Vienna was not sure how to respond. The intense look in his eyes was making her cheeks feel hot. She felt overwhelmed. How could he care so much for her? How did it matter so much to him how her brother treated her. Tristan had not even seen anything about his treatment. He was never there when her father was away and Vincenzo was at his harshest. She found it sweet that he was defending her and declaring to her it was not acceptable for him to witness any harshness from Vincenzo towards her. His threat felt real and it didnt sound like he was going to put up with Vincenzo if he carried on as he was. She had to do something. The thought of Tristan taking on her brother scared her and she visibly shook which didnt escape Tristan's eye who was standing in the middle of the room shirtless still staring at her, waiting for her response to his threats against Vincenzo.

Tristan spoke first but less harshly "Vienna... I think you should go back to lunch... I just wanted to tell you about how I viewed the exchange in the canteen and your brother's treatment of you in general... I just thought you had the right to know...."

Vienna took a deep breath. She closed her eyes and composed herself and then opened her eyes. She whispered "Tristan... You can't ... You can't go after Vincenzo... He is my brother and I dont want you to fight him."

Tristan shook his head starting to pace the floor while putting his hands on his hips, not looking directly at Vienna " Ah, Vienna.... You cant ask me that... You can ask me anything but you cant ask me to let your brother ever cross the line... I put up with it for now because I have to... But my patience and endurance has a limit....What kind of brother is he anyways? A brother who terrorises you and treats you like you are below him is not doing a great job as a brother should for his sister. If he leaves you alone and treats you right, he wouldnt have anything to worry about... But if he doesnt learn to treat you right, I would teach him .... Now go Vienna... My intention was not to keep you waiting...."

Tristan was hoping she left immediately... Her presence was tortorous. She was there but she wasnt his. He wasnt allowed to hug her and hold her in his arms while promising her to protect her from anyone and anything in this world. That was what he wanted to do more than anything. He heard her move. He was looking away. He didnt trust himself not to stop her from leaving if she stayed longer. Why couldnt he have lunch with her all the time? He wished he could... But he had to wait for the interrogation by her father to happen.

He took a deep breath of relief as he heard her leave... He just enjoyed keeping her in the same room too much.

After Tristan reluctantly asked Vienna to go back to her lunch, he stayed in the common room and punched a boxing punch bag in the room for the whole lunch period. Something had snapped inside him. He was protective of her. If anyone else except Vincenzo was the one insulting her, he was not going to show this much restraint but when it came to Vincenzo, he had to watch his temper. He had to only act if it was absolutely necessary. It didnt help that he could not still officially ask her out to be her boyfriend. If he became her boyfriend he could be closer to her family. He could spend more time with her and could shield her from the ignorant brother of hers more than he could now. He had to find a way to make his father bring forward his interrogation with Francesco Rosario. His father wanted him to be prepared. He felt he was. But for now he had to endure Vincenzo but he was going to watch him closely. If Vincenzo crossed the line, he was going to cross the line too.

When Tristan left the common room at the end of lunch time, he went straight to his office to deal with his sister. He entered and slammed the door shut making his sister jump in her position in front of her desk in millitary stance. He sighed and tried not to sound too harsh. Clarisa was his baby sister. The only one he couldnt raise his voice at besides Vienna. Tristan slowly walked around Clarisa and stood in front of his desk. He sat on the edge of his desk and put his hands on his hips "What on earth were you thinking? Answer me and dont try to give me excuses. Why on earth did you climb a tree?" His tone was composed and level but still he had a hard tone that went with his hard, serious expression that warned Clarisa to choose her words wisely.

Clarisa took a deep breath "I am really sorry... I just heard the search party nearby and just panicked. I know what I did was wrong..."

Tristan retorted "Why do you think it was wrong? Say it clearly...:

Clarisa gulped "Because ...... you told me I shouldnt climb trees for my safety..."

Tristan crossed his arms over his chest staring down his sister "What else did I forbid you from doing?"

Clarisa looked away feeling intimidated. He was giving her his hard look that meant she was in big trouble " You told me not to .... hide inside the lake,... like I did last time... I am really sorry." She then held her breath waiting for Tristan.

Tristan narrowed his eyes at her" Look at me now...."

Clarisa immidiately looked up as her heart was beating faster and faster. "For your offense...every single member of the girls squad will be sitting a test on the rule book at the end of the day. You will be getting a silent study period for memorising the rule book and then you will sit the test. If anyone gets lower than 95% in the test, they will be sanctioned by me personally. I am going to put this in writing and you will hand it to the intstructor who was going to work on theory with the girls this afternoon inside the building." He then turned around and started writing on a piece of paper noting down his instructions and signing it.

Clarisa was shocked. She couldnt believe why he hadnt given her a harsh punihsmnet rather than a group punishment. She wanted to protest and ask for the others not to suffer consequences for her but she knew that was pushing it. So she cleared her throat and spoke carefully "May I ask you something?"

Tristan spoke "Of course you may... but only when we get home. You are welcome to ask questions but we are in survival camp right now. You dont question your superior." He then turned around and handed her the paper "I let you off with a warning. Now.... Dismissed."

Clarisa didn't move. She was just too curious and didn't mind getting sanctioned to seek what she wanted to know " Why am I getting a warning? It makes no sense... You said I will be getting a harsher sanction next time if I defy your orders..." She then stopped talking and looked away as Tristan gave her a cold look. She whimpered " Sorry for asking..."

Tristan remained silent and walked away from the desk to the door. He spoke as he opened the door " You have Vienna to thank. Now leave before I change my mind..."

Clarisa knew she had pushed it with her brother but now she at least had quenched her thirst for knowing what caused her brother to go easy on her. How did Vienna do this? She had no idea but she was grateful.

As Clarisa walked out, Tristan whispered " Don't ever question me again or I won't ever refer you for getting promoted to corporal position.

Clarisa quickly left the room and nodded " I am sorry. I understand." If she didn't get promoted at least by next year, her mother was not going to be pleased, she had to be promoted. She knew her brother didn't joke and didn't threaten anyone unless he meant it.

Tristan watched his sister leave feeling slightly amused. His sister had no idea what he meant when he said to her go thank Vienna. If Clarisa hadn't been in trouble he wouldn't have walked into that cafeteria and then Vienna wouldn't have spilt that glass of water on him. If it wasn't for Clarissa's mistake, Vienna would not have been running her hands on his chest making him feel like he was in heaven. So in his eyes he owed Clarisa so much. He wanted to make her remember not to climb trees and endanger herself. He didn't have to be too harsh if she got the message.

Tristan left the office and made his way to the boys section. He passed by the practice grounds looking on as the boys were finishing their lunch eagerly. He was disappointed to see how many of them had broken under interrogation so soon in the morning. He had placed them in s cell blindfolded all together and had interrogated some of personally in his office asking for the password while Vincenzo and the corporals had interrogated some others. In his mind they were dead already. How could they be a threat to take away Vienna if they couldn't last more than a minute. If you were captured what kept you alive was the information you withheld. All broke. He was disappointed. He was going to continue to put the fear of god in them for the rest of the week. He instructed the corporals to make the boys crawl in the mud under the barbed wires area. He knew their arms could get real tired and if they didn't use their arms, then they could bend with painful consequences since the barbed wore was going to sting their lower back and back sides. That was their afternoon plan to make them cry.

After he instructed the corporals, he made his way to Vincenzo's section who was making the boys do marching on sandy ground repeatedly in a monotonous way. They had split the year groups between them. It all went through the same training. He found him in the middle of the ground speaking to Cain. He called Vincenzo making him turn " I will wait in in your office." He then walked away to Vincenzo's office.

Tristan reached the office and entered. Just then Vincenzo entered too and closed the door behind him soundly " Is there anything the matter?"

Tristan shook his head and turned as he put his hands behind his back. He faced Vincenzo. He took a step towards him " You tell me. Do you think there is anything the matter?"

Vincenzo crossed his arms over his chest as he took a step closer to Tristan " Besides the fact that the guys are all weaklings in action, there is nothing wrong. I guess only we can count on the corporals here to give a fair fight. When are you resting the corporals?"

Tristan shrugged " Whenever you want this week. I am not here for discussing this camp. I am here for other reasons."

Vincenzo narrowed his eyes " If you want to ask about Letizia, I had a word with her. She doesn't know the rules. Cut her a break."

TristN have put a dark chuckle " I am petty sure by the end of today she should run out of that excuse. I ordered for all the girls to undertake silent study and take an exam on the rule book in the last hour. No excuses after today. If your girl can't learn to obey the rules, she would not like the consequences if she defies the rules on my watch."

Vincenzo sighed " Is that it? You just can't stop picking on my girl. I would mentor her until she becomes a corporal. Stop issuing threats you know I won't let you carry out..."

Tristan stated " Those were promises which I intend to follow. Keep an eye out on your girl's attitude because I won't hesitate to put her in her place if she decides she is above the rules. You can't always protect her. That's why we have this camp training in the first place. She would get hurt if she takes people on who are way out of her league."

Vincenzo shrugged " You are mistaken... I can protect her. I am capable of doing it. I know she doesn't think before acting but I will mentor and help her learn... in my way... And you will accept that..." He said the last sentence with emphasis on each word.

Tristan nodded " I will accept it but I warn you, if she takes me on, I will not ignore it. You should make sure you are always there because you know me.... I don't give special treatment to anyone...."

Vincenzo raised an eyebrow " Except to your girl of course... I know. I don't give special treatment to anyone either.... except to my girl. So I think we have an understanding."

The mention of Vienna made his blood boil. While he had been punching the punch bag, Vincenzo's face was in front of him. He spoke in a cold tone " Speaking of your sister, let's get to the main reason I came up here. I couldn't care less about how you treat everyone else but I have a problem with the way you spoke to Vienna in the canteen. I need you to ... reconsider how you speak to your sister. She is my queen. You will treat her like a queen."

Vincenzo I laughed " Any other demands?"

Tristan retorted " I am serious Vincenzo."

Vincenzo shrugged " So am I. Any other demands or you are finished? I don't have time for this. Vienna is my sister. I treat her like how she should be as my blood."

Tristan asked " And how should she be treated as your blood? Tell me...But never mind... you just don't get any of this.... I just want to tell you one thing.... Take it how you like, Vincenzo. Take this as friendly advice or a threat. I don't care. I won't stand there and watch if you carry on treating my girl wrong. She is mine...."

Vincenzo remained silent and stared Tristan down. Obviously Tristan cared for Vienna more than he thought. He shook his head " What exactly is your problem? Vienna is fine. I haven't made her cry. Have I? Has she been crying?"

Tristan shook his head " No. if you made her cry I would have made you cry. Believe me. You hurt my girl, I will hurt yours."

Vincenzo rolled his eyes " You are over reacting. Don't bring my girl into this. I have never hurt Vienna. I treat her well. If she has a problem she can go to my father. It's that simple. There is no need for your threats and advice, whatever you call your words... I don't care about any of these threats of yours either way. But for the records, I have never hurt my sister and never will..."

Tristan nodded " Let's keep it that way."

Vincenzo stated " It would remain that way..... Good that we have an understanding. Now that you are finished with the advice or threats you are throwing my way, let me return the favour.... She is not yours yet.... I think you should back off and not pressure her to spend time with you when my father hasn't even approved of you. When I see you tonight in tonight's gathering, I hope you stop staring at my sister like you did on Friday night at your grandpa Giovanni' house. My father won't appreciate that."

Tristan stated " Thank you for your concern...."

Vincenzo stated " You are welcome. Any time."

Tristan nodded " Good... I should go now I am finished talking with you... enjoy the rest of the day..." He then left without another word..... He didnt know how he held himself back the rest of that school day from clashing with Vincenzo. He just kept his distance from Vincenzo.

Hours later, Tristan found himself on his way home. He was sitting in his mother's car sitting besides his siblings opposite his mother in their seven seater car.

He was just keeping himself occupied by reading a magazine. He didn't look forward to the rest of the day except for the gathering at his grandpa Giovanni's house. All allies were meeting in a gathering masked by a party for his grandfathers birthday. His parents alongside their allies were going to meet up as a party was going on like always. He was looking forward to seeing Vienna again. He went straight to his room and studied until the time to get ready.

There came the time that he was standing in front of the mirror fixing his tie. He was not so keen to visit. He preferred not to go and skip the dinner that was just for the Giovannis plus his father before the guests arrived. Dinner time with the Giovannis was not pleasant to endure because the tension in the air reached quite high when his father was present as the unwanted son in law. He couldnt understand why the Giovannis did not stand his father. Of course his father was not faultless. He did make sarcastic remarks alot that the Giovannis did not appreciate. Tristan always waited for some attack to happen across the table sometimes when he saw murder in his grandfather's eyes as his father kept on going with his remarks which were answers to his uncle Sergio's remarks or his grandfathers words. But so far nothing drastic had happened.

Tristan left his room and went down the stairs. He walked outside and saw his father's guards at work making sure the cars were ready in a line and all bodyguards were posted in their positions. He looked at his watch. There was time left. He always liked being early. Even more so than his father. He leaned to one of the cars bonnets and looked at the mansion's door waiting.

Emanuelle watched his son from the window as he was wearing his shirt. He smiled " Before we know it, our son can drive. He has all grown up. Hasn't he sancia?" He then turned to his wife who was already dressed up laying in bed leaning to the bed rest as she was holding a magazine in her hand making notes with a pencil as she was reading. She didn't respond to Emanuelle's question.

Emanuelle sighed and walked to the bed " Darling, put that book away. Your husband need help getting ready."

Sancia looked up at Emanuelle " My husband is fine... What was it you said about Tristan? He already knows how to drive. He just can't do it legally." She then looked back into her book and carried on taking notes.

Emanuelle started fixing his cuff links and sat down on the edge of the bed " What are you reading anyways?  Let me guess? Is the article about how to kill your husband in his sleep?

Sancia carried on making notes and explained in a bored tone " Honey, you are lucky I love you. If I wanted you dead I would have killed you on our wedding night. Then after that I would have married Costanzo or Francesco like how my father wanted." It was the truth. Her father wanted a marriage with a Rosario for her but of course there was a time tension was between Paulo Rosario and her father so her father didn't get his wish. Later on her father had made up with Paulo Rosario but that was after her marriage. She was glad of course. She didn't admit it often but she loved her husband more than anyone knew.

Emanuelle smiled and laid down next to her " That's reassuring honey. I am glad you love me...." He then grabbed the magazine and the pencil off her hand and threw them on the floor making her groan in frustration.

As she was about to protest, he grabbed her and rolled her on top of him "Take a break."

Sancia leaned close and brushed her lips against his lips but didn't kiss him " Darling, how many times have I told you not to disturb me while I work?"

Emanuelle changed their positions swiftly and rolled on top of her. He pinned her hands to the bed as he covered her body with his " Too many times to count. I have missed you...." He then leaned close and kissed her lips. She didn't respond at first but then gave in. She moaned and kissed back.

When sancia pulled away she touched her husband's biceps "Are you not exercising as long as you used to every morning?Work these muscles. One of these days Sergio may beat you in arm wrestling."

Emanuelle smiled " Honey, I do exercise enough. Your husband won't be beaten...." He then glanced at the clock " Time to go. We will finish this later when we return home." He winked at his wife. That day sancia was in better mood. Some days they fought but then they had made up the night before so the long weekend had helped calm the tension.

By the time Emanuelle and sancia reached the front of their mansion their children were already inside the car. They were on time of course. O'Neil looked at his watch. He then glanced at his sons as the car moved " Which one of you called grandpa O'Neil and told him about the two parties at grandpa Giovannis house?"

Trent spoke " It was me. I just called him to say hi yesterday and ask how was his operation."

O'Neil chuckled " Haven't I taught you anything? We have a don't ask don't tell policy... Next time don't tell your grandpa about your other grandpa unless you are asked."

Tristan asked " Father, any news about when I meet Vienna's father?"

Emanuelle spoke " How does, don't ask, don't get slaughtered sound, son. You will meet your future father in law sooner than I like. I can't put it off for longer. I doubt it will be tonight. The count down to your interrogation starts. It's coming soon."

Tristan didn't say much for the rest of the ride. They arrived early at his grandpa Giovannis mansion and Dinner time went by with no incidents except when his father brought up Irish mob territories and how they were expanding. His grandfather looked at his father with pure hate and murder. How his father didn't mind was buying Tristan.

Then came time for music time after the guests arrived one by one before the business meetings started. He was standing in a corner and he revelled in watching her nearby under the watchful stares of her parents of course.

Francesco was sitting next to Adele as they were watching a band performing. They were sitting behind a table outdoors in the gardens as love music was playing in the open air. It was a great night and it was nice for Francesco to have his wife next to him. But he didn't enjoy his time as much as he should have. His eyes were on Emanuelle's eldest son. Tristan had been looking at his daughter ever since they had stepped foot at the Giovanni compound. Tristan was standing with an emotionless expression next to the seated form of his grandfather in the corner. He did talk to his grandfather and associates from time to time but his eyes were on Vienna too. Vienna was sitting with the girls close to the stage. Now that the band were playing Tristan's grandfather's favourite song, it was an excuse for him to look at just Vienna without distraction of his grandfather addressing him in any way. His eyes hadn't left her at all throughout the song. He was from time to time giving glares to those around Vienna but Francesco knew Tristan badly wanted to sit next to Vienna like how Vincenzo was sitting next to Letizia. He knew Tristan's type. He was a locked up beast ready to be unleashed. He was a volcano ready to erupt. His eyes saw nothing and no one worthy of his attention but his daughter. His mind was focused on his path in life but his heart belonged to only one.

Francesco sighed in frustration. He wanted to strangle that kid so badly. He had eyes for his princess. It felt saddening. He anticipated this day to come but now that he was faced with the situation it hurt more than he thought it would. Ever since he was gifted with s daughter, one of his best days in life, he knew she was going to be the subject of affection of a crime lord one day. He just knew. Tristan was a crime lord in training. No matter how hard he was being trained to enable him to turn illegitimate businesses into legitimate ones, he knew this could take generations.

Most importantly Francesco felt that his daughter was not ready to make big decisions. Adele wasn't ready for her daughter to become Tristan's girlfriend. He didn't think Adele was ready for his daughter to become the usual guest on the list of Giovannis and O'Neils when ladies gathered together. Francesco knew this was inevitable one day. He knew his daughter was going to subject of affection of Tristan. He was ready. It hurt him to know his daughter had a fight on her hand so soon. This was her fight. Her battle in life was here. Tristan was going to ask for his daughters hand for the prom. That was the first of many propositions. He was certain. This was only the beginning. He knew Tristan loved his daughter but he was not sure if his daughter was happy. The only sign he had was the pendent she was wearing. That assured Francesco his daughter did not mind his affection. He just knew if Vienna was to refuse Tristan, she was going to start a fight that he was not sure if winning was an option without his intervention.

Tristan watched Vienna get up suddenly as the song came to an end and there was a brief break before the next song. Just then his grandfather stood up and walked towards Francesco Rosario with intention to sit around his table. Maybe it was a good time for Tristan to talk to Vienna again. He excused himself and followed Vienna  who walked towards the building. As she entered, he walked behind her. He watched her go to the bathroom. He waited opposite the bathroom.

Vienna exited the bathroom and did not expect who was standing opposite in the deserted corridor. She bit her lip " Hi Tristan."

Tristan smiled " Hi." He then thought to himself "Here she goes again. Biting her lip. Showing off what I can't touch."

Vienna smiled nervously and then walked away the direction she had come but then his voice stopped her " Wait. I need to talk to you...."

Vienna took a deep breath and turned around " I should get back." She wanted to avoid him. She turned around and ignored his calls to stop.

" Wait Vienna. Don't walk away from me." He stated.

Vienna  froze and turned around. His demand couldn't be ignored. She turned around.

Tristan asked " Did your brother treat you any better after school? I need to know how he treats you at home."

Vienna knew she could not hide the truth... He is the same. This weekend my father is going on a business trip so he is going to be bossy. But he is like always."

Tristan walked slowly to Vienna " I will speak to him. He should treat you better...."

Vienna spoke " Why do you want to watch over me?... There is no need. My father protects me."

Tristan stated " I know." He knew she couldn't be protected from her brother for long. When Vincenzo took over, it was going to be his rules and not his father's in that household. He knew Vincenzo better than anyone did. He knew to expect the most extremes in his case when he took over. He surely wanted Vienna out of his reach when it happened. He was sure Vincenzo didn't believe in shielding Vienna from the realities in the illegal business. He was sure Vincenzo was going to scare her with exposing her to his activities. He had to get Vienna out before it ever happened. Today's conversation and his encounters in the past had given him enough impression of what to expect.

Vienna smiled weakly and spoke " See you later."

Tristan couldn't help being the opportunist " Stay... I was wondering if you would let me .... teach you billiard." The games room was just there and he just was looking for an excuse to get her alone.