Liliana quickly willed her expression into one of indifference just before the women arrived at their table. As clear as it was that Giovanni knew her, and as much amusement as she gained from Giovanni's discomfort, this woman was a stranger to Liliana and she knew she had to be cautious before she let her guard down. Not to mention, that anyone who voluntarily associated themselves with the D'Onofrio's surely had a deadly side.

"Giovanni," the woman greeted, her smile tight as her eyes flicked towards the scowling man before settling on Liliana. There was no mistaking the challenge in the woman's eyes, one Liliana didn't care to accept.

"Sophia," Giovanni grunted, his jaw was tight. He clenched his hands, dragging them from the table out of sight.

Sophia's arms crossed against her chest, her hip cocking to the side as she glanced down at the wedding ring openly displayed on Liliana's hand which was wrapped comfortably around her warm cup of tea. Her eyes then moved towards the three guards only a short distance away.

"Mrs D'Onofrio I assume," Sophia addressed when Giovanni didn't bother to introduce them. She spoke calmly, no apparent angst in her voice despite the irritation gleaming in her large hazel eyes. Liliana had to admit that Sophia's eyes were by far the most attractive quality about her. She could understand why someone - Giovanni - would find her attractive.

Liliana didn't feel any envy towards this woman though, she had no reason to. Liliana knew she was pretty in her own right and she certainly didn't feel possessive over her brother-in-law.

"Liliana Fiorenza D'Onofrio. It's a pleasure to meet you."

There was no questioning what Sophia had assumed. Liliana was here with Giovanni after all, a wedding ring on her finger, and she was sporting the D'Onofrio name. Judging by the sudden tick in Sophia's jaw, it wasn't that far of a reach to guess that Sophia and Giovanni had some kind of romantic past.

Giovanni cleared his throat and in a tired huff began to say, "This is-" but was almost immediately cut off.

"Sophia Raptis, I'm a friend of the family." Sophia's smile was broken by the pursing of her full lips. "I wasn't aware there had been a wedding in the family, it's surprising how quiet that was kept."

"I wanted it to be a small affair," Liliana lied, forcing any bitterness from her tone at the subject of her wedding. She had been warned long in advance that she'd have to keep up the act of her marriage in public. Now was the time to let her talents in misleading shine. "I'm rather shy when it comes to too much attention. Marcello didn't seem to mind." At the mention of her husband's name, Liliana noticed the tense edge to Sophia's stance lessen.

"Marcello, of course." Sophia's eyes darted to her bodyguards once again. "I thought the suits were a bit much for Giovanni," she revealed humorously. A smile lifted the corners of Liliana's lips and she didn't fail to notice Giovanni roll his eyes in exasperation. The mountain of a man threw a glare in Liliana's direction, as if Sophia's presence was somehow her fault, before standing.

"I have a phone call to make," he excused himself, gesturing to the street outside with a nod of his head. He was about to leave but not before adding, "Don't spend too long in here, we haven't got all day."

Ever the grouch.

Once Giovanni made his escape, Sophia invited herself to the table, crossing her legs and resting her palms on the table as she openly stared at Liliana with a grin.

"So Marcello, huh?" She queried, tilting her head ever so slightly as her eyes ran unabashed up and down Liliana's form. She made no attempt to hide her curiosity and Liliana felt uncomfortable under such an intense scrutiny. "How did that happen? Last I saw of that man he was barely in the room for five minutes and he didn't speak to anyone. I don't think I've ever had a decent conversation with him and I've known the D'Onofrio's for years."

Liliana allowed wry smile to spread across her lips, the action feeling strained as she struggled to think of a response. How could she have met Marcello when he was such a recluse?

"Our fathers have been business partners since before I was born, I think I've always known we would be together," knowing less than two weeks before the wedding was more accurate. "He's a completely different man when we're alone," yes, instead of completely ignoring me he takes the time to be a complete dick. "I can't imagine what my life would be like if he wasn't in it," if I tried I might cry at how unfair this all was.

Sophia raised a perfectly plucked brow in disbelief, her lips pursing.

"Wow," Sophia responded bluntly, seeming underwhelmed. "I never knew."

Of course Sophia didn't believe her. Who would? Marcello couldn't charm the pants off anyone. The only reason he was so sought after was because of his fortune but as soon as his personality and reputation came into play, any sane woman would run for the hills.

"If you ever need someone to talk to I'd be happy to lend and ear," Sophia offered kindly, turning to root through her purse. "I know first-hand how overwhelming men in their line of work can be."

Liliana nodded but didn't say anything in reply, not sure what she could say.

"I expect I'll see you at tonight's party?"

Liliana frowned, and when she still didn't speak, Sophia smiled.

"I'll take your silence to mean you had no idea about it. Matteo D'Onofrio's 50th, horrid man but everyone attends anyway. Marcello usually appears for the first half of these events so people can pay their respects and disappears before midnight. Though I suppose you'll have a lot of people to meet," Sophia commented, biting her lip in thought.

That was likely why Sebastiano had returned to the manor last night, if there was a family event. How soon would he leave afterwards?

"I think Mercello may have mentioned something in passing." Glancing outside to see Giovanni stood with his arms crossed and his impatient gaze already settled on her, she rolled her eyes. "I'll have to ask Giovanni about it. I suspect sooner rather than later judging by the glare he's sending my way."

"Yes, he didn't seem very happy to see me," she sighed. She flashed a sharp smile at Liliana. "He had my number. Do give me a call any time you need someone on your side."

Sophia offered a parting goodbye and sauntered out of the small café with confidence in her stride. One that didn't deter when she was met with a few words and a blank expression from Giovanni. Liliana couldn't make out what was being said but Sophia seemed unaffected and just seconds later she was lost in the hustle and bustle of the crowds flowing through the street. Giovanni however, seemed more irritated than ever.

Liliana finished the last sips of her tea and stood to her feet, not waiting for her bodyguards as she heard the scrape of chair legs across the floor. They had no doubt been ready to leave as soon as Sophia had sat down at her table. Liliana ignored their indiscreet presence behind her and met with her still ill-tempered brother-in-law.

***

Once they returned home Liliana immediately rushed towards her bedroom, happy to escape the heavy gazes of her guards. She wondered exactly what Marcello had asked of them, and if they were also meant to spy on her. It wouldn't be a surprise to learn he didn't trust her, why would he?

To her surprise, Marcello was already awaiting her arrival inside. He was propped up against the headboard of their bed a thick booklet of sheets in his hands which he appeared to be reading through.

"Do you have something appropriate to wear?" Mercello questioned dryly, his eyes not straying from his work. Liliana stared at her husband with narrowed eyes. Her silence brought his attention, his expression souring at her blatant disrespect. "I told you about this function yesterday, do you have something to wear or not?"

"Matteo's party?" Liliana questioned as calmly as she could. Marcello's eyes quickly darted back to his work, his jaw visibly clenching.

"I suppose Giovanni's informed you? Did you seduce the information out of him?" Mercello grumbled spitefully under his breath. Liliana wasn't sure if she was meant to hear the words or not, but how could she not within such a small room? Heat flushed from her neck to her cheeks, burning as hot as the growing temper inside of her.

"Are you actually jealous?" Liliana accused incredulously, stalking closer to the bed furiously. She placed both hands on her hips and stared Marcello down with barely restrained anger. The nerve of the man!

Mercello scoffed, "Jealous? For that to be the case I'd have to actually like you." He flung his work to the other side of the bed and rolled to his feet, loosening his tie as he stalked towards their wardrobe. She glared at his back.

Her heart didn't ache at the declaration, if his words were meant to hurt her then they failed. The only purpose they served was to rile her further.

"You don't have to care for me to be jealous. Children often become jealous when others play with their neglected toys. And it isn't because the toys are loved, the child is just a spoilt brat," Liliana hissed, taking her turn in storming away.

***

Marcello's eyes were locked upon his wife's moving figure as she glided across the room, fitting in with the crowd better than he ever could. The confident tilt of her head as she met gazes head on and the fierce smirk unwavering upon her lips was enrapturing. Though a tremendous nuisance in his life, there was a pulse of pride in his chest at the sight of her squaring up against his unabashed and audacious family without an ounce of fear or uncertainty in her expression.

She turned, and the light caught the sapphire of his mother's broach that Liliana had pinned to her dress. Marcello hadn't seen anything when he first saw her wearing it back at the manor, but he'd been unable to stop looking at it since. She'd worn the broach on their wedding day too - much to Marcello's surprise - but he hadn't seen it again until no. He was glad she kept it.

"We both know you're attracted to her," a voice taunted from behind him. Automatically, Marcello's eyes rolled at his younger brother. Giovanni took a seat at his table - where Marcello and Liliana had been receiving congratulations for the past hour from nervous relatives who had not made the wedding. Even now he could see the cautious glances from those of his family who feared him. They were right to fear him.

Giovanni's glass landed heavily against the cloth covered table, and the large man leant back in his chair with a sigh. "I can't understand why you strive so hard to keep her at such lengths. She truly isn't as bad as you assume her to be."

"And I can't understand," Marcello drawled, crossing his arms stubbornly across his chest. "Why my family insists on asking the same prying question over and over again when my marriage really has nothing to do with any of them."

Giovanni chuckled not at least concerned with the fierce glare Marcello suddenly shot his way. Why was it that when it came to business his family followed his word as if it came from the mouth of God himself, yet when it was his personal life at question he was suddenly no longer taken seriously?

Instantly Marcello's gaze was directed back to his wife, observing the way she interacted with people and most importantly, observing the way they interacted with her. It was a painful thought that his own family could be the cause of the threats, but logically speaking who had better access and who was better equipped to harm his fortune than his own flesh and blood?

"Your eyes have been following her since she left the table, and you're tenser than I've ever seen before." Marcello could almost hear the smirk in his voice.

"I'm not a teenage boy Giovanni," Marcello grumbled under his breath. "Don't mistake my caution for sexual frustration."

"Caution?" Suddenly Giovanni sat straighter and placed his full attention on Marcello. "Do you think she's at risk here?" There was disbelief in Giovanni's tone though his eyes scanned around the room quickly anyway.

Marcello's jaw worked as he stewed silently over the question, until he confessed tightly, "I don't know." This sense of uselessness was beginning to eat away at him. He was one of the most feared mafioso in New York, from the strongest family, and yet the origins of these threats continued to allude him and Liliana was still at constant risk.

"You're worried. Clearly you care about her well-being and yet you're still trying to pretend otherwise," Giovanni muttered.

Marcello's attention was stolen when he noticed one particular cousin becoming a little too comfortable with his wife, not missing the way Dino's filthy hands curved possessively around Liliana's wrist.

"Excuse me for a moment," Mercello snapped.

He was aware of the eyes that followed him through the crowd. They always did.

Never had it put him on such edge before tonight.

Oh man, I've been away for a month? Seriously? How are any of you still reading this?

I really appreciate the messages people keep leaving me showing their support and asking when the next update is, it's great to know how much some of you actually enjoy my writing! As always if you spot any mistakes do let me know!

Q. Who thinks the story will end with Mercello and Liliana in love? (Actually really curious about this because I'm still debating the ending right now).