Dacian was looking on with shock at his sister kissing Stanley Alistaire. He was gasping "Dani..."

Stanley had closed his eyes and taking in the best moments of his life. His Dani was kissing him. His Dani. The only ray of hope in his life was there and she was kissing him. His heart was jumping with joy.

Dani stopped kissing Stanley and took steps back "What have I done? I shouldn't have done this... Sorry...." She bit her lip and then walked away.

Stanley ran after her and blocked her path as she was trying to reach the exit. Stanley said "Dani... Dont walk away... Please...  I love you... This kiss from you was the best moment in my life.... I need you in my life... I cant believe you just kissed me..."

Dacian said "Me neither Stanley.... I cant believe my sister just kissed you."

Dani said quickly "I have to go... I need to think." She tried to side step Stanley but he was not budging..." Dani sighed and rubbed her forehead "Stanley... I cant get my head around this... We shouldn't be doing this... Why are you here Stanley?... I want to make help my family... I want to help Dacian... You being around me distracts me... The McReynolds will be no more if we make the wrong decisions... Please leave or let me leave this room..."

Stanley said "Dani... Why do you push me away? Why cant you let me stand by you... . I can help you... Let me help you and your family... Your brother cant go ahead with his dealings... I have information about what needs to be done to save your family... I can help you fix your family's problems... But you need to let me.... Let me stand by you Dani... I want to stand by you as your boyfriend..."

Dacian approached Stanley and Dani slowly  "Have you been drinking anything you shouldn't have been Stanley? Are you insane? You think my baby sister would ever accept you as her boyfriend? You are like your family. You have Alistaire blood. You have no heart..."

Stanley said to Dacian "Thats it... I am done with your insults... I will teach you a lesson..." As he was about to walk to Dacian, he stopped in his tracks, As Dani's warm hand grab hold of his hand. "Stanley... Please..."

Stanley turned to look at Dani. 

Dani was staring at Stanley looking into his eyes deeply "Stanley... You will kill Dacian if you try to teach him a lesson. He is in no shape to fight you after his medical treatment... Please focus on what I say to you... You need to look at the bigger picture.... I know you want to help... But maybe Dacian and I need to do this alone by ourselves... We cant drag anyone else into this mess..."

Stanley looked at Dani. He took a deep breath "Dani... Put everything that is going on in your life aside and just focus on us right now in this moment.... I need to know what you feel about me.... Dani....Its very important to know where I am standing... Your kiss says you havent given up on our relationship and you accept me around you.... But I need to know what's in your heart and need to hear it in words..."

Dani said "Stanley... Now is not the time to talk about our relationship... I left to focus on my family... The McReynolds..."

Stanley said "I know... But I need to know how you feel..."

Dani asked "What do you want to know? What do you want me to say to you?"

Stanley took a deep breath "Dani.... Your brother says I have no heart... But I love you Dani. I love you more than anything.... I do have a heart that beats for you..."

Dani closed here eyes "Stop... Stanley... I do love you... I really do... And I would love to be your girlfriend..."

Stanley's heart warmed up at her confession.

Dacian was shaking his head with disbelief "Dani... Don't do this... He is heartless... You cant be with him...."

Before Stanley could respond to him, Dani turned to Dacian and said "Dacian Stop... You believe he has no heart... But he does... He maybe an Allistaire but he is not like the rest of his family.... He doesnt fit in with them and he has used every opportunity to distance himself from them... But he cant run away from his family and who they are... Just like how we cant run away from who we are... We have been hunted down since we remember... All because of our family... Dacian... You cant blame him for who he is..."

Dacian shook his head "I can never trust him... He is an Allistaire..."

Stanley asked Dani hopefully and thoughtfully "Do you mean that Dani.... Do you agree to be my girlfriend...."

Dani turned to Stanley "I meant what I said..."

Stanley smiled "So... From this moment you are officially my girlfriend.."

Before Dani could say anything, Stanley took out a small box from his pocket. "You need to wear this necklace, my family crest..." He then opened the box and helped put on the beautiful diamond necklace around Dani's neck.

Dani sighed as Stanley was putting the necklace around her neck "Stanley.... This is too quick... Too soon....  You ask me if I meant what I said... But are you sure about this relationship with me? Come on... Me being with you will bring you down... If you associate yourself with me there is no way back for you... Do you know how many people want me and my brother dead?"

Stanley took a deep breath "I have planned everything... You only need to convince your brother not to attend that meeting to sign those bad deals who will make your family even more enemies... I can fix this... I can protect you..."

Dacian asked "Ok... Genius.... How can you fix a problem like this that even powerful Irish families dont want to get involved with? How can you protect my sister?"

Stanley turned to Dacian "Suddenly, you are asking the right questions... I am an Allistaire... Your sister is my girlfriend wearing my family crest... If anyone strikes her or you, they have struck me... I will be involved.... So your sister is safe... As for saving your family, I know how extensive your problems are... I spoke with Vnetziano Rosario..."

The mention of that name made Dani and Dacian look at each other with worry. They knew that name. 

Stanley said "He gave me all the information I need... He told me information that I could not get myself.... He has links with both Irish and Italian families... He has links to many of your enemies... But he said he has no reason to want the McReynolds dead... I have the means to save  the MacReynolds..."

Dacian asked "How? For years and years no one has been able to help our family resolve the matter and no Irish family likes to get involved..."

Stanley sighed "Its because no one knew how to fix the problem... With the information from Venetziano I know what needs to be done to get those enemies of your satisfied... I know what they want... I can get them what they want... Before I came here I went to my uncle Wyatt... You know my mother's brother.... I made a deal with him... He can help resolve the matter.... The Allistaires refuse to get involved... Even now that Dani is my girlfriend they will protect Dani but they wont do more.... However my uncle Wyatt Whelan would help..."

Dacian asked "What's in it for him? How can we repay him if he can actually help our crisis.... Does he want assets or money to help us?... He can have it...."

Stanley said "I already offered him what he wants which is my co-operation and loyalty... Thats all that he wants..."

Dani gasped "You co-operated with him? What? But you hate him... Stanley... You cant sacrifice so much for us.... You dont want to be his heir... He has no kids and he wants you to run his organisation.... You want nothing to do with him... Is that part of what you have to do? To be his successor and do as he says?"

Stanley said "I can manage... It keeps my mother happy... In fact my mother is so happy I am compromising with my uncle that she promised to give help from her own resources and contacts..."

Dacian asked "How likely is it that your uncle succeeds in helping us... Our problems have been carried over for years and no one has been able to help us..."

Stanley said "My uncle will allow your enemies some shares in some of his businesses in Las Vegas... Your enemies will invest in some very high profile projects and will make billions in coming years... Its guaranteed... They can refuse and lose billions... They wont... As much as they hate your family, they love money... It would make up for the cash element that your enemies are claiming against your family.... As for the revenge element, they will have to let it go...  My uncle is known to reward loyalty... But of course, your enemies can refuse my uncle, if they have a death wish of course... If anyone refuses my uncle Wyatt, they pay... Dearly... Especially if he is offering exact amount of money and advantages they are after in businesses they have made losses in..."

Dacian asked "When is your uncle putting this forward?"

Stanley said "Right now.... You will need to sign the finalised agreement that says there is truce... Thats all you have to do..."

Dani was looking at Stanley with a mixture of awe and admiration. She walked to him and said "I dont know what to say... Oh my god... Thank you so much Stanley... I cant believe you went through all this to save my family..."

Stanley said "I went through all this because...  I love you Dani..."

Dani knew he meant it. Stanley's feelings were so pure. She was lucky to have him. But she felt bad. She hoped her association with him didn't cause any trouble for Stanley. But part of her assured her that Stanley could handle it. She was strong enough to handle it.

Dacian was looking at Stanley thoughtfully "I never believe you can help unless I see the final paper work... But I will refrain from my deal if your information comes from that cut throat, Venetziano  Rosario.... And.... Stanley.... If you manage to save our family then, we need to pay you back... What do you want in return?"

Stanley turned to Dacian "I want nothing from you except leaving your sister alone in making her decisions... especially with her school choice... She is my girl... She will attend my school and you should co-operate because you are her family Dacian... Dont throw obstacles in your sisters way and dont do anything to endanger her..." He then offered his hand to Dacian "Truce?"

Dacian nodded "Truce... If your actions save our family, I owe you... Nothing matters more to me than keeping my sister safe and saving the last of our family..." He then shook Stanley's hand. 

Dani took a sigh of relief. There was alot of tension between her brother and Stanley. But for now they had a common goal... To repel the enemies of the MacReynolds' family.

****** 

After her appointment with the fashion designers, Verona exited the building and carried her bags to the car park. She spotted her brother leaning to his car. 

Verona walked to him. "Thank you for waiting..."

Venetziano took her shopping bags and placed them in the trunk of the car "Did they treat you well? Or do they need me to drop by to remind them how customer service works?"

Verona shook her head "There is no need for you to ever drop by inside this building... They showed me alot of hospitality... Too much hospitality actually... Do you know how much refreshments and beverages they brought for me while I was trying on my dresses?..."

Venetziano said "There is no such thing as too much hospitality when it coms to their customer service for you... Its their duty..."

Verona sighed. He didnt get it. She changed the subject " Did you manage to see Ottavio or you will see him after I go back to the hotel?"

Venetziano nodded "I managed to see Ottavio briefly. He had to go to his father. He was summoned to a meeting... But apparently, I will get to see him at the hotel... Ottavio said that his family are going to show up at the hotel and will have lunch with our family..."

Verona gasped "What?"

Venetziano said "My reaction exactly... I dont think father would allow that... Ottavio's father's idea is our families can bond this way and get closer... Its a shot in the dark that may or may not pay off..."

Verona shook her head  "Oh my god.... It's bad enough our father has to attend the summit tomorrow because our uncle Vincenzo insisted on it. But now... But now... We have to have lunch with his family? Seriously?  I think Ottavio's father is pushing father too far... Father never wants any connections with the Orsinos."

Venetziano shrugged "Never say never..."

Verona couldn't believe it. Why was Ottavio and his family moving everything so fast. Ottavio and her had not even started to go on an official date. Verona shook her head and entered the car and sat silently looking out of the windows as they drove to the hotel.

*****

At the hotel, Verona was in her room lying down on the bed thinking hard. Then she saw her mother enter.

Her mother frowned "Sweetie why haven't you dressed? I told my aides to tell you to change to a formal dress. Black preferably....Didn't they tell you that we need to be downstairs in the hotel's special Lunch room to dine with the Orsinos very soon?"

Verona didnt move and said "They gave me the message but .... I am so nervous mum... Maybe I should pretend to be sick and dont come...  I dont want to see tensions rise between us and the Orsinos because of me..."

Angelia sighed and pulled up a chair. She sat down "Sweetie... You worry for no reason... So what if your father gets angry? The Orsinos can handle it..."

Verona gasped "Mum... How can you be ok with this? Are you even ok with me dating Ottavio?"

Angelia gave her daughter a warm smile "Sweetie. I believe you should be allowed to date anyone you want. You are old enough to go on some cinema and theme park dates... I dont see why not... If this is what you want, I have no reason to object to you dating Ottavio..." She then looked around and sighed "But... Your father is another story.... Knowing your father, I know he wants you to stay single forever.  I dont share his views... I tried to reason with him to accept to have lunch with the Orsinos..."

Verona sat up on her bed "I knew it.... I knew father would not have accepted a family lunch... He does not want any links with Orsinos.... Do you think father will get angry today at lunch?"

Angelia said "Sweetie... Your father is already angry with the Orsinos... But I think for my sake he might allow the lunch to happen without any fights... Now get up and get changed sweetie... We must look formal... It's a 7 course meal...."

Verona asked "What?"

Angelia laughed nervously "I know... I know... This is an Orsino hotel. They made sure they reserved their longest lunch for us... Its small portions and limitless drinks... So we are looking at sitting at lunch for a while... And its in a private room with no one but Orsino personelle who are the servers... So... We need to get down there and get comfortable..."

Verona asked "Mum... Aren't you worried? Aren't you nervous? Our family ties can get cut because of me..."

Angelia sighed "Sweetie... Dont repeat what I say to you in front of your father.... But I think Ottavio is the best candidate to be your boyfriend... I think he is better than anyone else simply because your father would kick their backside  or scare them off by just looking at them... Ottavio is someone who can handle your father's scrutiny. Your father is liberal when it comes to parenting but trust me he becomes very conservative when it comes to you and dating, it even scares me sometimes... He is protective of you... Ottavio can handle what comes his way... Trust me..." Angelia looked at her watch "I will be waiting in my room. Come over when you are ready and we go together...."

Verona sighed. She knew her mother was right. Ottavio could handle the scrutiny. She was not sure if she could name many people who could.

****

Angelia and Verona were sitting down opposite Ottavio's mother Cinzia Carboni. Ottavio's mother had come earlier. She had been waiting when Angelia had come down with Verona.

Cinzia was sipping from her tea cup "So, Angelia... Tell me... How is your husband reacting to the news that my son is asking your daughter out?"

Angelia thought back to the memory when Viggo had come back to their hotel room and had told her the news. She had never seen Viggo so livid. Viggo definitely had been contemplating to go back to see Ottavio again and interrogate him some more.

Angelia smiled back "Well... My husband has given permission for Ottavio and Verona can go out.... That means approval..." 

Ciniza asked "I am aware he gave permission.... But I am asking how did he react?"

Verona was listening carefully. She wanted to know.

Angelia sighed "Well... He was not thrilled..."

Cinzia asked "Has Ottavio done something wrong?"

Angelia shook her head "No... He hasn't... Not yet... But if he does, then he can kiss goodbye to seeing Verona again... My husband will definitely change her school at least to separate them if Ottavio does anything against his rules..."

Ciniza said "Well... In that case... My son just needs to be careful to not get caught by your husband when he breaks his rules...." 

Angelia gasped "What? Cinzia... What kind of example are you setting for these young people... My daughter is listening...."

Ciniza turned to Verona "Break your father's rules... Just don't get caught..."

Angelia said in disbelief "What?"

Cinzia said "You know what I said. I told her to break her father's rules. Not all the rules... Your husband is old fashioned and conservative..."

Angelia defended "No... He is liberal in parenting...."

Cinzia laughed "Oh... He is liberal compared to his big brother, Don Vincenzo the conqueror..." She rolled her eyes "Seriously... Anyone seems liberal compared to that Don from hell..."

Verona was the one to object now "But my uncle Vincenzo is respected in Sicily among ordinary people and businessmen..."

Cinzia turned to Verona "Oh... He is respected... I have no doubt... He eradicates those who don't show respect..."

Angelia said "Cinzia... I know the Carboni family do not see eye to eye with my brother in law on many business matters.... But,  I believe peace is retained right now... But if you try to turn my daughter against her uncle, I am not sure if the Don Vincenzo, the conqueror will keep peace any longer with your family..."

Cinzia said "Of course... But Don from hell is not around...."

Angelia started coughing as she saw her son walking towards their table. She hoped Cinzia didnt say any more as he was getting close to being in earshot.

Verona started pouring water for her mother in a glass.

Cinzia asked "Are you okay Angelia?"

Then Venetziano's voice came making Cinzia freeze. An authoritative voice that resembled his uncle's. A chilling voice "You could offer my mother some water Ms Carboni instead of asking questions..." 

Ciniza watched as venetziano took the glass of water that Verona poured and handed it to Angelia. 

Angelia drank a few sips and  smiled "Thank you..."

Venetziano's stare was zeroed on Ciniza Carboni as she sat down next to his mother. "Ms Carboni... When I saw Orsino men around, I thought your husband and Ottavio have also arrived by now...."

Cinzia said "They will be on time... I came early... Ladies like to be early..."

Angelia turned to Venetziano " You can leave and come back later.... I can send word to you when Ottavio and her father come... I know you don't like waiting..." She hoped he left. Her son was like his uncle Vincenzo. He was extreme and he did not forgive. In the most extreme ways Venetziano was loving and protective towards his family but was the worst enemy anyone could make. Angelia liked Cinzia and her family. She did not want his son to declare them as enemy. 

Venetziano turned to his mother "Thank you... You are always considerate. Do you mind if I leave and come back when men are around?... "

Angelia smiled "No... I do not mind... Go..."

Venetziano announced "Excuse me..." He then stood up and walked away.

Angelia was relieved he left but he was thrilled with how ignorant of Cinzia he was. This was Cinzia Carboni. At least he could acknowledger her more. He didnt care for anyone but family.

Cinzia said "Your son is resembling your brother in law more and more every day... One of these days he will be the next Don..."

Angelia felt her heart hurt. She did not want to think that. Venetziano was the next heir in Sicily because Leandro was trained to be heading the Rosario business in New York as the top intern of Wall Street. Leandro's mother was Clarisa O'Neil which made Leandro's diplomatic ties to the Irish crime family businesses strong too... And destiny was set in stone..... Venetziano was destined for being  Vincenzo's heir managing Rosario businesses in Italy from the headquarters in Sicily simply because of his close ties and reputation in Sicily and Italy. This was an unspoken rule. 

Angelia sighed "Who knows what will happen in future.... He is so young... Venetziano will choose his own destiny..."

Cinzia sipped from her tea "Oh. I think he has already chosen his destiny... It wont be in New York... So it will give you and Viggo a reason to visit Italy more... As you know the Orsinos and Carbonis for that matter have businesses in Italy... This is perfect... Verona may move to Rome one day if Ottavio chooses to base his business headquarters in Rome..."

It was Verona's time to choke. She started drinking her soda as her cheeks heated up.

Angelia said "Cinzia... Verona is too young to hear such talk... Ottavio has asked her out. She hasn't proposed to her for marriage..." 

Cinzia said "Angelia... My son has honour... You should know... He is aware of his responsibilities.  He is aware of the seriousness of this commitment. My son declares again and again that .... his heart belongs to one woman only ... Your daughter...:"

Verona could not take the intensity of the statement. She imagined Ottavio making that statement like he had always done. It was too much. Verona asked "I need to go to the ladies rest room. Please excuse me...." She then walked away towards the exit.

Verona made her way to the rest room and spent some time freshening up with washing her face with cold water. She wasnt sure how long she stared at the mirror. She was nervous. The word commitment popped up in her head. Ottavio's love for her was so intense to a point. Verona did have feelings for Ottavio. She could see herself dating him and being his girlfriend. But she feared his intense love. 

Verona left the rest room and came face to face with Ottavio.

Verona gulped "Hi..."

Ottavio smiled "They told me you are in the rest room. I was waiting for you to come out... Finally... Let's go."

Verona said "Thank you for waiting..." She followed Ottavio towards the room.

Ottavio said "Its ok... I have only been waiting 1 minute..."

Verona asked "One minute?" She thought he had been waiting longer when he said "Finally. 

Ottavio said "Fine.... 1 minute 23 seconds to be exact.... Either way... I am glad to see you... I was worried you might not come to lunch... You didnt have to... Your father made it clear to my father...." 

Verona was past the point to be surprised at how well Ottavio knew her. He had guessed she didnt want to be at lunch and had tried to avoid getting dressed. She stopped walking.

Ottavio stopped and turned to Verona looking at her expecting an explanation why she had stopped. 

Verona walked to stand next to a wall covered with  paintings and breathed "Ottavio.... I am nervous..."

Ottavio stood in front of her and said "Dont be... What are you nervous about?"

Verona looked around. The corridor to the private dining room they were going towards was deserted "I am nervous... about... I dont know.... Its just... So final... It seems like this is me committing to something.... Something big.... It is a meeting between our families... Right after my father gave us permission to go out together..."

Ottavio stated "You are committing to me... You are committing yourself to be my girl..."

Verona looked into Ottavio's eyes. 

Ottavio said "I always knew you are my girl... I cant imagine myself with anyone but you... I was always committed to you... I always am and I always will be..."

Verona didnt realise she was leaning closer towards Ottavio. His words were intense yet so sincere and touching. She had heard his declarations before. But his words had really put her at ease. The sincerity and seriousness was so overwhelming to her. Verona did something she never knew she could. She attached her lips to Ottavio's.

Ottavio was taken back by the action. He couldn't believe it. But then he lengthened the kiss. They kissed deeply. Ottavio never imagined his first kiss to be so soon. But he knew it was going to be special. And this kiss was truly special. 

A voice came "You are a dead man Orsino" Ottavio was pulled away from Verona and when Ottavio turned to the one who pulled him off, he saw an angry looking Venetziano. Ottavio smiled "Hey..."

Verona knew no one else would have been smiling if Venetziano looked at them like they wanted their blood. Verona defended Ottavio quickly "I kissed him Venetziano... Its ok..."

Venetziano looked at his sister and nodded. He then pushed at Ottavio's chest "Behave..." He then walked away and hit his shoulder against Ottavio's shoulder as he murmured "Ubi amor, ibi dolor..."

Verona understood. "Where there is love, there is pain".  This was a familiar Latin saying that Venetziano kept warning off Ottavio with. If anyone hurt Verona, then her brother was going to slaughter them. It was a fact. 

 Ottavio looked at Venetziano's retreating form who went to the private dining room and then looked at Verona. 

Ottavio said to Verona seriously "Did I hurt you?"

Verona said "No... No... I kissed you...."

Ottavio said "Can I finish our kiss? We were interrupted"

Verona took steps back nervously and her back hit the wall "Erm... What if someone sees..." She looked around and saw two statues at her either side. "Ok... I guess no one sees..." She blushed.

Ottavio smiled as he put his hands  on either side of her on the wall and attached his lips to hers kissing her deeply memorising every moment.