New York ( Rosario mansion)

It was a Friday night. It was the night before the prom. Vincenzo was leaning against the porch pillars of his father's mansion watching the guards getting the cars and security arrangements ready to take his belongings and his siblings' suit cases to the hotel where the prom was going to be held the following night.

It had been a few days since Vincenzo had returned from the long trip and Vincenzo mostly had seen nothing but the walls of the exam rooms in the past few days ever since he had returned. He looked forward to the start of the summer holidays and the prom weekend. The students from the two O'Neil schools in America and Italy were going to the same prom due to the low number of girls who were enrolled at the schools. So it was going to be a fun weekned at an O'Neil hotel hanging out with his cousins, Vitale and Andreas alongside others. Vitale and Andreas had arrived hours ago in New York and were ready for the prom at the O'Neil hotel too.

Vincenzo watched his siblings walk out. That was the signal to leave so he made his way towards them.

The siblings silently got into cars and drove away under heavy security to the most luxurious O'Neil hotel in New York.

Vincenzo asked Viggo " Who are you taking to the prom?"

Viggo shrugged " No one." Of course it hadn't slipped Vincenzo's mind to keep asking him. His brother wanted him to have a date but he wasn't budging. Angelia was his prom date but course there were complications. He didn't think it was the right time to come out. But he was going to have a dance with her away from the watchful eyes of those around him.

Vincenzo asked " Are you not even going to try to get yourself a girl?"

Viggo replied " Not really. I am not a first born heir like you... I don't need to rush." He then winked at his brother as he had reminded him that he was relaxed as the little brother.

It was true Viggo had less pressure on him. Vincenzo stated " Don't get so comfortable. Father gave you similar tasks to mine on the trip. If you think you are safe and sound from the leadership role, think again."

Viggo frowned "I guess..." He couldnt argue with that. His father had other plans for him but he was hoping he was wrong. Since he counted on himself to have a minor role in his father's business as a civilian lawyer he hoped for higher likelihood of Angelia to be accepted one day by his family. People ruling on the top of an organisation were seen as role models. They had to set an example. What message did it send if he was Vincenzo's right hand man and was dating the enemy. He wanted a lawyer role like his uncle Costanzo and not like his uncle Antonio who was his father's second in command. He was certain if his uncle Costanzo wasnt who he was, then he wuldnt have been able to marry the woman he was married to right now.

Vienna could feel Viggo was not happy. Something was bothering him. She wanted to ask but then they had arrived at the gates of the O'Neil hotel compartments. The place was massive and it was a high security luxurious set of apartments reserved for criminals and Hollywood A-listers.

For the prom, a lot of special arrangements were in place. Girls and boys were in separate buildings and the prom was also in a separate special party floor in a separate building where the parents of the students where mostly going to drop by by choice. The Rosario children were sure their parents were going to show up tomorrow night for the prom in the building to check on them but for now they were free to mingle.

Vienna separated from the boys and went to the girls building as Viggo and Vincenzo made their way to the hotel building where the boy's rooms were located.

After taking their suitcases to their room, Vincenzo and Viggo spotted all the boys in the communal area on their floor hanging out. The boys had played games and towards the end of the night, they all went for a walk in the grounds of the vast hotel and to eat at a pizza parlour on site that was open till late.

Vitale and Vincenzo had chosen to remain behind.

As the boys left, Vincenzo closed the door to the communal room " Are you ready?"

Vitale had a serious expression. Of course. I have to see her... Do you know which room she is in?"

Vincenzo suggested " I will pick her up from her room and will bring her here. It's easier that way."

Vitale whispered " Thank you Vincenzo."

Vincenzo replied " Don't go anywhere." He then left the room and made his way to the lobby and then exited the building to get Letizia from her apartment.

It was pretty late but by the looks of it the girls were busy chatting and eating snacks in the cafe of the lobby. Vincenzo called her " Letizia. Do you have a minute."

Letizia looked up from her table and whispered something to the girls at the table. She then walked away towards Vincenzo. She had changed slightly. She was calmer now. Weeks of mentoring by Georgina canavaro had helped her win some brownie points to a point that sancia O'Neil had allowed her to attend the prom. She was becoming more aware of how to act in public but of course behind closed doors she was still wild. He wouldn't have had it any other day. He liked her to have fire in her. There was no issue with her strong character. Her offensive approach was an issue.  Her insulting ways at the wrong times and at the wrong people was the trouble some issue.

As Letizi reached him, she immediately gave him a hug. He glanced at the table and saw Terza looking down. He had to protect Letizia so in public they were still an item. He whispered " How is life spitfire?"

Letizia let go and stared at him " I have missed my freedom. I like it now that school is over... I don't want detention any more..."

Vincenzo smiled weakly " You Won't get any more detention unless you misbehave. You are allowed in the prom so it's the end of your punishment but ... my father still hasn't forgiven you even if Vienna doesn't mind you...."

Letizia sighed " There is nothing I can do about it..."

Vincenzo replied " You are right... But you can behave so my father doesn't kill you..." He then whispered as he leaned closer " By dating you, I can protect you from anyone but not my father. He will kill you Letizia the next time you touch my sister..."

Letizia swallowed hard " I know... I won't ever touch your sister. I swear it... But we both know I don't need to worry about your father when it comes to Vienna... I know you will ... kill me before him... You made it clear last time."

Vincenzo took a breath of relief " That's good that you understand because I don't want to break my word.... I am not here to issue threats though. I came here to ... take you to him... He is waiting to see you."

Letizia closed her eyes and took s deep breath. She then opened her eyes " Don't make me see him... I can't..."

Vincenzo raised an eyebrow " Come on. You are fearless. You don't hesitate to do anything and face anyone... Why do I sense that you are ... nervous?..."

Letizia knew he could see right through her. Vincenzo didn't love her but he understood her. They had a friendship. Maybe if she hadn't met Vitale when she had, then she could see a future with him. But again to stay alive she had to stay with him either way. She whispered " I can't Vincenzo. I was just sitting next to his sister over there... How can I ever look her in the eye if I place Vitale in danger if anyone finds out about this?." She then nervously looked around. They were in an empty corner of the cafe but she still was worried that someone eavesdropped.

Vincenzo replied " You haven't learnt your lesson. Have you? The problem is when you are meant to think before you act, you don't. You just go for it. But when you are meant to just give in and do what you need to, you hesitate. Come on. The responsibility is on me. You can see him. I know you tried to blank him off your mind because you were afraid after you tried to kill a Luciano.... Where is she by the way? Where is Julietta?" He then laughed. " Of course. I remember. My uncle Antonio said they are staying at the Luciano owned hotel tonight. No wonder Andreas was annoyed. So Julietta is sleeping away tonight.... You will see the Lucianos tomorrow. It was possible to negotiate with them. They can't argue with sancia O'Neil. She let you in the prom and they have to respect the peace. Tomorrow, keep away and no one will die."

Letizia hesitated " I can't..."

Vincenzo sighed " You either come the easy way or the hard way... Don't make me carry you... Vitale deserves to see you. He has missed you... Give him a chance. This mess will be over..."

Letizia sighed " Fine."

Vincenzo nodded " Good girl." He then lead her outside and to the boys' hotel. She lead her up on the elevator to the floor where the communal area was. As he opened the door to the communal area " Go inside."

As she entered, he closed the door and stood watching the scene. He saw the change in Letizia. She was different. She was acting shy suddenly. Almost nervous looking at Vitale.

The two of them embraced. He wasn't sure if he wanted to watch any more. His life was messed up. He decided to leave. He whispered " Lock the door from the inside... Letizia can make her way back." He then left the room.

He made his way to the pizza parlour and ate with the boys.

As the time went on most of the boys left and only a few were remaining in the pizza parlour. Vincenzo was now playing billiard with Andreas as the other boys were sitting on the table drinking soda and talking.

The door to the pizza parlour opened and a group of girls entered. Vincenzo noticed Terza was one of them. The girls acted odd. Some of them were giggling and some of them were looking around and whispering. He didn't think much of it. Girls normally did that.

Then he saw her walking in the middle of the restaurant. Terza was now looking around at the group of boys. Her brothers, her cousin Niall and cousin Sebastiano were left on the table talking and here he was standing there playing with Andreas. She kept glancing between the group of boys now. The girls were standing at the door watching her.

Tristan was first to notice " Are you alright Clarisa? Do you need anything?"

Clarisa shook her head as she not her lip " No. I am fine..." She then turned towards the girls and mouthed something to the girls and they moved slightly blocking the door as she made her way to them. She objected " I can't do it in front of my brothers..." But the girls shook their heads.

Tristan stood up and asked " Clarisa. What are you talking about?"

Clarisa gave out a frustrated sigh and then turned around and made up her mind. She turned around and looked between the two group of boys. She then made her way right towards Vincenzo.

Vimcenzo was confused and curious to what she was doing. He dropped the billiard stick on the billiard table and as Clarisa approached him, he asked " What is going on?"

Vincenzo was shocked. He found her getting closer. She stood right in front of him in his personal space and wrapped her arms around him and then to Vincenzo's shock and astonishment she attached her lips to his.

The entire room disappeared for Vincenzo. She was kissing him. Terza was actually kissing him and it felt unbelievable. It was out of this world. It felt like how he imagined his first kiss to be only more real and more magical. Her lips tasted so sweet. She didn't let go and he didn't push her away. He kissed her back by instinct. He couldn't imagine any pleasure above this. Being in her warm embrace being kissed on the lips. Her soft lips made him feel just pure pleasure. He tasted her lips and moved his lips against hers gently.

Tristan was shocked. He was standing watching the scene in disbelief. Had his sister lost her mind. His father was going to go crazy. This parlour was on the grounds of an O'Neil hotel so he was certain the guards in the pizza parlour were going to report to his father. Did his baby sister have feelings for the beast?

Tristan shook his head " Clarisa? Why?"

Clarisa quickly pulled away running out of breath as her brothers voice brought her out of her thoughts.

Azurine objected as she looked at her watch " That was one second short. We said one minute....." Then she gulped as she noticed Tristan's harsh stare and didn't continue.

Clarisa sighed and then turned around. To Vincenzo's further shock she leaned close and kissed him on the lips once and pulled away as she turned around " That makes it a minute."  She then turned to Vincenzo and sighed " I am so sorry... I had to do this... I lost in truth or dare and I was dared to kiss someone in the pizza parlour. I picked you... Sorry... I couldn't kiss my brothers or cousins.. And Andreas is dating a Luciano. If I kissed him their traditional family would declare war but I knew there won't be war since ... Letizia was the one who placed this dare idea in the hat and I picked it. So she can't kill me for acting on the dare that she picked."

Vincenzo reminded himself to thank Letizia. He was going to repay her for this to get his first kiss from Terza. He cleared his throat " Apology accepted... No hard feelings..." He then said to himself " But there is plenty of feelings. You touched my heart, my girl."

The pizza parlour shook with Tristan's roar " I will kill her. I will kill Letizia for suggesting this outrageous dare. Where is she? My sister just lost her first kiss to Vincenzo."

The boys were frozen. His wrath was pretty real.

Vincenzo objected as he saw Tristan walking around his table looking right at the exit " Hold your temper. It was an innocent kiss. It doesn't even count as a first kiss. It's from a dare. Come on man.... ,"

Tristan narrowed his eyes and made his way towards Vincenzo " Don't tell me to calm down.... Your girl just forced my sister to kiss you.... She is dead...."

Clarisa held her brother's hand as he was about to walk away blocking his path " I am fine. It's a game. It's not a real kiss. It's abit of fun."

Tristan turned to his sister " You should have told me... Let go or you will regret it,,," The look in his eyes made her obey the command instantly. She nervously let go. He was scary in that moment.

Tristan  side stepped her and made his way towards the door and the girls parted and made way for Tristan to go past them through the door. He looked murderous .

None of them wanted to be killed by Tristan. But of course Vienna was standing at the door. Her heart was racing. She had to stop him. She blocked the door and her back hit the door as she took a step back as Tristan approached the exit. She pleaded " Tristan calm down...."

Vincenzo walked behind Tristan and then he looked at his sister and warned " Vienna. Are you mad? Get out of the way. I will fix this..."

Just as Tristan reached Vienna. He warned " Get out of the way or I will move you..."

Vienna breathed " Tristan... Don't get mad..." She then made up her mind... She wrapped her arms around Tristan as she leaned close and touched her lips to his.