|4|

Talia's POV:

Shit. He hung up.

I don't blame him though, losing your father can't be easy.

I would know.

This is the toughest part of the job, having to tell someone that their loved one didn't make it; seeing the absolute distraught in their eyes when they realize they'll be leaving the hospital alone.

You could see their heart shattering, right in front of your eyes. 

Gathering all my things from my locker, I pulled my phone up and ordered a taxi home. The taxi took only about ten minutes to arrive, which was good as it allowed me to say all my goodbyes for the evening.

Plugging in my earphones, I listened to my playlist until I finally arrived at my apartment. Making my way to the bathroom, I shrugged off all of my uniform and started to run a bath. 

There was just one thing I was missing. 

Alcohol. 

Walking into my modern kitchen, I pulled out a bottle of red wine, I was about to take a glass, but it's one of those nights where I was going to drink from the bottle. 

Judge me. Do it. I don't give a shit. 

After finally taking care of all my needs, I sat in front of my TV and continued to binge on the Originals for a while. Elijah could get it.

~***~

Matteo's POV:

Walking outside of the brothel, I could feel the blood pumping through my veins. 

I was going to have blood. 

That was better than any type of narcotic that this world had to offer. 

Getting into the backseat of the car, I gave the driver the directions to the Figli di Puttane's apartment. It took about thirty minutes to finally get there and the closer we got to the apartment, the more excited I got.

(Son of a Bitches)

Alessio, Angelo, and Jonathan were following closely behind in another car. Finally pulling up in the parking lot, I practically sprinted up the stairs and arrived at the front of his door. His apartment was located at the end of a hallway with only one other next to it. 

Perfect.

Giving Alessio the side glance, he broke the door and we entered the apartment.
He was too busy stuffing his nose with coke to even notice us. 

My coke. My snow. My drugs.

"Artem Duke I started while clapping both of my hands together.His eyes enlarged in horror, "...I believe you know why I'm here, sí?"

"L-Look man, I-I'll get you the money. I just need some time but I promise I'll get you all of it!" He stuttered out like the cowardly weasel he was.

"Ahh... don't you wish this was only about money? It looks like it's your unlucky day." I pouted mockingly at him. 

"I-If this isn't about money, then what is this about?" He asked warily. 

Stalking closer to him, like a Lion about to kill its prey, I tilted my head and smirked. "I was hoping you would ask me that, but we will discuss that with 
your mother, sí?"

Nodding my head for him, Alessio walked forward ready to grab him, but the little fucker ran past us straight to the unlocked door. 

I love this game.

I love a good chase.

Raising my hand up, so that Alessio wouldn't go after him I stalked towards him. He didn't get very far, he can thank the white for that.

Wrapping my left arm around his mouth, I used my right arm to strangle him into unconsciousness.

Thrashing crazily in my arms he attempted to shout, I whispered: "Shhh, it will all be over soon." His movements were starting to slow and the mumbling was coming to a halt. 

And then he was still. 

I handed his body over to Alessio, who carried him down the hall, while I trailed slowly behind them. 

Until I heard it. 

It was a slight shuffle, in fact, it was barely noticeable. Most people wouldn't have noticed it. 

Unluckily for this person, I wasn't most people. 

Turning myself around, I ran up to the door, while the person on the other end tried to close it. Pushing open the door, I stopped when I noticed who was sitting on the floor, backing away ever so cautiously. 

Well, what are the odds? 

It was her, that little nurse from the hospital. 

Her beautiful brown eyes were blown open in fear, and the only noise that occupied the space was her heavy breathing.

Every time she scooted back I would match her with one step until her back finally hit the wall. Walking forward I crouched down, so I was on the same level as her.

Tilting my head I offered her a smile.

"Well well well, look what we have here..." I started.

"I-I'm sorry okay! Your father had a tumor in his lung, how was I supposed to know I-"

"I think we both know that I'm not here because of that," I interrupted with a sharp sentence.

"Then what are you here for?" she whispered.

"Are we playing dumb now?" I mocked back at her, pouting.

"You know exactly why I'm here, you saw something you shouldn't have," I responded. 

"I promise I won't go to the authorities, I won't say anything... Just, please" she pleaded.

Grabbing a hold of her chin, I pressed roughly until I received a whimper.

"Hmmm..." I fake pondered "...I don't know if I believe you, last time I trusted you my father died," I taunted.

"Matteo, please" she continued begging.

That sounded like heaven coming from her lips. 

Pulling her chin, so that she was only inches away from my face, I licked my lips and muttered, "I don't like loose ends, they cause too many, what's your word? Complications. There are only two ways I see this going," I continued "Either you come with me and you live... or..." 

Moving my hand down her chin to her neck, I squeezed for a few seconds before I moved my lips to the middle of her ear and mumbled

"... I unload ten bullet rounds into the side of your pretty, little head and cover up the tracks. Nobody will find you." 

I paused for her.

"The choice is yours, Principessa." 

I moved back and stood up, crossing my hands over one another. 

I watched her slowly as she inhaled and exhaled, standing up slowly, it was clear that she had made her choice.

I signaled for her to walk in front of me, but before she got to the front door I grasped a hold of her curly hair, pulling her body back and onto the front of mine.

Laying one hand on the side of her waist and leaning down so I reached her ear,

I warned, "Do anything stupid and I swear, I will gut you."

Shrugging off my suit jacket, I quickly placed it around her body. 

I didn't need anyone wondering why a 5'6 girl was walking around, at this time, with nothing but a T-shirt on. 

We made it to the car swiftly, opening the door for her, she climbed into the backseat of the car, while I made my way to the passenger seat.

The other car was gone, which meant that the others were already back at the manor with Artem. 

"So, are you gonna introduce me to your friend?"

"Che cazzo ci fai qui, Angelo?"

(What the fuck are you doing here, Angelo?)

"Dovresti essere nell'altra macchina," I continued 

(You should be in the other car)

"Jonathan è noioso, quindi sono arrivato a infastidirti, chi è il pulcino?" He teased while glancing at her. 

(Jonathan is boring, so I came to annoy you, who's the chick?)

"None of your concern, just fucking drive. " I responded.

"Alright then," he scoffed.

Glancing at the mirror, I looked at the girl sitting behind me, her arms were crossed over each other 
and she was clearly cold. 

"E alza il calore," I muttered.

(and turn on the heat)