"Do not fear an impulsive enemy, he does not plan his actions and constantly makes mistakes, but fear the meticulous one, who patiently waits for the moment to act, who watches his opponent from the top of the mountain, who studied his habits and knows his weaknesses.
Fear an enemy who lurks without showing his face, who hears in every crack, but does not say a word. This enemy is dangerous, and it will be the one who will take the last shot; he will cleanse the blood of his enemies from his dagger. (Riccardo Venni)"
It looks morbid, but that's how I felt. For years my enemy was hidden, he planned and knew every detail, he took every piece of land right under our nose, and even making mistakes he was still as strong as he was at the beginning.
Uncle Vitto was like that, a born murderer, an avenger who betrayed his legacy, turned against his own family. Throughout my childhood, I heard stories about his exploits, and many were able to make men lost sleep.
I confess that I prefer to deal with Yakuza, Bratva, 'Ndrangheta, and Cosa Nostra together, then doing this; but this is my legacy, my mission is to avenge the blood and protect families, Sanguinem intus non foris.
Vitto was a master of the art of torture, known for his ability to negotiate and persuade when necessary; he would shoot first and ask later when he felt like doing it. He was a field man, an articulator, he liked to sit in the best places at the table, he was very ambitious. My father was different, he liked the administrative work of the Commission, even though he was as skilled as his brother.
I knew my enemy well enough not to let my guard down, and to know that neither of us would be standing at the end of this battle, so I needed to protect my family, fulfill my mission and always be on the alert.
During those four years, Vitto remained hidden, but I knew he was up to something. I was going to make him believe he was safe, when a man feels safe he tends to let his guard down, and he needed to believe that just, so he would get out of his safe place.
We were two heirs to revenge, I was his target just as my dagger longed for his heart.
***
I started organizing my move to Italy, and my sponsor was helping me close most of my business in Brazil. I would not stay here for long, as I will soon take my place in the family.
While negotiating the sale of my companies, I decided to go after my prize. Jullius bought a house in that picturesque city; the place was small by my standards, but there was enough space for my team to live with me without invading my space. And even though it was in a safe place, my sponsor ensured the installation of a security system and turned the guest house into a real monitoring centre for my men. I will have to make my comings and goings as discreet as possible, Jullius is good with that.
I intend to leave Ellie in that house so that she is protected and always ready for me when I come to this city. At no time did I intend to bring her into my world, but I couldn't resist her charms, after all the woman was brave and sweet at the same time. And for now, I will take advantage of this and make Vitto believe that I am relaxing and having fun.
I planned to meet Ellie after two weeks, but business kept me from meeting that deadline. But despite that, I was informed by Lorenzo — one of my men — that Ellie followed my orders and broke up with her boyfriend's shit. And such was my surprise when I received the stronzo file, I didn't understand what she saw in the guy.
She was fulfilling our agreement, even though I did not believe in the redemption of her relatives. I heard that André, Ellie's brother, got a job at a gas station in the neighbouring town; and Alex was also clean, but Lorenzo had to intervene a few times, sent some guys who didn't accept the boy's new life to the hospital, and others to prison.
I told Ellie that I take care of what is mine, and if Alex is part of her world, then I will also take care of the boy as long as he walks on the line and does not cross my path.
I had arrived in the city at dawn, but I had to wait for the start of class to surprise Ellie.
According to my godfather, I am acting like a cheap gigolo following girls around; at least that's what he called me. I know Jullius said that to get my attention, but I took it as a joke, I'm not like that and I'm not going that far since my thing with Ellie is just a little fun.
Jullius stopped the car on the other side of the entrance, and we waited for the girl, it didn't take long for me to see her around the corner. She wore a loose, pale pink dress that ended at the thighs, her hair was loose with curls falling down her shoulders and back. I saw that she was tightening her arms around her backpack trying to protect herself from the light rain, she was also with her head down, she was worried, and somehow it bothered me.
It looked so innocent and fragile, but I knew from experience that these maidens were the dragon.
He was still in the car, but I saw the moment he approached his colleagues, he spoke loudly, waving his arm; it seemed unruly.
— I'm full of stupid people, Jana. I have real problems to solve, I don't have time for that.
— Friend, he won't leave you alone, you should already know that.
I got out of the car and approached while she was still raging. The surrounding girls smiled at me, some curled their hair around their fingers and posed trying to seduce me. The girls' attitude must have caught Ellie's attention because she tensed as if she felt my presence before she even saw me.
He was wearing a dark grey three-piece suit and a blue tie. I didn't need that look, but it was worth it just to see how her eyes wandered over me when she turned to see what it was.
— Ciao Principessa! Do you look surprised? — He said pulling her into my arms, without giving her time to think. Resigned, Ellie surrendered, and only then did I release her; and, damn it, just hugging her was enough to make me rock hard.
— II didn't know you were in town. — stammered trying to compose himself.
— I said I would come, baby, how can you forget? Should I be hurt?
— I don't believe I forgot, things like that are impossible to forget.
— Let's go? — I offered my arm. Ellie looked around but ended up giving in, accepting my offer leaving her friends jealous.
— I have class and I'm not ready for that either. — said a little apprehensive. — I can see you tomorrow if you prefer.
— No. I have plans for us today. — I smiled and kissed her hands, and with my hand at the base of her back, I guided her to the car, giving the matter over.
***