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~ Daniela's POV ~

"Are you mad at me?"

"No." I shook my head at her question as I scanned through the different dresses hanging on the rack. "But you seem mad."

"I'm not mad Aviana."

"But you're not talking to me." When I heard the sadness in her tone I turned to look at her noticing how she was pouting her lips. We'd already been at the shop for the last ten minutes but she hadn't even started looking at dresses yet. She was too busy trying to talk to me.

"I'm not mad at you, I just don't know what to say. I don't know if what happened between us was an argument or not. I don't have many friends so I don't know how to fix things like this."

When she heard my words a smile stretched across her face showing off her perfect white teeth.

"We're friends?"

"Well-" Before I could say anything to try and make myself seem less desperate to have her as a friend, she very quickly cut me off.

"Oh Dani I'm so so sorry, I swear I'll never get between you and Carson again or let Carson come between us again. I don't have any girl friends and I don't want to lose you just because of him. You're so sweet and funny and kind and he's a jerk anyway, can you believe he's forcing me to come to this thing tonight with Grey? Grey, Dani, Grey! I'm going to die."

By the time she finished her rant I couldn't hold back my laughter as she completely overreacted, for some reason worried about having to be Grey's date, even though they were just friends.

"It's not that bad, at least you get to dress up and go out for the night. Plus you'll be with me." When I flashed her a smile, it was clear we'd forgotten all about our 'argument' as she turned to face some of the dresses on the rack next to us. "I know but I don't want to be his date. That means I can't go off and find a guy to spend the night with, I have to stay with him and act all professional."

"Are you even allowed to try and get with anyone there? Aren't they all your rivals?"

"Most of them are yes, but some of them are our allies or just people we haven't worked with before. For example, at the last one in May four months ago, there was this Spanish cartel leader, he was so sexy Dani. He was giving me the eyes all night so finally at the end I went up to him and he just led me outside to his car to go back to his house."

"Wait, you just got in the car with him without saying anything?"

"Well he said 'my place' in his very thick accent, I don't think he spoke English or that he knew that I know how to speak Spanish. Anyway, it was the best sex ever! It was all passion and we had this connection and understanding, even without speaking. Plus, he -oh sorry."

Before she could finish her sentence she had to side step a very, very shocked older woman who was trying to get past her to see a dress next to us. All I could do was shake my head letting out a laugh at the look on that poor woman's face after hearing about Aviana's silent romp with a Spanish cartel leader.

This girl didn't speak quietly at all, even if we were in public.

"So anyway, in the morning I left before he could wake up. I didn't want to have to say anything in the morning, but he might be there tonight. Oh my God, what if he is? He'll think I'm with Grey! Dani, do you know what will happen to me if people think I'm with Grey? They'll never touch me again! They'll think I'm off limits since I belong to Carson's underboss and they'll never come near me again. How am I supposed to - ow woman just find a damn dress or get out of the store!"

When she suddenly turned to glare at the same older woman who was now more frightened of Aviana than disgusted by her, I very quickly pulled her away sending an apologetic smile towards the lady.

"Let's just go and find you a dress shall we?"

<<<<<<< >>>>>>> <<<<<<<

Dress shopping with that woman is hell.

I tried on maybe twenty dresses that were all my style - simple, elegant and sophisticated. Then after I tried them all on showing every single one to her, she still couldn't figure out what type of style I wanted to go for. Then she tried to force me into huge puffy glittery dresses or dresses that had slits all the way up my leg which I absolutely hated.

But, in the end I found exactly what I was looking for.

A simple, silk fitted red gown that showed enough skin to make me feel confident but not that much to make me feel promiscuous.

Well actually, it was entirely backless but I still didn't feel promiscuous. I don't think clothes define a woman to make her look like a 'slut' or a 'whore' just because of how much skin she's showing or how tight her clothes are. Actually it says more about the narrow minded people who define a woman like that.

I think it makes a woman powerful to wear what she wants.

Letting out a breath I fluffed my hair that I had flowing in loose curls down my back before I turned my attention to my make up. I decided to keep the eye shadow light, adding a pop of highlighter to the inner corners of my eyes along with winged liner and some mascara before I put on some red lipstick to match my dress.

I had to look the shit even if I didn't feel so confident knowing Ayden and Atticus were going to be there.

"Can I come in now?" When I heard his voice I turned to look at the closed door of the walking in closet letting out a nervous breath before I eventually nodded my head. "Yeah."

I stepped into the middle of the room as he opened the door, stepping into the room. It took him a second until his eyes met mine, widening a little as he stopped dead in his tracks. For those few moments I tried to scan his face to figure out what he was thinking as he just stood there staring at me.

Taking a few steps towards him, I gave him a nervous smile as I closed the gap, but it was only when I got close enough that I saw his lips twitch up into a smile.

"You look so beautiful Dani." He held my hands in his as he took in my dress, turning me a little to see the back. "I've really got my work cut out for me tonight."

"Your work?" I gave him a soft smile as I reached up stroking his cheek causing him to lean into my touch. "Yeah, I have to let everyone know you're mine."

"You're not mad? I'm showing a lot of skin and-"

"And nothing. You look beautiful baby girl, why would I be mad? Plus I'm me, I'm confident enough to know you'll come back to me." When he flashed me a confident, and borderline arrogant, smirk I let out a laugh nodding my head. "I would, I'll always come back to you."

"I'm guessing now that you have that stuff on your lips you don't want me to kiss you?" When he muttered the words leaning in closer to me I nodded my head, taking a step back. "Later. Now that you've seen my dress, let me choose your tie."

When I mentioned the tie he rolled his eyes as he leaned against the wall waiting for me to go through his excessively large selection of ties. He only reacted like that because we had a mini tiff earlier when I told him we had to match so he had to let me pick his tie.

Of course he insisted on choosing his own stupid Brioni suit. I don't think there was ever a chance in hell that he would let me tell him what suit to wear. I'm starting to think his suits come higher in his list than I do - first he loves his cars, then his mafia, then his suits and then me.

"I have something for you." Once he put his tie on, he spoke as he came up behind me while I stood in front of the mirror at the vanity table, watching him behind me. I frowned in confusion as he moved my hair to the side before he took something out of his pocket.

Shifting my eyes away from him in the reflection I watched as he brought his hands around in front of me resting the silver pendant on my chest below the angel pendant my mother gave me, before he did the clasp of the necklace behind my neck.

"I had it made so that it matches the one your mom gave you plus the length of the chain on this one is adjustable so you can wear both at the same time."

Moving closer to the mirror I admired the silver pendant of the cross with another extra line through, the same on I saw on Carson's chain and his tattoo. This one also had some diamonds in it which just made it look that much more expensive.

"You already know it's the symbol for my mafia." When he spoke my eyes met his in the mirror before I turned to face him. "I want you to wear it, to let everyone know you're mine."

I can't be the only who got shivers when he said that.

"I'll wear it everyday, I promise." I gave him a smile as I leaned up to press a kiss to his cheek causing him to glare at me almost instantly. "If you got lipstick on me I swear-"

"You'll what?" When I rose an eyebrow at him my eyes landing on the red lipstick mark on his cheek, he just shook his head as he grabbed one of my make up wipes to clean it off. I couldn't help but laugh as I watched him before he fixed his hair in the mirror, adjusting his tie and his collar before he turned to face me.

"You ready beautiful?" Once he'd finished fixing his appearance, I just about finished filling my clutch after I slipped on my heels. Nodding my head I took his hand as we left his room heading downstairs to meet Aviana and Grey in the entry hall of their house.

"Dani you're killing me." When he said those words behind me I shook my head in amusement knowing his eyes were firmly focused on my behind as we walked. Without another word we descended down the stairs towards the ground floor where Aviana and Grey were waiting for us.

"Daniela you look so beautiful cara." Through my blush that came from being complimented in front of other people, I mumbled a 'thank you' to her before she headed towards the kitchen allowing me to go over to Carson, Avi and Grey.

"Before we go I'm taking a photo of you." When Aviana blocked the exit, taking out her phone I gave her an excited smile while Carson just glared. "No."

"I don't care what you say. You look perfect together and this is a cute memory. You have to start taking photos together for the future so, smile."

As she spoke she pushed us back against a wall causing Carson's glare to intensify while I just rolled my eyes, guiding his hand to wrap it around my waist.

"Just smile." When I mumbled the words to him he shook his head while Aviana focused her camera on us until she spoke to him again. "Fine don't smile but at least don't look like you want to kill me."

"I do." When he forced out the words, I just elbowed him in the side before I gave Aviana a smile allowing her to take some photos of us. For the next few minutes we took a few photos, a couple of Aviana and I together too before we headed outside.

Once we reached the limo, yes a limo, Carson helped me inside before he got in next to me. There were a line of other black cars parked in the driveway some of which pulled out before we did and then the rest followed behind us. I'm assuming that was their security.

So the ride was extremely awkward to say the least. Apart from the random conversations Carson and Grey had none of us spoke. There was only one reason for that and he was sitting across from me sending me a glare.

Ever since that day he told me I was making Carson suffer by talking to him we hadn't spoken. That was the same day I asked Carson to teach me and ever since then he'd been teaching me everything to do with the mafia.

Grey and I had no contact, apart from him asking me to babysit his daughter through Carson and all the awkward meal times, the few conversations he had with Carson and I about the mafia and the sudden run ins we had if we saw each other in the hallways or came out of our offices at the same time.

Not to mention this awkward hour long car ride into the city. The only time he actually spoke to me during that ride was when he explained to me that there is a separate organisation who organises these events to keep the peace, but individuals can sponsor them if they choose to. That means if one of the criminals wants to sponsor it they can use it as an opportunity to try and earn some extra business since they can make a speech to the entire crowd.

"Dani."

The moment we got out of the car, Carson grabbed my hand stopping me from walking away. He took a second to let Grey and Aviana head down the red carpet, past the security and inside the building first before he spoke.

"If you feel uncomfortable, or scared or worried or anything, just tell me baby and we'll leave."

"Okay." When I gave him a smile he nodded, taking a step away towards the building before he turned back to me again. "Also, I might not be as nice as I usually am while we're in there - I mean like no smiling and mushy stuff like that."

"Smiling is mushy?" When I rose an eyebrow at him in amusement he nodded his head taking my hand as we started walking inside. "I have a rep to protect Trouble."

"And you think smiling will ruin that? I seriously don't understand you mafia men." As I spoke I lowered the volume of my voice leaning in closer to him as I spoke so that he could hear me while we walked. "If people see me smile they'll think I have feelings, then they'll try to take advantage of me because they'll think I won't kill them on site now that I have feelings."

"I see."

I really didn't see.

"So anyway, tell me about this whole thing, why are we here again?"

I still kept my voice quiet as we walked past the security guards at the entrance of the building. The event was being held at a hotel but there was a separate side entrance which led specifically to the banquet hall.

The hotel as expected was luxurious as ever and I mean marble floors, high ceilings, chandeliers and grand artwork adorning the walls. The hallway was empty but I could hear the sounds of chatter and instrumental music coming from down the hallway as Carson and I walked towards the double doors at the end of the hallway.

Behind us were two of Carson's personal bodyguards who I'd seen time and time again whenever we happened to be out and about. But, in the six weeks we'd been back in New York that was pretty rare since Carson was just always so busy.

"I told you once that the whole idea is for everyone to openly discuss business and make deals in the open for one night. You're supposed to bury any ill feelings for this one night although, no one ever does."

"What happens if you have a fight?" When I turned my head to look at him he shrugged his shoulders holding onto my hand as we walked. "There are security everywhere, no one has ever broken that rule, but I guess if it happens they'll just be shot. There's nothing you can do."

"So they can just kill the leader of an organisation and nothing will happen?" As we walked Carson nodded his head. "Yeah pretty much. So anyway, you already know what to expect - there will be drinks, speeches and dinner and I think they're doing an auction today."

"An auction? I've never seen that happen before."

"It depends on who is sponsoring it, I'm not sure who it is today." He didn't get much chance to elaborate on the auction as we neared the double doors which were also being protected by security. "Stay close to me beautiful, you'll be safe with me, I promise."

Nodding my head I let out a nervous breath as we reached the guards who gave Carson a once over before they opened the door for him. As soon as the doors opened my eyes focused on the busy room where people all dressed in suits and dresses were mingling and talking in the open space at the back of the hall.

I guess we were fashionably late then.

Further back into the room were rows and rows of small circular banquet tables with white table cloths draped over them and huge fancy centrepieces in the middle. Right at the far end was a stage where I'm guessing the speeches and auction would take place. There was also a bar area where I guess you could go and order your own choice of drink.

As we stepped inside the waiter on the inside of the door greeted Carson by name, nodding his head in respect although Carson didn't even acknowledge him. Instead he just held my hand as we walked further into the room finding Aviana and Grey in the crowd of criminals.

I could feel eyes on us the entire time as we walked which I didn't find surprising in the least for many reasons. The main one was because I knew Carson was one of the most notorious mafia boss's in the game, everyone here would have known exactly who he was the moment he walked in. The second reason was the fact he looked absolutely amazing in his suit and the cold glare on his face, weirdly, made him look even better.

Before we could reach Aviana and Grey though, a server stepped in front of us with a tray of champagne glasses.

"Champagne sir?" When he spoke directing his words towards Carson, he took one of the glasses before the man shifted his gaze towards me. "Ma'am?"

"Um..."

"Try mine first, if you don't like I'll have him get you something else." Even though he spoke in a much lower, colder tone than I was used to, his words still warmed my heart as I took the glass from him trying to ignore the stares we were receiving. I guess people thought we would just take the glasses and carry on walking.

Lifting the glass to my lips I took a small sip of the cold sparkling drink before I handed Carson back his glass shaking my head. It's not that I disliked the taste, I...well, I guess I didn't particularly like it.

It was a strange mix of flowery and fruity flavours, maybe I was just odd or maybe my pallet wasn't as mature as Carson's.

"What else do you have?"

"Non alcoholic?" When the waiter questioned Carson he glanced at me causing me to nod my head giving him a shy smile. "We have water of course still or sparkling, juices and sodas."

"What about a non-alcoholic mojito?" When Carson spoke up asking about my favourite drink, I gave him a wide eyed look while the server nodded his head. "If you would like that ma'am I can have them make you one at the bar."

"No really, it's okay I'll just take the champagne, that'll just attract even more attention and everyone will know I'm not drinking and-"

"Bring her one please." Without another word Carson took my hand guiding me away from the server who scurried away to get my drink. "Why would you do that?"

"Because I don't give a damn what anyone thinks, if you don't want champagne I'll get you something that you do want."

I didn't get a chance to react when we reached Aviana and Grey who were watching us in confusion much like everyone else who saw our encounter with the server in the middle of the room. Anyway, it's not like I could have done much since we were currently in public and I don't think he would have appreciated me hugging him.

"What was all that about?" When Aviana spoke I turned my attention to her noticing the black dress she was wearing which showed off her perfect curves with a split on the side, all the way to the top of her leg.

"I don't really like champagne." I gave her a small smile as I moved in closer to Carson who was busy subtly looking around the room although he didn't move his head once. "Oh yeah, you're not much of a big drinker."

When she flashed me an apologetic smile clearly thinking back to that whole 'never have I ever' fiasco, I just shook my head.

"I've never really drank before I met Carson so I don't really know what I like or don't like. He's helping me though, he's been letting me try different things." She nodded her head at this before she turned to look at him. "Try not to get our little baby drunk."

"I'm not that stupid, you've already tried it." He didn't bother to look at her as he continued to scan the room probably making a mental note of who was there, who he wanted to avoid and he wanted to speak to.

So yeah, he wasn't happy about that day, but I decided to ignore his words as I turned my attention back to Aviana.

"I'm not a baby." When I said this she just cracked a smile but before she could continue the conversation any further her eyes locked onto something across the room.

Or should I say someone.

"Oh crap. Dani he's here."

"Who?" As I began to turn around to follow her gaze she quickly spoke up, pretty much whisper yelling at me to stop me. "Don't! Don't look."

"Why? Who is it?"

"Ignacio, the one I told you about this morning at the dress store."

"Ignacio Domínguez?" When Grey suddenly spoke for the first time both Aviana and I turned to look at him as she nodded. "Yeah, but it's nothing serious, just casual. We had a...meeting after the last gala in May. I left him in the morning before he woke up."

"Apparently because he didn't know she speaks Spanish, he didn't say a word to her the entire time." When I muttered the words to Grey he let out a laugh as he turned to look at Aviana who was now glaring at me. "You had a silent meeting?"

"It wasn't like that! We did make sounds but just no talking." She continued to whisper yell as she now glared at Grey who was highly amused by this, especially considering they didn't ever want to hear anything about Aviana's sex life.

When she suddenly fell silent her eyes still focused in that direction, the server from earlier came up to me. He gave me a smile as he handed me a champagne glass like everyone else's with a clear sparkling liquid in and a few sprigs of mint on top.

"No need to be shy ma'am." He flashed me one more kind smile before he went off to continue to his work as I turned back to Carson who was watching me. I could tell he wanted to smile when I gave him one but I just took his stare as a smile since he was too weird and stubborn to smile.

"Has he seen you yet?" When I turned my attention back to Aviana she slowly nodded her head although she looked like she was about to cry.

"He um..." When she cleared her throat looking away from I'm guessing the man she was looking at, a small frown formed on her face. "He's with his date."

This time when she looked down at her glass both Grey and I turned to look in that direction, finding a tall, tanned man kissing someone although his eyes were firmly locked on Aviana.

He was either trying to make her jealous or he was just a jerk.

"That fool is lucky I can't go and shoot him right now." Surprisingly it was Carson who muttered those words since I didn't think he was even paying attention to the conversation.

"Leave it, it's fine. It was just sex and it was four months ago." Clearing her throat she forced a smile on to her face as she changed the subject, instead focusing on me again. "Carson gave you that?"

When she gestured to the necklace around my neck I glanced down at it, nodding my head with a smile.

"He did."

"It's cute, and it matches the other one." She smiled at me as she gestured to the angel pendant. "My mom gave me that one, I never take it off."

"So how does she feel about you being in the mafia now?" When she flashed me a grin taking a sip of her champagne, I felt Carson tense up next to me clearly knowing where this conversation was heading.

"My parents died when I was 16. But I guess she probably wouldn't like it." When I mumbled the last sentence she frowned at me as a guilty expression crossed her face. "Dani I'm-"

"It's fine, you didn't know. There's a lot about my past I prefer to keep quiet. But then I guess I can't really get upset if people say things I won't like." When I gave her a smile she only nodded her head just as my eyes met Grey's.

I hadn't forgotten what he heard me say to Carson a few weeks ago, so I knew that he knew what I was referring to about my past although I'm sure he didn't know the full extent of it.

'No it is, it is true Carson. I was so stupid to think I could ever be successful or independent. I'm just a slut, like he said, like Ayden and Atticus said I'm just a whore. I'm just here for their pleasure.'

I still can't believe he heard me say that, even if he's never mentioned it again.

"Ladies and gentleman if you would please take your seats, dinner will be served shortly."

Letting out a sigh Carson took my hand guiding me through the hall past all the tables until we reached one at the front. Without a word he pulled out my chair for me waiting for me to sit down before he tucked it in, sitting down next to me.

"I'm sorry about that baby."

"Don't be, it's okay." Flashing him a smile I shook my head as Grey and Aviana came and sat down next to us. For the next half an hour we didn't say a word as we waited for the starters to be served and even ate in silence, listening to the random speeches being made on stage.

Ironically, they were nothing to do with the mafia at all - they were all about donations being made to charities, business announcements and a few speeches on the future events similar to this one.

"You like it?" When Carson leaned in to whisper the words next to me during some random speech, I nodded my head glancing down at my main course. "Yeah, it's nice."

"You didn't even try it." When he spoke in an amused tone, I turned my head to look at him. "No I did, anyway haven't I told you before that I just love...-"

"Caviar." When he gave me the word I was looking for, I nodded my head turning my attention back to my plate in front of me.

"Yeah caviar, I mean what's not to love about eating fish eggs?"

When I muttered the words this time not bothering to hide my disgust, Carson chuckled quietly next to me. Seconds later he used his fork to move the caviar off the sea bass fillet on my plate, putting it on the edge of his plate.

"I don't like that stuff either."

Turning my head to look at him I saw him give me a wink before he turned his attention back to his food. "So why did you want me to try it?"

"Because it tastes like crap." Even though he wasn't looking at me, I couldn't stop the laugh that escaped my lips as I shook my head. "I thought you were supposed to love me, why would you try to do that to me?"

"Because it's fun." As he cut his fish I saw his lips barely twitch up into a smile. Somehow this man made me fall in love with him even more everyday, even when he was being a jerk.

Sometime after that passed as we ate in silence, until it finally happened.

"Now we would like to call our generous sponsor of the evening to the stage to say a few words, Atticus McKnight."

I watched as the man on the stage stepped aside while a round of applause erupted around the room. Soon my eyes found his figure as he stood up from a table two rows behind ours and three to the left. I couldn't see much of who was on their table, but I could see the back of his familiar blonde hair from where I was sitting.

Shifting my eyes away from him, I followed Atticus's tall, powerful, figure as he walked through the rows of the tables to the side of the stage, stepping up onto the stage before he came into the centre.

Honestly I just felt sick when they all clapped for him watching him like he was royalty as he got on the stage. They clapped my rapist onto the stage.

One of my rapists.

I didn't even pay attention to the words he was saying, suddenly losing my appetite as I put my knife and fork down, averting my gaze away from the man in the limelight.

When I felt Carson's hand on mine under the table, I let him take my hand holding it on his leg as he gave it a soft squeeze. Just that small gesture was enough to keep me calm as I sat there next to him, trying to block out his voice.

I didn't even look at him, not once. I actually didn't look up until he was off the stage which was when Carson leaned in to whisper in my ear. "Finish your food."

"But I don't want to let go of your hand."

"Use your left hand to hold your fork then." Doing as he said I started eating again even though it felt kind of weird using my left hand since I was naturally right handed. "Do you like it? I can get you something else on the way home if you don't?"

"No, it's nice now that you took the gross fish eggs off." When he heard my response he nodded his head, still holding onto my hand which was when I realised I needed my knife to cut a potato in half.

"Can you cut that?" Nodding his head he put his own fork down, picking up his knife to cut my potato while I held it down with my fork.

"You two are so cute." When I heard Aviana's words I lifted my gaze to see her smiling at us.

"Thank you."
"Shut up."

"Carson don't speak to her like that." Of course he just ignored me, instead turning his attention back to his food once he had cut a couple of my other potatoes without me even having to ask.

He really was so cute.

After we'd finally finished the main course, there was more time for mingling since that was the whole reason this gala was taking place in the first place. According to the event program, there was half an hour before dessert would be served.

"I need to go and see someone, you want to come with me? You can stay with Grey and Avi if you want." Once the sounds of chatter filled the room again Carson no longer had to whisper as he spoke next to me. "No I'll come with you."

Nodding his head he stood up before he took my hand helping me up, keeping hold of my hand as we walked through the small crowd of people still lingering around the tables. Once we finally made it to the back of the hall which was the large open space, Carson took a second to look around the room before he finally found who he was looking for.

"Is this person nice?"

"Yeah, he's my friend. He's been a close ally of mine for a few years." He whispered the words to me as we walked over to a tall man who was standing in a small crowd with a girl on his arm.

The moment his eyes landed on my boyfriend next to me, a smile stretched across his face causing the other four people around him to all turn to face us. "Carson."

"Angelo." Carson nodded in his direction as we came to a stop in front of him. "How have you been? It's been a while."

As Angelo spoke he reached out to shake Carson's hand causing his hand to slip out of mine, only for a moment before he took it again. The entire time the girl he was with just stood there in silence, not even being introduced to us.

She reminded me of myself with Ayden not too long ago.

"You know how it is, always so busy." When Angelo let out a laugh in agreement, his eyes suddenly shifted across to me prompting Carson to introduce me. "This is my girlfriend Dani."

"Girlfriend?" Angelo rose an eyebrow at him before he turned to look at me giving me a friendly smile. "You're really with this idiot?"

I couldn't help but smile as I nodded turning to look at Carson when he spoke. "Did you just call me an idiot?"

"In the nicest way possible." He flashed Carson a grin before he turned his attention back to me. "I guess that explains why everyone was staring at you. You have that power couple vibe, I like it. So anyway, how's business going?"

And just like that they launched into a long conversation about their businesses before they started discussing their next steps in whatever business they have together. The rest of the group who was there when we first got there had all disappeared, leaving just Carson and I and Angelo and his date.

"How long have you been together?" When his date spoke in a much quieter tone than the two men who were deep in conversation, I gave her a smile as I turned to face her. "It hasn't been very long, but sometimes it feels like forever."

It really felt like forever ago when we woke up in that van together.

"I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name." When I asked for her name she nervously glanced at Angelo who seemed like he wasn't paying any attention to us. "Nina. It's nice to meet you Dani."

"You too. So-"

"We should get going, it was nice to see you Carson and you, Dani." When Angelo suddenly cut me off before I could start a conversation with his date, I found myself frowning at him which he just ignored. Giving us one last smile he took her by the hand leading her back to the tables to go and sit down.

"That was weird." When I turned to face Carson he just shrugged his shoulders. "A lot of guys here don't like their dates talking - either it's a macho thing or they're worried they might say something stupid."

"Stupid?" When I frowned he just nodded his head as if what he was saying wasn't a big deal. "Yeah, either something to embarrass them or maybe give up a secret by accident."

I mean I always knew the mafia was a patriarchal organisation, but this is just another level. What's the point of bringing a date if they're not allowed to speak?

"So the girls are just here to make them look good?" When he heard the anger biting into my tone he suddenly frowned at me, stepping closer to me. "Watch your mouth here Dani, you don't know who might hear you."

"But it's disgusting."

"Maybe it is, but that's how it works and how it has worked for decades. Nothing you say or do will change that, but it could get you hurt so please, be quiet."

Shaking my head at his words I ignored the way he was pretty much glaring at me as I looked around the room. So far I hadn't seen him, apart from the back of his head, and I hadn't seen Atticus apart from when he was on stage.

"Agnello."

The sound of someone calling Carson caused both of us to turn towards the person and almost instantly Carson pulled me in closer to him.

I didn't recognise the man, but he looked to be much older than us, maybe in his fifties.

"William." Carson's hard tone instantly told me that he didn't like this person, also telling me that I should keep my mouth shut around him. "I've been meaning to catch up with you, I have a proposal for you."

As he reached into his pocket to take out a folded piece of paper, Carson gave him a frown. "Now?"

"It's rather urgent. I have tried to contact you but evidently you didn't get the message. Anyway, take this and look over it, maybe give it to your guy to check it over before you get back to me."

As he handed the paper over, Carson only took it handing it straight to me while this William guy continued the conversation without even acknowledging me. Taking the chance I unfolded it, reading the business proposal and the potential profits that he projected for them to earn together.

The entire time that they spoke I could feel Carson's hand on my bare back as he rubbed circles onto my skin while I tried to focus on the deal I was reading over. I don't know if he was doing it to stay calm or to distract me from what I was doing, but that's definitely what happened.

Once I was done, easily coming to the decision that this wasn't worth Carson's time even in the slightest, I waited until he looked at me to give him a subtle shake of the head. As soon as I did, Carson took the paper from me and handed it back to William who at the time was still talking causing his sentence to trail off in confusion.

"I'm sorry, I don't understand..." As he took the paper, he gave Carson a confused frown to which my boyfriend just smiled. "I gave it to 'my guy', its not worth my time."

"But I..." As his sentence trailed off he turned to look me still clearly trying to understand what just happened in those few moments. "Her?"

"Oh, sorry, since you didn't ask I'll introduce you - this is my girlfriend and my accountant Dani."

Clearly irritated by Carson's amused tone his confused frown morphed into a glare which he, for some reason, focused on me.

"You're taking business advice from your bitch? The only place she belongs is in your bed, not behind a desk."

The moment those words left his mouth, Carson instantly tensed up next to me and despite only knowing him for just under two and a half months, I knew he was using every ounce of his strength to control his temper.

"The answer to your current proposal and all future proposals is no. And William, I may not be able to do anything here, but I promise you I will make you regret your words if you don't walk the hell away, right now."

After the way he spoke in such a cold and menacing tone, even I wanted to walk away and I was in Carson's good books...I think.

After one last glare in my direction and then towards Carson the man finally walked away scrunching the piece of paper up in his hand.

"Well that went well." When I turned to face Carson with a smile I swear I saw his lips twitch but he still refused to smile. "I need a damn cigarette."

So even though we'd been together for a while, I only ever saw him smoke once which was the day he left the convenience store in a strop while we were on our way to Portland.

"Come on then baby, let's go before they serve dessert." Taking his hand I tugged him towards the exit causing him to follow close behind me as we walked out the hall. As we walked down the hallway in silence, I felt his hand travel down my lower back before he slipped his fingers underneath the silk of my dress as he muttered something about how good my body looked.

"Carson stop." Turning to face him I grabbed his hand causing him to let out a laugh as we stepped outside into a quiet courtyard where a fountain was centred in the middle. Since it was already dark outside the fountain was lit up making it look so pretty.

Leaning against a wall he took out a box of cigarettes from his pocket, taking one out before he lit it with his lighter and then put both items back into his pocket. I watched as he took a slow drag of the lit cigarette before exhaling the smoke a moment later.

So I may usually find smoking a disgusting habit, but on him he somehow made it so freaking sexy.

And in that suit, with those tattoos on his hands...

After he took his second puff of his cigarette, his eyes met mine as a smirk tugged at his lips. "Enjoying the view?"

Ignoring the fact I'd just been caught staring I just stepped into his arms allowing him to pull me into his chest. Sliding my hands under his suit jacket I wrapped my arms around his waist as I rested my head against his chest while he tapped the ash off the end of his cigarette.

"Are you cold?" When he spoke in a low murmur, I shook my head tightening my arms around his waist. "No I'm okay."

"You're so beautiful Dani." Lifting my head I gave him a smile as he brought his cigarette back to his lips. "You know that's bad for you, right?"

"Mhm, you want to try it?" He managed to speak those words before he exhaled the smoke giving me a challenging smirk.

Have I ever been one to let him get the upper hand so easily?

Without moving out of his arms, I kept one arm around his waist as I used one hand to guide his hand to my mouth, taking a drag of the cigarette while it was still in his hand. Inhaling the smoke I held it for a second before I leaned up towards him exhaling it inches away from his lips.

My actions caused him to chuckle as he leaned down to close the gap pressing a kiss to my lips.

"I have a lot planned for you later."

"I'm looking forward to it." When I flashed him a grin he continued with another challenging smirk. "Maybe in the shower."

Of course he knew I would never agree to that.

"No way."

"Why?" When he rose an eyebrow at me in amusement I shook my head again as I looked around the empty courtyard, my eyes lingering on the lit up fountain ahead of us. "Because condoms aren't as effective in the water."

"I'll pull out." When I heard him speak in a confident tone I turned back to look at him as he took another drag of his cigarette. "Oh you'll pull out? Really?"

When I rose an eyebrow at him he nodded his head, his lips tugging up into an amused smirk. "Were you not listening in health class Carson?"

"No, why?" When he flashed me a grin I couldn't stop the laugh that escaped my lips as I shook my head. "We're not doing it, I'm not taking that risk - I could still get pregnant."

My response caused him to nod his head still highly amused as I moved back into my original position, resting my head on his chest while he wrapped an arm around my shoulders taking another drag of his cigarette. "Do you actually like these events?"

"Hell no. You're doing me a favour by coming out here with me - the last thing I want is to be put in a room three times a year where I'm forced to be nice to a bunch of idiots that I hate every other day of the year."

"So why do you come then?" In response to my question he let out a sigh as he tapped the ash of his cigarette again. "I don't really have a choice, it's more to keep up appearances - to show everyone I'm still at the top. You saw what happened when I disappeared, everyone was talking about it. It made me look weak."

"People are stupid that's why, after what you went through you're the strongest person I know. Well...you're kind of one of the only people I know since I don't have any friends but still you're the strongest of the people that I do know."

"You're so freaking cute." When Carson he spoke letting out a laugh I lifted my head to give him a smile. "I love you."

"I love you too Trouble." He spoke the words as he took one last drag of his cigarette before he put it out, pushing himself up off the walking causing me to step away from him, letting go of his waist. "You ready?"

Nodding my head I took his hand as we started making our way back inside towards the hall. As we walked through the empty hallways, the only sound that could be heard was the sound of my heels clicking on the marble floor.

"So my eyes weren't deceiving me."

The moment I heard his voice, my steps came to a stop along with Carson's who was, as expected, suddenly extremely tense next to me. It was Carson who turned around to face them first while I struggled to gather the courage inside of me.

But when he took my hand, it felt like that was all I needed to face up to my fears. He was all I needed. Turning around, my eyes first met Atticus's blue ones before I eventually met Ayden's gaze for the first time in eleven weeks.

Neither of them said a word for a moment, instead just staring at me as I remained close to Carson's side, trying to keep my expression cold and hard.

Deep down I wanted to cry, I was freaking terrified, but I took a leaf out of Carson's book instead choosing to try and mask my emotions the way he does so successfully every time.

"Daniela. It's nice to see you again." When Atticus finally spoke again, his voice held amusement although his eyes told a whole different story. He wanted to kill me, anyone could see that from the anger blazing in his eyes.

"I wish I could say the same."

Surprisingly my voice came out firm, without any signs of fear.

"We thought you were dead." This time when Ayden spoke for the first time, he definitely didn't sound as malicious and furious as his older brother. He just sounded shocked more than anything, it almost made him seem human.

But he wasn't, he was just very good at pretending. I mean, he tricked me into thinking he loved me for an entire year and then he tricked the rest of the word into thinking we were happy for the next two years.

"I know how much that would please you, but I can assure you Ayden, I'm not dead."

"She belongs to us Agnello. Hand her over."

"We both know that's not going to happen." Carson's response to Atticus was very quick, and for any normal human being they wouldn't have even dared to argue with him after that.

"She's my girlfriend, you-"

"See that's where you're wrong. She doesn't belong to anyone, she's wearing my symbol and she's chosen to be with me. So I suggest the two of you walk away before I-"

"Before you what? You know the rules Agnello. So I'm going to tell you again, hand her over."

This time Carson stayed quiet as Atticus's words hung in the air for a moment, while he was either thinking about what he was going to say or trying to keep his calm. Either way while it fell silent, the attention suddenly turned to the footsteps approaching us in the hallway.

When my eyes landed on Grey he frowned at the situation as he came to stand next to Carson, probably deciding to ask questions later and just play his part as Carson's underboss and second in command.

For those few seconds I just stared at the two of them, my eyes mostly focused on Ayden - the man who had single handedly destroyed me.

Or so I thought, until I met Carson.

And then it felt like my body just took over, like I was suddenly running on the fear and adrenaline that was coursing through my veins.

Letting go of Carson's hand, I took a step towards the McKnight brothers, but I kept my glare solely focused on Ayden. I made sure I was still close enough to Carson and Grey in case anything happened, but we all knew they couldn't do anything to me that night of all nights.

"Look at you, you're pathetic." A scoff left my mouth as I glared at him, taking another step closer when he didn't move. "Why are you even here? Haven't you moved on yet Ayden? Haven't you found your next victim?"

"Daniela." When my name left his in a warning tone, much like he used to do whenever I was brave enough to talk back to him, this time I just smiled. "What are you going to do? Are you going to hit me? Rape me? Drug me and let your brother and your best friend rape me? Because you've done all that Ayden and yet, I'm still standing, I'm still strong."

"You wanted it."

Honestly I didn't think he actually meant that, but it was like he was trying to remain the powerful one in this situation, especially with his brother standing right next to him.

"No, I didn't. I wanted love and care and respect, and at times you even made me believe that those things didn't exist in reality. But it does, I know for a fact it does because I found that."

"With him?" Ayden let out a dark laugh shifting his gaze to Carson behind me for before he brought his eyes back to mine. "He's only with you because you're a slut, look at your dress. You're showing off everything - leaving nothing to the imagination."

Despite the fact he just called me a slut which really did make me want to cry and slap him, I just forced a smile onto my face.

"That's the best you've got? You don't get to do that anymore, you don't get to put me down. I was a catch for you, I know my worth and I know I was way too good for you. I just hope the next girl you trap is smart enough to get out while she still can - before you and your brother ruin her life."

Giving him one last glare I stepped back towards Carson, taking his hand in mine again. Before anyone could say another word Atticus suddenly let out a laugh, his cold eyes meeting mine as he did.

"That was a good performance, I'll give you that Daniela. But that's all it was - a performance, because we all know you're broken inside. You're living off someone else's money again, living behind his power. You're nothing - again."

"That's not true." This time when I spoke my tone was much less convincing than it had been when I was speaking to Ayden, only because it was still partly true. I was still living off Carson, even if I was earning my own money now. "There's a difference in controlling someone with money and spending on them because you love them."

All he did was laugh at this, shaking his head. "Love? Love doesn't exist in this life sweetheart."

"Maybe not for you, because your heart is too black and ugly to ever be loved by someone." The moment those words left my mouth Atticus's amusement dropped as he glared at me, once again looking as if he wanted to kill me.

It was probably a touchy subject for him.

"That's enough. If you ever even so much as look at my girl again, you'll regret it and that's a damn promise. You had your chance with her and you screwed it up. Now you stay away from her."

Carson's words were powerful as he glared at Atticus, before he took a step back tugging on my hand to get me to follow him.

But before he went anywhere he turned back to face them again, giving them one of the glares I know he only ever saved for the people he hated the most. His next sentence came out slow as he put emphasis behind every single word that he said.

"Let me tell you something McKnight, I know what you did to her and you won't be protected behind these rules forever." Carson's words hung in the air as a sinister smirk tugged at his lips.

"As soon as that clock strikes midnight...I'm coming for you."

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