Luigi was looking at his watch as he was waiting for Gianluca to bring his sister back. He was getting restless. Where were they? If they did not arrive any minute now, he was going to go there himself and get his sister. There was no sound but the sound of wind. He was pacing the floor in front of one of the Bellagio cars. Gianluca had insisted on some security to watch over him in the deserted car park of a Bellagio car park.

Soon a car came into view. The car stopped in front of him and Gianluca got off first and his sister followed. His sister looked ok visibly but she had her head down and was hugging her chest.

Luigi walked to her and hugged her. She whispered "Luigi. I am so sorry." He wrapped her arms around him as his towering form embraced her. He whispered back "Thank god you are alright." He then looked at Gianluca who was standing there watching them silently and said "Thank you for bringing her back safe. I owe you."

Gianluca said "Not really Luigi. They would not have hurt her."

Luigi said weakly "But I do owe you. If it was not for you they would have killed her. Thank you."

Gianluca said "Keep her safe. I must go back."

Luigi said "Wait...Can I talk to you?"

Gianluca nodded.

Luigi said "Lena. Could you please wait in the car? This will only take a minute."

She nodded weakly and went to sit in the car.

Luigi said" When are you coming back? Will you bring those people to your home to interrogate?"

Gianluca said "Christian won't mind what I do. I can choose to deal with them at his home or take them to my home. I think I prefer that I deal with them on Kavannagh territory."

Luigi said "You do not want me to deal with them. Right? That is why you want to deal with them on the Irish grounds that I can not access."

Gianluca sighed "We have been through this. I want the pleasure of taking revenge on them myself. Nick's head is mine. He insulted Lena. His buddies insulted Lena. Who do they think they are? Well, you did not tell me about Nick asking her out and her saying no. There is only one way I will forgive you and forget about that. You let me deal with these people personally."

Luigi said "I did not think Lena would sneak out to see this guy without telling me. She promised me she will tell me if she was going to sneak out. I will talk to her about this..."

Gianluca shook his head "You do not need to talk to her Luigi. She has been though enough already for one night. I think since she was nearly killed, it made her realise that there are dangers outside that she can't face with no preparation and security. She said she won't sneak out ever again. I believe her... I told you I can not accept your apology unless you forfeit your right to revenge. I will do this... alone. You should have told me about Nick. She told him no. Nick took a grudge and was going to make her feel rejection like how Lena made him feel. That is why he did this. He admitted it to Christian's men. His plan was to play with your sister after she said no to him, gain her trust and then when she least expects it, he was going to hurt her. He does not even deserve to be called a man and you let your sister get close this guy? Seriously?"

Luigi said "Gianluca. Lena was tired of me trying to protect her. She asked me to give her a break and let her be free for once and choose who she wants to hang out with. So I did that. But I made her promise to talk to me if she ever wanted to sneak out to meet with him... I did not think she would do this. I would have kept watch on him Gianluca."

Gianluca said "I know. You would have kept watch on him and I have no doubt you would have kept her safe. I do not condemn your actions in any way. Maybe if Gabriela had the same request from me, I would have granted her wish and would have trusted her to tell me about her secret meet ups. I may have acted exactly like you did. But... there is one difference in how I would have acted and how you did. Gabriela does not have a boyfriend yet... But if she did... I would have told her boyfriend about it. If a boy asks my sister out while she has man, then her man needs to know. You did not tell me about Nick." He then looked at his watch "I have to go."

Luigi sighed "Gianluca... Tell me. How is Lena? How is she taking it?"

Gianluca said "She is in shock. What do you expect? I really don''t want her to go back to school tomorrow. They will be asking around about that Nick guy and Mary girl. Lena will be reminded of what happened and how they treated her. We can't have that..."

Luigi said "I wish I could fix this..."

Gianluca said "You can fix it. I have an idea. How about this? You and your sister transfer to our school..."

Luigi said "What?"

Gianluca shrugged "It is the best idea I have. This way she will forget about Nick when no one reminds her of his pathetic existence. Also my sister, Gabriela will keep her company and will introduce her to some trust worthy people. Both of us will be there and can make sure no one dares to cross the line when it comes to your sister's social life."

Luigi said "And...How on earth am I supposed to explain this to my parents? How do I explain our sudden interest in joining your school."

Gianluca gave him a faint smile "You could tell them, you would like to win some titles and joining my School's football team will help because our team has a much better chance of winning a trophy this season."

Luigi said "No chance."

Gianluca said "Well, then good luck with finding another explanation. See you later Luigi." He then walked away to his car.

Luigi was not amused. He got into the car. He sat down and gestured for the driver to drive away. He got closer to his sister and said "Lena. Everything is going to be alright. I promise you."

Lena was looking at her hands in her lap. She whispered "I am sorry Luigi."

Luigi said "It is okay. Do not worry."

Lena said "Gianluca... He is going to punish Nick and the others... What is he going to do? I kept asking him during the car ride but he did not give me a clear answer. I wish I knew. I tried to reason with him to not hurt them..."

Luigi said "It doesn't make a difference Lena. What you say or do won't change his mind Lena. He will take his revenge. He has the right to punish them. I have the right to punish them too... But I let Gianluca do it and I am going to keep out of it. Is there anything else that is bothering you?"

Lena could not disagree with Luigi. He was right. Nothing she said or did could change Gianluca's mind. She took a deep breath and looked at Luigi "Yes. Actually. There is. You know when I was there... I met Christian Kavannagh... I am so scared of what he might do to you if he catches you on Kavannagh territory. You or any other Italian American from a crime family are not welcome there unless they are related to Gianluca. I was so worried that you might trespass if you were too worried about me and follow Gianluca there... Please promise me you will never go to his territory. " To her surprise, Luigi smiled.

Luigi chuckled and shook his head "Well. He can bring it on Lena. I can not promise you that Lena. If I ever have to go to his territory, then I must have a good reason to do so. If that reason is you, so be it. I will be ready for his attack or anyone's attack either way. I am not easy to capture or kill Lena. Don't worry about me. I can handle myself and Christian knows it too."

Lena said "Why does his family hate Italian American crime families so much? It makes no sense. I have never understood it. I was always warned about the Kavannaghs but I don't know anything about why they are so brutal."

Luigi said "How much do you know about their past? Their history?"

Lena said "Their past? Nothing."

Luigi said "It's tragic actually. Christian is the only Kavannagh heir. He has no cousins. His grandfather is the boss and Christian will take over his grandfather one day ruling their vast business empire."

Lena asked "Where are his parents?"

Luigi said "They are dead. They were killed... It was a joint effort by some small Italian American crime families. Christian's uncle was also killed on the same day. His uncle had no wife or kids. Christian must have been very young around that time. I don't know. He must have been around two or three years old. That was years ago. So many years has passed... He is now sixteen like Gianluca and I... He has been raised by his grandfather who is the head of the Kavannagh crime family. All his life he has been loyal to his grandfather's beliefs. The Kavannaghs hate the Italian American criminals and some hope that once Christian takes over he can change that policy and stop the feud. After all, Christian's grandfather hunted down every soul who was connected to what happened. He made sure he wiped out all his enemies who killed his sons and daughter in law but he declared war on every Italian American crime family in his territory and guess what? Many Irish American crime families backed him up on it. They sympathised with him and would co-operate with the Kavannaghs in any way they can. The Irish stick together."

Lena felt sympathy for Christian. That was so tragic to lose both his parents and never get to know them. Lena sighed "Do you think Christian will ever make peace with those his grandfather sees as his enemies because of what happened?"

Luigi continued "Well, the last time I met Christian, he was not very welcoming to the idea of peace. I would not hold my breath but anything is possible."

Lena said "You have met Christian?"

Luigi nodded "Yes. But not on his territory... We have always clashed. I do not think I can ever be a friend of his..."

Lena said "How come he is so close to Gianluca?"

Luigi said "I have no idea. The only Italian American that Christian is close to is Gianluca. They go way back. But I do not know anything about how they got to know each other and how they even met in the first place. Gianluca has never told me."

Lena said "Christian told me, they met because Gianluca snuck out. He did not tell me anything else."

Luigi said "I am not surprised. How else could Gianluca meet Christian?"

Lena said "Luigi... Gianluca said you will cover for me and will not tell our parents about what I did... Is that true?"

Luigi nodded "Yes. But your actions have consequences for all of us... You have to change school..."

Lena gasped "What?"

Luigi said "You and I will join Gianluca's school... Gianluca thinks it is a good idea and I agree with him. I think you need to change your circle of friends. Look what Nick and Mary did. I will convince our mother to agree to this move and when father returns I don't think he will object unless our grades go down."

Lena said "That is a big change."

Luigi said "Changes have to happen..."

***

Christian was in his office. His phone rang and he picked up "Hello."

Gabriella said "Hello. Can I speak to Gianluca?"

Chsristian said "Well well well."

Gabriella sighed "Christian. Can you pass the phone to Gianluca."

Christian said "Why don't you ask me nicely?"

Gabriela said "I am asking nicely Christian..."

Christian said "No you are not."

Gabriela said "Fine. Could you please pass the phone to him?"

Christian said "That was not very hard. Was it?"

Gabriela said "Christian stop it..."

Christian said "Answer the question Gabriela."

Gabriela was getting frustrated "No it was not very hard. Christian I need to speak to Gianluca. Pass the phone to him... please."

Christian said "Well, he is not available right now. He is busy in the basement doing god knows what."

Gabriela said "Can you pass on a message to him."

Christian said "It depends. If you ask nicely, I might."

Gabriela could not believe this guy. She said "Fine. Can you please pass on a message to him?"

Christian said "What is the message?"

Gabriela said "My father is asking what time he is getting home tonight. My father says if he can't make it back in time to be present for the new client meeting, it is fine. He can even stay the night at your place if he wants to Christian. My father just wants to know to wait for him before he leaves in an hour or not.. Can Gianluca call us in the next hour?..."

Christian said "Your father should not wait for Gianluca. He is very busy. Gianluca most likely will stay the night here."

Gabriela said "Thank you."

Christian said "You are welcome. Any time. Do you have any other messages?"

Gabriela said "No. Not for him. But I have one for you... Stop being so annoying."

Christian said "Ask me nicely and I might consider it."

Gabriela said "Go to hell."

Christian smiled as he heard Gabriela's mother who was probably just passing by. "Why do you address people that way? Apologise right now to whoever is at the other side of the phone call Gabriella."

Gabriella said "Mother. Do you know who is at the other side of this phone call?"

Her mother said "It does not matter. Gabriella. Ladies resolve their differences with other individuals in a different manner. Be a lady and apologies. Now.

Gabriella sighed "Ok. I am sorry."

Her mother said "That's more like it" as her voice became more distant as she was walking away from Gabriela by the sound of it.

Gabriela said "I did not even say anything wrong. Why should I apologise to you? You are the devil himself. I just told you to go to where you belong."

Christian chuckled "I forgive you."

Gabriella said "Of course you do... After all, you do have a big black heart. Bye."

Christian said "Thank you for the compliment. Goodbye." He then put the phone down.

He then stood up and made his way to find Gianluca. He went down the stairs to the basement and opened one of the cell doors. He watched Gianluca interrogating one of those kids who had messed with his girl. A boy. Whatever his name was. Bobby? Robby? It did not matter. He was bound to a chair and weeping hard answering Gianluca's questions.

Christian said "Gianluca. Are you still at the interrogation stage?"

Gianluca turned around "I need to find out what these friends of his knew before they committed the crime."

Christian said "I know I gave you the whole night but man, speed it up. I want to watch you give Nick a taste of justice."

Gianluca said "I am almost done with interrogations. I will deal with Nick after this low life tells me what he knows."

The boy was crying so hard "Please. Believe me. I told you all I know."

Gianluca punched him hard making him and the chair fall backwards.

Christian said to Gianluca "Your sister called. She gave me a message to give you."

That got Gianluca's attention. He quickly walked to the exit of the cell and Christian followed him outside. He closed the cell door.

Gianluca asked "What was her message?"

Christian gave Gianluca the message.

Gianluca asked "Thank you for answering the call. I appreciate it."

Christian said "Any time. Now about the speeding up part..."

Gianluca said "Christian you do realise that I am in the middle of something. Right?"

Christian said "I would hate to tell you this but that guy seems like an easily breakable moron. He wouldn't be hiding anything from you. He has told you all he knows. I am pretty certain. Let's move on."

Gianluca said "I am almost finished with this one and I will then start with the ring leader."

Christian looked at his watch "Do you want me to go and make a start on Nick?"

Gianluca said "Christian. His head is mine. I told you."

Christian said "Cut me a break. He invited himself to our hotel and trespassed on one of our business floors and wanted to call the police on my people. Cherry on top, he insulted your girl too... Excuse me for wanting a piece of him."

Gianluca nodded "I will be out in a minute." He then entered the cell.

Christian looked at his watch and timed him. Gianluca was a man of his word indeed. He came out after 1 minute.

Gianluca and Christian made their way to the cell door where Nick was locked up. Christian unlocked the door. Gianluca entered and Christian followed. Christian turned on the light.

Nick was a mess. He was chained to a metal chair in the middle of the room. He was weeping and looking horrified. He was a rich kid who did not feel like he belonged in a dark basement cell alone.

Nick was looking fearfully between Gianluca and Christian who approached him and stood at either side of him looking at him towering over him. Nick had been interrogated by Christian's men already and he had been told what his crime had been for being there. He was terrified of his fate.

Nick begged "Please let me go. Please let me go home. I am begging you... I did not mean to hurt her?"

Gianluca punched him in the face hard. The metal chair was nailed to the ground so his face moved but the chair did not. Gianluca did not hit him too hard. He did not want to break his jaw because he wanted Nick to be able to speak for now. But it was enough to show his displeasure. He said in a menacing voice that made Nick cry harder"Do not dare lie. You planned to hurt her. You almost succeeded."

Nick turned his face towards Gianluca and said "Please. I am begging you to forgive me. I did not know who Lena was..."

Gianluca punched him in the face again. "Do not dare say her name. Ever. You will never say her name in my presence. Is that clear?"

Nick nodded quickly as he looked at Gianluca. "Please let me live. I will do anything..." He did not even dare offer money. It had become clear to him that money was of no worth to these people who had captured him. They wanted his blood.

Christian said "He talks too much Gianluca." He punched Nick hard too.

Nick could hardly see now as his eyes were hardly open because of the punches to his face. His eyes were swollen and half shut. To add to that, he had salty tears flowing down his cheeks making the wounds on his face sting and his vision blurry.

Christian said "Now. We talk. You listen Nick. You have history of messing with girls. Don't you? Your rich father bribed your school principal back in California so no report came to your school in New York. You moved here with family excuses. You moved because of your crimes. Gianluca and I did some digging of our own and found out what you are really like. You dared mess with the wrong city and the wrong people Nick. Now you are going to pay for it."

Nick wept "I am sorry. Please let me go... Why are you doing this?"

Gianluca said "Why are we doing this? ... You should know why... Because we can..."

Nick looked visibly shocked at hearing Gianluca's response.

Christian said "That is right Nick. We do it because we can. That is what you told the hotel receptionist when she asked you why you had written some nonsense in that register book. You insulted Gianluca's girl by not even having curtesy to write her name down. What did you call her? Would you like to repeat what you called Lena in that register book? Say it out loud while looking into Gianluca's eyes. Say it... or I will cut out your tongue. Choose. You want your tongue cut out or you want to look at Gianluca and repeat what you put down instead of Lena's name.