Tristan was sitting at the breakfast table by himself. It was early morning and he hadn't had much sleep  after he had  returned home last night with his father from the Rosario mansion. So he was starting his day with a glass of milk alone in the kitchen while thinking about what had happened the previous night. So much had changed in such short amount of time. He had no idea life could get so complicated.

Tristan took a sip from his milk glass while thinking about how the events of last night had unfolded. His mother had barged into the building last night in the middle of the mayhem and had gotten his grandfather and his people out of there with whatever negotiation she had done in a meeting room with his father. He had no idea how his parents were going to keep their marriage together. It was all about him. His grandfather had crossed the line by allowing Tristan near the man his father wanted nothing to do with. In fact his father wanted Paulo Rosario dead. He would have killed him if Francesco Rosario allowed it. Of course, his father would have hurt grandpa Giovanni. But his mother had managed to save his grandfather. He knew the danger to his grandpa was from the Rosario side too. But for some reason Vincenzo didnt seem phased. He had other matters on his mind. Tristan didn't bother guessing what went on in Vincenzo's mind. What was the point. He had a feeling allw as going to come out tonight at the meeting

Tristan rubbed his eyes and put his hands behind his neck as he leaned back in his chair. He thought of how much he wished his life was different. He worried for his parents marriage. He knew his father was not going to forgive his grandfather. He had said so in the car on the way back. It was not going to site well with his mother at all. He truly wished his family could be as stable as the Rosarios. Francesco Rosario never had arguments with his wife that went beyond their bedroom walls. The Rosarios had the perfect home life. He would have given anything to feel safe from ever having to endure custody battles. He still was not of legal age. He could be tossed around if his parents had a divorce. He didnt want to have to choose a parent to be loyal to. His family staying together was a miracle within itself. It was rare for an Irish-American and Italian-American to stay together when they were from crime families. One always betrayed another. His mother's love for his father was what stopped his grandfather's attempts. Of course his father's diplomatic ways that stopped grandpa O'Neil from knowing about the Giovanni family attempts to discredit his marriage was also helping. Blood was going to spill if the O'Neils took notice of some of the issues his father had to deal with. But his father was  a master of disguise and diplomatic relations alongside fighting. He was known as a double edged sword for a reason.

Tristan heard the phone ring. He picked up his milk glass and walked up to phone. Who could it be at this time early morning? He picked up the phone as he drank from his milk "Good morning..." He paused "Vienna?.... What is it?" He sighed "What do you mean? There is nothing going on? Nothing has happened that you need to be worried about." He then chocked on his milk "What? My father has sent telegrams around that school is closing early for the Christmas break? All assessments are postponed to the New year?" He was surprised "No. I was unaware.... I am not sure when I see you. I will ask to come by today.... No vienna. I am not hiding anything that you need to worry about." How could he tell her, his grandpa Rosario was locked up in a cabin in the compound grounds of the Rosario mansion? Paulo Rosario was trouble. His father obviously didn't want to take chances with criminal kids walking around in the open when heads of organised crime had dropped by early alongside Paulo Rosario and his people in town.

Tristan tried to assure her "Its safe for you." He was trying to not lie. He was never going to let anyone hurt her. She was safe. He was certain Vincenzo was going to protect Vienna even if h was not there. He said "Yes. Vienna. I am coming to see you today. It will be fine. Dont worry. Go back to sleep. Bye..." He put the phone down and sighed.

As Tristan put down the phone, Emanuelle O'Neil walked into the kitchen and looked at his son. He gave him a smile like nothing had happened last night " Hello there sport."

Tristan muttered " Hi... I heard you closed down the school."

Emanuelle walked to his son " News travels fast. Yes son. No school today. But it doesn't mean your schooling ends." He stood in front of his son and put his hand on his shoulder " You never stop learning whether you are in school or not. Do you understand this?"

Tristan nodded " Yes."

O'Neil smiled " That's my son." He then let go and turned around looking into the cupboards.

Tristan watched his father silently as he leaned to the table. His father was making breakfast for two. Even when he had arguments with his mother he took care of her. He did take her breakfast in bed on her days off mostly. Of course his father had closed down the school so his mother was to stay home unless she had business to attend to.

His father was making a full Irish breakfast as he turned to Tristan " Do you want me to make some for you son?"

Tristan couldn't help chuckle " Its 5 in the morning. I am not hungry. I am going for my exercise." He then walked away but not before he stopped at the fridge with excuse to get a bottle of milk. He liked to stay around to watch his father lay out the breakfast so carefully for his mother. It was amazing how much attention to detail his father had when he was doing anything for his mother. This showing of affection was welcomed by Tristan. At least it meant there was love in their marriage. He made some drinks with Irish cream and blood orange that was her mother's favourite since she loved Sicilian blood orange. He placed the food in the tray and made his way out of the kitchen.

Tristan put back the milk bottle in the fridge after pouring himself a glass and walked to the kitchen door watching his father disappear down the corridor. He hoped their marriage survived the night. It depended on how much compromise his mother was going to do.

Emanuelle walked into his bedroom and placed the tray at the bedside table as he laid down in bed leaning to the pillows laid out beside the head rest of the bed. He was sitting up looking at his watch waiting for his wife to come out of the side room where she was making a so called quick phone call from her offices. The phone call had taken her so long. He got up and decided he had waited long enough. Emanuelle stood up and walked to the door at the end of their bedroom. He opened the door and watched his wife at the phone while she was scribbling on paper. She glanced up at her and held up one finger up meaning she was going to be one more minute. It wasn't going to work.

Emanuelle started counting the seconds out loud as Sancia rolled her eyes. She scribbled faster and then after 60 seconds was up she quickly said by just as her husband pressed the button to end the call.

Sancia sighed " You could wait longer."

Emanuelle took the phone from her hand and put it in its place as he narrowed his eyes at his wife " Remember our negotiating darling last night." He then wrapped his arms around her waist and brought her closer to him as his eyes bore into hers and his lips brushed against hers. He whispered " You are not in a position to object."

Sancia ran her hands on his chest " I am in a position to do a lot more than that..."

Emanuelle attached his lips to hers as he lifted Sancia up as he pushed her to the wall. He pinned her hands beside her and made sure he dominated her in their kiss. He inhaled her scent as he pulled away slightly " Nothing is more important than our family and what we have. You said it yourself last night."

Sancia took a deep breath as she looked into his eyes " I believe so."

Emanuelle attached his lips one more time to hers. She kissed back. That's all he wanted. He wanted his wife to acknowledge her husband. He was satisfied as he pulled away " Make a wish Sancia. One wish."

Sancia breathed " Forget last night and .... ."

Emanuelle frowned " Granted.... I will forget but won't forgive. Your father has endangered our son. You really don't think I am going to forgive him. He has taken any chance to destroy our marriage. He has tried many times to get you to leave me. I let it slide. Now he has gone after our son. Not a chance..."

Sancia objected " I can't help that my father is Gabriel Giovanni.... I didn't get a choice in the matter. My loyalties lie with him, with my blood. You can't help that you are an Irish American. The type of crime lord my father despises... Now... Tell me... What do you want from me Emanuelle. Say it and I will do it. Is it that you want to see me break. You want to see me beg. You want to see me hurt. You want to see me cry?"

Emanuelle replied with a firm tone " I want you to have the breakfast I made for you. I want you to be my wife. That's all I want. I also would kill anyone who would want to see you cry my love." He then leaned closer and kissed her gently on the lips and then on her neck " Has anyone ever said I want to see you cry or beg? Has anyone ever dared suggest I want to see my wife get hurt?" He then pulled away and looked into his wife's eyes.

Sancia was losing her breath. She was melting in front of her husband. She felt heat. Her cheeks felt hot. It was as thought it was their wedding day again. Sometimes Emanuelle showed so much intensity in their relationship it overwhelmed her. How could he love her so much after all she did to him.  She took sides with her father. But it never made Emanuelle love her any less. They had their differences in business as she protected Italian American interests and he protected the Irish American allies. She loved him. She fought hard with him as they had so many differences in business but so much in common in love. It did not help her marriage how she was a full time working mother. It affected their marriage how her profession took over her time. She couldn't afford to be weak or show weakness in front of the wolves out there. But again the lion was going to slaughter them in one turn with no hesitation if they made a move.

Sancia shook her head " No. No one has suggested you want me to break. I know you want it. What else can I give you. I gave you a yes at our wedding. I gave you children. I am all yours. I am your wife. I have nothing else to give you to satisfy you beyond what you have now."

Emanuelle stated " You make me feel exactly like how I was feeling the first time I asked you out.... "

Sancia gave out a shaky breath and trembled. It was true. He spoke the truth. Needless to say he did the same.

Emanuelle then spoke in a more serious tone as he suddenly let go of Sancia but he stood close "You raised my children with me. We raised our children to be strong... You raised our eldest son to be a king. Without you Tristan wouldn't be where he is now. It's time now for him to be tested. The Rosarios are here to collect. They want Vincenzo now..."

Sancia closed her eyes shut and leaned her head against the wall. She hesitated to speak but then opened her eyes as she whispered "We both know our son is ready for anything. He is born to be a king but you keep him too grounded. If you don't allow Tristan to have more control over his decisions he won't be able to match Vincenzo when the time comes and he needs to protect his family."

Emanuelle stated " You are mistaken. You are underestimating our son. Our son is Vincenzo's match. He would rise to the challenge when it comes. He would protect our family from all threats. I know he will."

Sancia sighed as she watched her husband staring out the window suddenly in reaction to their sons' voices. They were training outside and talking loudly. It was snowing outside but they didn't seem to mind.

Sancia's expression softened as she walked to her husband and took his hand in hers while looking outside " Let me show him the way the Giovanni style. You don't allow me to interfere."

Emanuelle turned to her " I said be my wife today sancia. Leave my business to me to handle. Are you also going to send Tristan to Italy? You sent my daughter to Milan where the Agostini sees my child more often than I have in the past year and a half. You can't hide her from the admirers she will have. Tristan doesn't need your methods."

Sancia argued " Tristan can protect her beside herself. She will be nobody's door mat. She makes her own decisions while we watch over her. I know you never let it go but our daughter needs space. She wanted to go. I didn't force her to go. She needed to break away from something or someone. We don't know why. We can't know why. But my child made her own decision and she is happy away from us. This way we let her grow out of the shadow of her brothers in the middle of the male dominated criminal underworld. She couldn't have a chance to be visible. Now she is much more content about what she is achieving."

Emanuelle looked outside " We shouldn't have sent her away. She could have her space here... if our sons made life difficult for her, I would have dealt with it... Sending her away wasn't the solution ." He then thought to himself " The distance between them only made the beast want her even more. He has missed our daughter. I saw it in his eyes."