Suki stared through the windows for long minutes, secretly hoping that Gianni didn't abandon her here. She didn't have her phone, nor money and she didn't even know where she was. She didn't know how many times she slept but she was hungry, so dinner time probably had passed already. She hesitated to leave the office. She was scared to roam around in a strange place by night.

************************************************

At home, Gianni just arrived. He nodded toward his younger brothers who were playing with their video games in the living room and went straight to his bedroom. He was talking on the phone with one of his fighters about the opening fight of his new arena. He wanted to take a good shower, so he quickly cut the call.

Downstairs, Chef Aldo had put all the food he prepared for dinner in the dining room. Maria had left earlier today after doing extra working hours during Salvatore absence, so she couldn't alert anyone about Suki not being at home. Aldo was too busy to notice that the little girl hadn't came to greet him as every time.

Davide and Vito had stopped playing and they were already digging into the food. Aldo put extra care for the dinner tonight because of Salvatore's return. Enzo joined his brothers and soon after, Salvatore and his two elder sons entered the house.

Salvatore: Boys, we're back.

Davide: Hi, we just started dinner; we didn't think that you would arrive so soon.

Dante: Hum... food comes first, I guess... I need to take a shower, don't eat my part!

Salvatore: Where is Suki? She is not having dinner with you?

Davide: I don't know, and I don't really care...

Gabriel: Enzo?

Enzo: She is maybe resting in her bedroom; I was busy on something and didn't check.

Salvatore: Dante please, stop by her room and ask her to join us for dinner, thank you. (Dante nodded and went upstairs.)

Dante knocked at the little girl's bedroom door, but he didn't receive any answer. He opened it but it was dark inside with no traces of Suki. He went downstairs and stopped by the library. She was maybe playing piano or reading a book. He never saw her going anywhere else in the house since she came to live here. But the room was also empty. Did she run away from the house? Impossible with the guards outside and his brother picked her up from school, so she couldn't have done the same trick than last time.

Dante: She is not upstairs, nor at the library.

Salvatore: What do you mean she is not here?

Dante: You daughter disappeared! Where is Gianni?

Vito: She ran away once again... Good for us!

Salvatore: Vito shut the fu** up! Where is Gianni? Did you see Suki after she came back from school?

Gianni: What's going on? (He made his entry, not suspecting anything.)

Gabriel: Gianni, where is Suki? What did you do with her?

Gianni: She is not in her room, as usual?

Salvatore: You went to pick her up after school, right?

Gianni: Yes, I went to her school, then I received a call and I had to... (He paused, remembering the events of the afternoon.)...

Salvatore: Then what?

Gianni: Fu**!! I think I forgot her over there...

Gabriel: Where? Where did you go with her? (His tone was cold and his gaze deadly menacing.)

Salvatore: How could you forget your own little sister!

Gianni: Fu**!! I was busy and she is so discreet... why didn't she call one of us... it's been hours!

Dante was quick to react and already calling her, but she couldn't answer, and he didn't know that. After what happened the other day, he installed, without her knowing, a tracker in her phone. He checked her position in the app.

Dante: Her phone is located here... it's weird... where is she?

Gianni: I went to the old factory in renovation.

Salvatore: Let's go! (He didn't waste time and left with his 3 sons.) Poor kid... she must be scared and think that we abandoned her.

They separated in two cars. Salvatore and Gabriel, and Gianni with Dante. When Dante sat on the passenger seat of his brother's car, he found Suki's school bag. He looked inside.

Dante: Her phone is here, with her wallet too. Gianni, you screwed.

Gianni: You think that I left her there on purpose? No, I didn't! But why do you care, I thought that you were against having that kid in our house!

Dante: Now, I don't really care if she lives in our house, as long as she doesn't put her nose in my business... but Dad does care, and I think it is what matters here!

Gianni: Fu** having to take care of a kid is a pain in the ass!

Dante: I agree but we don't really have a choice! (He texted Enzo and asked him to check if there was CCTV around the factory.)

The ride in Gabriel's car was silent. Salvatore was stressed and it was not something that happened often. He was usually the one inspiring fear in others. Gabriel was focusing his attention on the road, but inside, he was hoping that his newly found little sister was fine.

The 20 minutes separating the house from the building seemed an hour for them. When the two cars parked, there was still a power company van parked near the entry, but the place didn't seem lightened.

Gabriel: Gianni, do you still have people working at this hour?

Gianni: Maybe, I asked them to accelerate the renovation.

Salvatore: Where did you let her?

Gianni: Upstairs, in my office. I asked her to not move so she must still be there.

Salvatore: I really hope for your that it is the case!

Dante: That kid is giving me headaches!!

The four men entered, and Gianni switched the power on, but nothing happened. It was pretty dark.

Gabriel: What's wrong? Switch the lights on!

Gianni: It's not working. They are probably working on it.

They heard someone talking on a phone and immediately, Gabriel and Dante has their guns out, pointing its at the voice.

Man: The power installation is too old, there is too much work to do, and I don't know where that stupid Joe went!

Dante: Don't move! (The man froze.) Who are you and what are you doing here? (His tone was menacing.)

Man: Hold on... just doing my job! (He had dropped his phone.)

Gianni: Why is the power cut? Everything was working well when I left! Turn the lights on!

Man: We were working on it but there was a breakdown... I need some more time...

Dante: Do it quickly! And who was the man you mentioned, Joe?

Man: A newbie who works with me. He was looking for the origin of the breakdown... he is somewhere in that building...

Gianni turned on the light of his phone and led the way to the upper floor. Gabriel still had his gun in his hand, ready to use it if necessary. He was tensed, having a bad feeling. All his senses were on alert. Gianni was less concerned, more annoyed by the situation.

They were walking through the corridor and Gianni saw that the door of his office was opened and there was a beam of light in movement. Now his instinct was in alert, and he ran toward his office.

*************************************************

Few minutes earlier, Suki looked one more time through the window and she noticed a light moving downstairs then to the stairs. She couldn't see that person, only that he was a tall man. She thought that it was Gianni coming to take her home. He couldn't have abandoned her here after all. She sighed, relieved and left to open the door. She didn't want to stay alone here any longer.

Suki slowly opened the door of the office, and she heard the steps of that person approaching. She was ready to be scold by her brother, no matter the reason, and came out.

The man saw the door of the office opening and stopped. There was not supposed to have someone present here and when the tiny silhouette of Suki appeared, he pointed his electric torch in her direction. The little girl frowned and covered her eyes with her forearm. The voice that resonated few seconds later make Suki understand that the man was not her brother.

Joe: Ohh... what do we have here... who are you cutie?

Suki couldn't see his face, but his tone and his words were enough to alert her. She stepped back and entered in the office, quickly closing the door but having nothing to lock it. She needed a place to hide herself. She scanned the office. There was a big desk, but nothing useful, few boxes with new supplies inside, the couch, big enough to welcome several people.

And it was probably her best option. It was a couch on feet and there was just enough space for her to hide below. She didn't waste time and slipped under, moving the farther as possible. The door opened just after, and she saw the man's feet. He stopped few seconds and lightened the room.

Joe: Why are you hiding yourself? You don't have to be afraid of me... I'm a very kind young man... come on, show yourself... (He made two steps ahead.) It is a pleasant surprise to find you here...

Suki held her breathe and followed the man's movements, from under the couch. He was wearing working boots, big and loudly. He bent behind the desk to check if she was hiding there but she wasn't. He smirked, finding that situation exciting.

Joe: Did you run away from home and found refuge in that old building, thinking that it was not used? (He continued to walk around in the room.) By the way, you are adorable in that little school uniform... you look exactly like my favorite anime character.

Suki had both of her hands on her mouth to avoid any sounds to come out. She was silently crying. She saw the man approaching the couch and stopping. Then the light pointed at her. She crawled back a little more and avoided the man's hand that tried to catch her arm.

Joe: Stop playing, come out! (His voice was more aggressive.) If you are nice with me... I will be nice with you...

But Suki's tentative to escape that unknown man was in vain in those conditions. He succeed to grab her forearm and dragged her from under the couch. She tried to resist and caught with her free hand the couch's foot. It only helped her few seconds because he pulled her with more force toward him.

He was passably angry that she was resisting so, when she was completely overdrawn, he maintained her on the floor with his knee, pressing her torso. It was painful.

Joe: You are really cute... a bit small... but those eyes... beautif...

Gianni had barged in the office and when he saw that man manhandling the little girl, his blood boiled. He rushed inside and kicked the man in the ribs before throwing himself on top of him to punch him in the face several times. The worker didn't have the time to understand what was happening.

When Suki felt the pressure on her lifted, she crawled back under the couch to protect herself, not sure either of what was going on and who was the man who helped her. Few seconds later, she heard Gabriel's voice calling her.

Gabriel: Suki... it's me... Gabriel... (She was scared but stared at his silhouette.) Please, come out, it's over... (He offered his hand to help her, but she hesitated.) Suki... don't be scared...

The lights suddenly switched on. Salvatore and Dante entered the office at the same time. The man that Gianni was punching was half conscious when the fighter grabbed his collar.

Gianni: Fu*** pervert... what did you do to her?!

Dante stopped near his younger brother, with his gun pointed at the man. He took a look at Gabriel who was trying to reassure Suki.

With the light on, she focused her attention on her brother's green eyes and slowly, crawled back in his direction. The young man gently took her hand to help her and when she was out, she surprised him by throwing herself into his safe embrace.

Gabriel: It's okay... It's over (He kept his arms around her tiny body and with one hand, he caressed her head.) You are a strong little girl.

Salvatore: Is she okay? (Gabriel shook his head.) I'm going to kill that bastard!

Gabriel: Suki... (He touched her head to see her face.) She passed out!

Salvatore: Give her to me. (He carried her and noticed her light weight.) Kill him! I'm taking her to the hospital.

Gabriel: Let's go home and ask a doctor to auscultate her there.

Gianni stood up from his position and as soon as his father left the office with Suki, Dante shoot several times in the chest of the man.

Gianni: How is the kid... Is she...

Dante: She fainted... probably because of the fear she felt. We need to take care of the second man too, no witness, first rule!

Gianni: It's my fault... if I hadn't forgotten her here...

Dante kept his gun in hand and headed downstairs, followed by Gianni. The second worker saw two of the men leaving with a little girl carried by the oldest man. Just after, the owner of the building and the fourth man came back too. He wanted to ask if they found his colleague, but Dante lifted his arm and shoot him without flinching.

Dante: Call a team to clean that mess.

They left. In the other car, Salvatore was in the back seats with Suki. That new feeling of worriedness was a nightmare for him.

Gabriel: She will be fine; she is a strong and courageous kid.

Salvatore: She doesn't deserve this... she is just a kid... I hate that feeling... to think about her not being safe... I barely know her but... I can't explain...

Gabriel: She is your daughter... blood links are stronger that we think... and even more with that little girl...

Salvatore: I never was so worried about you or your brothers' safety before... you were all able to protect yourself since a young age... but Suki... she is small, frail... and so innocent...

Gabriel: I know... but we will protect her, I will protect her... she is a treasure that life brought to us... we need to cherish her...

Salvatore: We will...

Salvatore was holding tightly his daughter and kissed her forehead. They reached home and the three younger brothers were in the living room. For once, none made a comment when Salvatore entered, carrying the little girl. Soon after, Dante and Gianni arrived too, the latest had a long face and his fists red, showing that he beat someone.

While Salvatore took Suki to her bedroom, Gabriel stopped by the kitchen. He needed to call a doctor and a drink, something strong. Dante joined him and served himself a whisky too.

Gabriel: Did you handle everything over there?

Dante: Yes, they are dead. How is she doing?

Gabriel: Father took her upstairs; she is still passed out... (He took a sip of his drink and grimaced.)... the doc is on his way. Where is Gianni? (He finished his glass.)

Dante: In the living room... (Gabriel left, Dante followed him.) Don't fight with him... he hadn't left her in purpose!

Gabriel: (He entered the living room and stood in front of Gianni with a cold face.) Are you satisfied now? Can you imagine what could have happened to her if we arrived few minutes later?!

Gianni: Gabriel, it was just a mistake! I never wanted that kid to be confronted to a pervert in my own building! Fu**!! What do you take me for?! (He stared back into his elder brother's eyes.)

Gabriel kept his serious gaze on his brother, in a defying way. Gianni was in the wrong and he felt guilty already. He looked down in a long sigh. The tension was palpable.

Gabriel: You were all there, having dinner without thinking about that child who was missing... and you, Gianni, you put her in danger. Can you imagine how she must have felt when she found out that you abandonned her in that unknown place.

Gianni: I didn't abandon her!

Enzo: Guys... calm down... Gab, you are right, we are at fault for not paying enough attention to her... but fighting now is not going to help.

Dante: Gabriel, you should go upstairs. I'm sure that kid will prefer to see a familiar face when she wakes up. I will tell you when the doctor is here.

Gabriel needed to calm down, so he went upstairs. He pushed Suki's bedroom door, and she was laying on her bed, her father sitting near her.

Gabriel sat at Suki's desk and the two men stayed silent few minutes until a knock at the door announced the doctor's arrival.

Enzo was the one who took him upstairs. He wanted to see the little girl and he only perceived her silhouette asleep.

Salvatore didn't give the doctor too much details about what happened, but he asked him to do a complete check up.

The two men didn't leave the room, preferring to keep a close eye on Suki during the examination.

The doctor was meticulous, and he reassured her father. The little girl had fainted of exhaustion. He also found her a bit underweight and cleaned the few scratches she had in her elbow and knees. She had a red mark on her chest too caused by the man's knee.

Doctor: I'm going to prescribe vitamins and you can put ointment on her wounds, but time is the best medicine.

Salvatore: Thank you doctor. (He opened the door and Enzo was there.) Enzo, please, take back the doctor to his car.

When Salvatore closed the door, he heard his son standing up from the chair in a hurry. Suki was waking up and she was crying in her dream.

It broke his heart. He approached the bed and delicately touched her head, caressing her beautiful black hair then wiping away her tears.

Salvatore: Suki... Sweetheart... wake up... it's just a bad dream... (She slowly opened her eyes and grabbed his hand.) It's just me, you are in your room... it's over, you are safe at home now.

She quickly sat, not comfortable to be laying down with her father here, sitting on her bed. She noticed Gabriel standing behind him. He was staring at her with a worried look.

Salvatore: How are you feeling? The doctor treated your injuries, and it is nothing serious. (He paused.) Did that man... touch... (She immediately shook her head.) Great... You were strong, I am proud of you. (She was staring at him.) Suki, I know that you were probably scared alone over there, and I am sorry that happened.

Gabriel: You had a long and though day. You should take a warm shower and eat something. Father, let's give her some time.

Salvatore: You're right. Suki, refresh yourself, we will wait for you downstairs, okay? (He stood up and she grabbed his hand.) What? Something's wrong?

Suki: Thank you... for taking me back...

Salvatore: (He sat back.) Suki... Gianni didn't mean to let you there, he... he was taken by his work and forgot you. It is not excusable but nor him or I, planned to send you away, I promise you.

Salvatore was usually not the demonstrative type and even if he was not sure that his daughter will accept him one day as her father, he needed to show her that she had already find a place in his heart. He took her tiny hand and delicately put a light kiss on top of it.

Salvatore: You are my daughter, my precious little girl. (He stood up.)

Gabriel: (He patted her head.) Let's share dinner when you're done.

Suki: (She looked at him differently.) Thank you... Onii-san...