Shortly after seeing Vienna, Austin was greeted by some new guards who announced he had to follow them. Austin was lead outside to another building. He was taken to an empty living room and was told to sit down in a chair and wait. He complied but he was abit unsure what Tristan had planned for him now.

The chances were Tristan knew that Austin had just seen Vienna. Austin knew he might have angered Tristan big time as a result. But why was Austin in this living room rather than a torture chamber? No on dragged Vienna into Tristan's business affairs. It didnt matter if it was international or accidental. Maybe it was the silence before storm.

After what seemed like forever, Austin heard the door close behind him and he heard footsteps behind him "Austin Lombardi... I have been waiting for you to fully recover...." Tristan's voice boomed in the room.

Austin remained unmoving and silent while sitting down in his chair. It was best to be cautious with this man who was one of the most dangerous and most powerful men in the business world. He didnt care to anger Tristan because of what could happen to him. He cared for the consequences for others.

Tristan appeared in front of him. Tristan stared at Austin and said in a serious tone  "I don't normally spare people with your track record... Yet you are alive... There is a first time for everything or so they say..."

Austin didn't reply and just stared at Tristan silently.

Tristan walked to the other side of the room and picked up a wine glass "So... Tell me Austin... Why did you do it? Why did you save those comrades of yours? Why did you save them and got yourself captured when you could easily run and avoid capture?"

Austin was taken back by Tristan's questions. Why did his opinion matter on saving others? He cleared his throat "Firstly, can I take this chance to show my gratitude for saving my life?" Tristan didnt respond and was not looking at Austin as he was pouring wine from a bottle into his glass.

Austin continued as Tristan hadn't cut him of "I have to tell you how grateful I am before I answer your question... I hope you dont mind..."

Tristan put down the wine bottle and picked up his wine glass. "I do mind... But do continue..."

Austin spoke "Whenever I heard your voice when I was half conscious... you were giving orders to your doctors to take care not to make my condition worsen... You were always very concerned with my health and made sure any treatment the doctors subjected me to was going to be 100% successful... I dont think I can ever thank you enough... I am forever in your debt..."

Tristan  was sipping from his glass of wine as he was standing looking at Austin shaking his head "A piece of advice... Stop the flattery... It doesnt work with me... Now answer my question... Why did you do it?" He then took sips from his wine glass as he looked at Austin expecting an answer.

Austin said "I am sorry if I offended you... I would never dare try to attempt to flatter you.... My gratitude is genuine... I could never repay you for saving my life. To answer your question, that day I saved those men because it was the natural thing to do for me... All my life I have been trained to serve my people, my country.... I didnt know any other way and I still dont..."

Tristan put away his wine glass and put his hands in his pockets "You know ... For a decorated army hero turned FBI agent, you are too intelligent to believe those men you saved needed saving.... They signed up to do a job that can be risky... I have advice for you Austin.... Stop risking your life for people who wont do the same for you.... Putting your trust in the government got you burnt. Dont do it again when you get out of here..."

Austin was unsure. Was he getting out of there?

Tristian started walking slowly towards Austin "You are wondering what's going to happen to you after today. There are different scenarios that can happen in your case. " He then started circling  Austin's chair "I could hurt you. I could punish you for what you and your group have done to my business partners' assets. I could make your punishment last as long as I wish.  I could torture you to get information out of you because you have inside information from the FBI... "

Tristan was standing behind Austin's chair now. Austin felt Tristan's hand on his shoulder. "But, I prefer to explore other options for now that you are fully recovered.... They are more appealing to me at present lucky for you..... Do you want to know what those options are?"

Austin responded. "Regardless of what happens, I am in your debt for sparing my life..."

Tristan walked around Austin's chair and stood in front of him as he had his hands in his pockets "I can hand you over to Vincenzo in exchange for what I demand of him... It will be a business deal and it will be his choice to say yes or no.... As for other options you dont need to know them yet... I think Vincenzo will do anything to save you... He even threatened me. He threatened to send men to ambush the place where I am holding you if he knew where you were being held captive..."

Austin's eyes widened.  He didnt want to speak unless spoken to in Tristan's presence but whispered  "He made threats? Because of me? Please don't retaliate... I dont want to be the cause of any conflicts .... " Of course. His cousin was willing to declare war on Tristan O'Neil to save him? But at what cost?

Tristan walked to a sofa opposite Austin and sat down "Relax.... I let Vicnenzo's threats go ... I wont retaliate..I value honesty and so does he.. So, the chances are I will release you soon to your family... Are you happy about that?"

Austin shook his head "You said you value honesty... I have to say, I am not really happy to be released to my family if others have to pay the price of my freedom... I do not want to go back to my family unless to repay my life debt to you... I was not fully conscious when I suffered injuries but I remember the voices of my captors all along... I remember them talking in full detail how they wanted to kill me and wanted to burn my body... And I do remember how when they took me to you when I close to dying, you spared my life. You saved me from them. I am alive because of you... How can I repay you? Please tell me..."

Tristan leaned back in his chair and to Austin's astonishment he chuckled while shaking his head "That option is off the table... We both know that..."

Austin asked "Why?"

Tristan said "Because you wont last in my organisation... I will kill you if you pull any stunts or betray me because of your moral beliefs as the ex-soldier war hero that you are.... The principles they taught you in the army wont help you to last with me as your boss...  But you can repay Vincenzo... He is your cousin.... He may resist the urge to kill you if you cross him... You are not related to me so I will not resist the temptation to kill you... But as your cousin, Vincenzo will let you off the hook if you slip up while trying to repay him... But either way he doesn't want to make you work for him... You are his family... So we dont need to discuss this further."

Austin said "I can try to repay you..."

Tristan said "If you tried to repay me, the first thing I will ask you would be to try to pay those who you and your group attacked on the day you got caught... They are my business partners and you did some damage to their property... They hurt you because you burned millions worth of goods in their warehouses.... I could hand you over to those business partners of mine and ask them to make you work until you returned the millions you burnt... Will you do that?"

Austin looked away "I will repay you... Not those black market dealers.. They deal drugs..."

Tristan said "Am I different to them... I deal in black market sometimes... I deal guns..."

Austin said "You cant compare your actions to those people we attacked... What you do is different... Very different.... I believe that guns are sacred... The second amendment in the United States Constitution protects the citizens' rights to keep and bear arms... Without the right to defend ourselves we have nothing... You dont deal guns with just anyone... I know the people you supply weapons to..... They are people who have to take the law into their own hands in many dangerous areas in the world... And I know who you purchase weapons from... They are dealers who refuse to sell to warlords who are taking innocent lives..."

Tristan said "The war Hero turned FBI agent seems to be an expert in espionage too... You got this information from hanging out with your cousin Vincenzo or from FBI? I bet it's the former.... FBI has nothing on me... No evidence... If they had, they would have knocked on my door by now or rather would have broken down my door..."

Austin said "You are a wise man... You are a good businessman who has tried to legitimise your business but have kept links to traders the United States government recognises as illegal merchants... The problem is that the government closes its eyes to corruption within its own ranks and instead goes after people working by illegal means who are just trying to put food on their tables who otherwise would struggle to make ends meet..."

Tristan said "So... You think the illegal business creates jobs? I didnt think you were interested in Economics... I know your grandfather, tried to force you to quit your job with the FBI and get an Economics degree and then make your way into elections for Congress and Senate... If Vincenzo sets you free by agreeing to make a deal with me, there is time for you to quit law enforcement and get into Economics... Who knows?"

Tristan noticed how suddenly deflated Austin looked. His hard exterior was suddenly breaking at the mention of his grandfather. Austin looked away with a troubled expression and then composed himself as he looked up "Can I ask... Does anyone in my family besides Vincenzo know that I am alive?"

Tristan said "Your father.... He knows you are alive... He is with the Rosarios in Rome right now... The Rosarios are holding a family summit in Rome as we speak and your father is also involved. I will hear from them shortly and negotiations will continue... I guess you have some time to kill until they respond ... You will stay here. The Rosarios may show up and I cant have my prisoner going for a walkabout... If you try to leave this building for any reason....the men outside this building have shooting orders for you..." He then started walking towards the door.

Austin stood up "Wait... Can I ask you something?"

Tristan stood in front of Austin and nodded.

Austin took a deep breath "I wanted you to know I am very sorry that Vienna came to see me earlier in the other building. She told me that without telling you she had come to that building.... I apologise that my presence here caused Vienna inconvenience.... Can I ask what is my punishment for involving her in this matter without meaning to?"

Tristan gave a dark smile and leaned close to Austin "A word of advice war hero... Do not ever ask for punishment from me.... I might grant it.... I might be tempted to break you inside out... Lucky for you, you are Vienna's cousin and she saved you... She was the only one who could... You may not be so lucky next time you get in my way... So when you get your freedom back, jump at the chance to change careers... And stay out of my way..." He then walked away to the door leaving Austin to think over his words.

Austin took his threat seriously. Austin knew that Vienna must have been the reason he wasnt drowning in the pool of his own blood right now. His aunt Adele was married to Francesco Rosario. The Rosario household had similar rules to the O'Neils. Austin knew what the rules were if anyone involved a woman who belonged to a crime boss like Tristan in his business. He was lucky to be alive.

****

Vienna was standing in one of the top floor balconies, at the O'Neil Villa. She was overlooking the grounds where her children were playing. They were eagerly waiting to greet the Rossi family and their children. Vienna was drawing while her children were playing.

Vienna was almost finished with her drawing and was putting the finishing touches on her painting which was standing on a tripod Art standing Easel. As she was holding the paint brush, she heard Tristan from behind her "Hello again gorgeous..."

Vienna was startled by his voice and dropped her paint brush. She turned "Oh... Hi... I didnt expect company up here..."

Tristan's eyes were on the painting "Vienna... " He walked towards the painting as he was looking at it with awe and said "I admire your great talent so much... This is so beautiful... This is such a special painting..."

Vienna turned to the painting and looked at it "Well... Since the communion is in the 13th district of Rome, Trastevere, I thought I draw the area. It will be a nice memory for the children when they hang this painting in their room."

Tristan turned to Vienna "Is this painting for the children? What about me? Why didnt you draw a painting for me?"

Vienna could sense his tone was serious. She sighed "Are you jealous?"

Tristan said "No... You normally draw one for a painting for me too when you draw one for the children..."

Vienna said "I will draw you one after this trip...."

Tristan said "Why didnt you draw one for me?"

Vienna shrugged "An Artist never betrays their art... If I drew something inspired by how I feel about you right now during this trip, it may have some dark elements... I dont want to make you mad..."

Tristan said "I will never be mad at your honesty...."

Vienna said "Yes you will be... I made a deal with you this weekend to save my cousin from your wrath... What if our deal is off if I make you mad again?"

Tristan said "I am giving Austin VIP treatment opposed to the hostile reception I wanted to give him today. I am keeping my end of the deal as long as you dont defy me this weekend. If you do a painting of me with true inspiration why would I take it out on Austin?"

Vienna said "You promise?"

Tristan said "Yes..."

Vienna smiled "Ok... I trust you... I did draw you something during this trip... I was just going to give it to you when we returned. Is behind the curtain over there."

Tristan turned and he spotted a curtain that was meant to conceal something. He made his way to the curtain. He drew the curtain and looked at the painting in front of him.

Vienna watched Tristan's reaction and tried not to laugh. She fought back giggles.

Tristan was looking at the painting of himself wearing a Toga, the outfit of a Roman Emperor with a chaplet of oak leaves that he was wearing like a crown. Tristan's tone wasn't amused at all "So I am Emperor Tristus ready to rule Rome."

Vienna couldn't hold back and started laughing. She didn't know to if that name even existed. She thought it was funny to write "Emperor Tristus ready to rule Rome" under the painting

Tristan turned and said "You could at least draw me as an Irish King. Not a Roman Emperor. Would you like to reconsider your painting and draw a more accurate depiction of me..."

Vienna said with a smile "No. I prefer my own interpretation and depiction of you at this moment in time."

Tristan narrowed his eyes.

Vienna laughed and ran inside the room. She tried to leave the room but found the door locked. Damn it. Tristan never liked being disturbed with her so he locked doors when he felt like it.

Vienna turned and she saw Tristan walking slowly towards her. She put her hands up and defended "You said you won't get mad. You promised."

Tristan said "No I didn't. I said I won't  take it out on Austin."

Vienna said "I didn't show it to you because I knew you wouldn't like it. You are not Italian. I get it. But I am. I just thought it's fitting since you are in Rome and ready to conquer. I can destroy the painting if you like..."

Tristan stood in front of Vienna "I dont want you to destroy it... You are one fantastic artist... Your painting was great. Just not to my taste. I want you to redraw it. That's all.... You could say Irish king ready to conquer the world."

Vienna raised an eyebrow and said "Is that all you want?..."

Tristan said "Yes... Thats all... But will you do it? You said you prefer your own depiction..."

Vienna said "Ok I will redraw you as an Irish king. ... Are you happy..."

Tristan said "I guess.... You could say that." He looked at the door "But now.... I will take my leave..."

Vienna said "Where are you going?"

Tristan said as he looked at Vienna "To see the Rosarios."

Vienna said "But you said you will stay for lunch before you set off for more business....."

Tristan said "What can I say? Businessmen can also be inspired like artists. Inspiration came and I prefer it to be intact... I should go to get down to business with the Rosarios while the inspiration is still with me... You see me as a Roman Emperor. I will start acting like one."

Vienna sighed  "What? Tristan. I said I will redraw you... Please don't be like this."

Tristan said "Like what? I need to go..."

Vienna said "Are you serious? You are leaving now."

Tristan said "Yes. I need to go deal with the Rosarios. 

 Vienna said "I told you I will redraw you as an Irish king... My Irish king..."

Tristan stared at Vienna intensely "Say it again..."

Vienna said "My Irish king..." She then kissed his lips as she wrapped his arms around him. 

Tristan pulled away slightly and said "Vienna... I dont need no new painting... You dont need to re-draw me...  But I do need the declaration of more loyalty from my queen..."

Vienna smiled and said "You are my Irish king and have always been Tristan... You are my king and I swear allegiance to you as your queen... I belong to you Tristan... Only you..."

Tristan said  "I am ready to take on the world when you are by my side..." He then kissed her passionately.

*****

Tatiana was shaking from fear as she was hiding behind a sofa in her bedroom at the Rossi accommodation in Rome. She was terrified. Earlier she had gotten into an argument with her husband over Tatiana being late in the lobby before departing. She didn't know what had come over her in the heat of the moment. She had slapped her husband in front of one of his men. The slap was too gentle to even be classified as a slap but she had raised her hand on him. She had ran up the stairs to her bedroom and was hiding now.

The door to the bedroom opened "Tatiana." His voice boomed in the room.

Tatiana's heart started racing as  she heard the door slammed shut loudly.

Rupert Rossi said in a hard tone "I know you ran in here. Come out now. Because of you, we are going to be late to lunch with the O'Neils. I will be lucky if Tristan is still at his villa when we get there if we even leave now. I need to see Tristan before he sees Vincenzo next. Get out of  hiding. Now."

Tatiana closed her eyes as she was shaking. He was going to hurt her. He was going to punish her badly to make an example of her. He had just slapped her husband in front of an employee. Her sentence was going to be harsh. Why did she lose control?

Tatiana heard her husband "Get up."

Tatiana froze. She opened her eyes and looked up and saw her husband standing looking down at her. She panicked. As she was kneeling down and looking up at the towering form of her husband she stuttered "I am so sorry... Please don't hurt me... I didn't meant to hit you...  I am sorry."

Rupert looked at his watch "You will make us late. Get up..."

Tatiana shakily said as she was kneeling down and looking up at her husband "Please don't hurt me. Please forgive me..."

Rupert sighed "Fine.... I forgive you for losing your temper... Just get ready and we have to go now... We dont have time...."

Tatiana stood up. She looked at her husband with fear "You are not going to hurt me? I hit you... So are you going to hurt my family instead? I know you wont forgive me easily for this...  I hit you in front of your employee. He saw I hit you... I embarrassed you..."

Rupert sighed "Firstly... He didn't see. He wasn't even looking at you. Don't you know that my men don't look at you unless they have instructions to be your bodyguard and only then they glance at you to ensure safety. Secondly even if he saw it's not a big deal to me. Do I have to spell it out? My men know what kind of a leader I am. My wife being unruly won't reflect on my leadership. It reflects on my rocky marriage which is a private matter I deal with. We have our differences in our marriage and it's nobody's business but ours.... We deal with our marriage differences behind closed doors... We can discuss what you did, tonight in our bedroom..."

Tatiana swallowed hard "So you won't hurt me or anyone else because of what I have done?"

Rupert said "No. I won't....  I told you the only time I will hurt you is if you hurt our children... You know my rules..."

Tatiana couldn't believe it. She was not going to be hurt by her husband.

Rupert said "Instead of staring at me looking like you are lost, follow me out this door to the lobby of the hotel right this instant. We are late..." He pointed to his watch and walked to the door. "Tristan hates the tardiness of his guests..."

Tatiana quickly followed her husband feeling relieved. 

Rupert put her hand on the door knob and said. "Good. At least you are finally ready to go. But take this warning from me Tatiana...  If you ever pull a stunt and hit me like that in front of our children, I will make you regret it... if you defy me in our marriage, you will keep our children out of it..."

Tatiana swallowed hard. She understood. She was immune from the full wrath of her husband  unless their children were caught in the middle. 

As they went down to the lobby Tatiana watched how her husband approached their children, Arcangelo, Michangelo and Maria Angela in the lobby who were seated waiting to leave under watchful eyes of the guards.

Tatiana watched as Rupert Rossi didn't even need to command his children to follow him. They got up and ran after their father to the car park as soon as they spotted him coming their way. Tatiana didn't have that same effect on her children as she didn't have the presence that the Rupert had. 

It was not easy to be married to a mob boss when she didn't belong in his world. Tatiana feared her husband but she also was assured that her husband loved her enough not to hurt her.... unless she committed any wrong actions that involved their children.