18. Anything to Protect Her

VINCENT. Our fight paused for a moment, there was a tension that hung in the air. Sanfrasco and I looked at each other, each knowing that one small movement could determine life and death in the next few seconds. My body felt tired, but my spirit remained intact. I had faced many enemies in my life, but Sanfrasco was the most dangerous-he knew exactly how to play this game. I stepped forward, my eyes keeping a sharp eye on my opponent's every move. However, before the fight could really get going, there was a loud noise from behind-the sound of something hard hitting something hard. I only had time to turn my head, and it was enough to stun me. Amber. She appeared from the side of the dark back room, her body moving quickly and determinedly. In her right hand, she held a long stick that she didn't know where she got. Without giving Sanfrasco a chance to react, Amber levitated the staff with more power than I thought she could possess. Sanfrasco, who was focused on me, was caught off guard. No one could anticipate the attack. The long stick slammed hard into his back, sending him crashing to the floor in a very unprepared state. A loud crash echoed through the chaotic room. I wasted no time. As soon as he fell, I darted straight at Sanfrasco, holding him down with full force. With a swift movement, I secured his wrists and pressed his body to the floor, utilizing the momentum from Amber's attack to annihilate his remaining hope. "There's no place for you here anymore, Sanfrasco," I said coldly, my voice full of menace. I could feel my rapid heartbeat, even though my body could barely move any faster after such a fierce fight. Some of the surviving security guards came over, helping me to restrain Sanfrasco's massive body that was now lying beneath me. They immediately tied his hands, making sure he couldn't move. I looked at him hatefully, seeing his face now covered in dust and blood. "I don't like people like you trying to interfere with my life, Sanfrasco," I continued, my voice full of unbearable anger. "You think you can come into this world and ruin everything? This is the last warning for you. If you dare to interfere again, I will not hesitate to remove you from this game." Sanfrasco smiled weakly, though it was clear he was in pain. "You think this will stop just because you won one fight?" he said, his voice hoarse. "This is bigger than you can imagine, Vincent. My men and I will not stop." I looked at him with eyes full of firmness. "You make your choices, Sanfrasco. If you want to survive, you will get out of here and never bother me again. This is not a threat, this is reality. If you don't, I'll make sure this is our last meeting." For a moment, she just stared at me, and I could see the helplessness in her eyes. She knew that my power was far greater than she could face. All of this was just a game to her-but to me, it was life and death. I turned my gaze to Amber who was standing a few steps behind me, her face showing concern. She was clearly shocked by what had just happened. "Amber," I said, voice softer this time. "Are you okay?" She nodded slowly, though I could see how scared she was. "I... I'm fine, Vincent." I smiled a little, though I knew that smile wouldn't take away the anxiety that must still be in her heart. "You're doing great, Amber." Despite the anxiety in her eyes, I could see that she was feeling calmer after her bold action. I knew she never expected to get involved in this world, yet she did it to protect me, and that meant more than any words. Sanfrasco finally shut up, his face now showing defeat. The security guards confirmed it, tying him tighter. I looked at him one more time, making sure that I had given enough warning. "Don't ever come back here," I said once more. "Because if you do, I will not hesitate to destroy everything you have." After those words, I signaled the security guards to take Sanfrasco away. They quickly pulled him out of the restaurant, leaving the two of us in a silence that blended tension and relief. I looked at Amber who was still standing there, not knowing what to say. We both knew that this world would never forgive, and tonight was just one small example of what we had to face. But at that moment, I felt stronger because she was there. *** After the chaos ended, I felt my body start to adjust to the reality that had just happened. The air in the bar-restaurant felt emptier, even though the noise from the panicked patrons had begun to die down. Sanfrasco and his men had been taken away by the security guards, and this restaurant, once full of luxury and tranquility, now felt like the unwelcome remnants of a battle. I walked to one corner of the room, trying to be alone for a moment. My body felt heavy, tired, and riddled with wounds. The shots and punches had taken their toll on every part of my body, but I knew it wasn't time to stop. I had to focus, especially since Amber was still here, and she was all that mattered now. The manager of the bar restaurant comes over to me with a face full of regret. "We're sorry, Mr. Moretti," he says in a stammering voice, "We really didn't anticipate this. We should have been more vigilant with security." I just nodded slowly, my eyes not leaving Amber who was approaching, carrying a first aid kit. The manager's voice sounded distant, as if it couldn't disturb my mind that was focused on one thing-Amber. She came towards me, her face still filled with worry and anger that she could not hide. "Vincent, what were you thinking?!" she said, her voice full of anger. "You really put yourself and everyone around us in danger just because... just because of that stupid fight!" I sighed, not knowing what to say. His angry eyes stared at me sharply, as if judging every decision I made earlier. Even though I could understand his anger, there was a part of me that didn't feel entitled enough to defend myself. He was right-I was the cause of everything. If I hadn't gotten involved, maybe the fight could have been avoided. As Amber sat beside me and opened the first aid kit, her hands trembled slightly. I knew it was more than just anger. She was scared, and perhaps she was also feeling anxious about what was happening. "You can be more careful, Vincent!" Amber continued in a lower, but still harsh tone. "Why do you have to get involved in something like this? Why not just run away from the situation? Why fight so hard?" I looked at her, feeling guilty that she had to see a side of the world she didn't want to know about-this world of violence and fighting. "I can't run away, Amber," I replied slowly, trying to explain even though I knew my words wouldn't be comforting enough. "You know it's not just about me or them. It's about keeping everything safe. This world is no place for weak people, and you know that." Amber didn't say anything for a few seconds, just focused on my hands, washing away the small wounds that were starting to turn black. I could feel the gentle touch of her hands even though her anger was still clear on her face. It made me feel a little calmer, though my heart had never felt heavier than this. "I know you can't run, Vincent," Amber says quietly, finally looking at me. "But that's no reason to put us all in danger. I don't like seeing you hurt like this." She continues to carefully tend to my wounds, changing the used bandages, and cleaning the small scratches on my face. Every touch of her hands felt like a reminder of how much responsibility lay on my shoulders, and how much fear she felt. That fear was manifested in every anxious movement of her hands, in every beat of her heart that I could hear growing louder. I nodded, feeling the regret coming from within. "You're right," I said in a low voice. "I should have been more careful. But I was afraid that if I ran, things would get worse. I'm afraid that if I don't act, they'll come again. And this time, they could destroy more than just this restaurant." Amber was silent, seemingly trying to understand my words. However, behind her silence, I knew that she didn't completely agree. Her worried eyes showed how heavy a burden she had to carry, especially after seeing the fight right in front of her eyes. After a while, she finished treating my wounds. Her face was still anxious, and I could tell she wanted to say more. But tonight was already chaotic enough. "You need to be more careful, Vincent," she said finally, her voice softer despite the obvious fatigue in her eyes. "I don't want to see you hurt any worse." I looked at her, trying to show that I heard her, that I appreciated every word she said. "I'll be careful," I replied, even though I knew it wouldn't be easy. "I promise, Amber. I won't make you worry like this again." But in my heart, I knew one thing-no matter what happened, I couldn't run away from this responsibility. And this world will continue to challenge me, no matter how hard I try to avoid it. But I also knew one more thing: I would protect her, no matter what.