When Luca Changretta approaches Evelyn Shelby, believing her to be the blood daughter of his late brother, he doesn't count on Vano Lee being ready to do whatever it takes to ensure he doesn't get anywhere near her.
Evelyn Shelby belongs to @novashelby, and I thank her for letting me use her, along with giving me complete creative freedom to write this. I hope you like it. 🤍
“I'm not armed, boy,” Luca Changretta stood with a sneer etched across his lips, a dangerous glint in his eyes as he regarded the lovestruck boy with a mix of disdain and amusement. It was clear that if he had his way, a gun would be in his hand, ready to put an end to Vano's defiance.
"I don't give a fuck if yer got ya bullet with my name on it, dinlow," Vano spat, his voice unwavering. He curled his arm protectively behind him, wrapping it around Evie and pushing her securely behind him, his body a dauntless shield. "Yer want her, ya gotta go through me, y'hear?”
Evie clung to the back of Vano's shirt, her heart racing as she wished desperately for her nightmare to end. She could practically feel the weight of her father's fury looming over her, knowing well that Tommy Shelby would be livid. Not only had she defied his explicit orders by sneaking out, but she had also ended up with the very boy she was forbidden to see. The irony of her predicament was bitter; the very scenario her father had sought to prevent by locking her away was now unfolding before her eyes.
Tommy's measures were not without reason. Evie was at the center of a dangerous revelation regarding Luca Changretta's late brother, which had ignited a dangerous game of cat and mouse, with Tommy doing everything in his power to shield his baby girl from the potential fallout.
Yet, despite his efforts, Luca Changretta had found her. His presence was a menacing shadow, a reminder of the vendetta that threatened to unravel the fragile threads of her life. In this perilous moment, Vano stood as her only source of protection. Evie knew the lengths he'd go to to keep her safe, and while the thought of anything happening to him terrified her, she was confident in his ability to handle himself.
Luca stepped forward with a measured grace, his eyes fixed on Evie as he extended a hand, offering a small bundle of flowers. "For the girl," he said smoothly, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.
Vano's response was immediate and fierce. A low growl rumbled deep in his chest as he smacked Luca's hand away with force, sending the delicate blooms tumbling to the cobblestones below. "She ain't interested in yer flowers," he retorted, his voice a defiant snarl.
Luca gazed at the flowers for a prolonged moment, his sneer already devoid of warmth, yet somehow growing even colder as his expression changed. As Luca stepped closer, Vano squared his shoulders, subtly using his hand to guide Evie a step or two backwards. With his towering height, he moved decisively into Luca's personal space, completely blocking Evie from view.
Luca's eyes burned with a menacing intensity as he fixed his glare on Vano. "You have no idea who you're up against, boy. Or the things I could do to you for daring to stand between me and my blood.”
Vano didn't even flinch, standing unafraid in the face of threat. “Try me, big man. Evie don’ want nothin’ t’ do with ya, an’ I ain't scared of thugs like you,”
With a swift, aggressive motion, Luca lunged forward and grabbed Vano, attempting to forcibly shove him aside. However, Vano was ready. Planting his feet firmly on the ground, he resisted Luca's efforts with surprising strength, his muscles tensing as he pushed back against the older man's grip. The initial surprise flickered across Luca's face as he realized Vano was a lot stronger than he had anticipated. Despite Luca's attempts to overpower him, Vano held his ground, his determination unyielding as he fought to protect Evie from the threat before them.
Luca's hand shot out, clamping around Vano's throat with a formidable grip. With a swift, forceful swing, he hurled Vano against the wall, the impact sending a jarring shock through Vano's body. The wall shuddered slightly from the force, but Vano's spirit remained unbroken.
"Give it up," Luca sneered, his voice dripping with menace as he attempted to reassert control.
"Over my dead body," Vano shot back defiantly, his eyes blazing with determination as he stood his ground.
Dazed but determined, Vano summoned his strength and retaliated with a fierce headbutt, connecting solidly with Luca and forcing him to loosen his grip as blood spluttered from his nose.
Evie watched in horror, her heart pounding as she stood frozen for a moment, torn between fear and the instinct to help. Her breath hitched as she witnessed the brutal exchange, feeling helpless but desperately hoping for Vano to come out on top.
Just as the tension threatened to escalate into something far more dangerous, a familiar voice cut through the chaos. "Evie!" Tommy Shelby's authoritative call rang out, slicing through the air and bringing the confrontation to a sudden halt. The sound of her father's voice was a lifeline, snapping Evie back to reality and momentarily pausing the violence. Her eyes darted towards the direction of his voice, a mix of relief and anxiety flooding through her.
“Yer hear that?” Vano spat, “That is yer death comin’ callin’. You an’ I ain't armed, but he will be. Yer gonna die t'day,”
Luca shoved Vano back with a growl, but Vano quickly regained his footing, stepping back to stand protectively in front of Evie. His eyes remained locked on the Italian, unwavering and determined, serving as an unyielding shield for her. Then, from the shadows, the unmistakable silhouette of Tommy Shelby emerged, immediately commanding attention. As all eyes shifted to where Luca Changretta had stood moments before, they found only an empty space. He had gone.
Vano took a moment to catch his breath, stepping back as Tommy approached and enveloped Evie in his arms. Any lingering anger was swiftly overshadowed by the relief of seeing her unharmed. Evie hesitated initially, bracing for a scolding that never came, and only then allowed herself to relax into her father's comforting embrace.
Vano observed the two of them, gradually stepping back to give them space, until Tommy's icy blue glare shifted towards him.
"You."
Vano stiffened at Tommy's authoritative voice, bracing for reprimand, while Evie quickly jumped to his defence. "Daddy, it wasn't his fault—" she began, but Tommy raised a hand to gently shush her.
"I owe you," Tommy said, his tone softening as he addressed Vano. "For keeping her safe."
Vano shook his head, a quiet resolve in his voice. "Yer owe me nothin’, no harm will ever come to her so long as I'm breathin’."
A moment of wordless understanding passed between them, marked by a mutual nod of respect. Vano then stepped back, yielding to Tommy's authority. As Vano turned to leave, Tommy gently wrapped an arm around Evie, guiding her home with a reassuring presence.
