Adele was standing at the window looking at the front of the hotel. She was staring at her youngest son outside.
Francesco opened the door to his hotel room and was happy to see his wife was up and about. She had been in bed sleeping off her stress till now. She didn't react to the sound of the door. It was as though her surroundings did not matter to her. He knew she had too much on her mind. If she was anyone else he would have used his tactics on her to make her talk and tell him what her problem was. But she was his wife. She was the exception to his rules and he only could make her talk with love and nothing else. He stood behind her and put his hands on her hips "Sweetheart."
Adele jumped and gave out a shaky breath as she kept her stare to the front of the hotel building "You scared me. When did you come back?"
Francesco kissed the side of her head "Sweetheart. Tell me what's on your mind. I need to know. I don't think you should be worried about Vincenzo right now. You have no reason to be. In fact if you want to be worried, you can worry for anyone who crosses our eldest son. He is the threat to his surroundings. Nothing can hurt him except himself. No one will be stupid enough to touch him. I made sure he knows everything to survive this business. But I did not expect him to go above and beyond me when I was his age. There is no one like Vincenzo. I know you are not happy I didn't tell you he may have to answer a calling yo Sicilians one day. The truth is I did not know that the day was going to come so soon. The world is changing. Time is not the luxury that we can have any more. We have to move fast and our eldest son has to grow up fast if he wants to survive."
Adele gave out a sigh "Francesco. How can you be so casual about this? Vincenzo will be in Sicily soon. I don't want him to be pushed into this life too fast. He is only seventeen."
Francesco inhaled her perfume at her neck as he kissed her jaw "He is choosing his path Adele. When you married me, I told you all this. My sons have choices. They are not forced to follow my lead and never were. But you forced our daughter to follow your lead and decided to never give her any choices."
Adele turned around and Francesco loosened his hold on her allowing her to move. Adele put her hands on his chest as Francesco wrapped his arms around her. Adele looked up into his eyes "How can you say that? I did my best Francesco. I really did. I want her to be safe. I am a mother. Yes. I only showed her one way. I didn't prepare her for the life of a criminal. That was my intention and I stand by it. But you made sure to show her the other side. You created that survival camp at O'Neil school which I opposed to, for her. You made sure she learnt everything. She has leadership ambitions. It's all because you made sure she is exposed to the life you want her to lead but you know I don't want for her to lead."
Francesco stared into her eyes with calmness. He couldn't get mad at her even when she confronted him. Even when they had disagreements he found her irresistible as always. She was never going to win any arguments with him. He was not ever going to make her feel the sting of his come backs that he would have at anyone else if they were addressing him in the manner his was at times. He did know it was easy to over power her and make her fearful of ever challenging him but he was not that kind of man. His father was that kind of monster. He was not going to hurt Adele just because he could. He was capable of easily bring up so many attempts she had done that broke the agreement they had. She had tried to influence their sons when she wasn't meant to. Bringing up his sons were his responsibility and not hers.
Francesco spoke calmly "Sweetheart. I never promised you to hold our children back and I will certainly not let anyone hold any of my children back." He hesitated "Not even you sweetheart." He said it as gently as he could and he made sure he held her reassuringly and gently as he said but still he made her tremble. She seemed nervous suddenly. He saw the fear in her eyes.
Adele swallowed hard "Francesco... I never meant to do that."
Francesco said "Sweetheart. I know that. That is why I have not brought it up. Don't worry. I am not mad at you. Trust me if I was mad you were going to feel it. You never meant to but tried to. At survival camp despite your non stop interferences and negativity our daughter excelled. She earned her leadership honours badge with flying colours. You did try to change her path that she likes to take on but luckily you didn't suceed or I was going to interfere. I wont allow you to take our daughter's choice away." Even at a time when he was not pleased with her, he was calm and gentle. He unleashed his wrath and harsh side on everyone in the world and even their children at times did get a glimpse but never on her. She was his woman. He took care of her in a way that Paulo didnt take care of his wife. Francesco's mother was still subject Francesco never brought up and neither did Adele. The pain of heart break was immense for Francesco.
Adele decided to take the direction of the conversation elsewhere. She knew she had lost the argument. She whispered "But she is not Clarisa. She can't survive alongside criminals."
Francesco said "Sweetheart. That is true that she is not Clarisa. Of course she is not. Vienna is of a different personality. She is nothing like anyone else. She is innocent but not weak. She can act naive at times regarding certain matters due to her innocence and kind heart but that's the trait from you that I would not swap with anything in the world."
Adele argued "But she is not naive."
Francesco said. "Sweetheart. I did not say she is naive. I said she can act naive sometimes. For instance I know for a fact she underestimates the seriousness of Tristan's attraction to her. She has likability that she has inherited from you. Tristan loves her beyond her imagination. She has so many lives in her hands. But more importantly she doesn't know her own potential but she will discover it maybe with the help of Tristan. When she does, you will not be able to stop her if she chooses to use her gifts for purposes you don't wish her to. But again she may just choose your path and become a doctor or both paths. Time will tell sweetheart. You cant stop our daughter if she makes a choice that makes her happier than what you would like her to choose...I wont let you."
Adele gave out a shaky breath and felt the threat in her husband's words even though he did not say it in a threatening tone. He even gave her a smile and then planted a kiss on her forehead.
Francesco then pulled away "Sweetheart, I need to go down and check on the security measures in place before we set of. Perhaps have a cup of tea and get ready slowly so we can set off when you are ready. I will see you shortly. He then embraced her and kissed her lips. When he pulled away, he did miss her touch. It was time to get to business but still he missed her even when she was nearby. Francesco left the room with so much on his mind. That day was dramatic. Francesco made his way down the elevator and by coincidence he saw his second son at the lobby walking around. He walked upto him "How is it all looking?"
Viggo stopped pacing the floor and turned to his father who stopped in front of him "All is well. I have checked everything. You can double check. We are all set..."
Francesco nodded and walked away without another word. Viggo followed his father outside the building "I had a talk with Vincenzo before he set off for the O'Kane mansion..."
Francesco nodded as he carried on walking "I know. He said he would talk to you..."
Viggo asked "He talked about many matters but he also brought up Angelia too.... He made me think ... I need your expectations about Angelia. What do I do? She needs me. I need to be taking care of her. I need to ask. Do you expect me to break up with her?"
Francesco stopped walking as he reached his car and turned to his son "I would never ask of you that son. You can break up with her if she is not your type but I wont ever ask you to break up just because she may have taken all your time away from family even though I would expect you to address the matter in some way. Your priority is family. You must find a way to do your duties for family and be there for her. She cant move in with us to our home. That I wont allow. I have rules son. Unless you wish to marry her... But for now that you are just courting her you are just allowed to try to integrate her back into the community to free up some time for yourself. I can arrange for her to attend the same school as Vienna if she wishes. The security is tighter around that school than even Angelia's house. There are Irish security guards and italian ones. Four families are guarding that school because of your sister; the O'Kanes, O'Neils, Giovannis and of course the Rosarios. The school is a fortress. It was non negotiatble to get rid of the others. The place and its surrounding areas are perfectly safe. I know you wanted her to go to school when she feels safe but that school is safer than her home actually. Believe me."
Viggo contemplated on his father's words and hesitated in answering.
Francesco said "If this girl cares for you he will understand that you have duties. You can go visit her when you wish. But you cant use her as an excuse for not doing your duties. Around here only your mother has not yet realised the shift in your rank that just happened. Your mother is occupied about Vincenzo while I am occupied with you... It hasn't sunk in for your mother what this all means for you. You are seen as a New York crime lord number one heir to me in Vincenzo's absence. Of course the first born always has authority over the second born based on my rules in my organisation but Vincenzo is going to be back and forth. He has to be absent for long periods and Viggo you are no longer going to be the second son with no interest in challenging your brother openly for taking reign. Viggo, you are the heir to lead in New York right now and your mother doesnt even realise that. So she needs to slowly accept who you are. Hard work is ahead. You will be tested and put on the spot for leadership and making tough decisions. So be prepared and prepare Angelia too. I leave you to go explain to her the situation. She has to know your significance."
Francesco then walked away inspecting the vehicles there for security purposes. All were bomb proof and bullet proof cars. They were the finest break through technology he had purchased from colleges where he had funded research. these prototypes were perfect pay out when he bank rolled the departments with research funding.
Viggo watched his father do his inspections. His father acted in a certain way. There was something about his father acting the way he was. Everything about him screamed authority that demanded respect. He made the toughest of men drop to their knees. He was his father. But right now, he could feel that something was bothering his father. Vincenzo's shock appointment as the next Don had surprised them all. It changed everything. His father must have expected it but not this soon.
As he was watching his father he felt snow flakes falling down. There was light snow.
Viggo watched his father walk towards him. "We are all set to leave. You have done good checking every detail and ordering what we need in prior."
Viggo smiled.
Francesco stepped closer and kissed his forehead and embraced his younger son "Viggo... I am proud of you."
Viggo felt strange. His father had a soft and fatherly tone. His father's embrace was warm and reassuring. It was rare for his father to show affection in public but at times he put his conservative approach aside and showed his feelings. It was a huge compliment that he didn't take for granted. His father never complimented him unless he meant it.
Viggo whispered "Thank you."
Francesco pulled away and kept his hands on Viggo's shoulders as he stared into his eyes "Viggo. I need you to look out for your mother. She needs to be protected."
Viggo asked "But you have so many measures in place to protect her. She is untouchable..."
Francesco said "She is untouchable but she can get hurt because her brother can get hurt. Your uncle Angela's wife is a former FBI agent with relatives as senators and governors. Your uncle Angelo is a rebel. He doesn't think about his actions before he does them. He can be protected if he allows me to protect him. But he is threading on a thin line right now. If he gets hurt, your mother will too. I know he has been in touch with people he shouldn't be. I need you to watch out. Your mother is your priority no matter what happens. If anything happens to me I need you and Vincenzo to protect your mother from getting hurt...."
Viggo objected "Nothing will happen to you. We won't allow it."
Francesco smiled "Viggo. You can't stop death. No one can. This life doesn't belong to us in the first place. We are just passengers in this world. My time will be up soon. But in the event that it is cut short by the work of other men, you must be ready. I need you to be ready now. Imagine I am not here with you tomorrow. Be ready as though I am not here the next day. It all depends. I may need to go to Italy for a few days to accompany but again it may not happen. I know your brother has power to sabotage the planes schedules. He doesn't want me to make the trip and he said he will prevent it. If I wish to go I will go. But it maybe best if I stay. FBI is closing in. I may need to stay to build up the defences while I have the time. My confrontation with the Sicilians can wait. Death won't wait for me. I have to put all arrangements in order."
Viggo frowned "You will not die. You will live. Why do you say it Father?"
Francesco said "Because I am powerful. When you have power, everyone will want to bring you down. Most of our enemies won't dare come close but some do. The threat of FBI is real. Every conversation could be my last with you."
Viggo shook his head "It makes no sense why you keep talking about dying..."
Francesco said "I will die to protect my family. That's why. Son, I will protect you all or will die doing so."
Viggo's heart sank for his father and the meaning behind his words "I will make sure you won't have to die. I promise you father."
Francesco smiled and leaned close again. He kissed his so on the forehead again thinking how much he loved him. Francesco could feel the determination of his son flowing in his veins. His son was his blood. He resembled his grandpa Paulo quite abit but Francesco knew on the inside he was nothing like his grandpa. Viggo was unique. He was a born leader who was going to break his silence soon.
Francesco sighed "Time will tell don. Time will tell." He then signalled to the guards around him "We are moving in ten minutes."
Viggo watched his father leave his side. He went to get their mother most likely. He waited and his parents eventually made it downstairs. Viggo entered the car with his parents in the same car. Viggo sat opposite his father in the car while his mother was leaning to his father. He crossed his arms and looked outside the window in silence most of the time on their journey to the O'Kane mansion in New York. His parents were also mostly silent. But he could feel their heavy stare on himself. It was as though they had said all they wanted to say to each other before. The silence was all that there was. Viggo couldn't even hear the radio since there was a bullet proof sound proof glass between the passenger seats and driver seats.
Francesco was staring at his son thinking of how he had watched him grow. His youngest son was the one to take his business forward and it was time to test him. It was like yesterday when he was born. He never thought he would have twins. He wished for a girl to be his second born so he could have a daughter who resembled Adele. But then a boy also blessed their life who also resembled Adele. He had her likability and compassion. Girls chased Viggo everywhere. He was the model son. It felt like end of an era when he watched his son in that moment. It felt strange. His son was no longer a boy. He was to be a man now. He needed him. His family's survival now depended on Viggo's leadership and choices as much as it depended on Vincenzo. He was certain they were not going to drive his business to the ground but the FBI could. So he needed his sons to defeat the system.
Francesco took a deep breath and broke the silence " Son. There are some tough times ahead."
Viggo said with determination " I know father. I will make sure the touch times befalls our enemies and not us. Tough days would fall upon anyone who tries to hurt us. I will make sure of it."
Adele was looking between the father and son. It was best not to say anything. She wasn't sure if she wanted to know what this was about.
Adele was pleased when they reached the O'Kane mansion. On the way they got searched but not much. The journey was smoother than she thought. As she got off the car with Francesco, she was greeted by the Irish families. The front yard that was covered in snow was packed with Irish families who had also just arrived. She lost count of how many people she was introduced to. They were intimidating but when she felt uncomfortable she just leaned onto Francesco for support.
Once inside, families had drinks and were lead to a large decorated room for a dinner party.
Vincenzo was sitting on a table at the centre of the room alone. Terza had abandoned him for a while. He watched his family come inside. As they came and safe, Vincenzo decided to go search for Terza. He went upstairs lead by the guards who knew where she was. There was w room that apparently belonged to her. The mansion was so big that there were ridiculous number of guest rooms on a guest room floor. Each room had a name on it. Not every Irish had a guest room. Only the ones deemed worthy by Jackson O'Kane.
Vincenzo knocked and entered as he heard Terza "Come in."
Terza was sitting on the floor while some of her Irish cousins were surrounding her. They were playing a card game. As the girls saw Vincenzo they looked taken back. Before he knew it the girls gave Terza excuses to leave.
Terza sighed as the room became empty and the wild wolf towering over her sitting form. She looked up "Did you have to scare off everybody?"
Vincenzo sat on the bed opposite her sitting form "I didn't say anything."
Terza replied "No. You didn't. But you must have, beforehand."
Vincenzo said "No. I haven't. These cousins of yours are friends with some man stealing home wreckers from Irish families. I warned off their friends who tried to flirt with your brother. But I didn't say anything to these girls. They probably got the message to steer clear of me."
Terza rolled her eyes "I wonder what you threatened to do that made them sprint off."
Vincenzo shrugged "A lot of things... For instance ... Burning them alive."
Terza gasped "What?"
Vincenzo explained "Home wreckers deserve to burn in hell. Your brother has declared my sister as his. No one has business trying to flirt with him. It's not just women who can be condemned this way...Anyone who flirts with a woman who belongs me or Tristan has to be burned alive too if not suffering a much worse fate. My woman is mine only. I don't forgive..."
Terza cringed at his serious tone. Terza asked "You are arrogant. You flirted with Letizia for months and you condemn home wreckers to hell..."
Vincenzo stood up. His posture and body language made Terza stand up too. Vincenzo narrowed his eyes "I did not flirt with her. I was protecting her. I didn't have a choice."
Terza put her hand up as he walked closer to her "I don't want to argue right now. All I know is Vincenzo that you can't judge. Maybe they had reasons to flirt. How do you know it was intentional to ruin your sister's relationship with Tristan. You should give people a second chance before you condemn them at times. I gave you a second chance even though I can accuse you of infidelity..." She then gulped as she saw his eyes stared at her in an intimidating way that made her take a step back. She had insulted him. She stood her ground but couldn't say more. She felt frozen. Insulting his Honour was dangerous."
Vincenzo closed his eyes and made the sign of a cross as he said words in Latin. He then opened his eyes. He spoke slowly "Terza. Do you want me to prove to you that I love you? Let's hear it Terza. You accepted me. I asked you to be my woman and you said yes in front of witnesses. You either have faith me as your man or you don't. Which is it Terza. If you doubt me and see me as unfaithful, say it. I want to hear you say it."
Terza said "I did not say you are unfaithful Vincenzo and don't think you are."
Vincenzo took a deep breath as he visibly relaxed. He took afew steps towards her and closed the distance between them "I want you to put this behind you. What would it take for you to stop bringing up Letizia. To be frank when you mention her, it makes me want to kill her. Then in the process I would be hurting my cousin. But that's life. I told Vitale that. He is on guard knowing I may shoot his woman dead for coming between you and I...."
Terza shook her head "I don't want that."
Vincenzo asked "Then, what do you want. If you don't want her blood to be spilled to pay for your months of waiting then who's blood should pay?"
Terza said "I don't want blood spilled Vincenzo."
Vincenzo said "Then what do you want?"
Terza said "I will forget what happened with Letizia and you having to protect her with time. It needs time."
Vincenzo said "I don't have time."
Terza spoke quickly " Fine. I won't ever mention Letizia again ... But I want something in return.... or rather there is something I don't want... Vincenzo, I don't want you to burn alive any guy I close to..."
Vincenzo asked "What?"
Terza said "Look. I know you are going to get mad at me for saying it but you are so conservative for me. Look at my mother and how she lives. I am her daughter. I take risks. For heavens sake when my father was struggling with his life my mother pretended to be pregnant and tried to decide your uncle. I know if I pull such stunts you will burn alive everybody who lets me do such stunts. You are more strict sand possessive than any man I have ever known Vincenzo. I know what you are capable of. If I am to be yours I want freedom of expression in ways I know you won't approve of. What do you say Vincenzo."
Vincenzo was looking at Terza in silence but his eyes were burning with fury "Not a chance. Never Terza. You will not touch another man. I will cut any man to pieces with an axe if you are touched. I will..."
Terza got closer to Vincenzo and put her hands on his chest "I know. I won't cross any lines Vincenzo. I never said I will allow any man to touch me. That's not what I said. Please understand."
Vincenzo said "I can't. You belong to me."
Terza sighed "Vincenzo... You don't understand. I can't be yours if you control me. I want to be free..."
Vincenzo said "You will be free."
Terza said "Then why can't you understand that I should be allowed to handle my business in a free way like how my mother does..."
Vincenzo stated "You are allowed to Terza. You can do anything you wish...I just won't tolerate it. And make no mistake, if any man gets friendly with you I will burn them alive."
Terza shook her head "Then I won't tolerate the past and will always bring it up. They say time heals everything."
Vincenzo said "No Terza. Love heals everything. Let me kiss you and you will forget Letizia when you feel my love. We can't move the future before letting go of the past.
Terza said "Vincenzo. Set me free and I will let go of the past."
Vincenzo argued "You are free."
Terza argued "If you don't tolerate my free choices then I am not truly free. You will be contradicting your promises if you deny me the right to without fearing for safety of men I interact with in my business I carry on. You say I am free but there are consequences for the choices I make because simply I want freedom you don't approve of. I don't want others punished for what you see as sins of mine and I see as my free choices."
Vincenzo said with finality in his tone "My tolerance and lenience has boundaries Terza." Vincenzo then looked deeply into her eyes and brushed his lips against hers making her tremble as he thought over her words. He whispered " Fine. You have now convinced me to think about it tonight. Kiss me to help me think more deeply about this."
Terza narrowed her eyes at him. She did kiss him but turned the kiss into a power struggle. She kissed him as he pushed him with intention of making him lose his balance but he held himself and chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her deepening the kiss.
Terza found herself out of breath pulling away first staring into his eyes."
Vincenzo smiled "If you take me on next time, push me harder so I fall off and make sure you run or I will retaliate." He then winked.