evil look haunted me. He looked so scary for someone who could be so lovable.

I walked into Vincenzo's house. Only the living light was on and the house was quiet so I was assuming everyone had gone to bed. I was about to go into the living room when a hand stopped me. I shrieked, yanking my arm away to see Vincenzo. "Don't touch me!" I looked at him. He hadn't even cleaned up. His hands still had dried blood and his clothes had splattered blood on them.

"Mia cara-"

"Fuck off, Vince!"

I never swore. Never.

I only did when necessary or when I was very annoyed or angry. I hadn't cursed in years.

His eyes widened before a smirk came on his face. "Such bad words shouldn't come from a pretty mouth." I scoffed, moving past him before he grabbed my arm again.

I yanked my arm away again. "Touch me again, you bastard, I dare you."

He wasn't playing anymore. His eyes darkened and he moved closer to me. "What did you just call me?" His voice was cold and bitter. I hated how it sounded.

I went to move away again but he had a firm grip on my arm. "Let me-"

"Ah, there you - uh. ."

Val was stood on the stairs holding Bambi. She glanced between us curiously. ". .is everything alright here?" I yanked my arm away, ignoring Vincenzo's hard gaze. I went to her as she came down the stairs. "Fine, thanks," I said, giving her a warm smile. "Cat wants to see Bambi."

Valentina smiled wearily and something in her eyes told me that she would talk to me later. She passed me Bambi. "She hasn't been settling to sleep. I think she just wants her mama." I nodded, cuddling Bambi. "Yeah," I quietly replied, turning around and passing Vincenzo as I walked out the house.

Bambi curled up into my arms beginning to cry. "Hey, hey," I whispered into her hair. "Don't cry, Bambi. We're going to see mama." She calmed down a little as we got to the maid's house. Downstairs was noisy as it was night, the men were probably drinking and partying, it was end of the week after all.

I took the child to her mother's room. Turning on the lights, Cat automatically sat up, her eyes red from crying. She smiled once she saw her daughter and reached out for her, immediately cuddling her.

She grabbed a warm bottle from the table on the side of her bed and began to feed Bambi, leaning back on the headboard and squeezing her eyes shut for a moment before looking at me. "Thank you," she said kindly. I smiled softly, "it's alright. Is there anything else you need?" I asked politely. She shook her head, "no thank you. I'm grateful, thanks."

"Goodnight, Cat."

"Goodnight, Mia."

I got changed and threw myself onto my bed, clapping my hands to switch off the lights. I dozed to sleep, not thinking about anything else.

I woke up the next day bright and early for work. I had to face Vincenzo but I wasn't too bothered about that. I just wanted to work and have my day over and done with.

I went into Cat's room to see her leaning over the cot she had bought for Bambi and kissing her cheek. I smiled, "morning," like everyone else, she was dressed but in jeans and a blue jumper.

"Morning," she replied cheerfully. "How's the little one?" I asked.
"Which one?" She chuckled, "yeah, there both fine. Just some morning sickness that's all." I nodded, "well, I've got to go to work. I just wanted to check on you."

"Thanks, Mia. A lot," she responded, I said goodbye and went to the house.

-Valentina-

I walked over to him, spinning his chair around and straddling him, taking him by surprise. "Val." I grinned, kissing his cheek, "hey amore," he sighed, looking stressed, "I need to get on with some work." I frowned, caressing his cheek.

"I didn't hear you come to bed last night." He sighed again, leaning back. "That's because I stayed here. That trip took time off work, I need to catch up." Always the same excuses with him. "I know, but wasn't it worth it?" I cautiously asked, raising an eyebrow and hoping for the correct answer.

"I know what you're doing. Stop picking a fight," I rolled my eyes, "I'm not and you didn't answer the question." He groaned, resting his hands on my thighs before kissing me briefly.

"The kids miss you, that's all," I quietly said, remembering the conversation I had with Ariana. "I miss them too but I have to work." I sighed, getting frustrated. I got off him, standing up and folding my arms. "Why can't you come home? There are three kids in the house waiting for you. I can't take care of two toddlers and try and sort out a baby at the same time!"

I was annoyed.

Dante always worked. He was funny and charming but he was a workaholic. He often forgot that he had other priorities. I loved him and understood his life in the mafia however sometimes I wished for more. It wasn't always easy. I had almost been assassinated twice, I didn't want the same for my children.

He stood up, placing his hands on my hips as I glared at him. He pulled me close, giving me a short kiss. He moved my arms so they were now by my side. I frowned at him, not kissing him back as he pulled away.

"I'll come home, okay? Speaking of babies, let's have another one, right here, right now."

He did not - I know he didn't just. .

I slapped him, beginning to yell in Italian, "you little mother - urgh! You just want me to stay at home and care of the kids while you work away and don't bother to come home, don't you? You want me to be the perfect little housewife, take care of the kids and clean, huh? Huh?" He raised his hands in surrender, about to talk when I continued, "it's all about you, isn't it? We had a great trip and you told me that you were going to cut down on work but you haven't, you liar! You're still here, not bothering to even kiss your kids goodnight! I do it, Dante! I do it every night! I'm sick and tired of your crap excuses!"

"Don't bother coming back, stay in your office. Because even if you come back," I scoffed, moving to the door and saying, "I'll kick your ass out."

-Mia-

"April!" She ran to me and I scooped her up, cuddling her in my arms. "Mama!" My eyes widened at the word that came out her mouth. I bit my lip, I held her upright, looking into her eyes. ". .mama?" I asked her softly. She looked down, "my mama no like me. You mama."

I was shocked. Me? I realised how quickly April had attached to me. "April. .I love you already but I'm not your mum, okay, sweetie?" She frowned beginning to cry. "Oh, April," I said, hugging her and wiping her tears. "Don't cry, honey. Your mama does love you."

"No she not!"

"April-"

"No!"

She wriggled out of my arms, running up the stairs, I sighed feeling guilty. I couldn't replace her mother, heck, I wasn't her mother.

But you wish you were.

Urgh.

Valentina stormed in, her face red from anger. I stopped her, concerned. "What's wrong?" She began laughing, "I'm dating a dick." She sighed saying that she needed to lie down and went upstairs as Vincenzo came down the other stairs, his face hard yet emotionless.

"What's wrong with April?" He asked, his hair slightly wet from a shower. He was wearing a suit again.

I shook my head, the little girl's face floating in my mind. "Nothing, I'll talk to her later," I said, frowning. I was still angry with him. He walked up to me, "Look I'm sorry about yesterday." I licked my lips, folding my arms. "Okay," I said, "I said give him what he deserved, not torture him to death," Vincenzo shrugged, not caring. "He did get what he deserved." I sighed, shaking my head.

"I didn't like the look on your face, Vince," I said quietly, "it scared me." I bit my lip, squeezing my arm. "You seemed as though. .as though you enjoyed it. ."

"Because I did."

My eyes widened. "Now let's go, I'm late for my meeting." He walked passed me, leading me to his office as I glared at his back. "I can feel your angry stare," he acknowledged, chuckling. I rolled my eyes. This wasn't the time to joke. He was sick, literally sick in the head.

He pushed his office door open and sat at the head of the meeting table on the other side of the room. He opened his briefcase, sorting out three piles of papers in front of him as I stood next to him as he sat, frowning.

There was a knock on the door and Vincenzo called out for them to come in. Five men came in, all greeting their boss as the sat around the table. I stood up straight and Vincenzo glanced at me before looking over at the coffee machine.

I grabbed some cups, placing them in front of the men, giving Vincenzo the largest mug. The men were all tall and brown haired. Some had beards however some had goatees. I made cappuccinos for all of them then poured them into the cups, placing he jug back and standing beside Vincenzo as he spoke in Italian.

He spoke for several minutes and my legs were beginning to get tired as they discussed a matter. I refilled their cups after a while and bit my lip hard. For some reason I was having the urge to laugh. The room was quiet and funny videos I had watched online were floating around my head. This wasn't the time or place. I tried biting in my cheeks and nipping myself but it wasn't working.

I only stopped when I realised that one of the men were staring at me. His eyes were slowly moving up and down my body, his tongue sliding on his bottom lip. I looked at him in disgust, folding my arms before looking away although I felt his stare on me.

Suddenly the room fell quiet. I looked at Vincenzo who stopped talking to look at the man who was undressing me with his eyes. "What's going on?" Vincenzo bitterly said, glaring at one of his men.

He chuckled coldly, "ti ho dato il permesso di guardarla?" {did I give you permission to look at her?}. The man's face dropped, colour draining from his face. "N-no, boss." I bit my lip, not understanding what Vincenzo had said. "Volevo solo dormiro con lei  dopo. ." {I just wanted to sleep with her afterwards}.

Vincenzo let out a deep chuckle before pulling out his gun and shooting him in his chest.

I covered my mouth, blinking rapidly as tears prickled into my eyes.

Vincenzo sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Clean this mess up." The men walked out the room, emotionlessly, doing as they were told. Tears streamed down my face as I looked away from the dead man. I looked at Vincenzo.

He just killed a man. Not even caring that he had just killed a human being.

I shook my head, leaving the room crying. I slammed the door shut, walking down the corridor quickly to be pushed onto the wall.

"Let go!" I snapped, my voice cracking as I spoke. "Mia-"
"No, just stop, Vince! Stop!" He leaned down to kiss me but I pushed his chest, "quit it!"

I looked into his hazel eyes, shaking my head. "How could I love someone like you? A murderer." I pushed passed him, going down the corridor, not looking back.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Vote: 4?

Comment.

Follow.

Share.

Enjoy!