I run upstairs leaving Dante with Xavier. I want Bianca to meet my little baby Raymond.

Raymond runs with me completely excited at the thought of exercise. He's in for a surprise. Maybe Dante wouldn't mind taking him for runs. I don't run unless it's life and death excluding this current moment.

Throwing her bedroom door open I scoop up Raymond holding him out to her like Rafiki did to Simba. She squeals tossing the magazine she was reading on her bed across the room. I watch as she jumps off her bed and takes Raymond into her arms.

"I can't believe he actually got you a dog! I've always wanted one but he never let me." She pouts tapping Raymond on the nose.

Looking back up to me she smirks "but of course he would get you a dog." I roll my eyes at the clear insinuation.

"So what's"-she checks underneath him to see what gender-"his name?"

"Raymond!!" Her smile turns into a frown.

"Raymond?"

"Yep!" I smile happily "Ray for short."

"What's your next dogs name going to be? Paul?" She snorts laughing at her own joke. Although she's absolutely correct. Paul is on the list.

"Pretty much." Her laughter dies down.

"Girl you are terrible with names."

"I think that's a matter of opinion." I say taking back my little Ray of sunshine.

"I'm going to my room so I'll see you later."

"Alright. Bye little Raymond." She uses a baby voice as she talks to my dog. He laps it up rubbing his head into her palm.

I pry him away from her and head into my bedroom. Opening the door I see a whole bunch of dog supplies including, a crate, dog food, shampoo, leashes, collars, brushes, combs and anything else a dog may need.

I place him on the floor as I move to the items. I start with organising them into groups so I can decide where to keep them. Raymond's dug into some container that's holding toys. He has a rope ball in his mouth which he keeps dropping by my hand to throw for him. He's a puppy, how does he know to do that? "Sit." I try. He sits. What the fuck? I throw the hall across the room to which he runs.

Has Raymond been trained? I guess that's somewhat of a plus as I won't have to deal with his poops inside. But it would've been nice to have the full experience.

A knock on my door disturbs me from my thought. Raymond's perched down growling at the wooden door. I get up shoving him to the side with my foot and open the door.

Dante's on the other side leaning on his crutches. "Can I come in?"

"Sure." Raymond sees who it is and jumps up on his one working leg. I can see he's excited as his little tail wags so hard I fear it may fall off.

"Hey little buddy." Dante leans down and pats his head.

I gesture to the bed so he can put his feet up. Graciously he sits down on the edge of my bed. I grab Raymond and a stuffed toy placing him on the couch in my room.

"Dante? I was sitting and organising Raymond's items. He came over and dropped one of his toys by my hand which I thought was weird so I told him to sit. How come he knows basic commands when I got him like an hour or two ago?"

"That's what I came to talk about." He lays his crutches next to him.

"So I found a breeder who trains dogs from a very young age to be of service to those who are physically disabled or mentally struggle with everyday life. Raymond's still going through training as he's only almost three months and it'll take a while for him to be trained to the full extent. I thought he could be somewhat of a service dog to you as you struggle with really bad anxiety and he could provide a sense of comfort?"

That's the sweetest thing ever. My eyes are watering a little bit. Before coming here I hadn't experience such kindness since my grandparents. I lunge at him, careful not to hit his foot and wrap my arms around his neck. Slowly his arms wrap around my back.

We stay like that in silence for a few moments until I pull back. "Why are you helping me? I don't understand, some days your this mean mafia boss and other days your this kind man." He rubs his hand over his face.

I watch him from my place on the floor. Raymond's moved from the couch to curl up in my lap.

"I do feel a need to protect you. I don't know why but there's a possessiveness that takes over me. Sometimes I forget that with you I don't need to be a cold mafia boss but I do get scared. My father beat into me that a woman is a trophy, not someone to have a connection with or someone who's opinions are of value. So having the emotional response I do have towards you is somewhat scary. I've always wanted to please my father but I feel as if I'm letting him down. So to resolve that feeling I try to get you out of my head and lash out, I hurt you. I know that. So I try to make it up to you because I hate seeing you sad. It's an unhealthy toxic cycle which is why I'm trying to change Scarlett. I've always wanted what Nonna and Grandpa have. It's too soon to tell but there's this connection and I know it's not just me so I do want to try."

Did the Dante Romano just admit to having feelings for me?!

"We could start with a date? If that's ok with you." He has this cute little blush on his face as he fumbles with his hands looking down at them. Cutie.

"That sounds nice." His head whips up so fast I think he gave me whiplash.

"Really?!" I smile and nod my head.

"Ok I'll plan everything. Does tonight work for you? Around eight?" He's so enthusiastic it makes me smile.

"Yes, Dante that works."

He grabs his crutches standing. "I'll see you then principessa." And just like that he's back to his normal cocky yet sexy self. I guess I have to admit it. He's hot. But we all knew that. I mean the man has tattoos!

He closes the door behind him. I flick Bianca a text.

Scarlett: your brother just asked me on a date

Bianca: omg!!! When?!

Scarlett: in three hours at eight

I'm left on read. Rude.

I chuck my phone on my bed and lay on the floor.

"Get the fuck up!!! We have to get you ready!!" I turn my head to see my crazed best friend standing in my doorway.

I sit up. "It's in three hours we do not have to start right now."

"Yes we do! Get in the shower and shave everything!"

"Are you sure you want to imply that I'm going to have sex with your brother? Your brother?" She cringes.

"Ew yeah your right. But still, shave everything. Now hop to it! I'll pick out your outfit." I sigh but do as I'm told. She knows how these things work better than I do.

I get in the shower using my vanilla scented soap to lather my body. I love vanilla, you always know what to expect. I do as Bianca says, shave everywhere. It's takes a while.

The hot water is just so addicting, I really don't want to get out but if I stay in here any longer I'm going to leave looking like a prune. Not sexy.

Sighing I turn off the shower and step out wrapping a warm fluffy towel around my body. After motorising and brushing my teeth I step out of bathroom.

I plop down on the bed next to Raymond. "Finally! I thought you'd never get out of that shower." I shrug.

"So what's the outfit you have picked."

She points to my side where the outfit she's chosen sits. I take a look, she even picked out lingerie! Weirdo.

The lingerie is red and very sexy. The bottoms are a sheer thong with lace detailing and a gold hardware band. While the bra is the same design. You'll be able to see my nipples through the cup. There's the same lace and gold hardware detailing. It's hot that's for sure.

I move my eyes to the dress. It's a loose white mini dress with a sheer overlay and satin underneath. It's sleeves are slightly puffed and looks very innocent and fairy esk. With the dress she's paired a pearl purse and white Mary Janes with white sheer socks. There's also a pearl necklace and earrings that match the purse

"Won't he be able to see the red under the dress?" I ask feeling the fabric.

"Nope! It's lined. On the top you look like an innocent virgin but underneath your a sexy little minx!" She's far too excited.

"Who says we're going to have sex?" She rolls her eyes.

"You better or else my work was just put to waste!"

"Whatever." I mumble as I begin to change. Bianca helps me with the lingerie and dress. She does the back up for me while I put on the accessories. After that I put on my shoes.

We look at myself in the mirror. Bianca loosely curled my hair and tied half of it back with a white bow. My makeup is light with a dewy pink lip.

"You're gorgeous." She whispers.

I smile "thank you."

There's a knock on the door. We look at the time to see it's eight on the dot. "He's always had impeccable timing." She mumbles.

I walk over to the door after grabbing my purse and open it. He stands there in a black tux with diamond cuff links and polished shoes. His hair is swept back in it's usual messy style. "Wow." He says looking me up and down.

"You look... so beautiful."