~fair warning I guess it'll be a bit intense ;)
Valentina's POV:
When the call ended my heart broke. Ales wouldn't talk to me. I look down at my shoes as if they're the most interesting thing.
I was biting my lips when I was hugged from behind. I look back and see it was Matteo.
"Hey don't be sad. He's just upset coz he's protective of you Val", Matteo smiled sadly
I nod half heartedly and look down again. Micheal was holding my hand all this while so I hold his hand even more tight. He lifts my chin.
"Hey. He loves you a lot. Don't forget that. He'll come around", Micheal smiled
"Yeah Val. Just give him some time. He can't stay mad at you for long", Xavier smiled
"He loves you too much for that", Xander continued smiling.
I was nodding at them but in my heart I was still sad. I look at Ben, Elijah and Enzo.
They smiled reassuringly at me. I sighed
"I'll see you later", I almost whispered at Micheal smiling a bit
He looked sad for me and it felt like he didn't want to leave me but before he could say anything I walk towards my room.
Nobody stopped me and I was glad.
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After a few days
Alessandro's POV:
Me and Dad are now on the flight back to America. We stayed for a few days to make sure Antonio gets all fine.
He still isn't fully okay but he's way better. He has so many people hovering all the time that I knew he'll be fine.
I smile thinking of a few incidents which made Antonio act like a baby. He absolutely would not drink anything healthy and tasteless things Emilio got him. He would whine like a baby.
I spend some time with all of them but mostly Leo and Antonio. They both along with oldies and our younger brothers would constantly try and tell me to not be angry with Val.
I know they all don't want her to be upset or hurt. Our grandparents didn't tell me to forgive Val but they did tell me not to hurt her. Grandpa more specifically.
"Hey", Dad smiles sitting down next to me snapping me out of my thoughts.
"Hey Dad", I smile
"I know you're upset with her and I totally understand. I trust you to know you have strong reasons for doing whatever you're doing", Dad said softly
All these days not even once did Dad talk to me about me ignoring Val. I know Val's his weak point. I won't lie when say I thought he'll be the first one to tell me to stop doing whatever I'm doing.
"Thanks Dad. I'm relieved knowing that you trust me on this", I sigh
"Ales I love you both equally. I want you to know whatever you do I'll be supportive of it but remember she's still a kid", Dad smiled
"Yeah", I smile back.
We soon reach New York and Ben had come to pick us up.
I smile seeing him and he hugs me saying he missed my annoying ass.
"Everyone okay back there?", Ben asked after hugging Dad.
"Yeah all good. Antonio's recovering quite well", Dad nods.
"Good come on let's go", Ben smiled and we get inside the car and drive home.
All the way we three spoke about whatever's going on with the mafia and not once did Ben speak to me about Val but I knew he wanted to ask. He knows me well so he knows I won't talk about it.
We reach home and we park the car and get out. We walk inside the house.
"Where are my kids?", Dad smiled and said loudly
We heard thumping noises and I know all my siblings are running downstairs.
"Bunch of elephants I tell you", Ben whispered
I snicker and nod.
I saw Matteo grinning and running and hugging Dad first then joined by Enzo. The twins smile and hug me first. Elijah then comes to me smiling.
"Hello brother. Missed you", Elijah smiled
"Me too", I chuckled
I saw Val grinning wide and hugging Dad tightly. Dad kissed her head. I saw her head injury was totally okay. I was relieved.
"I'm gonna go get a shower", I said to Ben and Elijah.
"Ales", Elijah began
"I'm really tired lijah. Please", I stopped him
He sighs nodding.
I walk towards the stairs to go to my room. I didn't hear anymore voices and I know everyone was looking at me going upstairs.
I was suddenly hugged from behind and I know it's Val. I stopped.
"Hey", Val said
I nod and remove her hands from my waist softly and continue to walk.
"Ales I'm really sorry", Val whispers sadly
"I know", I mutter and continue to walk.
She pulled me back and turned me around.
"Then why are you ignoring me?", Val asked frowning
Everyone was looking at us. Dad stood in the side watching us. Matteo and Xavier looked sad. Ben, Lijah, Xander and Enzo looked anxious.
"Coz I'm upset with you", I said turning again.
She again pulled me back.
"Stop it Valentina", I said sternly
She heard me calling her full name and the tone and immediately had tears in her eyes.
"Why? Why are you doing this? I know I did a mistake and I'm really sorry. I won't repeat it again so why're you doing this to me?", Val demanded
"I don't feel obligated to reply to you", I said coldly
"I don't care. You have to. You can't do this Ales. It hurts okay? You didn't talk to me once all these days you were in Italy but I was hoping. It hurts Ales. Your actions are hurting me. I WANT YOU TO TALK TO ME", Val yells angrily but with tears in her eyes.
Everyone were sad and concerned looking at us.
"My actions hurt you when I'm just not talking to you. Ever wondered how much your actions would have hurt me?", I grit coldly
"I know and I apologized Ales. What more do you want?!", Val screamed a tear falling down
"I don't want anything so leave me alone for now" I said coldly and turn around and continued walking.
"Just stop acting so stubborn Ales! I am home safe. He didn't hurt me! Everything's fine. Is it still that bad for you?", Val yells irritated
"Yes", I said without turning.
"THAT BAD?", Val screams angrily
"YES VALENTINA. YES IT IS. YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT", I yell turning back frustrated
Everyone was shocked. I never lose control like that. Ben and Elijah kinda looked scared now. Dad looked at us with an emotionless face. Matteo, Enzo and the twins looked extremely worried.
"You think it's okay coz you came back home all normal and only with a couple of scratches? Do you even know how dangerous Kevin is? You know what he's done before? Ever wondered why we and Bandits don't get along? Believe it or not he's dangerous!", I scream loudly
Val looked at me surprised but still had her jaw clenched.
"You don't believe me? Ask Claire. She's worked with him before. Just ask her what kind of a leader and a man he is..or better ask Derek. They've been enemies for years so he can tell you exactly what I'm talking about", I said angrily crossing my arms.
"He might be scared of us YES. We might be stronger than him YES. But he's still a leader of a gang Valentina! Just coz he owns a gang and not a mafia it doesn't mean he's any less dangerous! He's working with Dimitri for god sake! What do you even know about Dimitri except the fact that he's Vladimir's son and a Don? Tell me", I said sternly
Val just kept looking at me and not replying.
"Nothing right? So what makes you think Kevin working with Dimitri is not so bad or the fact that they fear me or our brothers will stop them from hurting you? They'll go to any extent to hurt you Val! They have nothing to lose except their lives. You escaping Kevin was a mere luck! He probably didn't want to mess with us right now coz they're planning something bigger for future! Who knows?! They're forming alliances for GOD SAKE!", I yell angrily
Everyone was frozen. Val was shocked.
"Just hypothetically imagine Kevin hadn't let you go and Micheal and your friends hadn't helped you. Where would you be now? Huh? Any idea? No right. Let me tell you it definitely wouldn't be a five star hotel", I grit.
"I'm glad that you helped Derek but going in there alone when you don't even know whats the situation in there was the most irresponsible thing anyone can do! I'm not saying that I don't think you can't handle yourself. Yes you can. Hell even Ben said he's never seen anyone become such a strong fighter in a month's time! But going without informing your brothers is the worst thing you could have done! One of the first things we're taught during training is to analyse and think about the present situation and then act upon it. Having backup is the best and common strategy! Did you know that?", I said angrily
She didn't reply but a few tears fell down.
"No right? Coz you aren't fully trained yet! It's been a few months since you've joined the mafia Valentina Costello..A FEW MONTHS! Except Ben, Elijah, me and Enzo nobody has had full training here. I never allow Matteo, Xander and Xavier to go alone in a fight unless I know they're gonna be fine or that they have backup. They're more experienced and trained than you Valentina! They might have been in the mafia for some years now and I still yell at them for doing something irresponsible. Ask them how many items Dad has scolded and yelled at them for being stupid and irresponsible. It's life and death situation there and not some practice match that you can try to do it better next time", I said angrily
I think I saw Dad nodding a bit.
"Experience is required when you're in a field like this Val. Even me, Leo, Ben, Tony, Rafael who've been handling the biggest positions in mafia have made mistakes! EVEN AFTER HAVING A LOT OF EXPERIENCE! Which you nowhere match at. Tell me how many fights have you fought and I'm not talking about underground ones", I yell again angrily
Val bit her lip looking guilty.
"If Kevin would have taken you to Dimitri do you know what he would have done? You think mine, our father's and the rest of the family's time as hostage with Dimitri was a spa treatment? I know what kind of a ruthless man he is! He's beaten us enough to know that and that's not even half of who we think he is! He's not Vladimir! Vladimir was stupid! Dimitri is smart and not a kid!", I yell angrily
"You've already been in danger so many times. You think I want to get used to it now? We didn't just search for you all those years when you were away coz we love you and missed you and wanted you to come back to us coz no one standing here can live without the other. That's just one reason. I also wanted you home coz I wanted to see you safe in front of my eyes!", I grit.
Matteo and Xavier shed few tears. Val shed more.
"But that didn't work out did it? You were again in danger. You were KIDNAPPED for fuck sake! I still remember the video and the scene when Vladimir stabbed you with that FUCKING KNIFE! I've had nightmares about it! You think once you were home everything went back to normal? NO! I was still never able to forget that one moment where MY SISTER SAT THERE ALL BLOODIED WITH A KNIFE THRUST ON HER", I yell with a tear falling down.
Val shed more and more tears. My entire family was shocked at me. They all were crying.
"No one knows this but Enzo had a panic attack later after we saw the video. I calmed him down. Elijah was on the verge of a panic attack once! Matteo lost his mind! The twins went crazy! Dad looked like he's dead already! You think I want to see you again in any kind of a scenario even remotely similar to that? No! I'M FREAKING TERRIFIED TO EVEN IMAGINE THAT HAPPENING TO YOU OR ANY OF MY BROTHERS!", I scream tears pouring down finally.
Matteo, Xavier and Enzo were crying full on now. Xander and Dad had a few tears on their face. Ben and Elijah shed tears continuously holding each other's hands.
"I the Don of the American mafia who is all emotionless, cold and ruthless towards everyone is terrified when it comes to my siblings especially you Valentina coz you're MY LITTLE SISTER! So yes I'm annoyed and angry at your irresponsibility. Heck even Enzo was angry who's never been angry at you! Kevin's attack might not have been on us and he still managed to hurt you. So yes answering your question it is that bad", I said coldly wiping the few tears that escaped.
I was done and there was absolute silence for a minute. All my siblings were crying. Dad took a deep breath and calmed down. Val looked devastated and my heart hurt more.
"Ales", Ben took a step forward crying
I held up my hand and stopped him.
"I'm fine. J-Just leave me alone for some time", I said not looking at any of them.
I turn and fast walked to my room with my heart hurting for causing my bambina's tears.
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Valentina's POV:
Heartbroken
I'm so fucking pissed at myself now. I never thought my brothers were affected like this. How did I not notice Ales being so stressed?!
I was looking at the direction Ales went and I broke down. I cried and cried standing in the same position. My heart was physically paining.
Dad looked at me with a pained expression but didn't say anything. Matteo and the twins were crying already. Enzo was rubbing their backs. Ben and Elijah walk towards me wiping their tears.
"Val don't cry", Elijah whispered about to hug me.
I take a step back shaking my head.
"I don't deserve that. I'm sorry", I cry loudly and ran towards my room in full speed.
I heard all my brothers calling me but I ran and locked myself in my room.
I sat down back facing my door and put my head between my knees and cried.
How could I take it so easy? Ales is right, it was a mere luck Kevin let me go. What if he would've taken me away..
I can't believe I didn't know how much my family went through during mine and Max's kidnap.
Enzo had a panik attack! Ales still has nightmares! Elijah almost had a panik attack!
Wtf!
I knew nobody had it easy but I didn't know the intensity of it!
Ales and others are right. I don't even have full training and the least experience. They're elder than me and have handled bigger problems and I'm not helping them out in any way.
God what do I do now!
I have no idea how long did I cry. I walk towards my bed after some time and lay down on the bed tired.
I'm gonna make it up to them especially you Ales.
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Alessandro's POV:
I was in my room for three hours now. I just kept thinking about whatever I said downstairs. I didn't lie about anything but now that I think about it once that all these things have come out I realised I had all this inside for so long.
I regret causing the tears in Val's eyes but I know this was needed. I just wish it wasn't this intense. I know all my brothers and Dad had tears in their eyes after I left but what could I do once I just let it out.
I hear a knock on my door and I already knew it was Dad.
"Come on in Dad", I sigh
The door opened and he walked in followed by Elijah, Enzo and Ben.
They looked at me sadly and I gestured them to sit down. Ben sits next to me while my brothers and father sit on the edge of my bed.
"Are you okay?", Elijah asked softly
I nod sighing.
"Ales we had no idea this was affecting you so much.. we're so sorry", Ben sais guilty
"What are sorry about? We all are affected when it comes to our loved one's safety..it's just that it's more intense when it's about Val", I chuckled shaking my head.
Enzo and Dad nod smiling a bit.
"I probably scared her. She must be crying and blaming herself right now", I said sighing and covering my face with my hands
"She'll be fine once you talk to her. In a way what you said today really must have been an eye opener for her and others", Enzo smiled
"I didn't mean to", I sigh
"What do you mean?", Ben asked curiously
"He means he didn't mean to get carried away", Dad smiled
I nod at him. He truly understands his kids.
"I really didn't think I'll speak everything like that. I mean I thought I was pretty good at hiding my emotions at some point but I guess when it comes to Valentina I become a brother and not a Don", I sigh
"It must be a relief to just have said it", Elijah smiled softly.
"It was. It was like a tap opened and water just kept pouring out until I managed to close it again", I chuckled sadly
They all smiled and nod.
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Xander's POV:
Me, my twin and Matteo were seated in my room.
I was thinking about whatever Ales said downstairs and I felt guilty at some level.
"How come we didn't know he was suffering inside after Val and Max's kidnapping?", Matteo muttered
"I feel so selfish now. I feel like whenever we're down our elder brothers come and take care of us without even us telling them what's going on and we didn't even know what they were going through", Xavier sighs sadly
"Ales had nightmares. Elijah almost had a panic attack. Enzo had a panic attack", I mumble
Those two look at me.
"How did we not know this?", I said looking down
"Care works both ways. We have to be more observant about their feelings and emotions", Matteo said tears in his eyes.
I nod smiling sadly. Matteo lays down on my lap with legs on Xavier's. He wipes one tear that fell off his eyes. I look at Xavier while caressing Matteo's hair.
Xavier looked back worried. Matteo gets the most affected when things like this happens and we know that. He hates watching our brothers or sister cry or be upset.
"It'll all be fine Matteo. You know that right?", I said softly kissing his forehead.
He nods sniffing hiding his face in my lap.
"Don't be scared or upset Matteo. You know Ales and Val are like me and food. One can't work without the other", Xavier said seriously
Me and Matteo automatically laugh.
"That was a bad example", Matteo snickers turning and looking at Xavier and not crying anymore.
I nod chuckling playing with Matteo's hair.
"Okay how about Enzo and his gross healthy food or Daniel and his incapability of not playing pranks?", Xavier suggests
"Still not that good but I'll manage", Matteo chuckled
We three laugh and sit for some time in comfortable silence.
"You know in some ways what happened today was good for Val and Ales", I state.
Matteo and Xavier nod affirmatively.
"Yeah I feel so too", Xavier said
"I'm just hoping they both go back to normal soon", Matteo sighs
I hope too
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Hey guys!
A bit intense huh! 😥
Hope you liked this chapter?
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