Chapter 2 The Encounter At The Sanctuary

• "By Matteo Villani"
• Before my disbelieving eyes, the creaking door announced someone's entrance into the sacred sanctuary. Giovanna Carcione, the golden girl of Sovranità , daughter of one of my family's greatest enemies.
• I knew she had recently returned to her parents' house, but I never imagined our encounter would happen so quickly. I can't help but wonder why she is here, but that is the least of my concerns at the moment. It is my turn to repay what they did to my family.
• She stood still, panting and apprehensive, watching me as if facing the devil himself. And I can't blame her for that perception. She should have known the boundaries not to cross, but since her father didn't bother to teach her, I won't allow it to go unpunished. After all, rules are rules.
• "Let's go!" I say impatiently, the impatience echoing in my voice, still holding her by the arm.
• I open the church doors and lead her outside, controlling the urge to throw her down the stairs. I have all the time in the world to plan a punishment worthy of her audacity.
• I see my car parked on the street, occupied by two of my soldiers waiting for my orders. I force Giovanna into the vehicle.
• "I swear, if it weren't an urgent matter, I would have already resolved this with a bullet to your heads!" I shout, as one of them jumps to open the door. "Where were you to not notice her entrance?"
• "Sorry, Don Matteo. We thought you might want privacy..."
• "Privacy? That will be discussed later!" I growl. I tighten my grip on Giovanna's arm, causing her to let out a muffled groan. "Get in the car!"
• "No! Please..." She pleads with a trembling voice. "I just want to go home!"
• "Don't test my damn patience!" I threaten, pressing the barrel of the gun against her neck. "Get in, or I'll end you right here!"
• She sighs and stares at me in silence before lowering her eyes. Her frightened gaze doesn't move me, as I know this kind of pretense well. I roll my eyes and push her into the car, getting in right after.
• "Where should we go, Don Matteo?" The driver asks, looking through the rearview mirror.
• "To the basement," I reply, glancing at the woman beside me, huddled in the seat, completely consumed by panic. I smile maliciously, almost able to smell the fear that awakens my inner executioner.
• Even with disheveled brown hair, smudged makeup, and green eyes displaying a mix of shadows and desperation, it would be foolish not to notice her beauty.
• The princess of Sovranità is the kind of woman who attracts any man's attention. However, besides it not being in my nature to force someone into bed with me, today I am not willing to think with the head below.
• "We're going to have a lot of fun," I murmur, sliding my hand over her knee. I feel her muscles tense, so I lightly drag my fingers upwards. "I promise to take very good care of you... Or maybe not."
• "Please..." she begins to say, but her voice weakens and the hand that was trying to hold mine moments ago loosens.
• "What the hell!" I exclaim, seeing her unconscious. However, as I slap her face twice in an attempt to wake her up, I notice a small cut on her lip and a bruise on her neck. "What the hell are you doing here and why are you like this?" I mutter, applying another slap.
• I punch the seat cushion and huff in frustration. I should take her and punish her for invading my territory, and she would be lucky to leave here alive. I mentally curse myself before finally giving up.
• "Is everything okay, Don?" one of my soldiers asks when I instruct the car to stop.
• "She fainted. The little princess is not as strong as I thought. Call the others; I can't believe I'm going to say this but, I'll have to return her."
• Few minutes later, three cars with some soldiers in them joined us and we headed towards Palermo. During the journey, with no idea of what awaits me, I feel obligated to contact those who collaborate with both sides, to explain in advance what happened.
• Paolo, one of my associates, offered to intervene, but despite the risks, I insisted on making the delivery personally. Perhaps showing a certain altruism in the situation could, in a way, be beneficial for business.
• After a bloodbath between the mafias a few years ago, an agreement was established to maintain a truce: We do not interfere in their business, and they do the same with us. The same applies to the territories we dominate. However, it seems that the little princess has forgotten about this agreement.
• The rays of sunlight crossed the clouds as we entered Sovrà nità territory. I look to the side and see that Giovanna has finally woken up, staring at the landscape outside. She sighs, probably realizing where we are, and immediately looks at me.
• "We're in Palermo..." Giovanna whispers, with a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Do you regret it?"
• "I am not part of the group that regrets, ragazzina. Luck just smiled at you today."
• As we enter the lands of the Carcione family, we are greeted by a true army. Among the armed men, Don Philippo emerges, surrounded by soldiers, approaching slowly as I leave the car.
• "I hope you have a reason that justifies the risk of life, Don Matteo," he says, with an ironic smile forming a few steps away from me. "It would be a shame to die without enjoying your new position, all because of your audacity to be here."
• "Ah, Don Philippo... I only came to return the visit. I personally brought something of great value to you, and this is how I am received?" I reply, in the same ironic tone. I raise my finger, indicating to one of my soldiers to remove Giovanna from the car.
• Don Philippo watched the movement behind me attentively, while I keep my gaze focused on him. Upon seeing his daughter, who walks with her head down wearing my suit on her shoulders, his sarcastic smile quickly fades, giving way to a look of apprehension and threat simultaneously.
• I made a gesture to stop Giovanna from walking, holding her arm and bringing her to my side. It doesn't take long for me to hear the click of guns being cocked and see the barrels pointed in my direction. My men react in the same way.
• "But this is unacceptable..." he interrupted his words, aiming his gun at me. "What is my daughter doing with you?"
• "I found this helpless little mouse wandering where it shouldn't be, Don Philippo. I confess I was as surprised as you are now. This young lady was lucky, as I'm sure she understands the consequences of invading enemy territory."
• Despite the guns pointed at me, I advanced towards him, still holding Giovanna by the arm. When I finally let her go, still with her head down, her delicate arms quickly wrap around the man's waist, who hugs her upon hearing her restrained sobs.
• "What happened, Giovanna?" He asks, his eyes fixed on me. "What did this man do to you?"
• "Nothing, daddy," she replies, her voice trembling. "He didn't hurt me, just brought me here. Please, I just want to go back home!"
• "Alessio," the Don commands, pointing to one of his men, "take her to the car! And you, Don Matteo," he says, as Giovanna moves away from us, "do you expect me to believe that?"
• "You heard what she said. What kind of madman would I be if I hurt her and brought her here personally?" I inquired, ironically. "I have no interest in starting another unnecessary bloodbath, Don Philippo. But next time, patience will have its limits."
• "You are audacious, ragazzo! You should behave, after all, you are far from home!"
• "I am here in peace, Don. But if you continue with threats, I will have to respond in kind, and I suspect none of us wants to stain this ground with red." I challenged, keeping my gaze steady. "Now that the package has been delivered, can I go? Or would you like to serve me a coffee while we continue our conversation?"
• "You may go, Don Matteo," the man said, maintaining a stern posture but signaling for his men to lower their weapons. I do the same. "But we will have a conversation with my daughter. And if I find out you touched her, death will be a merciful fate for you!"
• "Talk to her, Don Philippo. And if she accuses me, I will be eagerly waiting." I replied, taking a few steps back, never turning my back on my enemy. "Have a great day, gentlemen!"