Surrender or Skullduggery?

At Valentino Residence

10:00 a.m.

"He will again take me back, V"

Rosaline whimpered in Vincent's embrace. Vincent sighed and patted her head gently.

After giving the deadly warning, Xavier immediately left the scene leaving Rosaline in dread. She knew that he for sure will come back and take her away with him. No matter how much she tries to act tough with Xavier but she knew him very well. After all he was her husband and the guy whom she had loved with all her heart.

The guy who was crazy for her....

"Don't worry he won't be able to do anything. I won't let him take you away from me"

Vincent gently cooed in her ears while she bawled her eyes out.

"I-I am s-scared V"

Rosaline tightened her grip around his muscular back making Vincent worried for the poor thing. Although he was trying his best to calm her down but deep down, he himself was boiling with anger.

Vincent was well aware that Xavier will definitely use one of his devious tricks as these types of games were his bailiwick. Being his ex-best friend, he knew him very well. Xavier was not only crazy but can also cross all the limits for the ones he loves. And Rosaline was not only his wife but the love of his life. He had already killed many people in the past and now can he can become more brutal just to get her back. Vincent has seen the fire of madness and revenge in his obsidian orbs which is for sure a deadly combo. He will get her back either by hook or crook.

Moreover, Xavier was a genius when it comes to his mafia business. When he was the leader of the Black Swan then also, he was famous for fabricating one of the most exquisite but perilous plans. Although Vincent used his best brain skills to capture him but he had never thought that Xavier would escape from his claws so easily.

No one can understand or decipher what is going on in Xavier's wicked mind. He was capable of turning a person's victory party into a mourning within a blink of an eye.

And that's what happened with Vincent. He was on cloud nine when he captured Xavier by deceiving him but he tasted his own medicine when his agents only betrayed him and sided with Xavier. The day Emily, Dave and Sophia (note that Vincent doesn't know about Sophia's betrayal) Vincent had a meeting with the officials about 'The Scorpions'. During the meeting Detective Wilson, the senior officer told everyone about the details of this gang.

The Scorpions was one of the deadliest and an invincible gang of Italy which had committed endless crimes without getting captured. The leader of the gang was unknown as no one has ever seen him. They would only hunt at night. They would make a virulent attack on their foes killing them brutally and then would disappear into thin air without leaving any trace except a mysterious glimmering black feather. The country's intelligence team, cops, officials were flat out like a lizard drinking all day and night only to catch their leader but no one ever came to know about his real identity except only one guy.

And he was Vincent himself.

Yes, Vincent knew who the Venom was. He was simply fooling everyone as he knew everything beforehand. Vincent immediately understood that the leader of this deadly gang was none other than Xavier Knight when he came to know about this gang for the very first time.

Flashback

Two years ago

At CIA Headquarters

Inside the Head's office.

"Sir, the Black Lucifers are back in town. They have robbed around hundreds of banks in New York, Chicago and Austin and now they are heading to San Francisco for their new mission"

Dave told this to Vincent, his voice had a glint of fear. Vincent raised his eyebrows and looked at him fiercely.

"Agent 004, you need to stop these bedbugs before they even reach their destination. Agent 007 will accompany you in this mission. I will discuss the details of the mission along with Agent 007. Any other information?"

Dave gulped a heavy lump formed in his throat before answering him.

"Sir, I have heard about a new gang that has lately been too effective in Southeast Italy"

Vincent frowned. "What is their name?"

"The Scorpions. I have heard that despite being a newbie they plan and make their moves like a pro. Recently they have robbed around two thousand banks and killed all the secret agents, cops and even the spies of the Italy's intelligence agency. Everyone is in shock as to how come they can even recognise them. The country's intelligence agency had shared the latest information about this gang. The gang becomes active only at night but makes his secretive and fatal move. They love bloodthirst like vampires as they would kill their enemies in the most inhuman and merciless way. But no one has ever seen any of the gang members nor the gang leader. But the cops had finally succeeded in grabbing the latest information about the gang leader that he is a man. Although the people haven't seen him but they call him as 'The Machiavellian Satan' or simply as 'The Venom' because he would design his plans in a very clever and secret way but would execute them in diabolically"

Vincent froze after hearing this. His hands started trembling in fear. All the blood got drained from his face while his heart dropped into the bottom. He stood from his seat and turned around. Vincent made his way to the glass window with trembling legs as he stared at the city lights with sparkling eyes.

His quivering lips parted and only three words slipped from them leaving Dave confused as he watched his Boss terrified and panicked state.

"He is back"

End of Flashback

Since that day Vincent had tried his best to find Xavier but he was always left with empty hands and forlorn hope. He had even hidden this fact from Rosaline as he didn't want her to know about him.

Vincent had delegated around ten agents to capture the Venom but all of them either got killed or went on missing. Vincent was damn sure that Xavier was behind all this as no one in the underworld had got such a sharp and vicious brain except him. That's why he never let Rosaline go anywhere without his protection because although Xavier was invisible for everyone but still, he always had his eyes set on his Rose. And now that's what happened of which he was always scared to his core.

Now really there was no way Xavier would stop without taking Rosaline back from him.

Vincent broke the hug and looked at the poor girl's dishevelled state. He slowly cupped her cheeks and wiped off her tears.

"Rosa, you need to be strong. You can't get broken like this"

He spoke softly while caressing her cheeks.

"V, I am not scared for myself. I am scared for you and our parents. Xavier had earlier threatened me to marry him otherwise he would kill my parents. But this time he has gone insane. He had warned me that time but now he will definitely kill them for sure"

Rosaline cried helplessly. Vincent made her sit on the bed as she was beyond terrified. He then made her drank water. She quickly gulped it down.

"Rosa, you first calm down. Hmm?"

He patted her head softly. Slowly her hiccups died down. Vincent then sighed and made her look at him.

"Now listen to me carefully"

*****

~Time skips

9:00 p.m.

The Valentino family was having the dinner silently. The only sound which could be heard in the huge hall was the clanking of spoons and forks hitting the plates.

Mr. and Mrs. Valentino were eating their food quietly. Mrs. Valentino was however glaring at Rosaline from time to time but Mr. Valentino didn't look at her, not even for once which made Rosaline more upset as this was the first time, he was acting so cold with her.

Vincent's parents had always treated Rosaline as their own daughter and loved her too much. Vincent was their only son and they would do anything for him. When they came to know that he loves Rosaline way too much, they were happy for him and gave her all their love. Rosaline was a bit hesitant and confused by their mollycoddle earlier but eventually she got spoiled and now this coldness was killing her.

"Sir, someone wants to meet you"

Vincent frowned. Mr. Valentino was also confused but still he gave the maid a curt nod. She bowed and walked away. He then wiped his mouth with the napkin and got up.

"Who will be at this hour, Dad?"

Vincent asked him but he simply ignored him and left.

"Wait Dad!!"

Vincent also got up quickly and chased him back to the living room while Mrs. Valentino and Rosaline kept watching them puzzled.

"Dad, who is-"

Vincent halted in midway as soon his eyes landed on Detective Evans who was sitting on the couch staring him with cold eyes.

"What are you doing here, Daniel?"

Vincent looked at him with sharp eyes. Daniel stood up and greeted him.

"I came here to meet Mr. Lucas Valentino"

"I am Mr. Lucas Valentino"

Daniel shifted his gaze from Vincent to Lucas. He then walked towards him.

"We are sorry Sir but we have received the orders to arrest your son for forcefully marrying and making hostage Mr. Xavier Knight's wife"

He spoke in a serious tone. Lucas as well as Vincent's eyes widened in shock as soon as they heard that.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU SAYING!!! HOW DARE YOU TO EVEN SPEAK THIS NONSENSE ABOUT MY SON!! DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHO AM I?"

Lucas yelled furiously while Vincent clenched his jaw in anger. Mrs. Valentino and Rosaline came running to the living room as soon they heard the chaos.

Rosaline's P. O.V.

I was eating my dinner silently when I heard Dad's raging voice. I looked at Mom in shock.

"What happened?", she asked me.

"We should check Mom" With that I stood up and quickly rushed towards the living room.

"WAIT ROSA, DON'T GO!"

She shouted from behind but I chose to ignore her words as my first priority was to see V safe and sound.

I came running to the living room only to see Dad yelling at a cop who was staring him blankly. I shifted my eyes to V. He was stopping Dad from lashing out at that officer.

"Calm down, let me talk to him" Vincent spoke gently as he held his father's hand.

"NO WAY! GET OUT OF MY HOUSE RIGHT NOW!"

Lucas yelled as he snatched his arm away from him and continued screaming at the officer.

"Oh my God!", I rushed to them and looked at V.

"What's wrong V?"

"You must be Rosaline Knight, right?"

My breathe hitched as soon I heard that officer calling me. I turned around quickly and looked at him.

"I am Rosaline Valentino not Rosaline Knight", I snapped at him.

"Rosa, go upstairs now"

I turned back only to see Vincent looking at me fiercely.

"But V, what is he saying?"

"I am saying the truth Ma'am, you don't need to be scared anymore. We are here to protect you and take you to your husband"

I became shocked and scared after hearing his words. I was about to reply when Mom immediately yelled at him making me flinched.

"WHAT IS GOING ON VINCENT? WHAT THE HELL IS HE SAYING?"

Dad immediately called the guards and ordered them to throw him off from here. Vincent became shocked and immediately shouted.

"NO, YOU CAN'T DO THIS. DANIEL IS AN OFFICER, DAD!"

So, his name is Daniel. I looked at him only to see him smirking at Vincent.

"Well, I am glad that you know how to behave with a cop but too bad to see that you don't behave as one Valentino"

Daniel mocked him.

"SHUT UP!! WHAT ARE-"

"ROSA!! GO UPSTAIRS!!"

I flinched as Vincent shouted furiously. He turned around and grabbed my right arm. He then started dragging me upstairs but Daniel immediately held my left wrist and pulled me back.

"You can't take her"

We both turned around. I glared him and jerked his hands off.

"Who are you to decide this? Who told you this nonsense? I am perfectly fine and happy here. He is my husband. Vincent Valentino is my husband not Xavier Knight.

"Are you sure about that?"

Suddenly the door burst open. I looked back only to see the Devil standing right at the entrance. He looked at me and smiled. I gave him a disgusted look.

Xavier came inside along with his minions Noah Miller and Antonio Romano. I looked at Antonio but he didn't look at me. He was trying to avoid my gaze but Noah was glaring at me which I gladly returned back.

"How are you, my baby?"

Xavier spoke in a soft tone making my blood boil in anger.

"Now who are you Mister?", Dad spat with gritted teeth.

Xavier raised his left eyebrow and poked his cheek with tongue making a small bump on his right cheek.

"I thought you knew me?", Xavier said in a mocking tone. Dad glared at him and growled.

"Why would I know you?"

"Cause we were the ones with whom you were dying to make a deal Mr. Valentino" Noah replied as he flashed me a cocky smirk.

Dad furrowed his eyebrows in confusion but his eyes widened as soon as it hit him.

"Mr. Miller?"

Noah nodded while smiling.

"It is very sad to see that we met under such ungrateful circumstances but still nice to meet you, Mr. Valentino. Meet my business partner, Xavier Knight, CEO of Knight Empire"

I looked at Noah but I became shocked when Dad smiled and shook hands with Xavier immediately. Vincent also became shocked by his reaction but Xavier smirked at him. This is for sure not a good sign.

"I am s-so sorry Mr. Knight and Mr. Miller but Mr. Knight what are you saying? Rosaline is my son's wife"

Xavier nodded at his words before he spoke in his deep husky voice.

"Indeed, she is your son's wife now but she is already married to me. We haven't even divorced yet your son married my wife which is completely illegal isn't it, Mr. Valentino?"

Xavier smirked while Dad looked at him in shock. Vincent marched towards him and grabbed his collar.

"SHUT THE FUCK UP OKAY, I HAD ENOUGH OF YOURS SHITS NOW!! GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY HOUSE RIGHT NO-"

"SHUT UP VINCENT!!"

Dad roared. We all became stunned as we heard his fierce growl. Vincent looked at him in disbelief.

"But Dad, he is-"

Dad raised his hands in air which made Vincent immediately shut. He then diverted his gaze to me and looked at me sternly.

"Rosa, what Mr. Knights is saying? Is that true? Are you married to him?"

I looked at him with teary-eyes as he was doubting me in front of everyone.

"Dad, allow me to expla-"

Vincent tried to defend me but Dad immediately cut him off in midway.

"So, she is married right?"

He spoke while glaring at the both of us.

"D-Dad, let me explain-"

"WHAT THE HELL IS THIS VINCENT? YOU MARRIED A GIRL WHO IS ALREADY MARRIED TO SOMEONE ELSE!"

Mom yelled from behind making me startled. I shook my head in denial as they both weren't even letting me explain my part.

"MOM, LET US EXPLAIN!", Vincent shouted back.

"THERE IS NO NEED TO, YOU LIED TO US!! YOU BOTH HID SUCH A BIG FACT FROM US!"

I bit my lower lip to control myself from crying as Dad and Mom started glaring me with hatred and disgust.

"Ah, please stop your family drama. Officer, thanks for cooperating. I shall leave now. Rose, come here"

Xavier said in a boring tone. He then looked at me and started approaching me but V immediately came in front of me. I hid behind his back and held his coat tightly.

"Don't.you.dar-"

"VINCENT! STOP THIS INSTANT!!!"

Dad scolded him fiercely while grabbing his arm but he jerked it off harshly and shouted in his raspy voice.

"NO WAY IN HELL!! I WON'T ALLOW ANYONE TO TOUCH MY WIFE WITHOUT MY PERMISSION. SHE IS MINE GOT IT?"

I became shook as Vincent was raging like a bull. He was flaming and his face was red with anger. Xavier looked at him and then shifted his gaze towards Daniel. Daniel nodded at him and suddenly many officers rushed inside the hall and held Vincent.

"NO, WHAT ARE YOU DOING? LEAVE MY SON!!"

Mom shouted at Xavier but he kept a straight face to all her pleading and cries.

"See Mr. Valentino, your son is mad. But if you give me my wife back, I'll leave your son"

Xavier chuckled and looked at me. He was being too ruthless.

"NO, I WON'T GO WITH YOU!!", I shouted while clutching Vincent's coat tightly.

"SHUT THE HELL UP, YOU FUCKING SLUT!! LEAVE ME AND MY SON ALONE AND GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY HOUSE RIGHT NOW!!!"

Mom seethed on my face as she pushed me away from him. I became shocked after hearing her cruel words. My grip slowly loosened as I stared her in disbelief.

"No, Rosa. Come back"

Vincent panicked while struggling from those men's tight grip. I looked at Xavier. He extended his arms for me and smiled.

"Come baby, come here"

"No Rosa, don't do this"

I slowly walked towards Xavier while V kept shouting like a maniac. I stood in front of him. Xavier smiled and pulled me in his arms hugging me tightly.

"Alright Sir, I should take my leave now"

Daniel said. Xavier nodded while resting his chin on my head. He then broke the hug and cupped my face making me look in his eyes. I glared him. He snickered and rubbed his nose with mine.

"Shall we leave Rosebud?"

He then held my hands and smirked at V. After that he intertwined his fingers with mine and started heading outside. I turned around and looked at Vincent sadly. We both then stared in each other's eyes that were filled with tears.

But then...

Vincent smirked at me. I smirked back and turned around.

"Let the game begin, Xavier"

~~~💗~~~