3- Punches and adrenaline
GIULLIA SANTORI’S POV
My hands were in the pockets of my gray hoodie, and I strolled leisurely along the sidewalk. I planned to buy a new book at the newsstand near my house. I habitually picked up something whenever I passed by—magazines, books, etc.
Arriving at the stand, I chose a book that caught my attention and started back home without any rush, taking slow steps. That's when I noticed someone walking behind me. I got startled, turned to look, and saw a man with ill intentions. I quickened my pace, but he did the same. Panic started to creep in.
"Hey there, babe. Can I accompany you?" His demeanor was repulsive and lewd.
"Leave me alone!" I replied with conviction.
I sped up even more, trying to distance myself from him, but it was futile—he kept pace. Unexpectedly, he touched my hair, and I recoiled in disgust at his touch.
"STOP!" I shouted.
At that moment, I heard the screech of brakes, a loud noise. Everything happened so quickly. I saw Vittorio hurriedly getting out of the car. His face wore a fierce, angry expression as he approached the man harassing me.
"Are you insane, damn it? Didn't you hear her tell you to stop?" he yelled loudly.
He punched the man squarely in the face, and blood splattered to the side immediately. I was shocked by the violence and took a few steps backward. Vittorio continued to assault him, relentlessly kicking his ribs, consumed by rage. The harasser lay on the ground while Vittorio kept cursing him uncontrollably.
"Bastard, you'll never do this again in your life. I'll kill you, do you hear me?" he continued.
The man's body was covered in blood, and I stared at him in panic. The Vittorio I saw in the car a few days ago wasn't the same as the one I witnessed now. He appeared like a raging beast devoid of any humanity. My heart raced; his eyes seemed to be smoking, sparking.
"Stop, please...stop!" I pleaded.
He wiped the blood off his face with his hands, trying to regain his composure, while the man groaned in pain on the ground. I still couldn't believe it, shocked by his reaction. Yes... he could have killed that man right then and there, my God!
Vittorio looked at me, and I didn't recognize him. He wasn't the same man who had kindly driven me home. This person I was getting to know now was violent and capable of killing with his own hands. He looked at me, realizing my astonishment, and took a deep breath, trying to regain his sanity while the man continued to moan in pain on the ground.
"Get in the car, Giulia," he ordered.
After everything that had transpired, I couldn't object. Somehow, I felt that he wouldn't harm me. After all, he had done all this to protect me, even if it was monstrous.
I got into the car in a hurry. He gave one last look at the man on the ground, spitting next to him. Rolling up the sleeves of his dark dress shirt, he returned to the car. Upon entering, he slammed the door shut forcefully. Some people approached, curious about what had happened.
He sits down and starts the engine, making the tires screech on the asphalt. I look at him; he's breathing heavily, his eyes fixed ahead, and he's gripping the steering wheel tightly.
"Why did you do that? You nearly killed him!" I ask for an explanation.
"That's what I do," he replies curtly.
"And what do you do?" I demand an explanation.
I wanted to know; I tried to understand all of that. First, I met him being chased and beaten. Then I had to walk around with guards even at the university, even in my own classroom, and now this unfortunate episode. I need to understand what I'm getting myself into in this story. I have the right to know, and he's not clarifying it. I want to know who he truly is.
"Do you want to know?" He asks more calmly.
"I do!" I respond confidently.
"Then I'll be here at ten tonight; I'll take you somewhere," he informs.
Staring at me intensely, he slams on the brakes abruptly. I realize I'm already in front of my house. I get out, looking at him lingeringly, observing those intense eyes. I'm curious to find out what awaits me at the appointed time. I step out of the car and hurry towards my house.
Before ten o'clock, I took a leisurely shower. This time, I chose a black dress that wasn't too tight and aligned with my style—nothing too flashy. On my feet, I wore casual black sneakers. For my face, I opted for light makeup, nothing excessive. I didn't know where we were going, but I didn't want to risk going out with the same plain look I wore to university every day.
Vittorio was waiting for me in front of my house at the appointed time. Through the window, I saw that two more cars were accompanying him beside him. I left the house, seeing him get out and open the door for me. This gesture enchanted me.
Once we were settled in the car, with him sitting next to me, he leaned over and looked at me, though I noticed he was a bit apprehensive.
"Ready?" he asks.
"Without a doubt," I affirm at once.
He starts the car and heads towards a place I do no know. Now and then, I glance at him. He looks handsome in all-black attire; without a doubt, black makes him stand out even more, and it seems to be his preferred choice.
I realize we're heading towards an unfamiliar place for me, a direction I've never taken in Milan. We arrive at an open area with moderate lighting, abandoned cars, drums, and a mysterious atmosphere pervading the surroundings. Vittorio parks the vehicle in a specific spot; the other cars are parked right behind us, and many men who seem to work for him exit those cars.
I look away to the opposite side, and more men gather around, but the atmosphere between the two groups could be more friendly. They glare at each other, speaking words that are difficult to understand. To make things even more surprising, I spot the men attacking Vittorio the night I met him—I recognize them immediately, making me even more apprehensive. I realize they are rival gangs, and tonight seems to be some sort of duel between them. I'm highly attentive to the unfolding events, watching as they approach. However, before anything can happen, Vittorio comes to the car, handing me his phone and headphones.
"If you feel scared about what you're about to witness here, I ask that you put these on and don't be stubborn," he emphasizes.
I look at the items in my hands and follow his instructions, immediately putting on the headphones and getting them ready.
I'm about to watch a live and colorful action movie. But this way, it's much more captivating—the adrenaline from this situation is incredible. I never imagined I'd be participating in something like this. I tap the screen, starting the music he selected, and the perfect melody of Beethoven fills my ears—he knows how much I love the piano.
Amid the escalating argument, a violent fight erupts. Vittorio is prepared to face the situation this time, throwing punches and easily dodging his rivals. The music in my ears prevents me from feeling fear, and instead, I find myself cheering for my favorite villain to emerge victorious in this story. For a brief moment, he looks in my direction. My eyes follow every detail; I see a beautiful smile on his lips, demonstrating his complete control of the situation. He skillfully evades his opponent and then lands a solid punch on the man trying to attack him, blood splattering and the man falling to the ground, motionless.
"Wow..." I whisper, astonished.
I don't feel fear; I feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins. A shiver of excitement runs down my spine as I see Vittorio and his gang emerging victorious from this confrontation.