Vito's possession

The Possessive Rule

The next morning, Lina woke up tired.

She had barely slept. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw those black cars outside her shop.

And she kept thinking about Vito. That part she hated most.

He was scary. Everyone in the city knew that.

But when he picked up the little screw from the floor yesterday, his hand was gentle. And when he told her to be careful, his voice sounded almost worried.

Lina sat on her bed and rubbed her eyes.

This is stupid, she whispered.

She got ready and walked to her shop. She opened it at eight in the morning.

The street was already busy. People with bags. Cars moving slowly. A man shouting across the road.

Lina tried to ignore everything and work.

For one hour, things were normal. A woman brought a broken handbag. An old man brought shoes with a bad strap. Lina smiled and fixed them.

But every few minutes, she looked outside.

The two men were still there. Across the street. Watching.

Great, she muttered.

She knew they were Vito's men. They were not even hiding.

At ten, a black car passed. Lina's heart jumped. She thought it was Vito. It was not.

Why am I looking for him? she whispered to herself.

Then a loud car horn made her jump. The customer in front of her laughed.

Sorry, did I scare you?

Lina forced a smile. No, I'm okay.

But she was not okay.

Across the city, Vito sat in a meeting with Don Rocco.

The room was dark. Big table in the middle. Men in expensive suits all around.

Don Rocco sat at the head. Old man, gray hair, hard face.

You've been distracted, Don Rocco said, looking at Vito.

Vito said nothing.

The money from the market is still missing.

I'm working on it.

You have been working on it for three days.

I will find the person.

You better.

The room became quiet.

One man looked down at his phone. Vito saw it. He noticed everything.

Who is that? Vito asked.

The man quickly hid his phone. No one.

Vito stared at him. The man started sweating.

Don Rocco smiled. Leave it.

Vito looked back at Don Rocco.

I heard you have been visiting a little shop near the market, Don Rocco said.

Vito's face stayed calm. Who told you?

That doesn't matter.

It matters to me.

Don Rocco laughed. You are my right hand, Vito. I need you focused.

I am focused.

Then stop playing with the little shoemaker.

Vito's jaw tightened. She has nothing to do with this.

Don Rocco raised an eyebrow. Interesting. Now I am even more interested.

Vito stood up. I have work to do.

Don Rocco waved his hand. Go.

Vito walked out. As soon as he reached the hallway, he called Marco.

Where is she?

The shop, Marco said. He knew who Vito meant.

Anyone around?

Two of our men.

Good. Vito ended the call. He looked at the time. 11:15.

He had no reason to go there. At least that's what he told himself.

Five minutes later, he was in his car.

Lina was fixing a black leather bag when the bell above the door rang.

She looked up. Her heart stopped.

Vito walked in. Black shirt today, sleeves rolled up. No tie. No jacket. He looked more dangerous without the suit.

What are you doing here? she asked.

Checking on you.

I'm working.

I can see that.

Then why are you here?

He looked at her. Because I wanted to see you.

Lina froze.

Vito seemed to realize what he said and his face became serious again. I mean, I wanted to make sure everything was fine.

Everything is fine.

No.

What do you mean, no?

You keep looking outside.

You have two men outside my shop. Of course I'm looking.

They are there to protect you.

I don't need protection.

Yes, you do.

You don't even know me.

I know enough.

Vito stepped closer. Lina stepped back. He noticed and stopped.

For a moment, no one talked.

Then Lina crossed her arms. Why are you doing this?

I told you. This street is not safe.

You keep saying that.

Because you keep ignoring me.

Maybe because you're not my boss.

Vito's eyes became darker. No.

Then stop acting like one.

He looked at her for a long time. You want me to leave?

Yes.

He nodded. Fine.

He turned and walked to the door. Lina watched him. For some reason she felt disappointed.

Then he stopped and looked back.

But I'm still leaving the men outside.

Lina groaned. You are impossible.

I know.

He walked out.

Later that afternoon, Lina went to the market to buy food.

She was carrying two bags when she saw three men near the corner. They were watching her.

Lina slowed down. One of them smiled at her.

She looked away and walked faster.

The men followed.

Her hands became cold. She turned into a smaller street. Her heart started beating hard. She looked behind. They were still there.

She reached for her phone.

Before she could call, a black car stopped beside her. The back door opened.

Vito stepped out.

His face changed when he saw the three men.

Go home, he told Lina.

What?

Go home.

I can handle,

Lina.

His voice was low. Worried.

She moved behind him.

The three men stopped.

Vito walked toward them. Do you have a problem?

One man shook his head. No.

Then leave.

They looked at each other. Vito took one more step. They left.

Lina let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.

Vito turned to her. Are you hurt?

No.

Did they touch you?

No.

Are you sure?

Yes.

His shoulders relaxed a little.

You were worried, she said.

Vito looked away. I was doing my job.

Your job? Protecting me?

Yes.

Lina smiled a little. You really don't know how to say you care, do you?

Vito looked at her. His eyes softened. No.

She looked down at her bags. Thank you.

Vito took one bag from her hand.

I'll take this.

I can carry it.

I know. But I'm taking it anyway.

You're very annoying.

I've been told.

That evening, Lina came back to her shop. She found a small box on the counter.

Inside was a new lock. And a small note.

For the front door.

No name. She knew who it was from.

She smiled.

Then she heard footsteps outside. She looked through the window. Vito was standing across the street, watching her.

Lina opened the door. You could have just given it to me.

You needed it.

You could have asked.

I knew you'd say no.

You are probably right.

He looked at her. Lina.

Yes?

Stay close to me.

Why?

Because people are watching you.

Her smile went away. Who?

I don't know yet.

Then tell me when you find out.

I will. And stop making decisions for me.

Vito was quiet. Then he nodded. I'll try.

Try? That is the best you can promise?

Yes.

Okay.

Vito turned to leave. Then Lina called him.

Vito.

He stopped.

Good night, she said.

He looked back. Good night, Lina.

She closed the door and touched the new lock.

That night, Vito sat alone in his office. City lights shining through the window.

Marco walked in. We found something.

What?

The men from the market. Who sent them.

Marco put a file on the desk.

Salvatore.

Vito opened it. His eyes became cold.

Salvatore was one of the most dangerous men in the city. And now he was watching Lina.

Vito closed the file. No one touches her.

Marco nodded. Understood.

Vito looked out the window. Somewhere in those streets was Lina.

He picked up his phone and typed:

Stay inside tonight.

A few seconds later, her reply came:

You can't tell me what to do.

For the first time that night, Vito smiled. Then he typed back:

I know.

He put the phone down. But deep inside he already knew one thing. He was going to protect her. Even if she hated him for it.