It was early morning and Vincenzo was standing outside the Giovanni hotel in the car park as he was leaning to one of the cars that belonged to his father. He had been waiting for his family to come down so they all could go to church. He had nothing to do at the hotel room so he had decided to come and stand outside early.

Vincenzo had his hands in his pocket as he was silently observing his surroundings. This was Giovanni turf. The Giovanni guards outnumbered the Rosario guards. If they wanted to hurt the Rosarios they could but that was highly unlikely Giovannis were allies of Rosarios. Besides, now that Vienna was Tristan's girl, it meant the Rosarios were safe on Giovanni territory with or without the alliances in place.

Of course no crime family in theory dared attack the Rosarios at that point because of the complex alliances. The Agostini family in Italy were going to destroy any family that fought against any Rosarios. In America, O'Neils, Giovannis, Marcianos and Canavaros also had a brotherhood contract with Rosarios that couldn't be broken. The Rosario allies were going to wipe any enemies off the face of the earth if anyone touched the Rosarios. That's how the brotherhood worked.

Vincenzo sighed and looked up at the tall building in front of him wondering where everyone was. Firstly, he saw his baby sister behind her window as his mother was helping her with her hair. He never thought his baby sister was ever going to belong to Tristan and everyone was going to have to acknowledge it so soon. Vienna was destined to be a Giovanni and an O'Neil, according to both Tristan's grandparents who did talk about it openly when his father wasn't around. Vincenzo had cringed as he had overheard them discuss it yesterday. Even though Vincenzo had no issue with Tristan dating his sister, still he found it difficult to accept his baby sister was being claimed by the raging bull. He wished Tristan allowed her more time for her to come around like how he had given Terza time and space.

Just then Vincenzo heard voices from behind him. He turned and watched men leaving the building opposite of the hotel which was the storage warehouse of the hotel. Gabriel Giovanni walked outside the warehouse as he was accompanied by his body guards and of course his son Sergio Giovanni and grandson Sebastiano walked out too.

As gabrial Giovanni approached his hotel building, out of respect, Vincenzo took a few steps forward and greeted Gabriel Giovanni as he was walking past him " Good morning sir."

Gabriel Giovanni gave him a smile " Good morning son.... You look just like your grandfather standing right there.... Paulo would be proud to hear how much you have grown and who you are becoming." Gabriel Giovanni then patted him on the shoulder as he walked by.

Vincenzo of course politely nodded and whispered a " Thank you..."

Vincenzo knew that his father was not going to be happy to hear that Gabriel Giovanni dared mention Paulo Rosario. His grandpa Rosario was the forbidden topic and for a good reason. His father hated his old man. It was also ironic that Gabriel Giovanni thought Paulo was going to be proud of how he had turned out and grown up. Vincenzo chuckled to himself. His grandfather hated going to church. Vincenzo was certain that if his grandfather was there, he would have used colourful words at him for choosing to go to church.

Vincenzo did admire his grandfather but it didn't mean he agreed with everything he believed in. Vincenzo loved his grandfather's visions when it came to business. His grandfather had a peculiar mind. He planned the structure of his business affairs inspired by how his engineering designs worked. His grandfather had some risky approaches that had won his grandfather so many enemies and had brought his demise forcing his father to overtake. But with good adjustments and blending in with his father's strategies, Vincenzo knew it could work.

Vincenzo then looked up again and then spotted Tristan's hotel room. He smiled as he noticed, Tristan was busy with a tailor who was helping him with his new suit. Tristan looked annoyed at having to go through this suit fitting but his grandfather had insisted he was given new suit tailored for him. It was now almost over.

Vincenzo was amused at how seriously annoyed Tristan looked. Tristan wasn't happy with all this attention from his grandfathers. His grandpa Giovanni and grandpa O'Neil both sent him many gifts on regular basis. It was like a competition between the two grandfathers and Vincenzo found it amusing. Tristan had worn a suit from grandpa O'Neil at Clarisa's birthday and he had to alternate the use of gifts sent by his grandparents in public events or they could get offended.

As Vincenzo was smiling in amusement as he heard a voice " Why are you smiling?"

Vincenzo turned at the direction voice and then saw Terza standing a few meters away walking out of the hotel into the car park.

Vincenzo looked at her up and down. She looked elegant in her formal dress for church. Her outfit was a navy colour dress that brought the colour of her eyes out. He also liked her navy hat. She looked stunning in even plain navy church clothing. He retorted " Good morning Terza. I was smiling at your brother...It's funny how he is so bothered with all the attention from your grandparents. It is quite priceless to see him annoyed. Someone's misery is another's delight."

Clarisa walked slowly towards Vincenzo and stood in front of him as she stared him down " You find it funny? You are so unbelievable. Don't talk about my brother like that...."

Vincenzo put his hands in his pockets staring at her fury held eyes. She had beautiful eyes. She was a true Irish-Italian beauty. Even when her anger and outrage was directed at Vincenzo he loved looking at her. He chuckled " Come on Terza. That was a joke. I can relate to your brother's situation..."

Clarisa replied "You can't... You have no idea what its like to keep two grandparents pleased...."

Vincenzo retorted " Are you sure about that Terza?"

Clarisa sighed "How can you know? You only have to live up to your grandpa and grandma Lombardi's expectations..."

Vincenzo asked " Do you believe that Terza? So, you don't think I need to live upto my grandpa Rosario's expectations too?"

Clarisa replied " He is not allowed in your life though ... You don't know what he expects of you.... So you don't have as much pressure on you as Tristan has from our grandparents."

Vincenzo retorted " My grandpa Rosario is not around but I know his expectations and I know what he would say if he was here..."

Clarisa raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms over her chest " What would he say?"

Vincenzo looked at Clarisa and leaned closer as he whispered " He would say he is disappointed in me...."

Clarisa asked " Why? Why would he be disappointed in you?"

Vincenzo replied " He doesn't like going to church.... He would tell me that going to church would turn me soft.,,."

Clarisa replied " Well, he would be mistaken. Nothing can turn your soul soft. You are not exactly easy to change."

Vincenzo smiled " Thank you Terza for the compliment...."

Clarisa replied " This was not a compliment."

Vincenzo spoke " If you say so Terza."

Clarisa then looked in the other direction " I will see you in church." She then walked away.

Vincenzo followed her " Where are you going so fast Terza?"

Clarisa then found Vincenzo walking side by side with her. She wished he wasn't such an angel faced assassin. He was in every way beautiful. He did look like his father and only resembled his father's side in terms of appearance. But he did have some part of his mother in him too. He just did. When he smiled kindly especially he did have his mother's warmth in his eyes. But not every smile was a kind smile. He only smiled warmly and not out of sarcasm on few occassions to a few people. Clarisa felt lucky she could see some soft side of him.

Clarisa glanced at him " I am just going to play court yard. I want to shoot some hoops. I missed my morning exercise.... you would like that I get eaten up. There is time left... Arranging security may take a while while. So many of us are going to church...."

Vincenzo liked her sporty spirit. "I can come...I can play too... I dont want you to be eaten by any wolves in the backyard."

Clarisa caught his tone. He didnt ask if he could come. He said he could come. That was typical. If he wanted something done, he did it. There was no point arguing with him. She wasnt in the mood for his competitive side so early in the morning but having some company in the basketball court was better than having none. She wished Trent came down at that point but he was playing pool with Viggo.

As they reached the courtyard, Clarisa picked up the ball and threw it at Vincenzo without warning " Catch."

Vincenzo caught the ball effortlessly to Clarissa's annoyance. He then took a shot from the middle of the mini basketball court in the court yard and threw the ball towards the hoop.

Clarisa turned and saw him score so effortlessly. She sighed and turned " 1-0" She then walked to get the ball but saw Vincenzo run past her. He muttered " I will get it little red."

Vincenzo threw the ball at Clarisa after picking it up.

Clarisa took a shot and she scored too.

As they were playing taking shots, Vincenzo asked while dribbling the ball " Terza...

Vincenzo muttered as he walked past her " Who are you going to the prom with Terza?"

Clarisa was shocked that he randomly brought it up. She answered honestly " That's the last thing on my mind right now."

Vincenzo passed the ball to her " You must have a dance with someone. Who would it be?"

Clarisa shrugged " I don't know. I don't think about the prom. It's not important to me." She then started dribbling around the yard but Vincenzo blocked her and grabbed the ball off her " Why not Terza? You must care for the prom."

Clarisa sighed " I don't. I have better things to think about?"

Vincenzo asked " Like what?"

Clarisa chuckled as she watched him dribble around her. She tried to catch the ball but her attempts were futile. He took a shot and scored. Clarisa sighed " Do you always have to win?"

Vincenzo asked " I asked you a question Terza."

Clarisa shrugged " Come on Vincenzo. What do you think I have on my mind right now? I think about everything except boys. I think about my college applications from now. I turned fifteen a few weeks ago. I must be going to open days now and make sure I get into a descent college. This prom, the dance, this game.... None of it matters to me but my education. I have to get high scores and get more hours of tuition. I have no time for anything. I don't even think I will have time for the prom. I only care about my education..."

Vincenzo offered " I will tutor you if you want... I can help you get high scores when I come back from the trip. I only need a day with you and will help you..."

Clarisa shook her head " That's too much to do for you. A whole day? Why would you tutor me?" She was desperate enough to accept any help. Vincenzo was good at explaining concepts. Tristan was good too but because Tristan was her brother she found it harder to be tutored by him. He was stricter and harsher on tutoring than Vincenzo for some reason. She hated to admit it but she could accept his help. He knew more than the private tutors.

Vincenzo retorted " Don't ask why Terza. Yes or no."

Clarisa sighed " Ok. Tutor me when you come back. Thank you Vincenzo. I would owe you one if I get high scores in maths. That's the last exam."

Vincenzo stated " Oh you will owe me."

Clarisa didn't know why it was so easy to talk to Vincenzo when he let his guards down. But she knew he choose not to be difficult and let his guards down sometimes. He had his parents' honesty and perfection in everything he did. He had secrets and spoke with intelligence and elegance behind his words. He either didn't tell you anything and gave you riddles or he told the truth. His parents were both Catholics  like Clarisa's and like all Italian families there were some rules in their household that came from their faiths. They never lied and in Rosario household there was no exception. But Vincenzo's honesty went beyond anything Clarisa knew.

One thing that baffled Clarissa, the most was Vincenzo's beliefs about relationships. He believed in abstinence like his father did. Vincenzo didn't come across as a religious catholic but he believed in abstinence even though Clarissa didn't expect him to. For Clarissa, abstinence meant showing women respect. It was about showing honour. It was the late 1970s and it was hard to find boys who waited until their wedding to show love to a woman. But Vincenzo obviously was not tempted by women. He didn't look at girls. Even with Letizia he was quite acting conservative. They werent really dating. Studying was not dating. But that was all Letizia and Vincenzo did when they hung out. But Clarisa never took Vincenzo for a guy who followed rules. He followed his own rules and was honourable. Maybe that was the true reason why she didn't mind his company. He did respect women even though he intimidated women. Clarisa coudlnt deny it that he respected her.

Right now he kept questioning her about the prom and she knew it was partly because of his protectiveness towards her just like how Tristan was protective of his sister all the time. But she was also certain Vincenzo kept an eye out on her because of his beliefs that only a man was worthy of her if they only loved once in their life and waited for their women until their wedding day. He needed to know the guy's name. Her defensive side didnt like having to answer to Vincenzo. He was even worse than Tristan in protectiveness. He meant well but it didnt mean she was happy about it.

Once Clarisa was done with the basketball hoop shooting, she dropped the ball and stated as she looked at her watch " I see you at the church. I am going to sit in my father's car. They are coming soon I bet." As she was about to walk away, Vincenzo stepped in front of her and blocked her path " Terza... I am going to ask you one more time... Is there anyone else left who you might go to the prom with? Is there any name left? I need to know if there is anyone left who could be taking you to the prom? I dealt with a few who were a bunch of weaklings. Is there someone left? Someone who is not a weakling perhaps?"

Clarisa replied " Stop being protective. This is too much... I don't want you to send anyone else to hospital..."

Vincenzo retorted " I didnt send anyone to hospital. they sent themselves to hospital. if they cant protect themselves how can they protect you? They shouldn't aim too high to compete for the hand of a girl who they cant protect."

Clarisa sighed "Look. I appreciate it that you look out for me but I think this conversation is over... I am tired Vincenzo...."

Vincenzo asked "So there is someone left? Someone you are serious about? I can do a deal.... If you come clean now, I would let the guy run from me before I hunt him down. I promise... But if I find out on the prom night I would give him no chance to retreat...."

Clarisa gasped " Come on Vincenzo. Don't you think there is something missing in this picture?"

Vincenzo asked " Like what?"

Clarisa replied as she took a step closer to him " You keep going after people who want to take me to the prom. You interrogated people and got names... But seriously .... " She leaned closer and whispered "Don't you think that I will protect my man? If I want someone with me at the prom, I won't let you hurt them..." She then gulped as she saw blood in his eyes. She took a step back out of instinct

Vincenzo replied " What did you just say?"

Clarisa was shocked at how deadly he looked suddenly. " What is wrong with you? Can you calm down?.." Why did she even bother ask him to calm down? It didnt matter.

Vincenzo put his hands on his hips and ordered " What do you mean you will protect your man? Who is your man? Who is he? Is there anyone in your life that I don't know?"

Clarisa replied quickly "There is no one... I am going to the prom with no one... You found all names of people who want to take me to prom yesterday but ... I  tell you now if I want to take a guy to the prom, I will protect him..." She then gave out a shaky breath as she saw murder in his eyes. She told herself "Fix this now..."

Vincenzo demanded with his murderous expression " Give me his name Terza. I will get it out of you before I go on the trip. Say his name or I will force you to say it..."

Clarisa sighed " I said there is no one... I am giving you the heads up, if I find a man, you will not hurt him. I will protect him.... But there is no one right now.... I swear it..." Clarisa had no idea why she was even swearing. What was with Vincenzo? She didnt figure out his over protectiveness. As she watched him relax slightly, she asked "Can you tell me why all of this bothers you? If I go to the prom with some guy who cant protect himself it would be my problem and the consequences would be my responsibility. If I make a poor judgement about my man...." She corrected herself quickly as she saw him frown "I mean my future man... then its all my responsibility. If I make a mistake then its my fault. Not yours. Let me make a mistake and pick a weakling. What does it matter to you?"

Vincenzo stared at her with an unreadable expression " I am looking out for you Terza so you dont mourn any weaklings one day... I can bet you, there is some guy out there for you who is more powerful than all thse weaklings who have eyes for you.... I bet that guy is destined to rule one day and if that guy wants you, he would get you. He might be your brother's equal. Who knows? have you thought of that? Maybe you are destined for an heir who does not take no for an answer. I bet he might be even watching you right now and waiting patiently for you to one day choose him and go to him. He might want you right now more than you know. If I am right then think about it...I bet he would kill for you when his patience runs out... The longer he waits the more he wants you and the more impatient he would get. He waits until you choose him but... if you choose another, he would unleash his wrath. Have you ever thought of that?

Clarisa's heart was beating fast. His words were true. She knew he was right. But she didnt like thinking about it. She whispered "I understand... But he would have no reason to kill... Not yet... I dont like any boys... I dont have time for boys..."

Vincenzo nodded and then gave her a smile that she couldnt comprehend. As thought he was having his own private joke in his mind. So Clarisa sighed "I see you later." She side stepped him and then heard him from behind her whisper "You owe me a dance on prom night. You lost the shoot out."

Clarisa rolled her eyes. "Fine." She thought he might forget to ask of her to pay up. He made the most of it when she lost in shooting hoops. But it was worth having his company for the basketball shoot out. Vincenzo was annoying, sarcastic, impossible to figure out and he had many secrets hidden in his heart but she didnt mind his company. She trusted him. He protected her and if he was not taken she was sure she would have asked him out to the prom. But Letizia was going to have him. He was a brutal criminal but he was an honourable one and respected her.

Clarisa was put off by boys when she heard them disrespect girls. It didnt matter if she was an independent girl and outspoken. It didnt matter if she had the power to control a boy who was a weakling as her boyfriend. It mattered that any boy she hung out with must have respected her. Respect couldnt be forced into someone and she knew respect couldnt be bought with money. She prefered to be alone than be with a man who didnt respect her and could be a womaniser for all she cared. Vincenzo treated her like an equal on the ocassions they hung out and it made her happy to observe how he respected her. But it didnt mean she wasn't wary of him. She knew what he was capable of. He didnt make empty threats. What he had issued her with was an ultimatum. It was a warning for her to watch out.

Vincenzo was absolutely right. A powerful guy could be her man. She trembled at the thought. She felt cold. The truth behind his words hit her. That was who she was meant to be. She belonged to an heir whether she liked it or not. She was destined for one. Her mother always warned her about the need to be strong to handle alpha males who came her way. Was she ever going to be ready to handle a mob boss? She had to be. She had to be ready so when the time came for facing prospective mob bosses asking for her hand, she could handle the situation how she wished on her terms and not anyone else's. Her mother was a powerful woman and she had a love marriage. She had chosen her man despite having so many suitors. Clarisa wanted to have a choice too and she was going to make sure she had a choice. Clarisa had to concentrate on her studies and training. She had to succeed.