Hello!

I don't even know if I'll be forgiven this time round for disappearing for another month without any prior notice nor do I know how many will return back to the story. I won't blame anyone if they don't!
Waiting back, without having any clue of when the update might come isn't easy.

But I truly am sorry!

I can't ever promise faster updates..... however I can promise you all one thing which is absolutely certain... BOUND will NEVER be left abandoned! It's too close to my heart to ever do this

It's been a long and hard journey to reach this far and I've loved and cherished every moment of it to let it all go to waste!

I sincerely hope that you all enjoy this chapter and find it within your hearts to forgive me.

This chapter is dedicated to xxfriesbeforeguysxx and DancingSkyfall for your kind and sweet messages. Your love and concern touched my heart even with the miles long distance between us!

Beautiful cover by rashidislight. Thank you so much for your hardwork. I really appreciate it ❤️

And Without any further delays, I present to everyone the longest ever chapter of the book so far! Enjoy!

Not edited, please excuse any grammatical errors!

******
Sullivan Estate, New York.

A few hours later, Amara sat on the floor of her room, her back against the door and her knees up against her chest, staring at the ceiling with almost vacant eyes.

She sniffed, wiping away the tears that had streamed down her cheeks as all the events of the morning whirled viciously inside her head. She couldn't believe that so much had happened in a short span of time!

Amara closed her eyes tightly when the sound of light footsteps reached her ears, and she knew who it was somehow just by the sound of it, the carefulness of it, ever considerate towards her.

"Amara?"

It was a while before Damien spoke and even then his voice wasn't strong like always. It was a short call, barely more than a whisper, fear and nervousness latched on to the end of it.

She hitched a cry, biting her lip to stop the sound to the point of drawing blood.

"Amara, please it's me .....open the door",he called out softly. "I just...need to see for myself that you are alright."

Amara wiped away her tears, clearing her throat once before calling out,"I-I'm fine."

Try as she might she was unable to stop the trembling of her lips and on the other side of the door Damien's worry grew tenfold.

"I would like to see it for myself", he replied back gently. "Open the door please."

She scrubbed at her face furiously, removing any and all traces of her tears as she stood up to unlock the door but turned away quickly before Damien could glance at her.

Damien stepped inside her room, closing the door behind him.

"You left the school in a hurry", he began conversationally. "I would have come with you if I knew that you were leaving."

"I-I'm sorry", Amara apologized, shuffling the papers strewn across her desk, her back towards him.

"You don't need to", Damien replied back gently.

An uncomfortable silence enveloped the duo.

Damien struggled with himself internally, hesitating to ask her what punishment Cian had been granted. Because of course he had been, otherwise Amara would not be so upset. She had always been particularly sensitive about Cian, especially after what had happened six years ago.

Finally sighing, he began,"Whatever happened today.....I know that you are upset and probably angry with me", he winced, "but the truth needed to come out at some point. Cian has-"

"I don't want to talk about him", Amara cut him off quietly.

Damien bristled.

"He set you up to compete with his girlfriend and that bitc-",he cut off, visibly trying to calm himself before continuing, "I'm not going to let her off for what happened in that ring", he warned. "What punishment has Valerio decided for them?"

"Damien please", she pleaded.

It hurt to even think about him.

"Not this time Amara!", Damien snapped, misunderstanding her words. "I need to know what punishment Valerio has decided for them. I won't let them escape without any repercussions. I won't let him escape from justice this time", he emphasized bitterly.

"I don't know", she burst out, turning around to face him."I don't know...",she repeated softly.

Damien snapped out of his anger, staring at Amara with increasing concern.

Her eyes shone with an agonized sort of expression as she brought her hands around herself, like something fragile trying to find solid ground.

''Amara", he muttered, shocked to see her so... so broken hearted. "What's wrong?"

The tears that she was trying so hard to control finally spilled as she threw herself in her brother's comforting arms, crying softly.

"It's about Cian, isn't it? Has he been punished very harshly?", he asked, conflicted.

Damien didn't receive any answer which made his anxiety spike. If this wasn't about Cian then why was she so upset?

"Is it Valerio?", he ventured hesitantly.

To his surprise, Amara nodded against his chest, tightening her arms around him.

Damien could guess what had happened.
He was all too aware of the extent Valerio could go in his rage. And it was no secret to him that even a scratch on Amara was enough to set the beast off. After the incident with the chilli drinks, Valerio had proven to the others that he didn't take Amara's security lightly. What might have seemed like a prank to some was actually enough for Valerio to threaten a blood enmity against the Avdonin family because of Niall's prime involvement in the incident.

But he also knew that the Valentini heir's anger was not something that Amara had ever seen before. He tended to behave rather civilly when she was around.

Damien contemplated on how to explain this to her but was shaken out of his stupor when Amara spoke.

"I've hurt him", she sniffed.

"What has happened?", he demanded, pulling away to look at her in the eyes.

"Harley tricked Cian to submit my name for the combat, but Cian told me that he would take the entire blame on himself",she revealed softly.

His eyes narrowed in anger. Damien couldn't believe this! Cian had been tricked? And even then he wanted to take the blame on himself? What game was he playing at now?

"Amara, there's something that you aren't telling me and I want to know what it is", Damien spoke, tensed.

She remained quite for a few moments before she began telling him about her conversation with Cian, both in the corridor and in the room. She told him about the fear she now felt after Cian had explained to her the effects his involvement could have on the peace between her two families.

Damien could feel himself getting more and more alert with every word that she spoke. "He understands that this has the potential to create tension between the two Dons' then why would he want to take the blame on himself?", he muttered internally.

"H-he told me that he wouldn't do it if I...."

"If you what?", he repeated.

Amara looked at him helplessly. "If I broke up with V-Valerio",she whispered so softly that Damien had to strain his ears to hear what she had said.

"What?", he shouted, enraged. He couldn't believe how stupid Cian could be to even suggest something like this.

"I refused to do so. I didn't want to...", she cried softly. "But then Valerio came in and they both started arguing. Val got angry because Cian said something bad about his parents....he punched Cian and he wouldn't stop....Val was so angry and Cian- he...he started bleeding...it scared me...I couldn't stand there and watch them fight...", she fumbled over her words, jumping from thought to thought.

"What did you do Amara?", he asked urgently, dreading her answer.

Amara did not answer and she didn't need to. The heart broken expression that crossed her face was enough for him to know what had happened.

"You broke up with him", he declared, tensed. "You broke up with Valerio because Cian-"

Damien stopped short, eyes widening in disbelief as he continued to connect the dots in his mind.

He placed his arms on Amara's shoulder, bending slightly to look at her in the eye.
"He said something about Valerio's parents? What did Cian say that made Valerio so angry?", he asked her urgently.

Amara looked troubled at his question. "He said something about their d-death",she whispered.

Damien's eyes widened in horrified disbelief, Cian's intention becoming crystal clear to him. He almost laughed out loud at Cian's daring but no less conniving strategy.

He had played a huge gamble which had paid off! Cian had tried to kill two birds with a single stone because by taking up the blame on himself he had not only saved Harley but he had also manipulated Amara into breaking up with Valerio.

The members belonging to the mafia world knew not to let slip even a mere whisper about the deaths of Vittorio Valentini and his wife, but if Damien had to guess, Cian had done so purposely in order to instigate Valerio because Amara had refused to break up with him otherwise. Cian had wanted Valerio to lose his control in front of Amara.

He had wanted Amara to witness how much damage Valerio could inflict on someone. And Amara who had rarely ever seen Valerio in his beastial mode must have become afraid to see that side of him.

Amara looked at him, lashes lined by tears.
"I couldn't even tell him Damien",she sobbed, her face flushed. "I couldn't even tell Valerio that I lo-"

Before she could've complete her sentence, an urgent knock sounded on the door.

She quickly wiped her eyes while Damien answered authoritatively. "Come in!"

"What is it?",he asked the maidservant who had entered the room.

"Don Sullivan would be arriving at the manor in the next few minutes. I've been ordered by Mrs. Claire to let Ms. Amara know that she has to be present outside for the Don's arrival", the woman answered.

"We'll be down right away", Damien dismissed the woman, who bowed once and left, closing the door softly behind her.

"He'll be here soon", he muttered anxiously. "Go and wash your face quickly Amara otherwise it won't take Don Sullivan more than two seconds to realize that you've been crying."

Amara nodded as she turned towards the bathroom but was halted by Damien's unexpected question.

"What was his reaction?",he questioned her, tensed."What did Valerio do after you broke up with him? Did he try and hurt you?"

Damien could never believe that Valerio would ever hurt Amara intentionally. But this wasn't a small issue. Amara had broken up with Valerio. And as much as Amara believed that this was the end, Damien knew it wasn't!

"No! He would never!", Amara protested at once.

"I refuse to believe that he let you just walk out after you broke up with him."

Amara winced."Uncle Pietro was waiting to take me back home, so I left quickly", she murmured.

Damien nodded at her answer. "Go on then, I'll be waiting out at the entrance for you. Come down before your Grandpa arrives", he ordered her before turning around and leaving, making sure that Amara did not see how unsettled he was by her answer.

He could not believe that Valerio had let her walk out so easily. No! Possessive beasts like Valerio never let their loved ones out of their sight, let alone their life. Damien half expected Valerio to have raised a storm by now but he hadn't done anything of that sort yet, and this worried him more than he could express.

Because the truth was that more than Valerio's raging presence, his absence was scaring the day lights out of Damien.

"Damien, where's Amara?

The boy in question was jolted out of his thoughts at the question that was hurled at him as soon as he had walked out of the main entrance.

"She will be here in a moment Mrs. Sullivan", he replied back politely

Claire Sullivan nodded, looking frazzled for all intents and purposes. "The boys aren't here either. Caden knew that father would be arriving today, he should have been here along with Cian to receive him."

"Mother", Liam spoke, running up behind her."I've just received word, Grandpa has crossed the last check post along with his entourage. We should be ready now!"

Damien watched as the guards lined up in a military formation, Claire and Liam Sullivan, the only two members of the Sullivan family apart from Amara present at the manor stood with him, the staff waiting behind them with bowed heads, just as numerous cars rolled inside the compound gates.

"Why hasn't she come out yet?", Liam whisper yelled at him. "Whenever Amara is home, she is always the first one that Grandpa likes to see."

Damien could only shrug in reply, before straightening his back as the Don finally stepped out of his car and covered the short distance between him and his family members.

And just as Liam had said, the Don's eyes did
a quick sweep of the gathered people, searching for his golden haired granddaughter amongst them before his eyes hardened.

"Welcome home, Father", Claire Sullivan greeted the Don who kissed her forehead in return before turning to greet his youngest grandson.

Damien shuddered as the Don's eyes narrowed when he took in the absence of his other grandchildren and just as everyone had expected, he questioned in a hard voice.

"Where is my granddaughter Claire?"

"F-Father..", Claire Sullivan began nervously, only to be cut off by Amara.

"Grandpa!", she called out as she ran towards him. Her voice soft but the joy in it unmistakable.

Damien smiled softly at the pure innocence that was being reflected in her face at that moment as she fearlessly walked in the embrace of one of the most ruthless Don that he knew.

Now, he could only hope and pray that the Don would not realize how upset and unsettled Amara really was! But just as the though crossed his mind, a small sniff was heard.

Damien froze, eyes widening slightly as he exchanged an alarmed look with Liam.

The Don's eyes, which had been soft until then turned cold at once. He carded his fingers through Amara's hair soothingly as he spoke,"Why the tears, precious one? Has anyone upset you?"

Even though the words were spoken softly, the steeliness in them was not missed by anyone, nor was the fact that Don Sullivan seemed to be aiming his question at both, Amara and them simultaneously as he glared at them over the top of her head.

Amara shook her head."No, I just..missed you Grandpa. I'm happy now that you are back'', she murmured against his chest.

Don Sullivan smiled slightly, kissing the crown of her head, but his smile slipped instantly, being replaced with his usual cold expression as soon as Amara pulled away and he wiped her tears.

He looked her over once as if checking for any visible signs of hurt before nodding, satisfied. He finally glanced at the two empty spots besides Claire.

"Liam!", he called out in a hard voice, "Where are your brothers?"

"They were at school the last I checked but I don't know where they both went after that", he answered apologetically.

Amara turned to look at Damien, worried, who shook his head discreetly in return. Where had Caden and Cian disappeared off to?

".... find them and report back."

Amara caught the last words of the instruction her grandfather seemed to be giving to one of his own personal guard, who quickly left to follow his orders.

"When they both arrive home, they should be sent straight to my office",he ordered Aunt Claire.

"Yes, father!"

"And Claire, do oversee the last of the arrangements for the evening dinner party", he ordered.

"Party?", Amara asked softly.

"Yes Amara", Claire answered. "It's just a small dinner party for our closest allies and their families. A chance to celebrate the night together before most of them leave for Chicago tomorrow",she explained.

"You're leaving again?", Amara murmured as she looked at Don Sullivan with accusing eyes. "But you just came back Grandpa!"

Sean glanced at her indulgently, putting his arm around Amara's shoulder as he began steering her inside the manor, followed by the other members.

"I have to go, little one",he answered stoically. "There are certain delicate matters that need immediate addressing and cannot be left for a later date."

"How long would you be gone for this time?",she asked, trying her best to sound normal.

"Longer than usual",came the reply, and Amara smiled sadly at his answer.

It was a ritual they followed. Amara would always enquire about the number of days that it would take him to return home and Don Sullivan would always answer in the same way, never giving any specific date and time. His reason behind it- a mafia man could never guarantee whether he would be returning home from work, let alone at the given day and time.

"Come on Amara, I've got many presents for you and your cousins", he called out to her. "We can spend some time together while you go through them all. I want to know how well you've been taken care of in my absence."

Damien gulped nervously, watching them walk away, hoping and praying that Amara would not let anything slip in the Don's presence.

*****

"I thought Aunt Claire said that it would be a small dinner party", Amara thought to herself, just as another one of his employee walked towards them with his family in tow, bowing and greeting his Don respectfully.

It was early evening.

The grandfather- granddaughter pair were seated on one of the beautifully decorated tables arranged in the backyard of the manor.

Amara sighed softly, allowing the small smile that she had put up on her face to fall off while her grandfather was distracted. She had spent the last few hours with him, smiling and laughing, trying her best to forget whatever had happened at school.

She hadn't fooled him.

Something about her must have unsettled her Grandpa and he had wasted no time in questioning Liam about it.

Amara had heard them while she lay in a semiconscious state on the couch in the Don's office, emotionally exhausted, her face half covered with a blanket that she knew her Grandpa must have put on her.

She had heard some parts of their conversation as she drifted in and out of sleep. From what she could understand, Liam had blamed her skittishness and upset on the fact that she had still not completely recovered from the allergic reaction that the chillies had caused her. It had been a convincing lie, especially since it had hardly been a few days since the incident.

Amara sighed again, wanting to escape from the party and into the solitude of her room. But she couldn't give Grandpa anymore reasons to believe that something wasn't right with her.

"A penny for your thoughts?"

Amara shook her head, smiling sweetly at Don Sullivan who stared at her with an undecipherable expression on his face.

She felt her throat going dry, her smile slipping off her lips.

"W-why do your employees always insist on getting more gifts for me than the boys?", she asked nervously, hoping to distract him with his frivolous question as the guards carried the gifts away.

Don Sullivan's expression did not waver an inch and Amara could feel dread pooling in her stomach.

"I have a well of patience when it comes to you, my precious flower",he spoke suddenly. "And I've tried being patient since the moment I arrived but now I demand to know what is troubling you",he commanded sharply, the sting of his words being gentled by the softness of his eyes.

Amara recoiled slightly, stealing her eyes away from his sharp stare.

"Don't steal your eyes away from me Amara. Tell me what is wrong so that I can fix it", he commanded.

Amara felt her resolve crack just a little. Her lips trembling. "G-Grandpa, I-"

"Don Sullivan!"

Sean Sullivan growled under his breath, glaring ferociously at the guard.

"What",he barked,"Is so important that you choose to interrupt us?"

The guard walked closer, bending down to whisper urgently in his ear.

Sean's eyes turned arctic. "Very well",he spoke before turning to look at Amara, his eyes narrowed to slits."Wait for me here, we will continue our conversation when I return. Do not move!", he commanded.

Amara watched him go, heaving a small sigh of relief. She tried to get a grip on herself, horrified to realize that she had been about to probably break down in front of him.

She was almost relieved that Nonno had decided against staying in New York, flying to Chicago with Allister in tow. In any other circumstances she would have been upset, but today she was filled with nothing but relief. She didn't think she could carry on with her farce of happiness under both the mens' scrutinizing gazes.

Amara was brought out of her thoughts when she heard someone call her name in a small voice.

She glanced up and was surprised to find the normally posh and icy girl's face marred by fear and anxiousness.

"Veronica'',she inclined her head in greeting.

"I-I need to apologise to you Amara",the girl said softly, without wasting another second.

"Why?", Amara asked, a feeling of betrayal creeping up her spine. "What are you apologizing for?"

"I had no reason to pry in your and Damien's conversation. I had no right to go and tell Valerio anything, I'm sorry please."

"You're correct. You had no right and yet you did", Amara answered softly. "I considered you my friend and you betrayed my trust."

"I'm sorry I didn't intend to. In my attempt to bring down Harley I forgot the effects it would have on Cian and you. I realize my mistake now, will you not forgive me?",she pleaded

Amara bit her lip. "It will take me some time to forget what happened Veronica. I can't forget this right now", she replied honestly.

Veronica's eyes widened. "Please don't say that", she pleaded. "I need your forgiveness Amara. Caden is very angry with me. He won't forgive me if you don't. Please..."

Amara jumped out of her seat at once. "Do you know where he is?",she asked quickly. "And C-Cian?"

She stared at the girl anxiously, awaiting her answer. Caden and Cian had not returned home since the morning. From what Amara had understood, the two had last been seen in the school before they had disappeared with only a few guards, a fact which worried her to no end.

"They have returned. I saw Caden going in the Don's office before coming here",she replied.

"And Cian?",Amara questioned, hesitant.

Veronica suddenly looked uncomfortable.
''He... seemed to be able to ....walk on his own feet, so it's a good sign I guess...."

Amara's heart plummeted.

"It's a relief that Valerio left, I can't imagine what he would do to him otherwise", the older girl murmured under her breath.

"He left?", Amara repeated blankly. "What do you mean he left?"

Veronica stared, surprised. "Did he not tell you?", she asked. "I only know what my guards heard from his men. Valerio had apparently left for Chicago earlier than it was planned. But again, did you not already know?"

Amara shook her head, feeling very lost and suffocated all of a sudden. A thousand thoughts rushed through her head at once. She clenched her fingers tightly to stop their trembling. Her eyes stung with tears that she valiantly held back.

Valerio had left! He was gone and it was all because of her. She had pushed him away. And it hurt! It hurt so very much!

The need to get away from all the prying eyes overwhelmed her.

Amara knew that if she wasn't at the table when her grandfather returned, it would only confirm all his suspicions. But she also knew that she wouldn't be able to hold back her tears any longer if she was forced to look in his eyes.

So ignoring the contemplative look that Veronica now wore on her face, Amara walked away.

*****

"Hello Cian!"

The boy in question startled, turning around to see who had addressed him.

"What are you doing here?'', he scowled.

"I thought that I'd catch up with an old friend of mine", Serena replied brazenly. "He's been very busy lately, not even caring to exchange a simple greeting with me, you see."

"This isn't the right time",Cian snapped. "Go out and enjoy the party!"

Serena rolled her eyes, striding forward and leaning against the balcony railing next to where Cian stood, flinching when she saw how bad his injuries looked. It was no wonder that he wasn't found out on the manor grounds.

"Had an interesting day?",she asked.

Cian glared at her.

"Don't look at me like that",she snapped, all humor gone."You should have known better than to stand against Valerio to protect Harley. Oh wait!", she exclaimed,"Of course you would protect her. I forgot that she is your girl."

He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Serena, I am at the end of my patience right now. Leave!"

"I didn't know that you were into her type of girls", she continued scathingly. "I'm disappointed!"

"She is not my type!", he retorted hotly.

"Then why is she your girlfriend?",Serena challenged.

Cian sighed, turning away from her and leaning more comfortably against the railing, wincing as he did so. "She isn't. She never was. And she will never be. Now leave!", he ordered curtly.

Serena gasped, surprised. A smile slowly spreading across her lips.

"Then why-"

"She has her purpose", he muttered, his thoughts far away. "Which you don't need to know!", he continued, snapping his eyes to glare at her.

She nodded, satisfied. He hadn't given up much but she did believe Cian when he said that Harley wasn't his girl. It was enough for now.

The two stood in silence for several minutes before she decided to break it.

"C-Can I ask you a question?"

Cian raised an eyebrow, curious and a little bewildered at the hesitancy he could plainly hear in the normally loud and fiery girl's voice.

"As if I could stop you",he muttered under his breath.

Serena visibly struggled, trying to frame her question before she sighed and asked,"Do you ever think that we.... I mean you and I ....we could ever..."

Cian's eyes turned cold at once.

"I think it's time that you return back to the party lest your absence is noted", he ordered sharply.

Serena's eyes narrowed. "How long are you going to run away from the truth? You know that I like you Cian then why do you act as if you barely know me?"

"Serena!", he spoke, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Leave!"

"I won't", she replied indignantly. "You have no problem in pretending to date Harley for whatever reason but you refuse to even acknowledge my feelings for you? Why? I love you Cian why can you not see that?"

"Because I cannot love you",he shouted. "I cannot love anyone, ever!"

"But you love your family", she pleaded. "And most of all, you love Amara. You have love in yourself Cian. I see it! I can feel it. Then why are you so....so cold?"

Cian snorted. "And what has my love ever brought for her except hurt and pain?", he muttered bitterly. "Love is a venom. One which corrodes you from the inside out. It's a weakness and six years ago I promised myself that I would never be weak again."

Serena gasped lightly. Six years ago?

"Amara's kidnapping was not your fault Cian", she spoke, desperate."I know you regret not having helped her but that doesn't make you responsible for whatever happened. When will you understand that?"

He stared at her with an undecipherable look before throwing his head back and laughing. It was such a cold laugh that it sent chills down her spine.

"I know where, which, blame lies",he retorted coldly. "I might have had no role in her k-kidnapping", he struggled with the word, spitting it out venomously. "But that doesn't make me an innocent."

"What are you talking about?",she spoke, anxious.

Cian remained silent for several minutes. His eyes were galaxies away and just when Serena was about to shake him and demand an aanswer, he spoke, "Not even a week had passed after Amara was brought back home-"

Serena froze; eyes widened and heart rate picking up as she realized where the conversation was going. She had not expected him to mention that incident. No one ever did!

"Cian, stop!", she ordered hurriedly, glancing around with anxious eyes. "You know that we are forbidden from mentioning that incident, ever! Don Sullivan and Don Romero don't like to be reminded of it. If the guards hear us talking then we can be punished for it."

"I am answering your question", he replied back simply.

Serena's mouth snapped shut.

"I was very angry after my mother was punished for her role in Amara's kidnapping. I didn't believe that she had any part in it. As far as I was concerned, it was Aiden O'Reilly who had orchestrated the entire plan. For how could a mother do this to another innocent child? I refused to accept it!", he reminisced.

"I begged my father to help her, to protect her from the Romero's wrath",he snorted."Not that she had any supporter's here. Grandpa wanted her dead, no questions asked. I shouted, I cried, I threatened and did whatever else it took to get her just one chance. I went against everyone for her and finally her life was spared", he chuckled darkly.

Serena wanted to stop him and tell him that it wasn't his fault. He was a child back then. A child who loved his mother. But Cian was completely lost in his own head as he continued speaking.

"I knew that I had disappointed my father and grandfather. But it didn't matter as long as that woman's life was spared who had given life to me", he sighed. "Two days later I came to know that she had been shifted away to some secret location. She was gone and I had missed the chance of a last goodbye. This somehow made me angrier than I was before.''

She could only imagine how upset this would have made any child.

"It was pouring heavily that day. I escaped to one of the empty guard quarter buildings and sat on the second floor terrace, sobbing my heart out. Amara found me like that", he whispered, eyes clenched as if in physical pain. "I couldn't even bear to look at her. I knew that it wasn't her fault, but some part of my mind refused to believe it back then. I held her responsible for my broken family."

Serena gasped. She had never known this. Had never thought that Cian could be capable of blaming Amara for anything.

"A-amara...she tried to console me.... She promised to talk to Grandpa and get my mother back home. A child's flight of fancy!", he chuckled darkly. "I knew that it was impossible. Alyssa O'Riley had barely escaped with her life intact. There would be no redemption for her and that made me all the more furious. I shouted at Amara, screamed at her to leave me alone...."

Cian rubbed his chest as if talking about the incident physically hurt him.

"I...she...I never meant to...", he stuttered incomprehensibly.

"Cian", Serena whispered, pained to watch him hurting so much.

"I never meant to", he whispered, a single tear escaping his eyes.

"What happened after that?",she asked, scared. She of course knew what had happened, everyone knew what had happened but not like this. No!

"I decided to go after my mother, away from this house. Amara must have realized that I was about to do something stupid and she stood before me, trying to calm me down. She tried stopping me but I wouldn't....",he left off, more tears falling from his eyes.

"Frustrated, I p-pushed her away from me, not realizing how forceful I had been and how close to the edge we were standing. Before I could've turned around and realized what was happening.... Amara was falling...."

Serena covered her mouth to stop her gasp, horrified.

"That night I had almost killed my baby sister", he whispered. "Two months, for two months she did not open her eyes. And when she did, she told everyone that -"

"She had slipped."

Serena jumped, startled, at the unexpected interruption. She turned to look at Damien who was standing leaning against the glass door, hands crossed and a hateful expression on his face as he glared at Cian. She looked between the two, a feeling of having missed something major very prominent.

"But we both know the truth, don't we?", he continued bitterly, his eyes only for Cian. "When Amara woke up, she wasn't in a condition to think back on what had happened, the events had become not more than the blurred images of a forgotten past for her...but I remembered, still do! How can I not when I saw it with my own eyes?"

"H-How?",she stammered.

"I followed her", he shrugged. "Allister had given me the responsibility to look after her in his absence, and I was afraid that she'd fall sick if she was out of the bed for long. So I followed her when she left but Amara was smaller in size and knew her way round the compound even with her eyes closed, I got distracted for a few seconds but it was too late, she had already disappeared."

Serena shook her head, overwhelmed with all the secrets that were slowing being revealed. She looked at Damien when something finally struck her!

"That's why you hate Cian",she gasped out. "Because you think that he intentionally tried to hurt Amara."

"I know he did", Damien retorted coldly. .

Serena's eyes narrowed to slits. "If you were so sure then why did you never tell Don Romero about it?"

Damien gritted his teeth. He would have, if it hadn't been for Pietro!

The older man had been the one to cradle Amara's broken and bloodstained body as he had screamed out for the guards to get the doctor's. He had been the one to dare and tell the two Dons' of the tragedy that had befallen their precious granddaughter. He had been the only one whom had tried to control the damage between the two families while Amara lay injured in the hospital. And he had also been the one whom had explained to Damien as to why he shouldn't speak a word of what had happened to anyone!

"It doesn't matter. I'm not here to discuss the past", he snapped coldly. "I have something to say to him, you may leave Serena!"

The girl opened her mouth to object but was cut off when Cian spoke, agreeing with Damien's demand.

"Now!",he ordered.

Damien waited until he was sure that Serena had left before speaking.

"I didn't know that you could stoop even lower than you already did back when we were children", he snarled lowly. "You tricked Amara into giving up on her relationship with Valerio! You played with her biggest fear of a war between the Sullivan's and the Romero's due to her. And that silly innocent girl, thinking that she was preventing it, did the most selfless thing ever. How could you-"

"I'm protecting my sister, dammit!", Cian shouted. "Something which you and everybody else refuses to do!"

"By forcing her to be away from someone she most probably has fallen in love with?", the Romero replied disbelievingly.

"Love?", Cian spat incredulously. "She is in love with a boy who already had his hands coloured with blood while she still played with dolls. Or have you forgotten what Valerio is capable of doing? What his family is capable of doing? The Valentin empire is of old blood. Did you ever realize how out of reach of the Sullivan and the Romero security she would become if she's with him? How vulnerable if something were to happen?"

Cian visibly shuddered, afraid to even think about it. "I refuse to allow it! I will never agree with it. This is the only time when I could've stopped it from happening before it's too late. So I did what I . She might be hurt now but she'll be happy and alive later and that's what matters to me."

Damien glared at him. "Enjoy your little victory while you still can, it's not going to last long", he spat. "You've not seen Valerio like I have, you don't even realize the magnitude of the danger you are in Cian. This is far from over!"

And with that he turned around, intending to leave, no longer being able to handle a conversation with him.

"He did not even fight for her!",Cian called out after him."He would have fought for her if he truly loved her. Valerio is gone or did you not know that?"

Damien stopped, turning around and glancing almost pittily at Cian.

"You're only seeing what is in front of you but I see what is behind you Cian",he shook his head. You never know a storm has struck until it is outside your doors, impatient and thirsty to destroy everything in it's path", he hissed ominously.

Cian clenched his jaw as Damien turned around again. The last words he spoke hanging ominously in the air behind him.

''And Valerio Valentini is the storm!"

******

Amara sat by the lake, her eyes on the calm water even as chaos reigned her heart.

It was quite dark where she sat. She had choosen this place on purpose, so that the guards couldn't easily find her, except uncle Pietro of course. He would find her in a blink.

She stared up at the sky, twinkling with numerous stars, and Amara's heart was overwhelmed as she was reminded of her first date with Valerio which had only been a few days ago.

Valerio.

Her throat ached and her eyes stung as she thought about him but she couldn't help herself. In the short time that they had been together, Amara had fallen for him. It was inevitable.

And now she had hurt him, driven him away from her. All because she had been weak and scared. But she had no choice. Her families loved her too much and as much as they hid it, their mutual dislike was not something that Amara had missed, not since she had been a child. They maintained a cordial relationship, yes, but that's where that ended.

But how was any of it Valerio's fault either?

Would he understand why she had done it? Or would he think something else?

Amara gasped softly. What if he thought that she didn't love him? What if he thought that she loved someone else? She had never told Valerio that she loved him after all.

"No!", she whimpered, anguished, tears falling from her eyes.

Was that why he had left?

Amara couldn't even bear the thought. It was all her fault. It was always her fault. She should have told him earlier, should have said-

She shrieked loudly when two strong arms suddenly wrapped around her from behind, pulling her against a hard chest.

Amara gasped trying to get away from the hold on her, confused and panicked but all her attempts were futile, the pair of arms caging her in the person's embrace.

Her panic and anxiety spiked making her breathless. She tried pulling in a breath and then another, gasping, trying to swallow past the ache in her throat.

It was then that she felt lips touch her ears, a phantom heat, as a chest rumbled behind her,"breathe!"

Amara could've cried when she heard his voice, her body going lax in his embrace as she tried to control her laboured breathing. How was this possible? He shouldn't have been here!

"Again!", he commanded softly.

And Amara followed him, closing her eyes and allowing herself to relax.

She was soon turned around in his arms but she refused to open her eyes, afraid that if she did, he would disappear, that this would turn out to be a dream.

"Look at me", he ordered.

Amara shook her head, choking on a lament like cry, full of grief.

She felt his hot breath on her face, as he kissed away the tears that slipped down her cheeks.

"Little Dove, look at me",he murmured against her cheek.

His tone was gentler this time, yet the command unmistakable.

And so Amara opened her eyes, amethyst clashing with the darkness of his eyes.

She placed her palm against his cheek hesitantly, as if in denial. It was only when her fingers touched his hard skin that she truly grasped his presence.

"Valerio", she choked, before throwing her around him and hiding her face against his chest, her fingers holding the back of his shirt tightly while she sobbed out incomprehensibly.

"There's n-no one else whom I love Val, I p-promise you", she cried weakly. "You know that, r-right? You b-believe me, don't you?"

Her hands felt small and cool as they dug into his shoulders. Pulling him closer, her head tilted up as her eyes desperately searched his for answers.

Valerio stared down at her, his hands on her face, cupped wide and curving around her cheeks, thumbs sliding wetly over the wet, red of her cheeks.

Behind his eyes was an incandescent fire - luminous, smoldering and one which currently threatened to light up the entire world.

"I know", he replied.

Amara shook her head, not believing him.
"No you don't understand",she hiccuped. "I didn't break up with you because I love someone else Val-"

She was silenced when Valerio put his index finger against her lips, his jaw set.

"I know Amara, I know everything!",he emphasized. His hand brushed some of her hair out of her face, tucking it behind her ear, an undecipherable look in his eyes though his face remained expressionless.

At Amara's shocked look, he chuckled darkly. "Did you really think that I wouldn't have my own office wired?"

Amara gasped softly.

"I know everything that went down there in my absence", he continued.

She shook her head, not understanding him. If Valerio knew everything then why had he left?

She was jolted out of her thoughts when she felt Valerio caressing her cheek with his thumb while he stared at her intensely. It was only then Amara realized how close the two were, Valerio having almost pulled her on his lap as she cried.

Shocked, she pulled away from him and stood up quickly.

"I-I'm sorry....I shouldn't have", she murmured, backing away from him.

Valerio was up in a flash, ready to pounce should she take another step away from him, and pounce he did!

Amara's eyes snapped up to meet his when he pulled her flushed against himself.

He leaned down and whispered,"Don't make me more mad at you than I already am piccola. I wouldn't be responsible for my actions otherwise."

His words caressed her ear like a hiss made of silk and velvet.

"Now be a good girl, and please",he smirked, leaving no doubt in her mind about how loosely he had worded his request," do tell me who filled your pretty head with such bullshit!"

His smirk fell instantly being replaced by a thunderous expression.

Amara stared at him, distressed, before she realized what he was saying and her eyes moistened.

Valerio's eyes flashed darker in response, his lips curling back ferociously.

"I swear on the love I hold for my dead parents, Amara, if even a single drop of tear falls from your eyes I will end up doing something that we will all regret later",he vowed, his eyes flashing.

"No one",she answered his question honestly."No one said that to me...I..I thought..."

"You thought what?",he retorted sharply.
"You are mine, it's only you and me, always!"

Amara's heart pounded fiercely. His words wrapped around her in feral, possessive fury. A protective coating that locked her to him.

"But you l-left",she cried softly, trying her best to hold back the tears in. "I didn't know what else to think. I thought it was because I had hurt you by breaking up. I never even got to tell you that-"

She stopped short.

"Tell me what?",he repeated, staring at her with smoldering eyes, waiting for something, on edge.

Amara met his eyes with all the intensity that lied between them.

Was it too late to speak what was in her heart now?

"Say it",he commanded in low voice, an edge of near desperation swirling in his eyes.

As Amara stared at him she felt bound to him, by some invisible pull that he seemed to have on her. She could suddenly feel his presence everywhere. And she finally realized that she had been foolish to keep this to herself for all this time.

She had been afraid. It was only natural. But she shouldn't have because Valerio wouldn't ask for anything as long as he had her with him. He wouldn't ask her for more than she was willing to give.

With trembling fingers, Amara put both her palms against his cheeks, standing on her tip toes so she could attempt to look more clearly in his eyes, trusting Val to not let her fall.

She smiled softly when his arms gripped her securely, protectively.

"I'm sorry for taking so long....I should have told you..."

"Just say it",he spoke, resting his forehead against hers, wildness in his.

"I love you",she confessed softly."I always have and I always will. Can you...Do you still love me?",she asked, vulnerability shinning in her eyes.

"Tu sei la mia anima."

Amara gasped, understanding what he had said. And the way he had said it.... It was hard. It was unyeilding. It was him!

Her heart beat wildly, not being able to tear her eyes away from him.

"You are my soul",he repeated firmly, before swooping down and attaching his lips to hers.

Amara's eyes fluttered close when he pressed his lips to hers and Valerio's arms wound themselves tightly around her waist and held onto her as though he would never let her go.

His lips played over her soft ones luxuriantly slow, demanding nothing yet giving away everything. Even though Amara was hesitant, Valerio did not mind. He coaxed her lips, guiding her gently.

She felt a warm hand brushing up her side sending chill bumps racing down her spine before it slipped up to cup the back of her head, just as he began kissing her in earnest.

It was a kiss full of blossoming love and devotion.

Amara did her best to keep up and maybe she did it correct as she felt Valerio smile against her lips.

To Valerio, there was nothing more intoxicating than her. The taste of her. The feel of her. It drove him crazy.

Just as her neglected lungs were starting to protest, Valerio ended the kiss, pulling away only to cradle her cheeks with renewed gentleness as if she were something infinitely precious.

He leaned down to rest his forehead against hers, his breathing labored slightly.

"There's nothing that can ever stop me from loving you sweetheart. You are mine. It's undisputable", he murmured.

"But I hurt you today Val and I'm sorry because I didn't have any choice. I was scared for Cian. I still am",she replied softly.

Valerio's eyes flew open at once, burning brightly, the storm in his dark brown eyes threatening to come out in the open. His body went rigid and stiff as if he had been reminded of something vile and unpleasant.

"I love you Val",she murmured desperately, trying to make him understand the workings of her heart. "But I won't be able to live with myself if I ever cause a war between my two families. It would kill me-"

Valerio growled dangerously, a low menacing roar from deep within his chest, his eyes darkening dangerously at the mere insinuation.

"It would hurt me",she amended quickly. "Please, Val will you forgive him and start afresh?"

Valerio remained quite for a few seconds, before speaking stiffly. "You will not see him hurt by my hands."

"You promise?", she asked in a small voice.

His eyes glinted with an unknown emotion. "I promise you Amara, Cian will not be punished for either his or Harley's involvement in today's combat."

Amara leapt in his arms, pressing a small kiss on his cheek.

"Thank you! Thank you!",she murmured exuberantly, feeling as if a tonne worth of wait had been lifted off her shoulder.

Just as she was about to pull away from him, Amara felt his arms tightening around. She felt his hot breath fanning the side of her neck as he spoke in a low, velvety voice. "But you aren't forgiven sweetheart."

"W-what?, she muttered, breathless.

Amara gasped when she felt his lips brush against her neck, a fleeting phantom of a touch.

"I am still mad, so very mad at you."

Her heart skipped several beats and she clutched onto him tightly, feeling his lips trail against her shoulder.

"I-I'm sorry",she whispered.

He hummed softly and Amara could feel the vibration in his chest as he spoke in a low, dangerous tone.

"Are you really? Whatever for?"

She jumped when he gently pulled her hair to one side, kissing the underline of her jaw.

"F-for lying to y-you",she stuttered in small voice.

"Doesn't count! You were terrible at it",he murmured dismissively against her ear. "Try again, my love",he coaxed.

And Amara was suddenly struck by how intimidating his darkly dulcet tone was. Her lips trembled as she tried again.

"For b-breaking up with you."

"La mia ragazza innocente",he chuckled, kissing her temple as if he found her answer to be very hilarious. "A bracelet doesn't decide whether you are mine or not Amara. My claim on you is far above it. As far as I am concerned we never broke up. You were, are and will always remain mine."

"Try again",he demanded.

Amara racked her brains. She didn't know what else she could have done that could have made him more angry than her breaking up with him did.

"I don't know",she muttered helplessly.

Valerio straightened only slightly, so as to look into her eyes. "Think sweetheart", he insisted.

Amara shook her head, feeling overwhelmed and stressed all of a sudden. She couldn't remember what else she had done.

He leaned forward and placed a kiss on her cheek. "You",he murmured, his lips trailing closer to her lips but never touching her skin, "ran-", Amara felt a shiver run down her spine,his lips ghosting over hers. "-away from me!"

And with that he captured her lips in another kiss. This one was very different than their first kiss. While Valerio had been more gentle and tender earlier, he was more possessive and dominant now, a wild and primal edge to him as he kissed her.

Amara's heart was pounding in her chest by the time he pulled away.

"Promise me", Valerio demanded. "Promise me that you will never, ever, run away from me again. Scream at me, hit me if you think I'm wrong but do not run away from me Amara."

She nodded her head, agreeing with him at once. "I promise."

Valerio smiled, kissing her forehead tenderly. "Good girl."

"As much as I hate to break you two up",a voice called out sarcastically, "the situation demands that I do."

Amara and Valerio both turned to look at the source of interruption.

"Uncle Pietro", she gasped, eyes widening in embarrassment. Had he seen them k-kissing? She tried to back away from Valerio but stopped when sharp eyes turned to look at her in disapproval.

"Pietro", Valerio acknowledged the guard with annoyance plain on his face.

"You should bring Amara out of her place of hiding before Don Sullivan starts punishing the guards for letting her leave when he had specifically ordered her not to", the older man informed them.

Amara gasped in horror. She had forgotten about it.

"I'll escort her out in a few minutes",he spoke, "I have a last thing to discuss with her."

Uncle Pietro did not look impressed by the answer but he nodded his head grudgingly. "I'll wait nearby."

Amara watched him go before she turned to glance at Valerio, feeling his intense stare on her face.

"W-What?",she murmured, shy all of a sudden.

"You look beautiful sweetheart",he answered sincerely.

Amara's cheeks tinted, her eyes sinking low, long lashes fanning them.

"But there's something missing",he continued.

She turned to look at him in confusion and her heart fluttered when he removed the bracelet from his pocket. Her bracelet.

"It's true when I said that I don't need a bracelet to prove my claim on you",he spoke lowly. "That wasn't the sole reason why I gave you this bracelet Amara. I gave it to you because it once belonged to my mother, a woman who I loved very much."

Amara could feel his pain while he spoke about his mother, no matter how much he tried to hide it.

"This is her blessing and I want you to have it", he continued, taking her wrist gently in his hand and putting the bracelet on her once again.

"Don't remove this again", he ordered her a in a hard voice.

"I won't", she vowed, coaxing another smile from him.

He caressed her flushed cheeks with his fingers once, before straightening, his eyes turning cold. "Come! It's time that we return to the party before Don Sullivan truly loses his patience."

******

Sean Sullivan stood rigid, his hands crossed behind his back as his eyes roamed over the party grounds from his place on the balcony.

"You worry about the child more than you should", Vietello Valentini spoke, as he leaned back comfortably against his seat. "However will you get her married?"

Sean turned his unimpressed gaze towards his old friend and ally, not rising up to the obvious bait.

Vietello sipped his glass of scotch, amused.

"She's fourteen. There are many years left for her wedding. Her future husband will have enough time to prove himself worthy of my precious granddaughter", Sean retorted back. "And if he fails, I will throw him out to her life faster than you can blink."

Vietello's eyes turned cold. "We'll see",he spoke.

Sean smirked at him before turning his attention back to the lower ground.

"I ordered Pietro to bring Amara to me. Go and bring them here", he snapped harshly to the guard standing at the door, his eyes not straying away.

"I'm here Grandpa", a very nervous voice called out.

Sean turned his gaze towards Amara, internally relieved to see her, before his eyes zeroed on the boy shadowing his smaller granddaughter.

"Don Sullivan", the boy...near man, greeted him, inclining his head before turning towards his own grandfather who had stood up to hug his heir.

Ignoring them for the time being he turned towards his own granddaughter who had walked towards him and was currently staring up at him with nervous eyes.

There was something different about her now.

Gone was the melancholy from her eyes, the sadness that she had tried so hard to keep from him. It was now replaced with a joy so absolute that her eyes seemed to shine by it's very magnitude.

He didn't know why but his eyes snapped towards the Valentini heir, only to see him staring at Amara, his eyes soft even as his face remained stone cold, nodding occasionally in response to whatever Vietello seemed to be telling him.

"Grandpa", Amara called him a few times, but he didn't seem to listen. She followed his gaze only for them to meet Valerio's, who was already staring at her.

Amara blushed, smiling sweetly at him before turning her attention back towards the Don, who seemed to be observing them both with a very keen expression.

Whatever he saw made satisfaction flash through in his eyes, smiling at her. "It's good you are finally here, we can start the fireworks display. You love it, don't you?"

Amara smiled widely. "Yes please",she said eagerly.

"A befitting end to the night", Vietello Valentini agreed, striding forward with Valerio.

Amara watched as her grandfather motioned for the guards to start the show, and she looked up at the sky eagerly, choosing to hang back on her spot rather than move towards the far edge even as both the Don's strode forward, speaking in quite tones.

"I'm leaving tomorrow morning."

Her head snapped towards Valerio, panic and dread bubbling inside her.

Valerio must have seen her reaction because he quickly amended, "for Chicago, along with the Don, my uncle and Silvano."

Amara heaved a small sigh of relief, nodding her head in understanding, plastering a smile on her face for his benefit. For a few moments she had been scared that he was going away again like he had done today, or that's what Veronica had told her. He had obviously not left for Chicago then, so where exactly had he gone?

"Come to see me off",he demanded suddenly, shaking her out of her thoughts.

Amara's eyes widened in surprised at the demand."I-i don't know Val",she murmured, "I always spend the entire morning of the trip with Grandpa. I don't think I'll be able to...."

"Do you remember the challenge which you lost to me?", he asked her slyly,"the one in which my team won the basketball match against Allister's team?"

Her mouth dropped open. He wouldn't!

"I have the right to demand anything of you and you are bound-",he smirked wickedly, "to oblige me."

"B-but",she stuttered, "it's not fair. Grandpa won't allow me."

Valerio shrugged, smiling internally as he walked behind her and wrapped his arms around her in a lazy hug.

"Don't worry your pretty head over it",he soothed,"You are smart, I know you'll find a way. But for now let us enjoy the time we do have with each other."

Amara smiled, relieved, leaning back and resting her head against his chest comfortably, just as the sky slowly began to light up with crackling colours.

******

Cian sighed when the fireworks display ended, turning and walking inside his room again.

The jubliant lights did not appeal to him in the least. But they never failed to bring a bright smile on that person's face who was the most precious to him.

He could only hope that the fireworks had done their work today too.

The moment he stepped inside, Cian knew that something wasn't right. He didn't have to wait long because as soon as the thought crossed his mind, he was attacked!

Cian cried out in pain when he was slammed against the wall roughly, a hand enclosing around his throat in a choking grip.

"You could have tried to take my life away from me and I would have still let you walk away without any repercussions solely because of the blood that runs through your veins", he hissed in his ear darkly and Cian's eyes widened in disbelief and slowly but surely creeping horror.

"But no!", Valerio continued,"You attempted to do something that is unforgivable to me. You tried to take away the reason behind my living, the girl who is more precious to me than you can ever fathom, the girl who I love", his grip became painfully tight, his voice lethal.

Cian flailed against him, trying to shove the other boy away.

Valerio chuckled darkly at his attempts.

"Today, I promised Amara that I wouldn't punish you for what that bitch you call a girlfriend did, and I will stay true to it. The punishment for that is solely on the girl's head but you will not be forgiven for the rest of your offenses", he vowed, eyes flashing.

"The very same family that you threatened her with will be the ones punishing you soon, this I promise you."

Cian's face started turning blue.

"And the next time before you even think of issuing her ultimatums with the intention of hurting her in any form, if you dare make her cry, remember this night", he growled dangerously. "Remember the fear that is now coursing through your veins. Remember that an army of your  grandfather's men cannot stop me from coming for you if tiptoe the line again, for I'm always there in the shadows, watching her, protecting her."

And with that he let the other boy go and stepped away, wiping his hands as if he touched something vile, while Cian slipped down the wall, pulling in uneven breaths.

"You started this game Cian, but I will be the one to end it, and I won't lose."

And with those parting words, Valerio walked away before Cian could have even glanced at him once.

******

"Master Valerio, it's time! Don Valentini has ordered me to show you the way to your seat", a senior Valentini guard addressed Valerio respectfully.

"Not yet", the seventeen year old replied, not even sparing the guard a single glance.

"Master-"

"You're dismissed", Valerio commanded authoritatively, his cold eyes finally turning towards the guard.

The guard bowed before turning around and leaving.

Valerio followed his movements across the runway as the older guard reached his grandfather, his head bowed in reverence, an apologetic expression on his face as he reported his failure in carrying out the task given to him by the Don.

Don Valentini's eyes snapped up to meet his at once, an unreadable expression on his face before he turned back and resumed his conversation with his son.

"The security check is almost over. You can't stall anymore. Once the Don steps inside the aircraft, you will have to follow them. You can't make him wait", Silvano muttered worriedly.

"Sir, please, I've been ordered to escort you both inside the plane. We would be taking off very soon."

Valerio gritted his teeth. This time it was Paulo, his own personal guard who addressed him stoically.

"Amara won't be able to come here. She would be busy seeing the members of the Sullivan family off", Silvano spoke lowly. "Come on, grandfather and dad are walking towards the plane. We need to get going. You've waited too long now!"

"Sir, this way", Paulo emphasized, extending his arm in the direction of the plane.

"You've just earned yourself a very sweet punishment, my little rule breaker....I can't wait until the next time we meet", Valerio murmured under his breath.

He finally made his way towards the ramp, followed by Silvano and Paulo, the guards waiting in line to ascend parting automatically and making way for him.

"Valerio", Silvano gasped, just as he was about to take the last step, prompting him to turn behind to look at his cousin.

"What?", he snapped, annoyed.

He followed Silvano's gaze and his heart skipped a beat when he saw Amara step out of her car, searching around hurriedly, before her eyes found his and a smile so beautiful lit up her face that it made something inside Valerio's chest ache.

She ran towards him and Valerio too, did not waste a single moment as he made his way towards her.

"Careful sweetheart", he cautioned when he reached her, putting his arms around Amara and steadying her as she came to an unsteady stop before him.

"I-I'm sorry that I'm late", Amara panted. "I'm glad that you didn't leave yet."

"Not more than me", he stated, his eyes moving over her face with so much intensity that Amara felt her cheeks heating up.

"I got you a present", she told him shyly.

Valerio watched in curiosity as Pietro came up behind them, handing over a small prettily wrapped up box to Amara.

Pietro took in his closeness to his own charge and stared at Valerio hard, causing Valerio to cock an eyebrow, unimpressed, as he tightened his arms around Amara possessively, ignoring the older man for a few moments.

Amara pouted, wiggling in his arms and Valerio's eyes narrowed before he sighed, loosening his arms and allow her to take a small step back.

"This is for you", she murmured, thrusting the gift towards him.

Valerio took the gift in his hands and just as he was about to open it, she shouted hurriedly, "No! Not here."

"Why not?", he frowned. "I want to know what it is that you have got me."

Amara's cheeks had turned scarlet at this point. "Not here, please."

Valerio opened his mouth to argue but he was cut off by Paulo's arrival. Again!

"Master Valerio, I must insist that you follow me. The Don is waiting for you."

Valerio sighed internally. He knew this was the final call. He couldn't make his grandfather wait anymore.

"It's time I go", he spoke in a hard voice. But in stark contrast to his words, he took Amara's hand in his, intertwining their fingers gently.

Amara's face fell slightly. She had always found it difficult to say goodbye to her grandfathers and uncles when they left for business trips, no matter how temporary the goodbye was for.

"A-Alright", she whispered. "Please, take care of yourself",she pleaded.

He smirked but his eyes were a million years away.

"I love you", he murmured, brushing his lips against her forehead.

Amara bit her lip before throwing her arms around him in a hug.

"I love you too, please return home safely", she whispered emotionally against his chest.

Valerio hugged her tightly in reply.

Neither Pietro, nor Paulo dared break their moment despite the obvious delay in the schedule.

After a few long moments the two pulled away. Valerio cupped her cheek with one hand, staring into her eyes intensely, as if memorizing every single detail of her irises.

His eyes met Pietro's over the top of Amara's head and he exchanged a stoic nod with the man, the unspoken message clear between them.

"Come on princess, we should return back home", he said, stepping forward.

Amara attempted to send him off with a brave smile."Go ahead Val. Everyone's waiting for you."

Valerio nodded as he raised their intertwined fingers, pressing a last kiss against her wrist, before he turned around and began walking away.

Amara watched him go silently and for the first time since her arrival at the airport, she realized the presence of the large number of guards and employees around them whom had probably witnessed their affectionate display.

Her cheeks tinted red in embarrassment. She had been so worried about having missed seeing Valerio off that she hadn't taken into account the people around them.

She gasped, her eyes widening, when she realized that his family members had probably seen them too.

"Oh my God!",she murmured, embarrassed beyond any measure.

Pietro chuckled as he put his hand on her shoulder and turned her around, guiding her back towards their car.

"You don't need to worry about Don Vietello",he spoke, highly amused. "Your boyfriend on the other hand, is going to have a very eventful journey."

Amara laughed softly at Uncle Pietro's attempt at humor.

She glanced behind once again, just in time to see the Valentini plane taking off, not knowing that this was probably the last carefree moment of her life before it took a turn for much worse.

******

Miles away, a young man paced the floor of his room in a shady motel, his movements caged with both, anticipation and dread.

Soon, a knock was sounded on the door and the man stopped, his head snapping towards it at once. He waited, eyes narrowed and ears strained, untill the unusual rhythm was repeated twice, as if following a pre-decided code and the man's face split into a cold smile as he walked towards the door and pulled it open.

"He's waiting in the car for you."

No greetings were exchanged as the man was led out by a guard and towards the car, where the door was opened for him and he was pushed inside.

"You shouldn't have come here. There are eyes even in the shadows, who watch our every move", he muttered in disapproval.

"This will slip under the radar",came the dismissive reply. "There are some pressing issues which needed to be discussed."

"And what can be so important that made you risk compromising your loyalty?",the man argued.

No sooner had the words left his mouth than he felt a gun being pressed against his temple.

"We might share the same blood but don't forget who is the boss here", came the sharp reply. "I give you more liberties than any other but never forget that you are disposable to me. It won't take me two seconds to put this bullet in your head and shut you up forever."

The subordinate gulped, "I apologise. I will remember my place next time."

The older man grunted, putting his gun away in the pocket of his expensive coat. "Where did you get the supplies from?",he asked instead.

The subordinate frowned in confusion.

"I asked you a question."

"From one of the underground clubs in Boston. I made sure to carry the trade with someone who had no connections with either of the families or their allies'', he answered.

"If you really were so careful then how is it that the Sullivan men have got wind of this contraband?",the older male snarled angrily. "The soldiers are sniffing around trying to collect more information on your identity. How could you have been so foolish to think that you could enter New York, especially under the present climate, so completely unprepared and unguarded? You have jeopardized our mission."

The subordinate shook his head, neck tilting away. "N-No, no...I just..."

"You what?", the superior mocked,"Should I tell her about this lapse in judgement of yours ?"

"No, no, I'll be more careful, I will."

The older man sucked his teeth, leaning forward, irritation curling his lip. "I have promised her this gift and I will deliver it, no matter the cost", he growled out darkly. "She will not suffer any more mistakes, I will not suffer you. The situation is already worse because of the Valentini involvement", he snarled. "It's dangerous waters that we are treading. We have only one chance to execute our plan, even a single mistake and we all are doomed to suffer a fate much worse than death."

"But it's too late to change any detail now. The plan is in motion, the bomb is already planted",the man spoke, tensed.

A dark smile flashed across the superior's face. "We don't need to change anything. Not yet. If all goes according to plan then by the time they realize what has happened, it'll already be too late."

The younger man nodded, relieved.

"Leave", the boss grunted. "We've wasted enough time! We have many battles that lie ahead of us, many dangers and shifting tides. Hopefully, the next time we see each other we would have shook the very foundation of the Sullivan and the Romero empires!"

******

I can only hope and pray that you guys liked this chapter and found it worth the wait!!!

Also, I'll try and reply to everyone who has  messaged me but in case I do miss out on some, I apologize in advance. I'm not ignoring anyone of you!

A quick question- Damien or Cian, whom do you find more interesting as a character?😉

Once again, thank you everyone who has returned back to the story. Your love for it is what inspires me! Love you guys!❤️❤️❤️❤️

And of course don't forget to VOTE, COMMENT AND SHARE!