𝐏𝐞𝐜𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐢

03 | One More Time

The look on Valentina's face when I told her about Messiah working for Galen Andino as a mercenary was nothing but pure disbelief, it's hard to believe it considering but I have a feeling he's doing it because Galen has something on him.

She hasn't uttered a word since I told her, she tensed before going back to painting with her baby brother and cousin. Felix is observing her, I can tell he's worried about her by the expression on his face.

Gianni and Levi are completely oblivious and in their little worlds which is a good thing, they're too pure and innocent for this world of ours.

We need to get more information on this mercenary thing, there was security footage of him killing someone but it's like he wanted to be seen by the camera.

I think he wants us to find him, I just don't understand why he hasn't tried to escape yet. This further adds to my theory of Galen having something on him, if I had a hunch it's most likely to do with m Valentina.

While we're waiting for more information from our informants, I have a good idea of how I can distract her from everything.

"Valentina," I call out, her hand halts with the paintbrush still in her grasp. She turns and faces me, my face softens when I see a few tears begin to fall.

"There's this carnival in the area, would you be interested in going? I think it would be great to get out of the house, I'm sure your brothers would be interested as well."

"Sure." She shrugs, sniffling a little.

Felix's eyes narrow at her before he walks over and wraps his arms around her in an embrace, I watch as she melts into him. He whispers in her ear, rocking her back and forth and she mumbles something before he breaks out in laughter.

"What time are we leaving?" Felix asks, looking to me for an answer.

"Whenever." I shrug.

"How about we leave in a couple of hours? I want to finish up my painting." Valentina murmurs, wiping her tears.

"Sounds good to me, I'll let your family know."

P E C C A T R I C I

All her brothers decided to come except Luciano and Vince who are busy at their warehouse organizing things, her aunt and uncle came with their son Gianni and Felix is with us since he doesn't leave Val's side.

We finally arrived at the carnival and we all grouped up, trying to decide on where we were going to go. Gianni and Levi want to go on the bumper cars and Valentina and Felix agree to go with them.

"We're going to get something to eat," Dom mumbles, walking away from the group with his brothers following.

Looks like I'm going with Valentina and Felix, they both grab the two little boys' hands and walk in the direction of the bumper cars. I follow behind them, scoping out the carnival since I've never been to one before.

When we finally reach the bumper cars, they line up but I don't join them. Observing from a distance I see that Gianni is driving a car with Valentina as his passenger and Levi is driving another with Felix as his.

I stand awkwardly with her aunt and uncle who have huge smiles on their faces watching their son laughing and chasing Levi, I observe as I feel eyes on me. Gazing around my surroundings, I can't see who's looking at me but it feels intense.

After they've finished we all decide to go on a few rides and okay a few games, Valentina's mood instantly picking up which is what I wanted.

"Where to now?" Val questions, looking around to find out the next destination.

"Wherever you want," I reply.

"How about the Ferris wheel then?"

"You two can, we're going to get something to eat." Felix cuts in, grabbing the two little boys' hands and walking to the food vans.

Shifting my gaze back to Valentina, she's already looking at me, "it's just us then." She smiles before yanking on my arm, leading me to where the Ferris wheel is.

Luckily when we get there, there's no line and we get on the first carrier. As we both get comfortable, we sit in silence as we slowly get to the top. Quickly glancing at Valentina I notice she has AirPods in her ears now, humming to her music, when she looks at me she smiles and hands me one to put in my ear.

I thank her and put it in my ear and recognise the song Beige by York Lore.

「 A/N — The song is above, listen to it while reading the rest of the chapter for good vibes. 」

We both sit in peaceful silence apart from the music playing in our ears, I lean my head on the back of the carrier and close my eyes taking it all in.

When I feel someone gently grab my hand and squeeze it. My eyes pop open and Valentina gestures to the view, looking at the night sky in awe. We both admire the night sky and the stars that are on full display, I feel her lay her head on my shoulder.

"You miss him don't you?" I ask, breaking the silence.

She sighs, "yes, we only just got together and he was taken from me."

"We'll get him back Val, I promise."

"I know we will but will he be the same person I fell in love with?" She whispers.

"I'm not sure but just know I'll be here for you, you don't even know me and you've been there for me. You made me feel like I'm a part of your family, something I've always wanted."

"Your dad is an asshole, you deserve better Xavier. Can you imagine if Viktor never asked me to kill you? We might not have met." She chuckles.

"I'm sure we would have somehow, the universe works in mysterious ways. I'm glad you tried to kill me, we wouldn't be sitting here right now." I laugh.

"That's true. Thank you for suggesting this, I've had fun." She murmurs.

"Anytime Val," I say, wrapping an arm around her.

As we reach the employee at the bottom he asks us if we want to get off, I glance down at Val as she still lays on my shoulder and looks back to the employee.

"One more time." He then nods.