Scorpia walks into her own office and Manon says: "My sister says she found the perfect dress for you. She sent you some pictures of it. And Dani and Ricardo are on their way over."

Scorpia nods and sits down at her desk.

Bart turns her way and says: "The foundation pays for all of the expenses of the trip to the tournament. Dino and I will drive a van full of boys to the location. We'll stay the night at two holiday homes afterward and we'll drive back on Sunday."

Scorpia holds her thumb up to Bart and checks her phone to look at the pictures Margot sent her.

"My God Manon! Did you see the dress?"

The girl shakes her head and walks up to her.

Scorpia shows the pictures to her and Manon whispers: "Wow, Scorpia. It's perfect for you."

Scorpia nods and stares at the long, black dress. Part of the top is leather and has two thin straps, the other half is velvet and has a thick strap that hangs off the shoulder. The dress reaches the floor and has a high split at the front.

She opens the other photo's to look at a black clutch with spikes on the outside and black stilettoes with red bottom and spikes scattered all over the outside. Scorpia can already imagine herself on the red carpet. She calls Margot, who answers enthusiastically.

"Scorpia! And? What do you think?"

"I absolutely love it! I couldn't have done it better myself. Thank you so much!"

Dani walks into the office and stands in front of Manon's desk, looking a little tense. Scorpia gets up from behind her desk and pushes the french doors to the terrace open. Dani follows her and sits down next to her on the lounge sofa.

Manon starts preparing everything and Scorpia says: "Dani? Thanks. For everything you've pulled off in a short time. You're the hardest worker I know."

Dani looks at her and nods shyly.

Manon clears her throat and starts talking about her plan. She wants to set up a beauty day for the girls. Where they can have their hair and nails done and pick out a nice outfit. All paid by the foundation of course.

Scorpia smiles and says: "Excellent plan. Start working out the details. Maybe we could have a high tea with all of the girls too. What do you think Dani?"

Dani softly says: "I think the girls are going to love that. Maybe we can rent one of those photo booths? I would love to be there honestly. But..."

Scorpia cuts her off and says: "Me too. So put us on the guest list. You can talk to Lexy about hair and nails, to Margot about the clothes, and the chef about the high tea. Let me know if there's anything I can do. But it's your idea. I'm not stealing your thunder."

Manon gets up and says happily: "Thank you, boss! I'm starting on it all right now!" She runs inside and Scorpia chuckles at her antics. She studies Dani who is avoiding her gaze,

"Dani? How are you doing?"

Dani carefully makes eye contact and asks: "Why?"

Scorpia frowns and says: "I would like to know how you're doing because I have the feeling you are uncomfortable around me. And we haven't talked since..., since the talk in Ciro's office and the pizza disaster. Let's not beat around the bush here."

Dani looks at her and says: "I was afraid to mention it because I have no clue what you think about me now. Even though I told Logan he was a jerk that pizza night."

Scorpia laughs and says: "He told me."

Dani shoots her a surprised look and knows Scorpia is still waiting for an answer to her first question. "I'm okay. I'm trying to live my life differently and feel very stupid. Because I realize I only have power over men with my clothes off."

"That's not true Dani. You know a lot about them, you have the power to make it extremely hard on them legally, destroy them even. You just never took the time to consider that as an option. Especially with all those tough Italians around you. But trust me when I say you impress them more by being unafraid of them than offering your body."

Dani studies Scorpia and says: "I understand what you're saying. But..."

"But what? They are so hot, those guys?"

They both burst out in laughter and Dani says: "Well... They know their way around if you know what I mean."

Scorpia chuckles and says: "I'm not saying you should stay celibate Dani. Please do whatever you enjoy. But live by your own rules. We're the boss, in bed and at work."

Dani nods and says: "Yes, you're right."

"And to be clear, I still think you're amazing at your job. That admiration has been there from the start. And I even think you could be a friend. We just had a horrible start and you did something I won't forget easily."

Dani looks into her eyes and says: "I'm sorry Scorpia. I hindsight I'm truly grateful that I didn't succeed in breaking you up. You two have something that most people live their whole lives searching for. I wish you all the happiness in the world for the rest of your lives."

Scorpia gets up and says: "Get up Dani." Dani does as she's told and Scorpia wraps her arms around her for a hug. "We're going to look forward from now on, okay? Come over to the cafe sometime and you can just walk in here when you want to talk. I would also love to see you on the beauty day with the girls."

Dani looks at her with teary eyes and Scorpia winks at her.

Scorpia hears Ricardo call her name and she yells back: "I'm outside Ricardo!"

Dani says: "I'm back to work. Thank you Scorpia."

"Have a good day Dani. I'll see you soon."

Dani and Ricardo cross paths and Ricardo admires Scorpia from head to toe.

"Good morning madam president!" Scorpia grins and spins around slowly. Ricardo places his hand on his heart and says: "You look hot!"

Scorpia shakes her head and says: "Get over here Hulk. I need a hug first. But gently."

Ricardo raises his eyebrow but hugs her tenderly.

"Why gently?" She raises her jacket and Ricardo gasps. "Scorpia! What happened?"

"Sparred against Logan. It was a lot of fun." She notices Bart on the threshold, staring at her in shock. "Guys, it looks a lot worse than it feels. And it really was a lot of fun to box against him. But he's a lot better than I thought he was."

Bart asks: "Do you need me to get you some painkillers?"

"Yes, that would be lovely. Because I'm about to have lunch with Flavio. She sits down and Ricardo takes the spot next to her.

He says: "So that's why you look like this."

"For lunch? Yes. I need to make sure all those Italian men turn their heads."

Ricardo laughs and says: "You don't need an outfit like this for that Scorpia."

"Maybe not from their side. But I need it to feel strong and confident. It helps."

Ricardo nods and says: "I talked to Ciro before I walked in and the convention is going to be amazing. He arranged it all meticulously. And that premiere. Red carpet and all." He searches for the emotions in her eyes and she looks at him openly and honestly.

He smiles and says: "You're going to see what we all see. Trust me. An immensely strong woman you just want to be close to. Close enough to feel her love and power. We made a beautiful mix of your medical facts and your emotions. It's really worth the watch. And I would like to thank you again, for doing this with me. Because without this interview it's just another story by an anonymous person. This is going to have a huge impact."

She looks at him and says: "I hope that's what I will see Ricardo. I'm a little scared, to be honest. But I trust you, as I did from the very start. When will the premiere be?"

Ricardo chuckles and says: "Saturday night."

"What? This Saturday?!"

Ricardo nods and Scorpia panics.

"There's a reason that Manon already had that dress picked out for you. Logan already has a suit. We're all ready to go to be honest. We just had to be sure you wanted this too. Because it evolves around you after all."

Bart walks out with two tablets and a glass of water. "Here you go, boss. Take them right now."

Scorpia does as she's told and checks the time on her phone. It's noon and she sighs.

She looks at Ricardo and says: "Okay Hulk. I'm going for it. Even though I'm not sure how I feel about all of you keeping it a secret for me. But I don't have the time to worry about that now."

She gets up and walks inside to get her bracelet from the open cupboard. She puts it around her wrist and stares at it for a few minutes. She turns around and finds Ricardo and Bart looking at her from a distance.

Bart smiles and says: "Sweet Scorpia is gone I see. Awesome."

Ricardo looks into her eyes and nods: "Yeah, this Scorpia is scary. Thankfully we know her other side too." Scorpia picks up a small mirror and touches up her make-up. She dabs some more concealer on her cheekbone and hisses through her teeth.

Ricardo asks: "How blue is it under that layer of make-up?"

Scorpia says: "Blue? Black is what it is."

She looks straight into his eyes and Ricardo says: "It's clear to see that you're okay. But I'll never be completely used to it."

"You should talk to Logan then, he had a very hard time with it." She looks at Bart and asks: "Did you want to say or ask something earlier?"

Bart nods and says: "Yes, I wanted to ask if you needed the Charger tonight."

Scorpia shakes her head and says: "No, why?"

Bart blushes a little and says: "I wanted to fill her up with gas, wash her and... Take Manon out." The last part is hardly audible but Scorpia looks at him with amused eyes.

"Have fun, Bart. We should stop talking about loving, sweet things now. Because I need to bring my A-game for this lunch."

She walks into the lobby, focuses her brain on lunch, and stares outside. And then she sees a Maserati Quattroporte drive up. It's dark blue and the seats are covered in cream-colored leather. She stares at it with her mouth open en hears Ciro chuckle.

She looks at Ciro and he says: "Beautiful, isn't it? Flavio's pride." Scorpia nods and watches Flavio get out of the driver's seat and walk into the hotel.

He stops at a distance to look at her: "Wow Scorpia. I'm so glad I went for the Maserati today. Because an outfit like that deserves a car that matches your style and beauty."

She smiles and says: "That's a very nice car Flavio. You can pick me up in that any time."

He makes his way over to her and kisses her cheek. "Good afternoon bella. Are you ready for lunch? I can't wait till those guys see you." He winks at Ciro and offers Scorpia his arm.

She puts her arm through his and walks out with a shimmer in her eyes. He guides her over to the passenger side and holds the door open for her. She sits down and admires the interior. Flavio gets in and starts the car with a roar.

He grins and Scorpia grins back at him. They drive off and Flavio says: "We're having lunch at a restaurant where the biggest bastardo's gather to eat. You will not be in danger, not for a second. But it would be fun to make a clear statement."

Scorpia watches his profile and notices he's nervous. "What are you thinking exactly, Flavio?"

He changes gears and checks his rear-view-mirror to see if his security detail is following him. He clears his throat and asks: "Would you be opposed to a little flirting?"

She stares at him and tries to come up with a reason why he would want that. But decides to just ask him: "Why would you want that Flavio?"

"Well want... I consider you a sister, but..." He swallows and Scorpia gets it.

"You want to speak the language of the men in the restaurant. On all levels. And we both know Italian men speak one language best."

She chuckles and Flavio relaxes.

"Yeah, I want to dangle something in front of them that they will never have. To challenge and tease them but also to protect you. If you get what I mean."

"I think so. If they know you care about me, more than as a simple business partner, they will think twice before harming me." She feels a little blindsided by this but knows there's no backing out of it now.

Flavio smiles and nods. He makes eye contact with her through the rear-view-mirror and she winks at him.

She relaxes in her chair and says: "I need to know one thing from you though before we do this."

Flavio nods and waits for her question.

"What are your feelings for Ciro?" If she looks closely she can see a slight hint of a blush on his cheeks and she has to keep her smile from breaking through.

"Um, I would love to tell you Scorpia but Ciro and I haven't talked about it yet. So what I'm going to say to you, is something I haven't told him yet."

"Relax Flavio. He won't hear it from me."

Flavio takes a deep breath and says: "You have to understand that being gay is not an option in my world. And there have been rumors forever. If they would know I am gay, I would lose power right away. But I love Ciro. Have loved him for a long time."

He drives onto a fenced terrain and checks again if they are still being followed. Scorpia smiles wide and he rests his hand on her leg as soon as he has parked the car in front of the huge restaurant.

"Thank you for your honesty, Flavio. Let's give them a show that has sex dripping from it."

Flavio chuckles and says: "Hot and powerful Scorpia, that's what we're going for."

He gets out and walks around the car to open the door for her. She takes his hand and gets out slowly. She brushes the wrinkles from her skirt and tugs at the jacket. He rests his hand on her butt and they walk towards the door together. He opens it for her and she steps into the crowded restaurant.

She takes in her surroundings, staring at the most extravagant interior she ever saw. Italian marble everywhere and there's even a huge fountain in the middle of the room. Flavio rests his hands on her hips and whispers in her ear: "Hot and powerful Scorpia."

She licks her lips and a sensual smile forms on them.

A man comes rushing up to them, who nervously asks them to follow him. Flavio rests his hand on her butt again, while they are shown to their table. He squeezes her ass and kisses her neck briefly, before pulling her chair back for her. She sits down and thanks him. He sits down across from her and she graces him with her most sensual look.

He grabs her hand and strokes her fingers. She feels a lot of eyes on her and opens the top button of her jacket. Flavio asks for the wine menu and as soon as he receives it, he hands it to Scorpia with a smile. Scorpia beams and picks out a heavy red wine.

The waiter takes the menu with him and returns soon with the bottle of her choice. He pours a little in Flavio's glass, who shoots Scorpia a questioning look. She leans forward and says: "Oh Orsacchiotto, you know the wine will be delicious."

He chuckles and lets the waiter know he can fill the glasses with a wave of his hand.

Scorpia strokes the stem of the glass with her fingers and Flavio stares at it in fascination. Scorpia looks him in the eye as she takes a sip of her wine. She closes her eyes and moans softly. Her thumb strokes her lower lip as she looks around the restaurant. She has the attention of at least half the men present.

Flavio lifts his glass and tastes the wine thoroughly. "Mmm yummy Scorpia. But I already knew you had excellent taste of course." His eyes show desire and he reaches across the table to stroke her neck.

Scorpia takes his hand in hers and kisses his knuckles.

A plate of antipasti is served and they eat it, all the while exchanging sensual looks. Scorpia licks some olive oil of her finger and hears a couple of men gasp. She looks at Flavio and asks in a soft tone: "Why do I have the feeling that they don't see many women in here?"

Flavio leans forward and whispers: "You're the first woman in here. Ever. This restaurant is a cover for two very nasty gangs. And they are known for using women instead of worshiping them. So it seemed like a fun place to take you to lunch. And to show them how a woman responds when you treat her right." He runs his thumb over her lip before sitting up straight again.

He asks a bit louder: "Have you decided what you want Raggio di sole?"

She looks him straight in the eye and says: "You already know what's for dessert Orsacchiotto. So I suggest we eat a hearty meal. We're going to need the energy."

Flavio clears his throat and sticks a finger behind his collar to pull at it.

He says in a deep tone: "I can't wait to see what you have planned." They hear some men swear through their teeth and Scorpia bites her lip.

The waiter walks up to their table to take their order and they order spaghetti aglio e olio. Flavio pulls his phone from the inside pocket of his blazer and challenges her with his eyes. She immediately gets what he wants.

She grabs the phone from his hands and puts it in her briefcase. "I don't think so! You're having lunch with me and me alone. You know I will get up and walk out! And you can forget about dessert!"

Flavio puts his hands together and says: "Scusa cara. It's a bad habit. Please don't be mad at me." He grabs her hand and presses his lips on her palm, mischief clearly visible in his eyes.

She knows she did exactly what he was hoping for and she has to try really hard not to laugh. She pretends to still be angry and taps against the wineglass with her nails.

She sighs and takes a sip, while her eyes roam through the restaurant. She plays with the bracelet around her wrist and notices a few men swallowing nervously. She sits up straight and breathes confidence, which makes a few more men at the bar and other tables restless.

The pasta is served and they eat in silence, while Flavio continues to try and catch her gaze. He puts his hand on the table with his palm up, as soon as he ate his last bite. Scorpia looks at his hands and puts hers in his with an annoyed sigh. He slides his hand to her forearm and strokes the skin. She licks her bottom lip and stares at him with fiery eyes.

She opens her briefcase and pulls his phone out. She hands it back to him and he puts it back into his inner pocket, without looking at it. "Grazie cara. Shall I ask for the bill?"

She nods and a naughty smile forms on her lips. Flavio snaps his fingers and a waiter comes running. Flavio places his credit card on the tray and thanks the waiter.

He gets up and moves over to Scorpia to stand behind her. He strokes her neck and she tilts her head to the side. He leans down and whispers: "Hot and powerful." She giggles and he pulls her chair back to help her up. The waiter comes back with the credit card and Flavio slides it onto his pocket nonchalantly.

Scorpia turns around to face him and wraps her arms around his neck. He puts both his hands on her ass and gives it a firm squeeze.

She giggles again and says: "Let's go honey. Time for dessert." Flavio leans down and bites her neck gently. "Oh Flavio! Come!" She grabs his hand and pulls him towards the exit, making him chuckle.

They practically run over to the car and get in quickly. They both need to do their best to keep their laughter down and he starts the car quickly. He speeds off and parks a few blocks further at the side of the road. They burst out in laughter till the tears stream down their cheeks.

"That was insane Scorpia. It almost turned me straight."

She laughs and says: "I'm starting to see what Ciro sees in you."

Flavio laughs and says: "That went a lot better than I hoped. That's going to get the gossip mill turning. If it results in any trouble for you, let me know, okay?"

Scorpia nods and says: "Yeah, I'll tell Logan about it as soon as I'm home."

"Oh God. The Scot. I'm going to die." Flavio runs a hand across his face and Scorpia laughs.

"Yeah, you know what he did after the tournament. I hope you get to see Ciro before you have to leave this earth."

"That's not funny Scorpia. What are you going to tell him?"

"The truth of course."

Flavio swears. "Maybe we should have asked for his permission first."

Scorpia purposely stays silent and watches Flavio get more and more anxious. "Flavio? You're a lot less tough than you seem."

He nervously rubs his hands together and shoots her a worried look.

"Don't worry. Logan is not going to kill you. But telling him all about it beforehand might have been better. Can you drop me off at the cafe?"

Flavio clears his throat and asks: "Do you want me to go in with you?"

"No, let's not do that. Unless you want bruises too."

"Too?"

She lifts her jacket and Flavio's shoot fire. "Who?"

She rests her hand on his arm and says: "Calm down Flavio. I asked for it myself. They are from boxing. Against Logan."

"Dannazione Scorpia! He did this to you?"

She nods and smiles wide. "Yes, and it was amazing."

"You're crazy!"

"Yeah, about Logan. And Leo."

Flavio's eyes show tenderness and he asks if she has a picture of Leo. She gets her phone out and shows him a couple of pictures.

"Wow, Scorpia. You look so... like a mom. How special and beautiful. Congratulations!"

Flavio starts the car and drives over to the cafe. She jumps out of the car as soon as they arrive and thanks him.

"Scorpia? Could you warn me if he comes over to kill me? I want to say goodbye to Ciro."

Scorpia laughs but sees the serious worry in his eyes.

"I promise Flavio."

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Holy shit inspiration struck.

Haven't been able to write all week.

But here we go. And I enjoyed it. :)

Anything to say about this lunch?

About Flavio?

What is Logan going to say?

See you for the next one! 

Thank you for your patience.

Xx Hankie