It was a typical Sunday morning. Lena was sitting in the car waiting for Luigi and her mother to come join her to go to church.

Luigi came first. He got into the car "Mum is on the phone. She wont be too long."

Lena shrugged "Ok."

Luigi asked "Are you okay? You have been quiet all morning."

Lena said "I am fine. But I am not looking forward to this date night with Gianluca."

Luigi said "You will be watching a broadway show. Sounds fun. But if you really don't want to go I can find a way to get it cancelled. There are ways."

Lena sighed "No. I think I should go. Maybe I can somehow get through to Gianluca that he should look for another girl and I am not suitable for him. That's what I have been thinking about this morning. I spent last night when we came home whether I should cancel this date. But then I came to the conclusion that maybe I should not try to run away from him. I should face him and talk to him. I should convince him that this relationship is a bad idea."

Luigi said "You could try."

Lena said "I could... Anyway tell me about last night. Where did you go? Did you do anything fun after you left home?"

Luigi said "Well. Fun is not what I was after... But I got to have some fun I guess." He smiled to himself when he thought of how he had got on last night. After he had that lovely chat with Eden he had said goodbye. Of course he was told he was welcome to drop by anytime to visit. He had every intention to meet that girl again with whatever excuse there was. He had not been able to stop thinking about her. That was rare. It was the first time that any girl had made his mind occupied to this extent. He just had to see her again. That was all he wanted.

***

True to his word Gianluca came to the Alessandrini mansion on time. He waited for Lena to come out.

Lidia Alessandrini came outside "Hello young man."

Gianluca politely said "Hello Mrs Alessandrini."

Lidia said "Why don't you come inside? Have a drink. I am sure my son is dying to catch up with you before you go."

Luigi came outside the mansion "Yes Gianluca. It would be nice to catch up. It always is." He turned to his mother. "Mother. I will catch up with him here. You go inside and make sure Lena has packed up everything for her ... sleepover with Gabriela."

Lidia nodded "Great idea. It's only one night but girls need their stuff." She then hurried inside.

Luigi said to Gianluca "Let's catch buddy. Do you want a drink?"

Gianluca did not move from where he was. He was standing leaning to the car. He shrugged "I am good here. I am waiting for your sister. I don't need a drink."

Luigi nodded. He walked closer. He was standing in front of Gianluca staring into his cold icy blue eyes "You go out there and make sure my sister has fun at the show."

Gianluca said "I will." He stopped leaning to the car and took a step towards Luigi. They were standing inches apart. They were matched in height and body strength and build in every way. They were rivals in every way. Neither one wanted to backed down from this staring contest.

Luigi said "You know. If my sister makes one complaint about you, I will make you sorry. Make sure you treat her well."

Gianluca sighed "Seriously? I feel insulted you even imply that I could ever mistreat her in any way. I am offended."

Luigi said "Do I look like I care about you feeling insulted and offended?"

Gianluca said "No."

Luigi said "Good. Then we have an understanding. I only care about how my sister feels. Your feelings are irrelevant to me buddy. But her feelings are relevant. So tonight watch out how you treat her."

Gianluca said "You know full well I will treat her well. You may want to tone down the hostility. Your sister and I are dating. Deal with it. Accept it. Save your threats for real enemies out there who threaten your sister."

Luigi said "You call this hostility? I just gave you some friendly advice. I did not threaten you. I know for sure you intend to treat her well but we all can slip up sometimes."

Gianluca said "I never slip up. Ever."

Luigi was about to respond but then she noticed Gianluca looked away. He turned around and saw his sister step outside. He walked to his sister. He said "Have a good time." He then walked away and went inside.

Lena walked towards Gianluca. Lena said "Hi. Not a minute late."

Gianluca was just admiring her beautiful figure hidden by her long coat wrapped around her. She looked beautiful as always. Her voice brought him out of his thoughts "Hi. Hi Lena. We can't be late. We will miss the start the show."

Lena said "Ok. Let's go." She got into the car and sat in the farthest corner of the car. Gianluca sat on the other side.

Gianluca gestured to the driver to drive.

Lena looked around her "How many cars are escorting us."

Gianluca said "Enough to keep you safe."

Lena said "You mean enough to keep us safe? You need protection too you know."

Gianluca frowned "Not really. I can take care of myself."

Lena looked outside the window and smiled to herself. She liked to get on his nerves. Maybe that was a start to get him to dislike her and break up with her. He knew he could take care of himself but there was no harm in denying it.

Lena stopped smiling and turned to face him " Gianluca. If you think you can take care of yourself then why do we need so many escort cars? Wouldn't I be safe with you?"

Gianluca said "Of course. But my family want to be cautious you know."

Lena said "So your family don't trust you to protect me?"

Gianluca responded calmly "It is not about trust. It has its risks when security is not tight. My family don't take risks with precious lives like yours."

Lena said "Of course." She tried not to think too much about this date. She just had to go out with him and then the next 5 days in school she could hang out with her friends and of course Nick Edwards. She smiled.

She noticed Gianluca was smiling too. He looked way too handsome. She hadn't noticed that she had been smiling while thinking of Nick while she was facing him. He must have thought he was smiling at him. She felt abit guilty. She didn't know why. Maybe it was because Gianluca was so nice to her. He was as nice as he could get when he was around her. His sister, Gabriela thought he deserved a chance. Maybe he did... But she had Nick to hang out with. She preferred to stay away from Gianluca. He was nice to her but not very nice to anyone else really.

The rest of the ride was uneventful. They got to the place and they had managed to get a very good seat. Lena almost forgot Gianluca was there and was busy watching the Broadway show and did not notice how all of Gianluca's attention was on her. He just took the opportunity to look at her and being in her presence was making him so happy.

Once the show was over, they were about to leave but then Lena's heart stopped as she saw none other than Nick Edwards not too far away waving at her and walking in her direction from the other side of the large theatre.

Gianluca was about to turn in Nick's direction. Lena almost shouted. "Gianluca."

Gianluca was startled almost. He turned "Yes Lena."

Lena said quickly "Can we go to the VIP section to get some ice cream? My brother told me you will arrange access to it."

Gianluca smiled "So you want to stay longer? I thought you want to go straight home. That is what you told my mother over the phone."

Lena smiled "Let's go get ice cream. I have changed my mind. Please let no one disturb us."

Gianluca smiled "Of course."

Lena took a breath of relief as they left and went to the privately booked VIP section where Nick could not follow. When she got there she totally forgot about Nick and was mesmerised by how beautiful the place was decorated and there was a nicely laid out table for two with so many flowers surrounding it visible. It would have been a shame to miss it. Gianluca had put so much effort arranging it. She felt guilt for deceiving him that night. He deserved better she thought.

As they sat down, two servers brought ice cream and left by Gianluca's orders. They were now eating ice cream alone, Lena thought about her idea of how to change Gianluca's mind about dating her. This time she did not need to even pretend. She was going to mean every word. She sighed "Gianluca. What you have arranged is lovely. Thank you for the great night."

Gianluca looked up "It was my pleasure. I am glad you enjoyed it. We should do this again soon."

Lena finished her ice cream and noticed even thought Gianluca had been staring at her eating. She blushed.

He said "Do you want more ice cream?"

Lena said "No. Thank you." Then Lena decided she had to try to speak to him truthfully. Gianluca deserved the truth. As much as she feared for the consequences she just could not go on like this " There is something I want you to know. Gianluca... I think... You should...."

Suddenly there was commotion outside and one of the servers walked in "I am sorry to disturb you sir. There is a phone call for you... They say it is important..."

Gianluca said "A phone call?" He turned to Lena "Excuse me please. I will be back in a minute."

Lena smiled "No problem. We can continue chatting when you come back."

After Gianluca left, Lena sighed "Now what? I was this close to face the music..." She then almost screamed when she saw none other than Nick come through the balcony door that had been left open. She stood up horrified "Oh my god. You scared me. What are you doing here?"

Nick said. "I saw you with this guy with you... He must be someone so important. They did not let me in this room even though I can go anywhere that has anything to do with show business because of who my father is. The body guards threw some threats too... Who is he?"

Lena walked to Nick "Get out of here Nick. Now. Trust me. Just leave. He is someone you do not want to know. Believe me."

Nick sighed "Is he as bad as your brother?"

Lena said "Much worse. Now go."

Nick raised an eyebrow "Much Worse? Then why are you hanging out with him Lena."

Lena said "Please leave. He is dangerous."

Nick said "So if he is dangerous why are you left alone with him? Does Luigi know about this?

Lena said "Yes, he does. Nick he can't see you here. I would not be able to live with myself if he hurts you because you are found here."

Nick said "You refused to go out with me. Fine but don't go out with this guy. You say he is dangerous. Then why do you hang around with dangerous people?"

if only Nick knew who her family was. Nick obviously had no clue about the fact that Lena's family was as dangerous as Gianluca's. Lena said urgently "Leave now."

Nick said "Promise you will think about what I said."

Lena said "Fine. Now leave." She was desperate to get him away.

Nick complied luckily.

Lena followed Nick to balcony to make sure he left. He jumped over the railings and went to the next room.

Lena sighed in relief.

Gianluca just entered the room in that moment and noticed Lena in the balcony. He walked to Lena and said "I am sorry about leaving. It was urgent to answer the call."

Lena asked "Is everything ok?"

Gianluca said "Yes. Of course. Why wouldn't it be? Do you want to come inside? We can continue our conversation..."

Lena said "Actually. It is nice out here. I like the view. Can we stand outside?"

Gianluca said "Of course. Anything you want. Before I left you were saying something. Do you want to continue?"

Lena hugged her chest and looked at the view. The city was at her feet. She sighed. It was such a beautiful view but their conversation had to start. She took a deep breath. Where could she start. She said "Well. I want to ask you... Why did you ask me out? I am wondering. You could ask any girl out for a date. Why did you choose me?"

Gianluca stayed silent for a few seconds. He then said while looking at her "That is a hard question. It is like asking someone why they breathe in oxygen. There is no other choice but to breathe in oxygen to stay alive."

Lena looked at him sounding surprised at the answer "What do you mean?"

Gianluca said "I can not ask anyone else. I can not choose anyone else but you. That is impossible. There has always been you. I have always dreamt of asking you out. The thought of getting close to any other girl makes me cringe. I could never be with anyone but you Lena."

Lena had no come back for this. She felt bad. Now how could she change his mind.

Lena swallowed hard as she noticed the intense look he was giving her.

Lena looked away to Gianluca's dismay. Her eyes staring at him had the most calming effect. He felt so much at peace when she looked at him.

Lena sighed "Gianluca... I dont know how to say this. I have always tried to be straight with you and be honest with you but it is hard..." She had always been afraid of him. Of his reaction. Of what he would do if she pushed him away. So she had always been polite and never dared being honest. Something had changed between them. She had been determined that night to convince Gianluca that she was wrong for him by doing things to displease him but that had gone out of the window. Being around a relaxed Gianluca had made her braver. She felt more open with him. Going on a date had removed that barrier between them for some reason. She had no idea how else to explain the change.

Gianluca asked "Why is it hard to be honest with me? You can tell me anything."

Lena turned her head and looked at him "Can I? Do you promise not to get angry?"

Gianluca said "Why do you ask me that? I told you. You can tell me anything."

Lena said "What if I told you...What if I told you..." She could not say it. She could not bring herself to say it. She thought she could. She tried. But when Gianluca looked at him like that, she could not do it.

Gianluca said "Go on. What if you told me what? I promise I will not get angry."

She took a deep breath. Lena couldn't bring herself to say anything. She had not spoken the words she wanted to speak. But she could not bring herself to hurt Gianluca. She could not hurt his feelings. She hated herself. In that moment she did not see Gianluca as a brutal mean kid who terrorised the world. She did not see him as the arrogant conceited future crime boss of the Bellagio empire. She saw him as just another human being. She felt so bad for being so close to utter the words that could change so much between them. There could be consequences if she rejected him. But in that moment that was insignificant. Only because she was lost in the look of concern Gianluca was giving him. He genuinely cared for her. He meant every word earlier when he had said he could not be with any other girl.

Lena decided not to reject him directly so she collected her courage and said "What if... What if I told you that you deserve so much better than me... What if I told you that you should go out with another girl because I am not suitable for you."

Gianluca shook his head and his eyes hardened "Why would you say that Lena? Has someone said anything? Please tell me. I need to know. Has someone told you that I should go out with someone else."

Lena gulped. He could see the anger rising in him. But the anger was not directed at her. She said quickly "No one has said anything. Relax. I need you to think about this. I think you could go out with someone better than me. You could do better. Its my view and no one told me anything..." No one dared to tell her to leave Gianluca. Her family loved Gianluca. Even Luigi approved of Gianluca even though he did not like his baby sister date anyone. But he did not object to this date.

Gianluca did not accept her half hearted explanation. "You need to tell me. Who has given you this idea?"

Lena said "No one."

Gianluca asked "Lena. Who are you protecting?

Lena shook her head "No. One

Gianluca said "I need to know where this comes from."

Lena said "It is me. I just think you deserve another girl. You could be happier with someone else."

Gianluca took a deep breath "Even if it was true... Even for arguments' sake it was true... I dont want anyone else. I want you. I do not want happiness if it means choosing someone else. I need you Lena. I really do..."

Lena felt defeated at that point. The desperation at the end of his sentence made her really rethink her life. There was something in his tone. He was pleading to her to not break his heart without him realising it. It was not that she did not like him. She did. But it was hard to see him as her boyfriend. He was not nice. He preferred to have a boyfriend who was nicer. Nick was close to that description. But she just needed to get to know Nick better to even consider him as her type of guy. Gianluca was not a nice kid but he cared about her and was nice to her.

Gianluca said "Please don't ever say that you are not good enough for me. You say no one told you this. But I think you are protecting someone. I will find out one day who has been making you feel this way. When I find out who is trying to come between us, I will not be very kind to them."

Lena did not know what to say to Gianluca. But Gianluca did not wait for Lena to say anything luckily. He sighed. "You know it's getting late. We should return to my home. I have somewhere to be after I drop you off at home. I like to stay and talk for longer but we have to go."

Lena asked "Is everything ok? Is it to do with that phone call?"

Gianluca said "Yes. It is business. I need to go see my father at the other side of town after I drop you off at our home. It is nothing to worry about. My father wants me to be present in his business rendezvous. Something about dealing with new clients. He thinks I need to be there to learn from the experience." He had plans to sabotage the sleepover at his mansion that his sister had arranged. He wanted to spend some time with her at his family home. But those plans had to change. Business was calling.

Lena nodded "Ok. Let's go. If you have work to do I do not want to keep you." She was kind of relieved the conversation did not continue. She had nothing else to say. They had established how much she meant to him and how much she underestimated his love for her.

*****

It was night time. His sister was on her date and Luigi was planning to spend time visiting the Carter family rather than, catching up with his friends. Luigi was dropped off by his father's men around where his now Favourite Chemist was "The Carter's Chemist". He smiled. He got off the car and walked towards the place and entered. He saw none other than his favourite girl standing behind the counter as she was looking down and writing things down. She looked up after a few seconds "Can I help you? ..." Then recognition registered on her face. "She narrowed her eyes "You again?"

Luigi said "That is no way to greet a customer Miss Carter. Where is your brother at? Is he around."

She sighed "Well. He is not around actually. He is out delivering medicine with my father. There were some big orders coming in today out of no where..." She picked up her water bottle and drank from it.