Chapter two.
Of enemies to lovers/forbidden love fic with Cesare x reader.
Chapter one.
So sorry for everyone who waited. I didn’t like the way I wrote the first version of this chapter so I had to rewrite it, but it took longer than I expected. I don’t like the final result any way, oops.⚰️⚰️
Anyway, I hope you enjoy it.🖤
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— Do you even know how big the danger is that you’ve put yourself into? — he wasn’t screaming. He wasn’t smashing everything around, nor was he trembling from an anger so strong that it heated the blood in his veins. This anger was different. It was so violent and fierce that the man’s voice turned glacial and even the temperature in the room felt a few degrees cooler. The man was calm and still. And that was terrifying.
The young woman remained silent, knowing that he wasn’t asking for an answer. The unmoving fragile figure stoically held his piercing maddened with fury gaze.
— How many times do I have to remind you why you must be careful? Why must you never leave the sight of my men? You ask for freedom and when you get it - you treat it so irresponsibly and frivolously, — came a voice so sharp it reminded her of a knife pressed to a throat.
— How was I supposed to know? You blame me for acting thoughtless in front of danger and you never tell me what the danger is, — she finally had no more strength to hold back, — you lock me up as if I am a treasure or a mistake that no one must know about and don’t let me have a life! And when you are so generous as to let me out of these walls you accuse me of going too far away as if I’m some kind of a dog that must always walk by your leg!
The young signorina was seen with Cesare on the day of Paleo. It was impossible to hide for long in the narrow streets of the town; besides, at some point she even stopped trying. She couldn’t know who that man next to her was and what trouble it was going to bring her. But the irony was that the men who were watching her couldn’t intervene — they were chained in place by the risk of causing suspicion of who she really was. And now she was facing consequences of the actions, the danger of which she couldn’t fully understand.
— If that’s what your so called freedom does to you, if it makes you stupid and blind, then it only proves my righteousness, — the words hit her like a guillotine that had fallen to cut off all possible hopes, solutions and ways for this conversation to end — you are not leaving these walls anymore. Not until I know when it’s safe for you to be out there.
— But you never do!
The unmoving figure of Don Spadaro immobilised by tension and aggression seemed threatening so much that his daughter nearly started to wonder what the real danger was: spending a day out with one of Torrisi’s men or staying with her father in the same room right now.
— You’ve heard me. You may go now.
His last words were filled with such a cruel coldness, with an unmistakable note of finality in them, that it suffocated her. The signorina was not allowed to leave the villa anymore and the sound of this realization inside her head hammered her with unfairness. Being a child, she always saw this villa as a huge castle with endless doors and eternity of space. But as she grew older, the number of rooms became clearer and clearer and the land could be measured in steps. Walls grew heavier, turns repeated themselves and every corner was familiar to the point of being nauseous. And the more she asked for release, the less she had a chance to get it. Her own home became her own prison.
She couldn’t find a place for herself. Every familiar corner felt hostile, every free space was not meant for her, and the walls themselves, the silence in rooms of the villa, whispered for her to go away. It had been that way for a long time now, but today… Today it felt like she finally had a reason to leave. A reason that didn’t leave her alone in those hallways for even a second. A reckless, foreign, dangerous reason with dark eyes and magnetising charming laugh.
And Cesare… Cesare really tried to look for her at first. He asked everyone he knew about the girl from the fair but no one seemed familiar with her. At some point he almost believed it was his own imagination playing tricks on him. But something stopped him from giving up his search. It’s just a girl, he persuaded himself. He gets plenty of them anyway. But on that day it was her voice calling out to him in crowded streets, and her shadow luring him into quiet alleyways.
Staying in Villa Spadaro felt like a real imprisonment this time and every second the sensation of it became more real and intense. Walking around the place she longed for these walls to dissolve; she longed for being free to choose what to do, where to go, and whom to be with; she longed for.. Cesare. How terrifying this realisation was, how hard she tried to deny it, to get it out of her head. Yet it was the truth. This was the first time she ever wished for someone this much, and it was a bitter irony to remember that he was from a hostile family and he would hate her as soon as he knew her last name.
Young Signorina Spadaro couldn’t bear it anymore. Staying inside those walls one night more would drive her mad and she thought to herself - why wait? Why not be mad right now, running away from the limbo where she was trapped as a forever child.
As the night fell, hiding forbidden intentions in its all-consuming silence, the signorina left her room quietly, went to the stables unseen and rode away, to the place where Cesare and her had said their goodbyes. No matter how reckless it was, no matter how thin the hope was that Cesare would do the same, no matter how dangerous it was. The cold air was refreshing and, despite the fear of consequences that crippled the young signorina’s heart, she went there anyway, trying not to think too much about it, because it seemed as if she did it would not only stop her; it would also kill her on the spot.
Was it really something special for both of them, that made Cesare care and didn’t allow him stop thinking about her, or maybe the Lord had sent the same thought to his head or a simple unbelievable coincidence, but it led him there, to the spot, where their roads separated the last time and where they would unite tonight.
She saw it in the distance — a silhouette. A new wave of anxiety covered her over like a heavy blanket that made it difficult to breathe. What if it’s not him? What if he already knows who she is and it’s a trap? What if she got it all wrong? — questions of all sorts were buzzing in her head like a swarm of wasps, stinging not with poison, but with fear and rising intention to turn back and run away before she got herself noticed. But despite this, she rode further, closer to the person, waiting for her on the crossroad.
For a few seconds, they stare at each other—two ghost-pale faces in the dark of the night. He doesn’t move. Doesn’t even speak. Then she gives a small nod—so faint he almost didn’t see it. No matter how stupid and reckless she felt before, thinking she might come there to find no one, somewhere deep inside she knew he’d come. And he knew that too. A wild, reckless smile pulls at his lips — half-disbelief, half-triumph.
— So the Lord did decide for us to meet again after all, — the voice, pleased and quiet, was like a velvet enwrapping her hearing softly.
— Maybe he was the one, who told me I would find you here, — she says timidly, suddenly finding herself surrounded by his presence no matter the distance between them.
And that’s a confusing feeling that fills her with both anticipation and dread. Her father’s words echo in her mind like a war hammer, being an alarming reminder of how cruel and inhuman the Torrisi men can be. But that image, that existed in her head, like a jigsaw puzzle collected piece by piece from her father’s stories, looked so different from what she saw right now, looking at Cesare with his charming smile, hearing his voice, that broke night silence, filled it with life and cheerfulness.
As if magnetised, the young signorina came up to him not being able to hide a smile. And just like the first time they met, Cesare took her hand, placing a tender kiss on her knuckles, but lingered there a moment longer with his lips against her skin and his eyes peering into hers intensely, examining every emotion on her face, because he knew damn well what he was doing in that moment.
— And here I thought that you didn’t like me, — his voice sounded so low, it almost hypnotised her. Cesare straightened, leaning away from her hand, yet not letting go of her, holding gently, as if fearing, that she might leave him again, as unexpectedly as she did last time.
— How so? — she asked in return, grinning shyly, while something bloomed linside her stomach and the air in her lungs suddenly became hot.
— You left so hastily last time. I thought, I scared you away, — Cesare shrugged his shoulders and tilted his head curiously watching the woman in front of him and gave her his smile, his adorable charming smile, that will make anyone believe in how harmless and kind he was.
— I was scared at that moment, — she admitted, saying it firmly and evenly, proving that she was not scared anymore, but then she confessed — even now I’m worried a little.
— Oh, tesoro, but there’s nothing to worry about, — a step closer, so there’s so little space between them they could almost feel the heat of each other’s bodies, — I would never hurt you. I’m a gentleman, you know.
— Right, — she laughed, taking his words, though a slight shadow of concern still stayed in her mind, whispering fearful words to her.
— I’m serious and honest with you, — Cesare assured her, placing one hand on her cheek so gently that his touch was almost imperceptible, — I would never do anything bad to a beautiful woman like you. Unless you’d ask me to, — he winked playfully, almost carelessly, leaving her concern nearly unnoticed.
With his hand still resting on her face, Cesare leaned in for her lips, touching them shortly, teasingly, as if getting a taste.
— Or does this look dangerous to you?
— No. No, it doesn’t, — said the girl, wrapping her hands around his neck and tugging him in for another kiss, persistent and intense.
This kiss ignited something in them, something undeniable and unswerving, something very much alike between both of them and completely different at the same time, like a mirrored image of their own feelings was hidden inside of them.
— But would you tell me, — she asked him when they finally parted the kiss, though their hands still rested on each other’s bodies like that’s where they belong, — Cesare, would you tell me if you were a bad man? If you were doing cruel and unfair things? Would you be honest with me?
When she begged him for honesty, this fire inside of him suddenly changed its shape, turning into a malicious burning form with its flames like teeth, ready to bite.
— What are you implying? That I’m lying to you? — Cesare frowned, managing his voice to sound even, albeit her question really did touch some sensitive spots in his mind.
And that’s because, no matter how often Torrisi and his men called themselves honest businessmen, claimed to be respectful and trustworthy, they were simply hiding an unflattering truth behind their white coats and silk shirts. And somewhere deep down Cesare knew that, even though he tried to deny it.
— I don’t know you, Cesare. I don’t know what you and your family are capable of, but I‘ve heard things and none of them were good, — she said silently, as if saying it with full strength would put her in danger.
— And what have you heard about my family? You think we’re some monsters? We’re businessmen! We have values, even if you can’t see them. You don’t know the sacrifices we make to keep our name clean! You’re judging me without knowing a thing! — her words were enough to make a wave of irritation grow inside of him with a new force.
— You call that a clean name? You’re part of a world that thrives on fear and violence! How can I trust you when you’re so loyal to that? — her eyes widened in fear of his devotion, while she stepped back reflexively.
— You don’t get it! Loyalty is everything! You think it’s easy for me? I’m fighting against the darkness around us! But you questioning me feels like a betrayal — frustration spilled over, breaking his voice with emotion.
— A betrayal? — a gasp of disbelief fell from her lips, and suddenly there was not enough air to breathe,— I’m trying to protect myself! How can I trust someone whose family is involved in such darkness? You say you’re noble, but is that just a lie you tell yourself? A good man? How can you say that when you defend your family’s actions? You’re blinded by loyalty, and you don’t even see the truth! Can I trust someone who’s a part of all this?
—- But you’re making it impossible! You don’t understand! This life isn’t what you think it is! It’s complicated! I do what I have to do to protect my family! — Cesare stepped closer, ignoring her attempts to keep distance between them, his dark eyes blazed dangerously.
— I’m scared! Scared of what my father will do, scared of what your family would do if they knew we were together! — she nearly cried at this point, trembling, but not letting go of her truth, — You think you can just sweep me away from all of this? Protecting your family doesn’t justify their actions! Every time you defend them, you’re letting the darkness win. How can I trust you when you don’t even question their choices?
— I’m fighting for something better! I’m trying to show you! But every time I try to prove it to you, you’re just judging me, and every time I reach for you, you act like I’m just another enemy!
— What if I told you I’m the daughter of an enemy? Your family’s rival? Would that change everything for you? — the truth escaped her lips like a bird would escape its cage longing for freedom, — You say, I’m the one who doesn’t understand your world, but you don’t understand mine. You don’t know what I’ve seen. My father’s ruthlessness runs deep.
— What are you saying? — her words were a deluding wild stream of water to the raging fire of his emotions. Suddenly it felt like his own body refused to move, and the only thing he could hear was an echo of her words repeating itself inside of his head, slamming his skull with the sound of it like a war hammer.
— I’m the daughter of Ruggero Spadaro, — his name was like a bullet shot in the head; the sound of it brought nothing else but doom and despair to both of them — You don’t know who you’re defending! I’m risking everything just to be here with you!
— No… this can’t be true. You’re playing with fire! You’re putting us both at risk! How could you not tell me sooner?
They both fell silent , tongue tied with the spilled truth. And suddenly it felt like the world echoed their quietness, vibrating with tension before whatever happened next. Somewhere under her rib cage, the woman’s heart grew cold out of fear for his reaction, his words that would become her sentence. Cesare’s eyes glistened wetly as he struggled to contain all the frustration and anger simmering within him, while his chest went up in a heavy breath that threatened to tear it apart with fire raging inside of it.
— And knowing who I am, you dared to come here tonight? — his words pierced her chest like sharp blades, cutting through cords that held her heart in place. It fell, crashing on the realisation of how naive and careless she was to trust him, to expect him to understand, crashing into her own foolishness and unfulfilled hopes causing an immense pain that breaks every bone inside her body, shocks every nerve under her skin, — Do you even know what that’s going to mean if someone finds out? They won’t care about reasons.
— You don’t understand! Please, — she cried for him to listen, for him to hear, — I can’t do this anymore. I can’t live in my father’s shadow, not able to escape, forbidden to have my own life. I want to escape.
— And you thought I would help you? Escape your father, — a bitter scoff made his shoulders jump with annoyance, — if I did, this would mean a bullet in my head, an instantaneous war between our families. And for what reason? Because of your careless dream? Is that what this is about? Is that why you came here?
— No! I never thought that! I couldn’t stop thinking about that time we had yesterday, and the possibility of not seeing you again suffocated me! You may not believe me, but that’s you who gave me strength to believe I might actually escape my father, — her voice broke in a desperate attempt to explain, to keep her first and only taste of freedom that tasted like his name, — I thought it was special for you too…
— It was. But you never told me who you are. Even after I told you, — his response was dry, drained by this unfair fate he had to face now.
— And if I did? Would it change something for you yesterday? Would you look at me differently?
— I would, — it felt like a hit to the chest, so violent, it knocked the air out of her lungs. For a moment she thought she could die right there.
But what she couldn’t see, blinded by her own tragedy — Cesare felt the same. And he was incapable of seeing her sorrow as well.
It took time to recover. Dense moments that lingered longer than they should have. Until the signorina found enough strength to say:
— You should leave, — his gaze met hers, exhausted from this intense kaleidoscope of emotions. She was right, and Cesare knew it. But his legs refused to move, and these thoughts in his head whispered to him, telling wait, to search for another way for this to go. She saw the question in his eyes and replied with bitter sarcasm, — before anyone sees us. That is what you are scared of, isn’t it?
And as if summoned by her poisoned with anguish words, they heard a rumble of hooves, hitting the ground threateningly from the direction of Collezolfo. There were riders in the distance, their lanterns quivered menacingly as they were getting closer.
— Go. Before they see you, — her words held no warmth. But her intention was honest. She didn’t want Cesare to get caught.
None of them said anything else. Cesare rode off immediately, not daring to turn around, scared to see but not the riders chasing him, but her, broken and devastated by the destructive truth and by his fear to fight with it.
And the young signorina was left alone, expecting those riders, sent by her father, who noticed her disappearance. This time she wanted to return, go back to the familiar walls and unwelcoming cramped rooms, thinking to herself, that maybe if there’s no place for her in those suffocating hallways of her childhood home, then maybe there’s no place for her at all. Not in the world, and not in someone’s life.
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Thank you for reading. Friendly reminder that the feedback is really important, so don’t be shy to tell me what you think.
And I promise to post next part sooner. Tysm. 🖤🖤
