Sophia’s face softened as she gazed into Vito’s eyes, “Then why did you install the camera, Vito? Do you think I’m cheating on you?”
Vito’s hands fell to his sides, “No, of course not.
“Sophia,” he began, “Dino made me do it. He doesn’t know you like I do. He was afraid you might be working for someone else.”
Sophia’s face hardened, “Dino made you do it? Do you let him make all your decisions for you?”
Vito winced, “No, of course not. But you have to understand, Sophia. This is business.
Sophia straightened her back, “You’re right, Vito”
“This is business,” she repeated, her voice icy. “And in business, trust is everything. But how can I trust someone who doesn’t trust me?” She stood up from her chair, her face resolute. “I think you should remove the camera, Vito. Today.”
Vito swallowed hard, his expression grave. “You’re right, Sophia. I’ll remove it.” He walked back around the table, picking up his plate and heading to the sink. “I’ll do it now”
After Vito had removed the camera, he returned to the bedroom where Sophia was sitting on the edge of the bed. She glanced up at him, her expression unreadable. “Thank you, Vito,” she said, her voice still cool. “I appreciate it.”
Vito sat down on the bed next to Sophia, his hands fidgeting with his tie. “Sophia,” he began, “I didn’t mean to hurt you. You have to believe me.”
Sophia sighed, “I want to believe you, Vito. But I’m not sure I can trust you anymore.”
Vito reached for her hand, his eyes filled with desperation. “Sophia, please. Give me a chance to prove myself.”
Sophia hesitated for a moment, then relented, allowing Vito to hold her hand. “Alright, Vito. But if you hurt me again, I won’t be as forgiving.”
Vito nodded, relief flooding through him. “Thank you, Sophia.
Sophia released Vito’s hand, the tension in the room was palpable. “I need some time, Vito. To think things through.” She stood up from the bed, walking over to the window and gazing out at the night sky. “Maybe a walk will help clear my head.”
Vito nodded, “Of course, Sophia. Take as much time as you need. I’ll be here when you get back.”
Sophia nodded in acknowledgement, then slipped out of the room, leaving Vito alone with his thoughts.
Sophia strolled through the cool night air, her phone glowing in her hand. She quickly typed out a message to Leo, outlining the details of the camera installation and her success in convincing Vito to remove it.
“He’s none the wiser,” she typed, a smile playing on her lips. “But that’s not all.” She described overhearing Dino and Vito’s conversation about an upcoming Mafia hit, her brow furrowed in concern.
“Be careful, Leo. We don’t know who they’re targeting.
Sophia finished the text with one final instruction: “Delete this message after you read it.” She hit send and watched as the text disappeared into the ether. With a quick breath, she deleted her own copy of the message, then slipped her phone back into her pocket.
Returning to the house, Sophia found Vito waiting for her, his expression still haunted by worry. She slipped her arms around him, pressing a kiss to his lips. “Don’t worry, Vito. I’m not going anywhere.”
Vito returned her kiss, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. “You’re sure, Sophia?” he asked, his voice hushed.
“I’m sure, Vito,” she replied, her eyes soft with reassurance. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Vito nodded, leading her to the bedroom. “Good,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “Because I need you, Sophia.”
Sophia settled into bed next to Vito, her mind racing with the events of the day. As he pulled her close, she gently disentangled herself, rolling onto her side to face away from him.
Vito sighed, his arm falling limp at his side. “Sophia,” he murmured, his voice tinged with frustration.
“I’m just tired, Vito,” Sophia replied, her eyes closed against the dark. “I need some rest.
Vito shifted, adjusting the pillows behind him as he stared at Sophia’s back. “Are you sure that’s all it is?” he asked, his voice low.
Sophia’s fingers gripped the sheets tightly, her breath steady and controlled. “Yes, Vito. I’m sure. I just need to sleep.”
Vito nodded, his expression unreadable in the darkness. “Alright, Sophia. Goodnight.” He rolled onto his side, turning his back to Sophia as he drifted off to sleep.
Sophia lay awake, her eyes open but unseeing. She could feel the weight of Vito’s gaze on her back, but she refused to give in to the urge to face him. In the silence of the room, she struggled to contain her thoughts, her mind buzzing with possibilities.
The following morning, Sophia awoke to the sound of raised voices coming from the hallway. She could hear Dino’s angry tone, his words booming with fury.
“What the hell were you thinking, Vito?” Dino demanded, his voice hard and sharp. “I installed that camera for a reason.”
“I know, Dino,” Vito replied, his voice a measured contrast to Dino’s rage. “But I didn’t want to risk upsetting Sophia.”
“Upsetting Sophia?” Dino scoffed.
“Yeah, Dino. Upsetting Sophia,” Vito retorted, his voice rising in defiance. “If she finds out we’re spying on her, she’ll bolt. And then what? We’re back to square one.”
Dino exhaled sharply, his lips thinning into a tight line. “Fine,” he spat, his words laced with venom. “You’ve made your bed, Vito. But if she betrays us, you’re the one who’ll pay the price.”
Vito’s eyes narrowed, his gaze hardening as he stared down Dino. “Sophia isn’t going to betray us,” he growled, his jaw clenched with determination. “I’ve got her wrapped around my finger.”
Dino let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head in disbelief. “You’re blinded by love, Vito. And it’s going to be your downfall.”
Vito’s temper flared, his fists clenching at his sides.
“Don’t push me, Dino,” Vito seethed, his nostrils flaring with rage. “I’m the boss around here. Don’t forget that.”
Dino’s lips twisted into a sneer, his eyes blazing with hatred. “You’re only the boss because of your daddy’s name. But don’t worry, Vito. I’ll be here to clean up your mess when Sophia stabs you in the back.”
Vito let out a feral growl, his rage reaching a boiling point. “You wanna test me, Dino?” he snapped, his muscles coiled tight like a rattlesnake ready to strike. “You wanna see how much I can take?”
Dino took a step forward, his face twisted with contempt. “You’re not the man your father was, Vito,” he spat, his words dripping with venom. “You’re weak. And Sophia knows it.”
Vito saw red, his control slipping like sand through his fingers. With a roar, he lunged at Dino, his fist connecting with Dino’s jaw with a sickening crunch.
Dino staggered backward, spitting blood as he staggered to his feet. “You’re going to regret that, Vito,” he hissed, his hand wrapped around the handle of the gun tucked into the back of his pants.
Vito’s eyes went wide, his own hand darting to his own weapon.