It's so warm and cozy. I don't want to move. I seem to have buried myself under the comforter. But Something pokes my thigh making me jerk. Is that what I think it is?

After waking up Dante it not next to me like I'd expected. No, somehow he's on top of me and has shoved his head up my shirt and in between my breasts. His hands are under my body cupping my ass. How did he get into this position? Oddly enough, I am comfortable. Except for the thing poking my leg.

I clear my throat loudly. Dante only nuzzles himself deeper and let's out a happy sigh. Mm yeah I bet you are real happy buddy.

"DANTE!" His head jerks up but it stopped by my button shirt smooshing his face back into my boobs.

"Nice." He muffles. I smack his head and he groans.

As his revenge he darts his tongue out over my nipple making me jerk this time.

"What do you want?" The man doesn't even have the decency to remove his head from my shirt.

"Can you sort your ahem situation? It's poking me in the leg."

"That's not me? I mean yeah I'm hard right now, my face is literally in booby heaven." Internally rolling my eyes right now.

I prop myself up on my elbows and throw the duvet back expecting the worse.

Raymond lay in a little ball with his nose pressed against my thigh. Patting Dante's head, he reluctantly removes himself.

"It was just little baby Ray." I say petting his head.

"Oh yeah. He was scratching at the door last night so I let him and and we both got comfortable before going back to sleep."

"Ahh, so I'm guessing that's when you shoved your head up my shirt and cupped my ass?" He chuckles

"What can I say? I love to be close to my little one." I roll my eyes again. He's so annoying but also makes me feel like the only girl in the world.

He pinches my nipple and I slap his hand. "Ow! What was that for?"

"Rolling your eyes." His voice is darker, no longer playful. Weird how he switches up between the two personalities but whatever it turns me on.

Finally Dante removes his head from my shirt. He moves up the bed and sits next to me but pulls me over so I'm straddling his lap. "We need to talk."

There's a pit in my stomach as he says those words. "D-do we have too?" I ask as the anxiety begins to curl around my body.

He brushes a strand of hair behind my ear and kisses my nose. "Yes principessa but don't worry it's nothing bad, in fact it's good."

"Okay, then what is it?" He leans his head back and let's put a sigh before looking back at me.

"I have booked you an appointment to go see Dr Nigel Payne. He's the best therapist in New York and is going to help you with your anxiety and trauma. It may help prevent your stuttering around new people."

"Won't that be expensive? I'm not sure-"

"-I wasn't asking. The costs will be taken care of." I sigh knowing there's no room to argue, he's made up his mind.

"Alright. I'll go." He presses a sweet kiss to my lips.

"Good! Get changed then eat. We need to leave in two hours."

"Yes sir." Mockingly I salute him as I get off him to go to the bathroom. He slaps my ass before I can get away. Yeah I liked it.

We all gathered for breakfast as per usual, Bianca and I usually are still sleeping and eat later but not today.

It wasn't that long ago when I stood beside Dante's chair waiting to collect whatever anyone needed. Now the seat to his left is my seat with Bianca next to me and Nonna working in the kitchen like normal. A new maids taken over my station. She seems sweet enough although I haven't really talked to her but I try to be nice. I know how being the newbie can be. It's not pleasant.

"Principessa you need more fruit, you can't live off of just waffles. You need your energy for today and a balanced meal is one way to start." Dante grabs my plate and scrapes some of the fruit on his plate off and onto mine.

"I had fruit! Orange juice has oranges in it." I mumble crossing my arms. I do like fruit normally. I'm just not in the mood for it this morning.

"Yes baby but it's mainly sugar." I try not to shudder in delight at the term 'baby'.

After an overdramatic sigh I finally reply with a simple "fine." I begin shoving the fruit into my mouth. Looking at him he has a satisfied smile painted on his lips.

This morning could've gone one of two ways, the way it did or us waking up, things being completely awkward and deciding to forget it ever happened. I for one, am grateful it's the first option. It's nice to be able to not have to be responsible for once. I can be myself. Cheesy as it is, being here has helped me come out of my shell.

Bianca seems to have an excessive appetite this morning as she's shovelling waffles, pancakes, eggs, bacon and fruit into her mouth. That combination can't be delightful.

"Bee?"

"Mrmph?" She looks up at me with a full mouth.

"You seem to be extra hungry this morning? I wonder why?" I have a feeling I do know why but I need her to say it!

She swallows her mouthful "period. Makes me hungry.... Anyway! It seems last night went well. My brothers all over you!"

"YOU GUYS DIDN'T INVITE ME LAST NIGHT? AND NOW YOU'RE SPILLING THE TEA ABOUT LAST NIGHT AND YOU DIDN'T EVEN THINK TO INCLUDE ME?" I physically jump. Every single eye in the room turned to me and Bianca. Thanks Leo.

He shoved his chair back from the other end of the table and stormed over to us. "What the hell guys?!" He forcibly pushed Xavier who seemed reluctant to move from his seat next to Bianca.

Finally Xavier relented and Leo took his seat. "Sooooo...SPILL!" I stay silent and Bianca immediately realises the issue as she rolls her eyes at her second eldest brother.

"You Dickwad! Everyone's fucking looking! She can't speak without stuttering when everyone's staring! It makes her nervous." She hisses.

Leo's smile turns into a frown and I feel bad. Therapy is sounding better and better. "D-Don't worry L-Leo." I offer a small smile as I feel myself shrinking from the stares of everyone in the room. My stomach has dropped to the floor.

"No, I really am sorry-"

"QUIT STARING OR I WILL PERSONALLY CHOP OFF EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOUR FINGERS AND GAUGE YOUR EYEBALLS OUT!" I cover my ears not expecting to hear the loud yell from Dante. These two brothers tsk tsk.

But once my ears are uncovered and I look around, no one is watching me. They're all engrossed in their own conversations.

"Principessa, we really must be leaving if we wish to get there on time." He says gently this time. I simply nod and he doesn't press me for a verbal answer as he knows I'm feeling a little anxious.

"Go say goodbye to nonna, I've got to finish some business here." Again I nod and reach for my plate to dispose of it but his hand stops me.

"I'll take care of it, go see nonna."

Bianca stayed behind to my surprise. So I left the dining room and went into the kitchen. Nonna sat on one of the bar stools picking away at her food.

The chefs must be on break as it's completely deserted other than the kind woman with a heart of gold.

I skip over to her as a rush if seratonin flushes through my system and I place a kiss on her cheek.

"Oh darling! I didn't see you there. Do you need something to eat? Take a seat! I'll whip something up-" I place my hands on her shoulders.

"I've already eaten nonna. Your grandson made sure if it, even made sure I ate my fruits!"

She smirks "speaking of my grandson, how did last night go?" Nonna pats the chair next to her. Dante will get me when we have to leave so why not.

I sit down and wait for the bombardment of questions. "I'm assuming it went well as you two showed up together this morning?" I smile.

"Yeah. It went great."

"How was dinner?"

"It was the sweetest gesture. I felt so special and so appreciated. He even tried to hide your instructions to make it look like he knew what he was doing but eventually I helped him out. The whole night was just magical."

Nonna pats my hand with a large smile "you have no idea how happy that makes me. The boy was jumping for joy when he asked me to teach him some recipes. Seeing Dante finally be able to have someone who makes him that happy is truly remarkable. You, my dear are a gem."

"Nonna it was one date! But... I will admit I do really like him." I say with a sheepish smile. Nonna grins grabbing my cheeks

"Dio Mio! This makes my heart swell!" I'm glad I could make nonna happy I just hope she doesn't put her entire heart into us, although it seems she already has. I just don't want her to get hurt if Dante and I don't work out.

"Are you ready to leave?" Dante walks into the room taking my breath away. His deep blue eyes stare into my soul... but that could just be because they're blue. Sometimes blue eyes are scary but I like his.

"Mmm yeah! Just let me find my phone."

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out my phone. "You left it at the breakfast table."

"Oh! Okay then I'm ready. Bye nonna!" I call running out to the car parked outside the front door.

"Addio nonna." I press a kiss against the fragile skin on her cheek.

"You look after her Dante. She's a sweet girl and has really begun to come into her own since being here."

"Sì I know. She's a precious angel and I'm lucky to have caught her." Nonna smiles and I leave her to eat in peace.

I was nervous to how Scarlett would react to me having organised a therapy appointment for her but fortunately she seemed grateful.

As I pass by my men they bow in respect to their Don. Soon they'll also bow in respect to their Donna.

Scarlett's already seated in the car texting on her phone. Probably to Bianca, the nosy little bitch loves to know every detail of Scarlett and I's life together since we met.

Opening the door to the car I get in and buckle up. "Are you ready?" Scarlett looks at me and I can see she's nervous but I know she'll be ok.

"Yeah."

"You can choose the music?" Maybe sweetening the deal will make her feel a little better. It works as she's back to smiling while searching through her phone for music to play.

Once the sounds of 'Dancing with our hands tied' by Taylor swift dance through the speakers. I only know this because Bianca is a major swiftie and it seems she's rubbed off on my little girl. I then pull out of the driveway and we make our way into the heart of New York City.

Speeding down the highway I find myself smiling at Scarlett who's singing at the top of her lungs. All her anxiety that she once had has now vanished.

I pull into one of the limited available car parks outside the therapists office. The music stops as I turn off the ignition. Silence engulfs us and I look over to Scarlett who's staring out her window.

"Ready?" She takes a deep breath in and quickly squeezes my hand.

"Yeah. I think I am." I get out of the car and open the door for her. She grabs my hand holding it in a deathly tight grip. I don't mind, as long as it makes her feel better.

We walk up to the reception desk where an older man sits. "What can I do for you today." He kindly smiles at Scarlett who was hiding behind my back but the man seems to make her feel safe as she offers a small smile.

"Scarlett Roads for Dr Nigel Payne." He taps away at the computer reading over something.

"Ah yes! Please take a seat, Dr Payne will be with you in a moment." We walk away from the desk and I decide to seat us on the two seater couch. I tuck Scarlett into my side and begin scrolling through emails. Scarlett puts an EarPod in her ear and one in mine to my surprise. She goes onto Disney plus and starts watching some show called criminal minds? Placing my phone in my pocket I place my free hand on her thigh and watch the show with her.

Halfway through the episode a middle aged man walks into the waiting room. I take out mine and Scarlett's EarPod placing them in their case. Standing I shake his hand. "Dr Payne, it's good to finally meet you."

"Likewise." He looks to Scarlett smiling.

"You must be Miss Scarlett Roads?" She shakes his hand too, I notice she's slightly trembling.

"Well, why don't the two of you follow me to my office." I squeeze her hand in reassurance.

We begin walking but are stopped by the older man at the front desk. He and the Doctor exchange some words before we continue walking.

"Sorry about that, our usual receptionist is out so her husband is filling in, although I believe he's quite enjoying his time and wants to stay on."

We enter a large office that looks more like a living room. Of course there's a desk off to the corner but the main focus is on the large couch facing two chairs with a glass coffee table in between.

Scarlett pulls me to the large couch while Doctor Payne seats himself on one of the two chairs opposite us and looks at Scarlett who hasn't let my hand go since we got up from the waiting area.

"Scarlett, is it ok if I call you that? Sometimes talking with less formalities makes this a bit easier."

"Y-Yeah, t-that's okay." He smiles at her.

"Good, good. You both can call me Nigel. Now Scarlett, I know you're feeling nervous for your first session and that is completely normal. Mr Romano can stay until you feel comfortable alright?" Looking at her fingers she nods her head.

After half an hour Scarlett slowly starts to open up and I leave the room. It seems bringing her here wasn't a bad decision. I just hope she finds closure and feels better within herself.

I'm seated in the waiting room for another hour before she comes out but when she does I'm on my feet and by her side in seconds. Her eyes are bloodshot and her nose is running. "Principessa are you alright?"

Expecting her to completely break down and curse at me for bringing her here she smiles. "Yeah, I mean it's a lot to talk about but I already feel a weight lifted off of my shoulders."

"Oh baby you have no idea how happy that makes me." I press a kiss on her cheek and pull her into me.

"She did great! We have an appointment booked for next week and after each session I give her a task to work on for her speech around new people. Although she seemed to warm up to me quite quickly so I'm sure we'll have that issue underway immediately." Nigel hands me an appointment card which I place in my wallet.

"Thank you Nigel." We shake hands and Scarlett waves at him with a big smile.

We walk out to the car but she stops walking. I turn to her "would it be ok if we went for a little walk before going back home?"

"Of course, Central Park isn't far away and it's a nice walk." She links our arms and we begin on our walk.

As we walk she talks my ear off about all sorts of things like her school work, Bianca's pranks on the guards (I'll have to talk to her about that one.), the new dish nonna taught her to cook and so many other things.

Entering Central Park Scarlett's enthralled with every little detail. She stomps on the crunchy leaves and runs to the bridge up ahead.

I have to jog after her so I don't lose her. She leans over the bridges railing looking at the ducks swimming in the lake. "Feeling a little better?" Her eyes are no longer bloodshot and her nose is no longer runny.

"Yeah! The fresh air is really nice." She proves her point taking a deep breath in. I laugh and place a hand on her lower back.

I see her coats undone so I remove my hand instead doing up the buttons and tying the belt on her coat. "We don't need you getting sick."

"Thanks." Her eyes wander away from me.

"Ooo! Look a squirrel!" She runs away from me but slows the closer she gets to the squirrel. Immediately I see where this is going to go. She's getting too close. Fuck!

Yet again I'm running after her. She's leaning forward, without any thought I grab the collar of her coat and yank her back into my chest. "Dante, I wanted to pat the squirrel!"

"Didn't you grow up here? You don't touch squirrels, if they feel threatened they'll scratch or bite you. That squirrel was eyeing you up, it was feeling threatened." I bring her to a park bench and seat us both down.

"My dad was very strict, I went to school, worked and went home. Sometimes I could sneak out but I didn't really do that because of the consequences if he'd find out. So while I grew up here, other than when I was with my grandparents, I've never really seen much of it. Although since I've left and been with all of you I've seen so much more!" It breaks my heart that she went through what she did with her father.

"Now that you're with us, we're going to change that. Never will you be treated in such a inhumane way again." She rests her head on my shoulder.

"Wow, the big bad mafia man has turned soft." I wrap my arms around her waist.

"Mmm only for you. Now we need to get back. You have school work to do and I don't want you falling behind." We stand up from the bench. Scarlett's smirking.

"Yes daddy." She whispers before walking off and back to the car. That little minx!

"Fucking hell!" I groan.