❤❤

Utter silence greeted Amara's words. The only sounds that were heard were the noise of the waves crashing against the seashore as the two stood still, the soft light of the moon shinning upon them.

Amara stared at Valerio's face as his eyes clenched shut at her answer, his breathing slightly laboured. Uncertainty washed across her like a tidal wave when he didn't speak after a few moments.

Had Valerio perhaps changed his mind? She thought dejectedly.

Confused and slightly hurt, Amara slowly pulled away from him and took a step back, causing his eyes to snap open and Amara couldn't stifle the gasp that left her at the sheer intensity of his gaze as he looked at her now, as compared to all the other times.

"D-Did I say something wrong?",she whispered worriedly, "Have you perhaps changed your mind —"

Before she could even complete her sentence she was pulled into the cage of Valerio's arms.

"Don't say that", he warned her.

"But you didn't say anything. I just thought that you.....", Amara murmured, lost, as a storm raged in his eyes.

At her words his eyes softened infinitesimally, "I apologise sweetheart", he said sincerely.

Butterflies fluttered in Amara's chest at his endearment. He had never called her so before.

"I...I was shocked",he admitted with difficulty. "For how could someone so innocent and so...... light as you ever agree to be with someone so blackened and dangerous like me willingly?"

Amara frowned, "Don't talk about yourself like that."

"It is the truth Amara", Valerio said chuckling darkly, "I am meant to take over my family legacy in a few years from my grandfather. I'm dangerous", he emphasised the last word. "Everyone around us already fear me and they do so for a reason. Your Grandpa, Nonno, Allister and everyone else are wary of me, they all fear what I could do once I officially become the Don of the Valentini Empire. They fear that I could hurt you."

"Will you?", Amara asked, blinking up at him.

Valerio stiffened at her innocent query. Did she have absolutely no clue? Absolutely no idea what she did to him? About the power she could hold over him if she so wanted to?

Valerio knew that he would build up a new world or tear another one to the ground for her, for her and for the way she looked at him. Every part of him knew that he would, that it was all a hard, solid, indisputable fact that made his entire being ache from the honesty of it.

"Not you....Never you. Du bist meine seele", he vowed fiercely.

Despite not understating his last sentence, Amara felt her face burn at the blatant possessiveness in his voice.

"How's your arm?" she squeaked out trying to change the topic hurriedly. Very carefully she trailed her fingers down the spot that she remembered seeing the injury. She could feel his eyes follow the movement.

He flexed his bicep in reply and laughed when she gasped and pulled away immediately as her fingers contacted the large ball of muscle.

"Good then",she squeaked out.

Amara's cheeks were such a bright tint of crimson that Valerio could feel the heat radiating off her. The color was so alive in that face, blushing, reserved and innocent. As endearing and captivating as it was, he resisted the urge to lean down and leave his own mark on her.

"There is no going back",he murmured the reminder in her ear, sensing the younger girl's nervousness, "You said yes. You are mine now, heart, body and soul."

Amara's eyes shot up to his."Valerio", she began hesitantly, "After this...

you—", she broke off, uncertain.

Valerio's arms tightened fractionally around her waist. The sudden uncertainty and fear in her eyes putting him on edge.

"Say it", he commanded in a hard voice.

Amara gulped, not knowing how to put her feelings into words. This was such an uncharted territory for her that she was afraid of saying or doing something wrong.

She breathed in softly, averting her eyes from his to gather some courage but as soon as she had turned away from him, she felt his fingers going under her chin as he gently turned her head towards him again.

"Don't fear me Amara", he said seriously, "Look at me in the eyes and speak your mind. Only you are ever allowed to do that."

Mustering up all her Romero and Sullivan courage, Amara slowly raised her hand and rested it lightly on his chest, just above his heart. Her fingers trembling as they made as minimal contact as possible.

He was quiet for a few moments , staring into her eyes, searching, and Amara stared right back at him. Her heart in her eyes as she exuded sheer vulnerability, fear, shyness......hope.

"If I'm yours then does it mean that you are mine?"

His response was immediate. Actions that cannot be heard but can only be interpreted are marked with his velvet devoted undertones of surety and honesty.

He placed his own hand above her's, gripping it and resting it firmly above his heart, "It is more yours than it is my own."

It was something that he would only ever offer her. It's naturally dark even when it is gentle..... It's just him. And it was something that was now unknown to Amara but she would learn it in time.

Her eyes lit up at his answer and Valerio felt a sudden jolt pass through him as he watched her.

"My heart will only belong to one girl ever, and that's you",he murmured softly, his eyes burning with several emotions.

Amara somehow didn't doubt his words. She knew that it was her own fear and shyness that was making her so uncertain about them.

"Does it mean that now you are my

b— ",Amara halted as she felt his hold on her grow steely firm, making her look at him in confusion.

His face went cold as ice and stiff. Shifting his weight he removed his hands from around her and stepped forward. His body blocking her view from whatever it was that had him on alert as his one hand inconspicuously tightened it's grip on her.

Amara frowned slightly as she sidestepped him and looked towards what had caught Valerio's attention. Her eyes widened like saucers when she saw Caden, Damien and Cian coming towards them.

Shock immobilized her body. All she could do was stand frozen, her hand tightening around Valerio's in response.

Even from a distance she could see Cian's frame trembling with rage as he stalked towards them, while Caden's stony face spoke volumes. Even Damien appeared frantic and anxious as he hurriedly trailed behind them, talking rapidly while the other two seemed to ignore him.

Caden's eyes zeroed on their clasped hands, an emotion too fast for Amara to catch passing through his eyes.

Even though his face appeared cold, expressionless but his eyes reached out and held her, a soft look that he managed to push past the harshness he’s exuding. Cian on the other hand has undertones of anger, disbelief and maybe even a trace of fear as he looks at her. Amara nervously glanced back at Valerio who to her absolute shock looked perfectly calm, except for the menacing vibes that seemed to be coming of him, matching her cousins'.

"Why don't you join the party Amara?It's getting cold out here." Despite Caden's calm words, Amara knew that it wasn't a suggestion.

She glanced worriedly between the boys, standing partially behind Valerio. Why did Cian look so furious? Were they about to start fighting?

"Damien", Caden spoke in a hard voice, "Take Amara inside."

Damien nodded as he came forward and extending his hand for her to take, "Let's go", he muttered in a low voice.

Amara bit her lip worriedly, afraid to leave, she could sense the animosity between them in the atmosphere.

"Go Amara",Valerio commanded, letting go of her hand, "We'll see you inside the hotel", his eyes softened automatically as they stared at her.

Amara gave a short, worried nod before reluctantly allowing Damien to escort her out.

The three remaining boys watched the pair disappear behind the glass doors before Cian broke the silence.

"What game are you playing now? Stay away from her Valentini", he hissed venomously, "Amara is no ordinary girl. You stay the fuck away from my sister, you hear me? I don't care how you were able to deceive grandpa into giving you a chance to come close to her. This show ends now", he snarled.

Valerio appraised the words silently, dark humor swirling in his eyes.

"She doesn't seem to share your opinion", he taunted, smirking wickedly at him.

Cian's eyes flashed as he gritted out, "Don't forget that this isn't Valentini territory. The Sullivan's word rules around here. I'm not going to let you come to my house and take advantage of my sister's kindness."

The insinuation made Valerio's blood boil as he sneered down at the younger boy, uncaring, and threateningly in control.

"And you forget who I am Cian," he mocked, stalking forward with venom in his eyes, "It does not matter to me if she stands on the Romero or the Sullivan territory. She has and will always be mine." Dark possessiveness burned through his eyes as he spoke, "And no one, absolutely no one can keep me away from her now."

Cian laughed livid, "She is too kind, too innocent for someone like you", he spat angrily, "I don't care what anyone else thinks but I won't let you come near her. I will keep her away from you",he promised.

Valerio laughed mirthlessly before darkness crept through his, "I couldn't keep myself away from her even if I wanted. Then what chance do you stand?", Valerio snarled back rhetorically, his voice and eyes menacing as he exuded blatant possessiveness. "I have proved myself to both Don Sullivan and Don Romero. I have their approval",he seethed.

"You —",Cian snarled angrily only to be cut off by Caden who had been standing calmly beside him during the entire ordeal.

"Calm yourself",he said coolly placing a hand on Cian's shoulder before direction his piercing gaze to Valerio.

"Valerio",Caden greeted coldly, stalking forward to stand before him, staring at him in the eyes,"I can't say that I approve of the decision taken by both the Dons to let you pursue Amara... but I will not contest it, he said in a hard voice, raising a hand to silence Cian's objection.

An odd look entered his eyes as he spoke again. "Amara is my baby sister, a Sullivan princess, the Sullivan princess", he emphasised.

"Her arrival has been the most anticipated event in my family for generations. We cherish her more than our own selves. Watching her get even a small scrap on herself is not tolerated. As your friend but more importantly as her brother, I warn you now....I don't care who you are or what you've done, I will kill you slowly and painfully if you hurt her even the slightest. Ever", he said, enunciating each word darkly. His eyes held a promise in that moment, a promise of utter pain, should Valerio not heed his words.

Valerio chuckled in dark amusement. In all his seventeen years he could count the number of times he had been threatened so openly by someone and what fate and befallen those who had dared to. But in the past few days all records had been broken. He had been on the receiving end of a constant stream of colourful death threats.....all from the Romero and Sullivan men.

Now, Valerio would have dealt with anyone else who would have dared to challenge or threaten him in a painful manner. But he would give his girl's family a leeway. He'll tolerate their threats as long as no one tried to keep her away from him. He'll tolerate it. For her.

"You can be sure that I will hold you on to your promise", Valerio finally remarked.

"We have an understanding then", Caden said as he thrust his hand forward for them shake on it.

"Caden! What!? Are you serious?", Cian asked in disbelief watching the two older boys shake hands.

"Let it go Cian",Caden warned him, "Grandpa and Don Romero want this to be Amara's decision. We will respect their orders as well as our sister's wishes."

"Her wishes?",Cian asked in disbelief. "She doesn't know what she is getting herself into",he scoffed, "She is fourteen, she doesn't understand the magnitude of what is happening. I thought she was smart but he played her and she fell for his lies."

Before Cian could have even blinked he was punched on his stomach, hard, causing him to double over in pain.

Valerio stood tall and looming over Cian, his presence dominating everything around him. His piercing eyes showed the storm that raged behind his composure.

In the background there was a sudden hustle as several guards started making their way over towards where the boys were, wanting to prevent the situation from heating up, a few talked urgently on their communication devices but Valerio ignored everyone as he grabbed the collar of Cian's shirt and pulled him up roughly.

"In your one sentence you have managed to not only disrespected my girl but also raised questions on my love for her",Valerio hissed in an eerily composed voice.

And for the first time in the evening Cian felt true fear as Valerio stared him down. He looked as if he was barely holding himself back from choking him to death.

"Shut up ",Valerio snarled lowly when Cian opened his mouth, "You will only make things worse for yourself and then I will not be able to control myself for anyone's sake."

Directing his gaze towards Caden he stated coldly, "Teach him a lesson or two before I do."

Caden rolled his eyes, " Let him go, he just needs time to cool off."

Valerio snorted as he let Cian go, who glared darkly at both the boys before stalking off furiously.

"It is ironic really",Valerio mused staring after the younger boy, "he is so against the idea of Amara being with me that he didn't even realise that it was only because of her that I let him escape after insulting me."

"He is going to take some time to adjust to this new.... development. All of us, actually , Caden said carefully.

Valerio ignored him as they both made their way towards the party hall. They could take as long as they wanted, he didn't particularly care about their approval. He already had both the Dons blessing, however reluctantly it had been given.

Valerio had proven himself to them. He had defeated his opponents fair and square and had come out of the challenge on top, victorious and with barely any injuries except for badly bruised knuckles.

After defeating the six underground fighters , he had been subjected to an intense interrogation session. He had questions flying towards him non- stop. He had answered each question with honesty while Don Romero and Don Sullivan stared down at him like sharks, waiting , listening and watching him for any slip on his part so that they could reject and banish him as far away from their precious granddaughter as they could.

Hours later,Valerio knew that he had gained their approval. He could see it in their eyes. He had been deemed worthy enough to be around their princess. Valerio grinned internally as he thought about it.

As soon as the two boys entered the party hall, several eyes turned to look at them. Valerio's eyes though sought only one person in the crowded room.

"I'm watching your every move", Caden warned him once again before walking away, already aware that Valerio intended to go after Amara.

Valerio rolled his eyes, paying him no mind as he walked in further, searching for the amethyst eyed girl who had agreed to be his.

*****

"What are they talking about? Why did Cian and Caden look so furious?", Amara fretted.

"Relax",Damien pleaded, "Don't look so worried",he said looking around anxiously, contradicting his own words.

"Did something happen during the meeting?", Amara asked him.

"What? No", Damien answered. "Everything is going smoothly, the meeting is about to get over soon. The adults might be coming here at any point now."

Amara nodded before her mind went back to the three boys.What was taking them so long?

Her brothers had looked in a rage. She was slightly afraid that they would come to exchange blows. But she took solace in the fact that Valerio got along slightly better with Caden than he did with Allister.

Amara sipped on her glass of juice as she looked around. They pair of them were standing in a corner of the huge hall, away from prying eyes while the guests mingled amongst themselves, while the couples danced at the songs being played by the live band, thoroughly enjoying the party, but at the same time Amara could feel a sense of anticipation buzzing around. They were all anticipating the arrival of the heads of the mafia families.

This party was unique in the sense that it had members of many powerful mafia families under one roof. Especially the Valentini, Romero and the Sullivan Dons.

Amara was excited to meet her Grandpa but at the same time she wondered if Nonno would speak to her. He hadn't called her even once in the week that she was here.

"Did you say yes?",Damien asked her in a controlled voice, breaking her train of thought.

Amara almost chocked on her drink as she turned towards Damien.

"What?", she squeaked.

"Did you say yes to Valerio ?",Damien repeated his question, "He looked oddly calm which means that you obviously didn't reject him outright", he said carefully.

"How did you even know.....?", Amara spluttered at a loss of words.

But Damien was now frozen on his spot, staring straight ahead at someone behind her.

Amara turned around to see Valerio coming towards her, cutting through the crowd easily. His tall, dominating frame calling the attention of the occupants around them.

A faint blush coloured Amara's cheeks as he came to stand before her.

"Damien",he greeted her cousin in a hard tone, even though his eyes didn't stray away from her.

"Valerio",Damien nodded in reply, looking from his blushing sister to the older boy, staring at the two with something akin to wonder on his face.

"Can I have this dance with you?", Valerio asked her, offering his hand for her to take.

Amara hesitated only slightly before placing her hand in his,"I'd like that", she murmured softly.