"What's going on?" I questioned when I saw them suiting up in tux and preparing their weapons.

"We're going to a ceremony with all the gang leaders and some of their members. It's held every year to reassure peace but everyone knows that's a load of bullshit. It's an excuse to kiss ass with each other to find out their weaknesses," he explained and I couldn't help but admire how undeniably sexy he looked in his suit.

"Has anyone ever died?" I asked my eyes still raking over his body with his back turned to me.

"Not yet," he turned around to face with an amused smirk. "Follow me, I made sure to buy the perfect dress for this occasion."

I completely forgot that I was upset at him for yesterday but that didn't matter now because we have a mission to focus on. When I entered his room, my eyes fell upon the most beautiful dress my eyes have laid on.

"Wow, it's beautiful," I gushed at the dresses running my hands along the material.

"You're welcome," I heard him reply and a smile formed across my lips. And in a matter of seconds, when I thought everyone was fine, my mind came across.

"When you mean every gang leader, does that mean across the world?" the thought made my stomach turn and my blood boil.

"Yes but we will be there to protect you if anything happens," he reassured using his thumb to caress my chin.

I turned the dress to the back to observe it and when I realized the back was exposed I let it go. There was no way in hell I was wearing that.

"Don't worry about your scars being exposed. You're one of the few women in this business that has survived circumstances like this and you should be proud of that. This is evidence that you are a phoenix, no matter how much they try and take you down and they probably will succeed at one point but you pull yourself back up without help. Because you are Red Blood," he spoke softly, keeping my eyes locked with his.

But little does he know that that wasn't why I asked.

"Is that your apology for yesterday?" I tilted my head with a small smile.

"Yes. Am I forgiven?" he pouted childishly and I nodded.

"Good. Quick question: Why the bow and arrow and the knife? A gun is so much more efficient?" he asked in a teasing tone.

"I don't know. My father and uncle always taught me to use the bow and arrow. My father said it was so that I wouldn't leave a trail which would lead back to me. The knife is the same. I mean, you're right about the gun but I don't have power like you where the police is afraid of you. Therefore, I used what I got," I told him while he was observing my face for any hint of emotion but I gave away none.

"At least now I know. Hurry up and get dressed, you have ten minutes," he reminded me and left. Both of us knowing that I didn't need some much time.

            **********

As soon as we stepped in the ball room, all eyes turned to us and they started whispering amongst each other.

"Did you kill their friends and/or family to have them staring at us like that?" I asked softly, moving to the side of the room while the others scattered to different directions.

"I'm absolutely positive that's not the reason they're staring," he whispered in my ear and I turned to look at him staring at me with lustful eyes and a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Besides, I'm allies to almost everyone in this room," he finally smiled, handing me the glass of champagne he took from the waiter before taking one for himself.

"Are you one of the speakers at this thing?" I asked and he hummed a response.

"Just in about half an hour, I'll say a few words before the fun part begins," he said slipping a hand around my waist, slightly pulling me against him.

It went exactly as he said. Before Luciano went to the stage, the leader of the Mexican mafia, Alonso Gonzalez, spoke a few wise words. He seemed to be the only man in the room who had a genuine smile on his face. He and Luciano seemed to be close because they exchanged words with each other on the podium. It was Luciano's turn to say some words of his own. He reminded everyone about the reason of this gala even though he knew it was in vain. I was too busy searching the room for a certain person I wanted to avoid to hear the rest of his speech.

"Did you like my speech?" Luciano said beside me, stopping my search.

"Short and appropriate," I answered and he chuckled. It was low and like a lullaby I could never get tired of.

"I knew you weren't paying attention. What were you looking for?" he asked, tilting his head to look in my eyes.

"Nothing. Trying to get familiar with the faces in case of emergencies," I lied and I knew he didn't believe me but he chose to ignore it.

You should see yourself in my eyes when I was on the stage. You stood out immensely. So beautiful," he complimented and I gasped softly as he lips brushed against my neck. I gulped nervously, not finding myself to move.

"Is the Red Blood nervous?" he asked with a smirk on his lips. "I'm glad because I know I'm the cause of it."

"You said there would be fun after the speeches," I asked with the little control I have left in my body.

"This way, cuore mio," he took my hand gently and lead me through everyone to the centre of the room where a few people were dancing.

"May I have this dance?" he asked and I smiled and nodded curtly. I felt happy at this moment, forgetting about all my worries and my fears. I felt safe with Luciano which is strange for me because I was never dependent on anyone. As he spun me around the room, it would seem like we were the only people in the room. I caught a glimpse of Nikolas in the crowd who had an obvious smile on his face. We suddenly stopped and I couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed but I hid it.

"Thank you Ziva," he smiled still holding me close to him. I liked how my name sounded on his lips. He led us back to a corner in the room away from everyone.

"Salvatore, care to introduce me to your lady friend," I recognized the guy with thick spanish accent to be the man earlier, Alonso Gonzalez.

"Red, this is a good friend of mine, Alonso Gonzalez and his wife Mariana Gonzalez," I looked at the beautiful lady with the pregnancy glow who was smiling brightly at me.

"Hi," I greeted, shaking Alonso's hand and instead of a handshake, Mariana pulled me in a hug. I was a big surprised but her hug felt nice.

"It's so nice to meet you. How long have you known Luciano?" she asked as soon as the guys stepped to the side to talk about God knows what.

"Not long. Just a few days," I answered an she feigned a shock expression.

"And you seemed to have known each other longer. The chemistry you two had on the dance floor was muy fantastica," she said excitement and I could only laugh at her glee.

"How far along are you?" I asked and she cupped her belly rubbing it smoothly.

"6 months. Alonso and I are only married for a year and a few months," she told me and I smiled and nodded. It got me to realize that I would never be in her position. I would never have a family of my own because it would be selfish to grow a child in a world such as mine. Full of danger and harm. Always looking over your shoulder.

"Do you know the gender?" I asked.

"No, Alonso and I wanted it to be a secret," she said. "But enough about me. You're more beautiful than the rumors say and look way less perezosa. Even though some of the rumors claim that you are a male"

"Really? How so?" I asked curiously. I wanted to know her in take on me in comparison to the rumors.

"You look like a girl who is running from something and has no choice but to protect herself and most importantly her loved ones. You refuse to let anyone close to you, assuming you were hurt by someone you love. Though you might not know it yet but you're finding yourself being drawn closer to Luciano, falling for him maybe," she highlighted everything that is true about me. She knew too much but I couldn't let her know that. I looked over at Luciano who was already staring at me with a small smile but it faltered when he saw my face.

"Nice theory but you're wrong," I answered nonchantly. I attempted to walk away but I'm guessing she sensed she did something wrong and stopped me.

"Lo siento, if I crossed the line," she apologized and I nodded.

"It's okay. Don't worry about it," I assured her with a smile and left to get a glass of wine.

I stood by a table with Mariana's words replaying in my head. It wasn't her fault. I just preferred it people didn't know about me because that would lead them in danger and I couldn't bare that. I didn't mean to react that way towards her but her words got to me and I guess it was a defense mechanism. I took another sip but was interrupted by a voice that haunted my dreams.

"Hello, my beautiful niece," the man with the smile that I hated greeted. My uncle.

As if on reflex, I set down the glass and took a step back. I looked around for Nikolas, Jasper or even Luciano but none of them were aware of what was happening.

"No words for your dear uncle?" he stepped forward still smiling. My hand instinctly dropped to my thigh for my knife. I hate to admit it but I was utterly scared. Alot of people think that I have no fear but this man was my greatest fear.

"No need for that. I promise to not hurt you or your friends. All I ask is one dance, for old time's sake," he held out his hand.

"You're sick if you think I'm ever going to come close to you again," I said gritting my teeth.

"That may be true but then you will regret when they all drop dead because of you. Don't think I don't have people ready to kill on my command," he said and I looked around the room.

Two of the waiters were near Nikolas, two men were at least 5 ft away from Jasper without him knowing and one man infront, two 3 ft to the left and right of Luciano. They were surrounded.

"So about that dance," he smiled wider and I looked at him with a deathly glare before reluctantly taking his hand.

"How have you been Ziva? You've disappeared from the streets and I see why," he said. I so wanted to punch the grin from his face.

"Keeping tabs on me, uncle," I spat the word at him like it was poison.

"I have to know if you are doing well Ziva. It's my job to take care of you," he said and I narrowed my eyes at his words.

"And you did such a lovely job at that," I responded sarcastically.

"I know what I did was unforgivable," his fingers lifted to my back, tracing the scars he gave me. "But believe me it was for your best."

My eyes suddenly locked with Luciano who was staring angrily at us and I shook my head slightly at him to not do anything.

"I mean, you would have never became the person you were today if it weren't for me," he shrugged smugly.

"I heard what you did to Scott, thank you by the way. He was weighing me down," I grimaced at his words about hid own son. "But I can't thank you for what you did to my men. You left one alive, though I think it may have been purposefully. Just know that you and the Italians will pay for what you did. However, nothing will happen if you come and pledge your allegiance to me."

I have had enough. There's no way that was going to happen. I will never put my life in the hands of that man again. But I can't let him hurt Salvatore and the others. I stopped and stepped back from him and gave him a small smile.

"Enjoy the rest of the night, uncle," I swallowed the lump in my throat.

"Remember Ziva. Your enemies are the ones you least expect," he said and left quickly.

"Ziva, are you okay?" his hand grazed against my back softly and I flinched. It was unintentional but I was having flashbacks feeling my uncle's wips against my back.

"Take me back to the house please," I pleaded and walked to the door but he grabbed onto my elbow pulling me back.

"Ziva, talk to me," he begged cupping my face, caressing my cheek with his thumb. He lifted my head gently to look at him and his face changed to worry when he saw the tears in my eyes, threatening to spill. My eyes shifted to my uncle who was smiling at me in triumph, knowing that he got to me.

"Can we leave now, please?" I asked and he nodded.