5

Stefano

It's no wonder that I can't sleep. How could I? I had everything planned out. Get into the club, get a hold of Massimo and finish him off. But what happened? Salvatore went off the grid. I should have known that going with him would end in disaster.

If not for Vittorio's timely intervention, I would have died because I was out of bullets. The anger I felt was out of scale but as always, I had to calm down. I couldn't stay angry at him for too long. I promised mom that I'd cater for my brothers on her deathbed. I guess that's why he became this spoiled. He knew he'd go scot free.

Let's not even talk about the fifty million euros he spent on the auction. Only God knows what the bastard bought with that huge amount. The last time he did something like this, it was on a vintage car that hasn't seen the lights of the day since the last time he bought it 

I stood up from the comfort of my fluffy bed. I was feeling parched and hungry. I haven't had a decent meal since last night. The plan was to get rid of Massimo and celebrate at the family's restaurant but that didn't happen. Infact, I was too angry to even look at him, not to talk of eating.

The entire house was silent as I walked steadily, careful not to wake anyone. Only the cracking sound of the ancient fireplace and the tick tock sounds of the clock in the house could be heard. 

Just a glass of water and maybe something to snack on, because my stomach hurts,I thought. It was as easy to find the kitchen even in the dark, so I didn't bother to switch on the lights. I was about walking towards the fridge when the hairs on my back stood up. Something was up.

Danger.

I had a company, I thought, possibly Massimo's men or even one out of the millions of enemies we had all over the state.

I took backwards steps towards the entrance again. My hands found the switch box and pressed it slowly. The room became illuminated and I balled my fist, ready to swing my fist at the first thing I see but I froze instead.

A half naked girl in my kitchen.

She looked quite young and I almost thought she lost her way. I was about to ask her how she got in when something crossed my mind.

What if she's one of those kids trained in martial arts to hunt and kill? It's no news that some gangsters use teenagers to carry out their operations because they knew they'd have lesser years as a juvenile. My expressions which had softened earlier deepened. She must have been shocked to see me too because she dropped the glass of water in her hand. Sensing that my appearance meant she had been caught, she turned around, ready to run.

Uh..uh

In three long strides, my hands reached the neck of the oversized shirt she had on. I pulled her back with force, making her lose her balance. She slipped on the water from the glass cup she held earlier. The turn of events made things easier for me. I pounced on her and pinned her to the floor flawlessly.

“Who sent you here and how did you get in? I screamed at her. She fought with her nails, trying to make me ease the pressure I had on her neck but I wasn't ready to let go. I was already exhausted and frustrated from the events of the previous night. My blood was boiling hot and I wouldn't mind taking it out on any intruder, even if she's a teenager.

“Don't fucking choke me to death,” she said with a tight voice. She hasn't stopped hitting and kicking me.

Stubborn and energetic, I thought. I applied more pressure on her neck again. It was important to make her realise that she was in my territory and that I do the talking and fighting.

“Answer my question first,” I said.

“I only wanted to get water, you psychotic bastard!’ I smirked, refusing to believe her bullshit. Get water in a stranger's house? One might think that the whole house belonged to her.

It wasn't long before the sounds of Vittorio's and Salvatore's footsteps descended down the stairs. I glanced at them, seeing them armed and ready to help me nip the red haired. To my surprise they let down their guards as they saw me.

“What the hell, brother?” Vittorio said.

“Brother?” The red hair said. “Do you guys have madness in your bloodline? Tell him to get his hands off me,” she said, looking towards Salvatore to my surprise. I followed her gaze, requesting an explanation too.

“I didn't tell you about her yesterday. She's my new favourite,” Salvatore replied.

“Are you fucking kidding me. Tell me this isn't what you bought at the auction yesterday.” I said as I released her. She stood up and adjusted her clothes.

“Yes, she is.” He replied. I pinched the bridge of my nose in frustration. He bought her for that ridiculous price?

“This thing here for fifty million euros?” I inquired again.

“Hello? I'm right here and I'm not a THING!” She spat angrily.

“No one is asking for your opinion, Red,” Salvatore said.

“Stop being arrogant. Plus, I'm Ziyana, not some colour red.”

“She's got fire, this one.” Vittorio said as he took a seat in one of the chairs in the kitchen.

“Yes, a fire that none of you can quench. Now, Mr. Macho,” she said, facing me and standing akimbo. Taking in her sight, I realised that she was in one of Salvatore's oversized shirts.

“I assume that you are the eldest here. It seems like we both agree on the same thing, which is that he squandered such a huge amount on a minor like me. Could you tell him to return me and I promise I'll be more than glad to be out of your hair.”

“Could you get something to shut her mouth. She's too chirpy for my liking,” I said with irritation. 

“Get your ass upstairs, Red.” Sal instructed. She remained unfazed by Sal's voice and stood on the same spot.

“Don't make me repeat myself, girl,” he added. She took one last look at us all and gave her opinion.

“I hate you lots!”

“Are you fucking out of your mind, because we let you do whatever you want, you think you can bring home whatever you want?” I asked Sal as soon as the girl was out of ear reach

“You don't need to get too worked up. She's a kid” he replied.

“A kid like that means trouble. Have you thought about what could happen if it gets out that you bought home a minor? My hands are full. I don't want to have to deal with some cops because of your choice of women.” I fire back.

“I think I have to disagree with you there. That one isn't a minor. She is a full grown woman. Did you see her tits while she was gesticulating earlier?” Vittorio said. 

Shit. I had noticed also. They were full and round and must be soft too. Especially if they are pushed to my chest.

Fuck it Stefano! 

How could I be thinking about something like that in this kind of situation?

“Think about how much fun she'd give us. Salvatore here is willing to share with us. Right brother?” He asked and Sal nodded. 

“It's high time we replaced Viola,” Sal added, making me clench my teeth. Viola is one devilish thing I don't want to think about.

“Not only that, nothing can make me let go of Red. I don't care what you say, she stays with me bro.”

My two brothers folded their arms across their chest waiting for me to make my decision. Usually, once two of us agree on something, we go with it, even if the outcome is disastrous. 

I ran my hands through my hair in frustration. My hands were tied already.

“Fine, she stays. But, you'll have to provide me with everything I need to know about her. Her name, her family and how she came to be an object that had to be sold off. If you don't provide me with those things before sunsets, she leaves.” I said.

“Either way, she's mine and that's all that matters.” He said and shrugged as I marched out. As I left, I got the

feeling that Ziyana or whatever she says her name was would be staying for a long time at that.