Continuation of chapter 5.1

Veronica couldn't run away from the Veneziani cottage, because unlike Milano, she cooled down her emotions faster than he did and thought about the consequences of her actions. She had no right to hurt her baby. She didn't want to be the cause of the death of her child.

Veronica decided to look around. She sat down on a bench in Parkland, sighing and stroking her small tummy. She tried not to cry, but the pain enveloped her heart. Milano had lied to her and never told her all the truth about what had happened in the office. But he had promised her that he wouldn't cheat on her. Could Milano earn her forgiveness again? Veronica could not answer that question now; she was too depressed. She wanted to share her sorrow with her aunt, but at the same time, she didn't want to upset her. Veronica could never forgive herself if her aunt had a heart attack from her news. Veronica loved her very much.

The air smelled of a thunderstorm, the clouds were gathering over Rome, and the sky was plunged into darkness. Thunder rocked, and a strong wind blew, lifting Veronica's long dress up. It was as if nature was asking her to go back home immediately and not do anything stupid. Drops of rain began to fall on her face, erasing the sadness.

In the distance, someone was running along the road towards her, holding aloft a large umbrella. Soon she reached the bench, and Veronica saw that it was Gloria.

Gloria was breathing heavily; her heart was beating very fast. Thank God she had found Veronica and she wouldn't have to look for her through all the dark streets of Rome. 'Milano will be pleased.'

"My dear girl, let's go home. It has begun to rain." Gloria said, as usual having difficulty pronouncing some words in English. "I was very worried. Get up."

"Gloria, but—"

"Come on, Veronica. I can see that you and Milano are both stubborn and don't want to walk towards each other, but let him explain something." Gloria sat down next to Veronica on the bench, still holding the umbrella above their heads, looking at her with concern. "I don't know what the matter is, but I believe that Milano would never hurt you. For the sake of the baby, don't jump to conclusions."

Veronica couldn't tell Gloria that the issue was Milano's secretary—his ex-mistress. She was very unpleasant and uncomfortable to talk about it. She thought that it was only her and Milano's business. So, listening to Gloria, she decided to go back home with her. Veronica slowly rose from the bench, and then they heard the roaring laughter of some men. Gloria urged Veronica to hurry up, but they quickly surrounded them in a small circle.

Veronica suddenly felt the willies. She firmly grabbed Gloria's hand, while the woman incredulously looked at the group of five suspicious men. They said something to Gloria in Italian, and she squealed at them, asking the men to leave them alone. In reply to that, they only laughed and continued to mock her. One of the men—who was taller and more powerful than the rest—grabbed Veronica's hand, signing to his friends to drag Gloria away. Without hesitation, they did what their boss asked, while Gloria struggled desperately against their violence. She was ready to beat them all.

The eyes of the gang leader were burning like the eyes of a hyena while he examined Veronica from head to toe. It was obvious that he hadn't come there to ask her for the time. He had other intentions.

She thought she was done for, but out of nowhere, Milano appeared in front of their faces. His gaze was deadly; his nails dug into the skin of the gang leader, his fingers painfully squeezed his shoulder.

"Get lost!" Milano roared in Italian. "Otherwise, I will finish you and all your men. Let go of the women!"

"Go to hell, sucker!" The leader of the gang burst out laughing, taking out a knife from his pocket and twirling it in front of Milano's nose. "What I want is what I do. This babe here wants to have some fun, and we will show her a good time. But first, you can have a taste of my steel to your gut!"

Milano quickly swiped his elbow, knocking the knife out of his hand. He began to beat the leader harshly and ruthlessly, just like the senior boxing coach had taught him all his life. His kicks were so devastating that the man couldn't even stand up.

Pietro unexpectedly came out, attacked two of the men and wringed their hands behind their back. He pushed the bandits forward, and they stumbled, falling to the ground. The bodyguard pulled out a black Beretta from the leather holster that was on his waist, and aimed the weapon at both men. "The police are on their way."

When they heard him, the rest of the men were frightened and quickly ran away. The leader slashed Milano's arm with his knife before making a run for it as revenge for his loss. Pietro was sure they wouldn't get too far. The cops would be arriving soon.

"Signorina Veronica." Pietro asked Veronica, noticing her pale face. "Are you alright? Can I help you?"

"I will take care of her." A low, deep voice came from behind Pietro, and Veronica saw that her Demon was a little shabby from the fight. She wanted to run to him and hug him for saving her, but the picture where Milano moved towards a nude Susan again popped up before her eyes.

Sensing Veronica's tension, Milano frowned.

"Don't be obstinate, dear." He touched her elbow, but she jerked her hand away. Milano squeezed her wrist tightly so that Veronica would not be so capricious. That's when she noticed blood on Milano's hand. Milano pulled down the sleeve of his shirt, not wanting to worry his goddess.

"Milano! You have a deep cut. Show me!" Veronica insisted, but Milano shook it off. Without her permission, he lifted her in his arms and carried her to the house. Gloria and Pietro followed them, talking about the awful incident. Veronica said nothing and didn't show her anger. She was worried about Milano's wound. She gently hugged his neck, resting her head on his shoulder and lightly stroked his chest. Milano smiled at her change of heart. He entered with her into his house and carefully put her on her bed. Milano told Pietro that he doesn't need anything else and that he could go relax till the police came.

After some time, a police car pulled up in front of the Veneziani cottage. The cops asked a few questions to Veronica, Gloria and Pietro, and told Milano that they caught the gang. Gloria was pleased that the villains got what they deserved and told the police that they had done a good job. The cops were a little surprised by her eloquence, but did not continue the conversation. The elderly woman was on edge anyway, still reliving the moment when the bandits were ready to attack her and Veronica. She needed to rest.

After settling all the issues with the police, Milano soon got back to Veronica. He forgot all about himself, and thought only of his goddess, asking her if she was okay. Seeing Milano's shirt sleeve soaked in blood, Veronica wrinkled her small nose with displeasure.

"Milano, you are an idiot! Why have you still not bandaged the wound? Oh whatever! Get me a bandage and some alcohol." Veronica was angry because of his indifference. He totally ignored his own well-being.

"Yes, my queen." Milano chuckled and left the room. He returned with a first aid kit, and settled down beside her on the bed. Veronica bandaging his wound with a gauze and Milano didn't take his gaze off her. He inhaled the smell of her perfume; he was once again under the same intoxication which he had felt at their first meeting at the café in Rome. His head spun, with her thoughts running through his mind. It was like he was on a high.

"It's done." She looked at her work and was very proud of her first and successful wound dressing. "Now you can go to sleep."

"With you?" Milano teased her.

"Go to Susan if you want!" Veronica growled. "The tape showed me that quite clearly."

"Are you jealous?" Milano grinned. "That means you don't hate me."

"Fuck off!" Veronica pushed Milano, while he continued to laugh. "I'm still mad at you. You are a jerk!"

"I know, honey. I know. I lied to you. And for that, I apologize. It was only because I didn't want you to be worry." Milano gently kissed her neck, then her ear. When he slid his hands to her thighs, he said, "But at least you have to trust me and not Susan. I will prove to you that nothing happened."

"Prove it."

"I will. You'll see." Milano pecked on her lips, and she reluctantly let him have a moment of relaxation. She still couldn't forget what she had seen on that disk. And who could, in such a situation? Milano was certainly not a saint. But she wanted to be treated well; she wouldn't forgive betrayal. She had never experienced any happiness in her life, which her parents were supposed to give her. She wanted it, like any other girl; she was reaching for her favorite dream.

Gloria knocked on the door, and they let her in.

"Tea with Melissa." Gloria said, carefully carrying a tray with a kettle and two cups. She placed it on the bed. "It will calm you down, Veronica, and reduce spasms if you have any. The doctor recommended it."

"Gloria, you are an angel. We are so grateful to you." Milano thanked his nurse for her perseverance, composure, and for her timely help. After all, if she hadn't run after Veronica, who knows what, could have happened to his girl. She had really become their Guardian Angel; she became their support. The elderly woman had devised a lot of plans to make peace between Veronica and Milano, and to connect their hearts if suddenly one of her plans didn't work. But all her doubts were soon resolved when she came into their room and saw Milano taking care of Veronica. He kissed the top of her head from time to time, as she took small sips of the tea, and stroked her tiny shoulder.

Such softness from Milano was so unfamiliar to Gloria. She had known him ever since Lady Veneziani left her baby Milano in her care. Milano's mother rarely paid him any attention, owing to her very young age, and because of this, Milano grew up as a loner and a delinquent. He was a desperate hothead and used to always fight with his peers. He fought with them if they didn't share their toys with him and would also get offended if they didn't let him play in their games. He wanted to show to his mother that he was an adult, and wanted the same attention which she paid to his father. But unfortunately, his requests were not heeded and little Milano closed up his heart. He was becoming cruel and vindictive, but Nanny Gloria gave him all her motherly love.

She pampered him, but was also strict with him so that he wouldn't grow up to be selfish. She brought up in him the qualities of a real man. And Gloria felt assured, as she watched Veronica and Milano together. Milano's new girl, future wife, was now with him, instead of her. She would take care of him now, just as Gloria had for the past twenty-three years.

Now everything depended on Veronica's love. Would she be able to keep the demons away from Milano? Would she have enough energy to fight them, while she was so defenseless herself and also carrying his child in her womb? Veronica knew that Susan won't just leave Milano until she got what she desired.

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Author's Note: 2030 words

Copyright © OlgaGOA

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Hello, guys!

Are you surprised with that end? Was it a cliffhanger for you or not? ;) I hope it really was and you were really surprised that Veronica didn't behave at that time so passionately and not thinking about circumstances ;)

So I wait for your impression, sweets!

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Thank you for your endless support, my best readers! I really appreciate it xox

Don't forget to comment, vote for chapters, share my book with social nets and also don't forget to write about your first impressions after reading xo ♔

Hugs for you, my besties!♡♡♡

I think this sad and at the same rhythmic song really fit this chapter and for FATEFUL ITALIAN PASSION 2 OST ♪: Sam Smith - Stay With Me (Rainer and Grimm Remix)

Lyrics:

Guess it's true, I'm not good at a one-night stand
But I still need love 'cause I'm just a man
These nights never seem to go to plan
I don't want you to leave, will you hold my hand?

Oh, won't you stay with me?
'Cause you're all I need
This ain't love, it's clear to see
But, darling, stay with me

Why am I so emotional?
No, it's not a good look, gain some self-control
And deep down I know this never works
But you can lay with me so it doesn't hurt

[3x]
Oh, won't you stay with me?
'Cause you're all I need
This ain't love, it's clear to see
But, darling, stay with me