Chapter 8 Destination

• VITTORIO CASSINI’S POV
• The sweet eyes of the girl make me gaze and not wish to look at anything else but her direction. I try to be strong and not be impulsive in kissing her beautiful lips because I don't want to overstep my bounds even though I enjoy her company. I'm a danger to her. After a delightful dinner, I dropped Giulia off at her house, and her expression of discontent made me think she wanted more, but I restrained myself. Whenever I dropped her off at her home and opened the car door for her to exit, I liked to observe her shy face, which avoided eye contact with me multiple times. Also, When she headed towards her front door, I watched every step she took, the curves of that body that I knew she covered out of shyness but were well appreciated during tonight's dinner. When she closed the door and was safely inside, I returned to my house. That's it for today. I'll rest because being the mafia leader in the city is not an easy task, and tomorrow will surely be a busy day.
• When I arrive, I enter my house's garage and observe my subordinates guarding the premises. There are always guards loyal to my commands, ready to give their lives for me if necessary. I used to be a simple thug like them, the difference being that before, it was all about gunshots, blood, and often a lot of bruises, and now I was better protected and commanding them all. It's a burden, a tiresome responsibility that we get used to over time.
• I get out of the car and walk to the door. One of my employees approaches me respectfully and asks, "Do you need anything, boss?" he inquires as always.
• "No, guard the exterior area, and inform me of any unusual activity as usual," I reply without stopping my stride.
• "The ammunition is running low; we need more," he informs me.
• "In the morning, send one of the men to fetch more ammunition from the warehouse. I'll confirm the authorization."
• "Understood, boss!" he retreats.
• It was already late, and due to the hour, silence dominated the house. The lighting was low, but I walked quickly because I knew the place like the back of my hand. I reached my room, removed my clothes, and headed to the bathroom for a hot shower to relax after that exciting night.
• Before anything else, I pour myself a whiskey, walk to the large window in the room, and lose count of how many times I recall when Giulia saved me. When I first opened my eyes, even though it was difficult, I immediately found her eyes; it was like seeing an angel. She is shy and sweet, which is everything I need to balance a life that is entirely the opposite.
• I was under the shower, feeling warm water cascading over my body, and with my eyes closed, I recalled the moments I had with Giulia. I almost kissed her, yearning for it; my body craved hers. I wanted to touch her and feel the soft skin of the girl. Honestly, it wasn't the first time I had seen her; it wasn't the first time I had seen that innocent, delicate, and lovely face. I had the pleasure of seeing the girl's image long ago, and it was etched into my memory. As I stood there with my eyes closed, I began to remember the first time my eyes met the beautiful image of that girl years ago.
• *— "Come on, Vittorio, is that all you've got?" my friend taunted.
• *They were pedaling so fast that they were already meters ahead of me, but I didn't mind. I was perfect at it and could easily keep up with them with just a little effort. We had arranged a bike race, and if there was one sport I loved, it was cycling or any kind of race. From a very young age, I always arranged with my friends for late afternoon races. I was a simple gangster, subordinate to a mafia boss in the Milan region. I did the dirty work, even though my conscience didn't allow me to harm innocent people, and I was often criticized for it because I needed to have enough cold blood to be in that role. But it didn't bother me at all because if there was one thing I excelled at, it was dealing with this world. My main dream was to become a boss, Milan's mafia leader. It was still far off, but I was persistent and wouldn't give up easily.
• I accelerated and kept up with my two friends, who were well ahead of me. I sped up, passing them and taunting them. They got irritated and made an effort to keep up with me. I was extremely competitive and gave my all, no matter how trivial.
• "You're an idiot, Caccini!" one of them yelled angrily.
• I glanced at them, laughing as they fell behind. If it was a bike race, the goal was to be in front so I would do that. I didn't like losing in any aspect of my life.
• Minutes passed as we pedaled and competed. As we rode down a quiet street, I heard a sound that immediately caught my attention—a sweet, soothing melody.
• "That's new," I thought about the sound spreading in the air.
• I slowed down my bike, trying to pinpoint where the sound was coming from. I noticed it was coming from one of the houses on that street, so I left my bike on the well-kept lawn in front of the place and strolled to a huge open window. As I got closer, the sound grew louder and more hypnotic. A gray-haired man walked through the room, crossing it carelessly without noticing me.
• I looked through the corner of the window, trying to figure out what it was. Then I saw the beautiful image of a girl. Her skin was pale, long dark hair on her face, and she had packed pink lips, adding to her beauty with those clear eyes. I stood still, with my eyes fixed on her, as she was focused entirely on the piano. Her fingers glided over the keys, forming the perfect melody. Sometimes, she closed her eyes and seemed to travel with the sound. The same man I had seen earlier stopped by the piano and seemed to be carefully observing the girl.
• "Very good, very good... try to be lighter and play delicately on each key," he advised.
• "Alright, teacher," the girl replied velvety.
• I was lost in thought, watching that girl, when I heard shouts behind me, pulling me out of my trance. I wasn't very pleased with that.
• "You're falling behind again, idiot!"
• My friends overtook me, and I took one last look at the beautiful pianist, then walked away to get my bike. I looked at the front of the house and saw a sign indicating that it was the home of a piano teacher. I diverted my gaze and left, following my friends again.
• As we returned to our neighborhood, they were far ahead, and I wasn't in a hurry. My thoughts were focused on that house. The girl and her music enchanted me. I considered the possibility of getting to know her for a moment, but then rational thought returned. It wouldn't be viable because she had her own life and didn't fit into mine unless I wanted to put her in danger constantly.
• "Come on, are you giving up now?" one of my friends teased.
• "I can pass you in seconds," I threatened.
• "Prove it, Cassini!" he shouted, pedaling faster.
• *I looked at them before me and tried to return to reality, pedaling even faster to keep up with them.—
• I opened my eyes and concluded my memory; every detail of that day was still vivid in my memory, just like the day she saved me.
• Watching her play years ago, I fell in love with the piano, to the point of buying one that cost a fortune, which now sat in my living room and had never been touched by anyone. As for the girl I didn't even know the name of back then, I kept her only in my thoughts. I was aware that she had her own life, which was much better than mine. Fate seemed to have taken care of that, making it her who found me in those conditions, saving me.
• I finished my shower, threw my head back, now feeling relaxed enough, and left the bathroom. I put on my comfortable clothes, expecting to sleep well that night. Many tasks awaited me the next day; my days were never peaceful, and there was always a dilemma to be resolved. Such is the life of a mafioso.