The Don's Trust

Chapter 35

Five years later

Valentina came home from working a night shift. The dark sky slowly faded into a bright one. Her shift was as stressful and hectic as any other day. After all, she was a paramedic. This hectic life had become her new normal. The young lady found her job to be demanding but also highly rewarding.

Over the last few years, Valentina and Vito kept in touch whenever possible. Valentina waited in anticipation for the day of Vito's release. Five more days. Her patience had been wearing thin, she wanted to see him again. Soon, her aching heart would heal up again.

She turned the engine of the car off and undid her tight bun. She ran her fingers through her hair and leaned back. Exhausted, she closed her eyes but not for too long. There had been times, where she had fallen asleep in the car. If she hadn't already woken up by herself, it was either Luke or Kevin who woke her up by knocking on the glass window.

Valentina took a deep inhale and got a whiff of herself. Although she changed into other clothes, the smell of blood still lingered around her. It was nothing out of the ordinary. Even on her days off, she could still imagine having that scent around her. It took a while before Valentina got used to it.

I need to take a shower.

After getting out of the vehicle and greeting the guard, Xander, she walked up to the front door. Xander had been a guarding the gates for past years. Valentina never got as close to him as she did with Luke and Kevin. The man preferred solitude over the company of others.

Valentina reached for the house key in her pocket and continued to unlock the door. She twisted the key but nothing happened, the door was already open. A troubled expression formed on her face as she was certain she locked the door before leaving for work. Valentina began to doubt herself.

I did lock it, right? I'm sure I did. Maybe not? Did I forget? But I never forget. Who else could've opened it? Thieves? Valentina shook her head. No, Xander didn't mention anything of the sort. Did Luke open it? He does have a key, but there's no reason for him to do this. I'll just ask him directly.

She whipped out her cell phone and dialled Luke.

What if I'm interrupting his sleep?

''Yes, Miss Armani, is something wrong?''

Oh, he already picked up.

''Did I wake you up?''

''Not at all. I'm always early up to go for a run or a walk.''

''Oh, okay. I just wanted to ask if you were the one who left the door of the house open.''

''No, it wasn't me. It's probably open because- or you know what, maybe you should go inside and see for yourself.'' He smiled.

''I don't like this, Luke. What are you talking about?''

He laughed softly, ''I'm pretty sure it's the Boss.''

The Boss Luke spoke of wasn't Damian. Vito had returned. Valentina had a lump in her throat and held her hand over her mouth. She took a step back and had a look of disbelief while looking at the door.

''Really?'' Her voice came barely above a whisper.

''Yes.''

Valentina ended the call and had to tilt her head to stop tears from falling. The action went in vain, salty waterdrops ran down her cheeks. The tears were quickly wiped away. Trying to control her emotions was a lost cause. She opened the door and stepped inside. Valentina didn't bother taking her jacket off before setting foot in the living room.

The lights were dimmed and Vito was partially covered in shadows. He sat in one of the armchairs and his eyes rested on the silver gun that laid on the table. Vito reached for the gun when he heard someone come in but dropped his arm at the sight of the woman he loved.

Valentina's face lit up, ''It's really you.''

She took a good look at Vito. Every piece of clothing that clung onto him was black. Dark circles under his eyes and messy hair. Despite looking beat up, Valentina didn't miss the hint of contentment falling over his face. There was something ominous about it.

Once again, teardrops covered her cheeks. She couldn't believe her eyes and felt like she had to pinch herself before getting her hopes up. For five long years, Valentina was the only one filling up space in the house. She wanted to be rid of the loneliness eating at her from the inside.

Vito got up from the leather chair and proceeded to make his way over to her. Valentina rushed toward him and wrapped her arms around his neck. She allowed herself to breathe again. The warmth radiating off his body was something she couldn't get enough of. To finally hold him in her arms again made her feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. She couldn't stop herself from smiling.

Vito rested his hands on Valentina's waist. He tightened his grip on her as if she would slip away if he didn't. The tension inside his body vanished in thin air the second Valentina embraced him. He could feel her tears dropping onto his skin and listened quietly to her soft hiccups. All of a sudden, Vito sensed her become motionless.

''Valentina?''

The smile disappeared from her face and got replaced with a frown. There was a metallic scent in the air she knew all too well. At first, Valentina was under the impression that the smell she inhaled came from her. Vito's damp dress shirt made her think otherwise. In an instant, she got knocked down from cloud nine.

She leaned back and moved her hands from Vito's neck to his middle. Her heart sank to the bottom of the ocean when she saw a red colour painted on her palms. A dreadful colour she didn't want to see.

''You're bleeding,'' Her voice low and faltering.