His Ruin, His Salvation

UnspokenTies

Elena

" Can we have the bill please?" I asked the waitress as she cleared away our empty plates and milkshake glasses. Gabby and I decided to grab dinner at our local diner since they served the best pasta in all of Sicily. What better way to celebrate our graduation? The day turned out to be even better than I expected. The mystery man had shown up at my graduation, and to my surprise, he actually had the trinket I'd lost in his car. Even though I already knew that was the only place I could have lost it, as I hadn't found it at the supermarket that night, Gabby and I went back there. His presence was unexpected - I still couldn't wrap my head around how he had found me." You're done," Gabby asked as she stood up, slinging her bag over her shoulder.

" Yeah, let's go," I replied, following her out." So you found your little trinket?" She asked, glancing at my bag. " Yes, I told you I'd misplaced it somewhere," I said with an awkward smile, trying my best to sound natural. " That explains your good mood," she joked, giving me a teasing look. If only she knew. The cab she booked slowly appeared before she got in. Leaving me alone, I stared after it, watching it disappear in the distance. With a sigh, I started walking, clutching the takeaway I had promised my little brother.

My thoughts kept drifting back to the mystery man. Would I see him again, or had it all been a coincidence that he happened to know it was my graduation and miraculously showed up? I didn't think so. Coincidences like that didn't happen often. A wave of fear settled in my stomach as I remembered the night of the shooting incident in the supermarket's storage room. If I hadn't slipped into his car, those guys would have definitely found me, and I wouldn't be walking here tonight.

As I passed an alleyway, something - or rather someone - caught my eye. I quickened my pace, hoping they wouldn't notice me." Hey, beautiful," one of the guys called out to me. I moved faster, clutching my bag tightly, walking straight ahead and ignoring the whistles and calls. I noticed there were two guys now, not just one." Where you off to, beautiful?" the dark-skinned guy asked. I saw the scar running across his left eye, making him look even more menacing.

I took a step back, but the two guys I passed earlier moved forward, blocking my way. I was caught in the middle - two in front and two behind. My heart raced, and I could feel the panic rising in my chest, but I refused to let them see my fear." Do you mind if I pass?" I asked the guy in front, trying my best not to look at the one with the scar.

" Oh, yes I do," he replied, smirking, and the others burst into laughter. My breath hitched, and my stomach churned. Before I could react, they lunged forward, grabbing me. I fought with everything I had, but it was no use. Panic gripped me, and my heat pounded in my ears.I felt someone grab my sling bang, making the takeaway fall from my hands. They were so much stronger than I was, and no matter how much I struggled, I couldn't break free. One of them slid his hand inside my dress, and my body froze. Tears welled in my eyes. I was terrified - completely frozen.

Then I heard voices in the distance. One of the men left me and walked up to more guys. I heard a groan from my side. I didn't know who these guys were, but every part of me screamed to run. I was paralyzed. That's when I saw him. The mystery man, fast and swift, appeared before me. I turned my eyes away from the guy who had touched me, and my gaze met his." Look away," he commanded, his voice low. Then I heard one of the men scream in pain. I looked up just in time, efficiently taking them down. Within minutes, all of them were on the ground.

Footsteps approached, and I stood frozen in place." Elena," a voice called. I looked up into the most beautiful golden-brown eyes I'd ever seen. There he was again. " You," I whispered, and my knees buckled beneath me. His hand was around my waist, steadying me. I was in a daze, unable to process what had just happened. Slowly, he guided me to his car, which came to a stop right next to us. He led me inside, and even though I was wary of him, he had just saved me - again. I felt strangely safe with him.

I didn't realize when the car had come to a stop, but I heard him call my name, pulling me from my thoughts." Are you okay?" he asked gently." Are you hurt anywhere?" I heard him, but I just couldn't respond. The shock was still settling in. Then, he leaned in and wrapped his arms around me in a hug. I broke down, unable to hold back the tears. I cried so hard my body shook, but he held me tight, letting me cry it all out. I never imagined I'd be crying in the arms of a beautiful stranger, but somehow, his presence made it easier.

After what felt like an eternity, I finally calmed down. I felt his arms loosen around me, and I looked up into his face. His eyes were still locked on me, like he was trying to understand me. " Here," he said in a deep husky voice, holding out a handkerchief. I took it, feeling a little embarrassed." Thank you for saving me," I whispered. He gave a slight nod, his voice deep when he spoke." I'm Vittorio." He paused before asking," What were you doing there?"

I tried to speak, but the words wouldn't come. I was still shaken. He didn't push me for an answer. Instead, he just kept his eyes on me, waiting patiently." I'll take you home," he said after a moment, his tone soft. I nodded silently in response. The car was filled with silence as we drove. I kept my gaze out the window, but I could feel his eyes on me.

When the car came to a stop, I realized we were at the corner of my street. My house was only two doors away. " Thank you again," I said, turning to open the door. But just before I could step out, he spoke." Wait." I turned around to face him. "His dark eyes felt like they were searching right through me. "He handed me a card. My number, he said. "Call me if you need anything." I took the card, looking down at it.

I nodded, too overwhelmed to say anything else. I got out of the car, and the driver handed me my bag and takeaway. I nodded at him and walked straight without looking back. But as I reached my gate, I turned to see if the car was still there. It was watching me. When I glanced again, it was gone. If he hadn't appeared tonight... I shook my head, pushing the thought away. I looked at the card still clutched in my hand. He had saved me once again, and for that, I was so grateful.