Vincenzo stood in front of Mr. O'Neill doing his best to keep his poker face on. O'Neill was someone who toyed with you, he was very unpredictable and saw things others didn't. So, he chose not to respond.

"I still don't understand why my lovely princess would have a necklace of the roman colosseum on her dresser? Very strange don't you think given she hasn't been to Italy since last summer?" He looked Vincenzo dead in the face. "You wouldn't know anything about it, would you?"

"Maybe a friend gave it to her?" Vincenzo hedged. He was her friend, though he wanted to be much more.

"Hmm.. what was interesting was that she didn't really answer the question about where she got it from." He raised his eyebrow. Sometimes he wished he hadn't done such a great job of teaching his children how to deflect questions, and his princess was just as good as his sons at that game.

"I guess she will tell you when she is ready." Vincenzo stated calmly.

"I guess she will." O'Neill looked at him. "As I was saying a funny thing happened on my way here. I bumped into Mr. Luciano, you know they are all heading back to Italy tonight."

Vincenzo showed no sign that he was affected by what Emanuelle O'Neill was saying but his mind was racing through different scenarios a mile a minute. Letizia had seen Terza and him dance. Had someone else seen them? Had O'Neill? Had he been staring at Terza too possessively? Was his charade with Letizia blown? He had to be more careful but he couldn't seem to stay away from Terza. What was he thinking given the Lucianos were in town? His problem was that when it came to Terza he functioned on emotions, pure emotions and he needed to get a better handle on them while he was in this situation until she was his. Then he knew his raging emotions regarding her would calm down.

"Anyway, he told me a very interesting story of a bride from his family whose car was hit with a bullet on her wedding day." Emanuelle looked at Vincenzo, his expression unreadable. "Unfortunately, he didn't finish the whole story so I didn't get to find out who did the shooting. You wouldn't know anything about it, would you?"

"I wasn't at the wedding." Vincenzo finally felt like he could say something truthful.

"Why someone would be so reckless to fire a gun at a wedding, hitting the bride's car beats me." Emanuelle commented sardonically. "But was the person really being reckless?"

Again, Emanuelle's gaze was unreadable but penetrating and Vincenzo stared back unflinching without an expression on his face.

"I guess it's good Clarissa accepted places in the summer programs in Australia and Ireland. I wouldn't want her in the middle of any trouble." O'Neill looked at him, that aggressive and unreadable expression on his face.

"She wouldn't be in the middle of any trouble." Vincenzo stated through gritted teeth, losing the battle to stay neutral and not show any emotions, one hand was balled in a fist at the thought of her being hurt. "I would protect her with my life." Each word he expressed was a fiery pledge.

"Now why is that?" Emmanuelle looked at him, lowering his gaze to see Vincenzo's hand clenched in a fist. Vincenzo was in love with his daughter. He had no doubts anymore. Now what to do about it? And how did his princess feel about the beast? There was that matter of the piece of jewelry on her dresser amongst other things. And why in hell's name was the beast protecting Letizia Marciano?

Vincenzo clenched his jaw, aware Emanuelle was goading him and knowing he was giving away everything he felt for Terza. "Tristan and I always protect each other's sisters."

"Very convenient to protect each other's sisters, don't you think?" Emanuelle raised his eyebrow.

Vincenzo shrugged, "That's the way it's always been."

Emanuelle stared at him, "You must be planning a great summer with Letizia?"

Vincenzo wanted to yell in frustration, "I was thinking about visiting Australia first and then Ireland. I have never been to either place." He almost smirked as O'Neill's eyes narrowed. He needed to take back control of this conversation. He wasn't planning to take O'Neill on as he respected him and he was a feral unpredictable beast himself but he could needle him a little. After all his daughter did that to him all the time!

"Interesting, I guess you will be taking Letizia," Emanuelle raised his eyebrow.

"She doesn't like long flights." Vincenzo replied calmly, almost giving up the pretense. It was clear Emanuelle O'Neill knew he had feelings for Terza. He probably hadn't hidden them well in his interactions with him.

"Such a shame. But I guess it's a good thing Clarissa hasn't made the final decision of whether to go to Australia or Ireland first." He had that aggressive, unreadable expression again.

"I guess." Vincenzo replied, quite aware of the underlying tension between them. Of words being said with multiple meanings.

"Australia may be fun to visit but I wouldn't count on it. But Ireland, I think you will have a very difficult time visiting Ireland. And who knows she may decide to spend her whole summer or even longer in Ireland." Emanuelle stated calmly, an aggressive undercurrent in his tone. "By the way how good are you at sword fighting?"

Vincenzo looked at him a little confused at the change in subject even as he tried to tame his raging emotions. "Not very good."

Emanuelle smirked slightly and pulled a card out of his jacket pocket. "This is the address of my friend Angus. He sells the best swords this side of Ireland and if you can convince him he might just teach you how to use it effectively."

Vincenzo took the card from him even more confused, "Why would I want to buy a sword?" He knew the O'Neill children were excellent sword fighters including his Terza. But what was with Mr. O"Neill and his riddles or were they riddles?

"Because you will need it one day." Emanuelle had that aggressive and unreadable expression he was beginning to recognize so well. "See you son."

"Good day Mr. O'Neill." Vincenzo nodded his head as he turned to walk out of the room feeling Emmanuel's O'Neill's piercing, aggressive gaze on his back. He clenched his jaw and balled the card in his hand. He was very frustrated. He wanted to yell at the world, hit something, fight someone, show his dominance like the wild beast he was. Sometimes he felt he needed to talk to someone maybe Viggo but he didn't want to drag him into his mess and Vienna was completely out of the question. Going to his father would make things really complicated as his father didn't care much for Letizia. But O'Neill had this way of provoking him, getting under his skin, seeing things others didn't, making him very frustrated. It was clear O'Neill didn't want him anywhere near Terza right now and it was worse that he had a girl though he was sure O'Neill wasn't buying that 'Letizia was his girl' story. He wouldn't be surprised if O'Neill eventually connected the dots about Letizia's role in the shooting of the Lucianos' bride's car. He hated the situation he found himself in but he was loyal to family and he was going to help Vitale sort this situation out. And when he got out of this mess, he was going straight to O'Neill and laying everything down on the line. Because there was no one who was going to keep him away from his love, no one not even Terza herself.

He kept walking until he was a respectable distance away from O'Neill's penetrating gaze, leaning against a wall, he closed his eyes as he tried to regain control of his raging emotions. Opening his eyes, he stared straight ahead, his jaw clenched, his hands balled in fists. When Terza got back from her summer abroad, he was going to tell her his secrets even if he had to lock them up in a room until she listened. He smiled slightly thinking of the fight she would give him. There was nothing like sparring with Terza, it made him feel so alive. He turned as a door opened and he heard some girls' voices coming down the hallway adjacent to him. He smirked slightly as he saw the girl haunting his thoughts walking down the hallway with Vanessa and Vienna. He stared at her, his gaze passionate and possessive willing her to turn and acknowledge his presence. His smirk widened as Terza turned her head though he was hidden by the windows, just as they passed by his spot. His view of Terza was briefly blocked as Vienna saw him and walked over.

Vienna looked at him for a minute, "Are you okay?"

"Yes," He replied.

She looked at him curiously, "I know you saw my submission of art work for the art competition this morning but you haven't said anything.

He shrugged, "Not much to say."

She stared at her brother who had in the past thrown her art work in the mud, even threatening to burn down the art studio if she took part in any art competition. What had made him change his mind? Tristan? "Did Tristan talk to you?"

He shook his head, remembering a conversation with Terza about Vienna and her love for art. His girl had made him see he was being too harsh about Vienna's hobby.

"Anyway thanks." She smiled slightly.

"You are welcome." He shrugged.

Vienna shook her head. Her brother sometimes surprised her. "Aren't you going to class?"

"In a minute," He replied. There was just one class this afternoon and then they were free to do whatever students did on the last day of school.

"See you." She smiled at him.

"See you." He nodded smiling slightly as she turned to rejoin the girls. "Vienna," He called out.

She turned to look at him, "Yeah?"

"I am sure you will win." He stated firmly.

Vienna's eyes light up, "Thank you. That means a lot."

He shrugged, "We are Rosarios, we always win." He barely controlled his smirk as he saw Terza rolling her eyes at his statement of always winning. Instead he smiled at his sister who returned his smile as she turned to join the other girls. His view of Terza now much clearer as Vienna and Vanessa continued walking slowly as they talked. He smirked slightly as Terza gave him a thumb's up sign acknowledging his conversation with Vienna. Yes, he could be kind to his family, his girl. Yes, sometimes he did listen to his girl but he was still generally a ruthless, possessive, jealous, dominant, feral, vindictive jerk.

He soon found himself caught in a starring match with Terza, blue on blue, electricity crackling amidst them, passionate, fiery. emotions swirling between them even at that distance. He winked at her, his smirk turning into a grin as she rolled her eyes. Staring her down, he willed her to hear his thoughts, 'Game on, little red.' His grin broadened as she smirked slightly and winked back. He puckered his lips in a kiss holding back a laugh as she rolled her eyes, shaking her head, even as her arm was pulled by Vanessa who had noticed she was trailing behind. His penetrating gaze remained fixed on her, as she walked away with Vanessa and Vienna. He groaned as his view of Terza was blocked again. Looking up he saw yet another O'Neill male staring at him with that aggressive unreadable look. Did the O'Neill males decide to tag team him today?

"Why were you and my sister staring at each other?" Tristan cut to the chase.

Vincenzo shrugged moving from the window to stand in front of his girl's brother. "We like to challenge each other, see who will forfeit first. And you know I never lose a game. I play the long game and I believe Terza is realizing that."

Tristan stared him down, "Saw you dancing with her on prom night after you beat up that Italian boy she danced with. I think his name was Mario."

Vincenzo gritted his teeth, trying not to remember the rage he had felt when he saw the boy dancing with his girl. Aggravated the boy's name was being mentioned in his presence again. "She lost a bet and the boy should have known better than to approach her."

"I know." Tristan replied, wondering silently why Vincenzo was asking for dances lately when his sister lost bets to him. Vincenzo tended to be very inventive when people lost bets to him. "Mario is new to the school in Italy. He didn't realize she was untouchable." He admitted. "Thanks by the way though she is single and can dance with whoever she wants even if I don't like it. She is growing up." He would be a hypocrite not to let his sister have fun, dance as he was dating a girl her age.

What was it with these O'Neill males who liked to provoke him? Terza wasn't allowed to dance with anyone but him. And the comment about her growing up? Didn't they think he had noticed it too? Vincenzo grunted knowing the real source of his frustration was the situation he found himself in, protecting Letizia for his cousin. He couldn't blame Tristan for his attitude towards him as his perception was that he had a girl. "That's why she needs to be protected from weaklings. You protect my sister and I protect yours."

"I am dating your sister." Tristan had that aggressive, unreadable expression again.

Vincenzo shrugged, "We have always helped each other protect our sisters even before you started dating Vienna." He didn't like saying the word 'date' when it came to his sister. Tristan for all his calm demeanor was a raging bull. He knew Tristan loved his sister but wished he had given her a little more time before he claimed her. Boys like Tristan and he were very possessive, jealous, feral and their girls had to be able to handle those characteristics. His sister had Rosario genes so he knew she would be fine and he would give her advice if she ever came to him and Tristan was always very gentle and caring with her.

Tristan looked at him sharply, "One day she will date someone and he will protect her. Hope he is up to the task." He stated wryly. "My sister is quite independent and feisty."

That word again 'date'. Vincenzo clenched his fist, aggravated. Why did the males of his girl's family insist on goading him? "I am sure he will be up to the task. Feral boys always are. But she needs to be protected until she is ready."

"She may not choose a feral boy, an heir like us." Tristan shrugged. "She has her own mind."

"Yes, she does," Vincenzo looked at him, a little irritated they were discussing this at all. "But do you think she should pick a weakling who can't protect her? Who will leave her open to danger?" His expression was fierce.

Tristan glared at him, "Are you saying my family can't protect her?"

"No, but when she is taken it is her man's job. So how would the man feel if he keeps running to her family to protect her because he can't do it himself. How would you feel about that man?" Vincenzo shot back exasperated. No way in hell would he let that happen, would he let another man have her. She was his. Only his. "I wouldn't want a man like that for my sister. Why do you think my father allowed you to date Vienna?" He raised his eyebrow. "Because he knows you can protect her the way she deserves even though my family who will back you up."

"Fine, you make good points." Tristan conceded, a little irritated.

Vincenzo nodded, "I know you already have it under control but I always like to help." He decided to change the topic, "She mentioned she is going to Australia and Ireland for the summer."

Tristan's gaze narrowed, "She told you?"

Vincenzo shrugged, "It came up in a conversation."

"Yes, she is. She got into many summer internships but Dad encouraged her to accept the international programs." Tristan stared at Vincenzo. "He said it would broaden her horizons."

Vincenzo bit back a growl. He wanted to yell out his frustration, he wanted to scream his irritation. Go after Emanuelle O'Neill and then what.... He grunted. He wasn't even sure what he would do. O'Neill wasn't just someone you could take on, besides he respected him and he was also his girl's father. But he was throwing roadblocks his way and he was beginning to get so infuriated. He took a deep breath trying to calm himself down, trying to stop his agitation from showing and trying his best to keep his poker face on. "I know she will be protected even there."

Tristan smiled wryly, "Of course why do you think my Dad encouraged her to choose those programs?"

Vincenzo wanted to tell him that all the reasons begun with the name Vincenzo but he wasn't about to, "But as you said she is independent and feisty."

Tristan raised his eyebrow looking at Vincenzo wondering why he was asking all these questions. "Yes, she is but why does all this bother you?" There was an undercurrent of aggression in his tone.

Vincenzo wanted to tell him that he didn't want her dating any boy but he couldn't not yet. He shrugged. "Just making conversation." He knew from the look on Tristan's face that he wasn't buying it. "I know Niall is in Australia this summer and they are close?"

Tristan stared hard at Vincenzo for a minute. Something was off but he couldn't put his finger on it. "Yes, they are close. But you haven't met a feral, unpredictable beast until you meet my cousin Liam who lives in Ireland. He takes the word protection to a whole new level and he adores Clarissa. Besides my uncles are a whole different story worse than my Dad when it comes to protecting girls. You should ask my girl cousins. I think that's why a lot of the girls in my family are so rebellious and independent. Clarissa said they don't like being caged in, told what to do."

Of course, he knew that, Vincenzo wanted to retort. Terza had told him that earlier in excruciating detail. But right now, he was relieved that Niall and another feral boy Liam, he would give anything to meet, were going to protect his girl. But he wasn't done, he did have resources and he needed to add another layer of protection. Because his girl was feisty and independent and she had made it quite clear she was going to do whatever she felt like. But he meant it no dating boys or those boys would wish they were dead. "We have to get to class."

Tristan nodded, turning to walk with him. Something wasn't adding up about Vincenzo's over protectiveness of his sister. Boys who acted that way had claimed their girl and Vincenzo hadn't claimed his sister. And how could he as he had a girl or did he? Something wasn't right about this whole situation and one of these days he was going to find out the truth.