In a blink of an eye, Saturday night had come. I had heard nothing from my Cartel contact and I was glad of it. This deal was turning into more trouble than it was worth. But it was nice to get my mind off Konrad Verona for awhile.

I hadn't seen Eliza all day. Zoey held her captive in her old room, doing her hair and enjoying 'girl time'. I was told to get lost by Zoey and was forced to entertain myself. That involved settling my more darker controls by spending three hours in the gym. I had refused to leave until Garrick finally dragged me out to get in the shower and in a tux.

Now, I waited patiently for my other half, trying to become distracted by the boys' conversation.

"If you had to chose between going to Hawaii alone or staying at home with the hottest girl you could imagine, what would be your choice?" Alberto asked Garrick.

Garrick's eyebrow raised as he began to search for a loop hole, "I have to go alone, can't stick someone in my suite case?"

"No, you have to go alone," Alberto told him, with a little bit of bitterness in his voice.

"Mmm, Hawaii," he answered.

"Really?" Antonio questioned with a frown.

"Sure, I can pick up the hottest girl in Hawaii," he stated, making me smile.

"Okay, I've got one," Perio spoke up, "if you were stranded on a deserted island and you had to pick between a touch or matches, what would you choose?"

"Well, how did I get on the island?" Garrick asked.

"Plane crash," Perio told him.

Garrick frowned, "but I hate planes. Why would I fly?"

"I'm guessing you would hate them even more after that," Alberto chuckled.

"Fine, ship wrack," Piero snapped, rolling his eyes, "choose."

Garrick was silent, thinking.

"I know what I would do," I spoke up, leaning on the stair railing.

"What?" Nickola asked, curious.

"Get on the life boat that got me to the island in the first place," I smiled making Piero groan as the others chuckled.

A loud cough broke our conversation, automatically snapping my head to the stairs. I found Zoey up the top, moving her head between peeping down the hallway and staring down at us.

"Should I present you?" Zoey asked, not looking at us.

Air caught in my throat when I realized that it was Eliza, finally ready. My heart pounded in my chest for some mysterious reason. I had this need to see her, like my life depended on it. Like every breath I took was to only live that one minute more to get a glimpse of her.

Tap, tap, tap, her heels went on the tiled floor, until finally she was in view.

Air sucked into my throat at the sight. Her long curls were tied up in a bun on the top of her head, revealing her white neck as soft curls bounced at the side of her head. Long diamond earrings hung by her ears in an elegant manner. Zoey had said that wearing red would make a statement and for once, she was right. The halter top shaped her torso while the gap showed some cleavage that was classy and stylish. The dress flowed over her hips and down to her ankles, shaping her thighs. The slit down the dress was the icing on the cake, adding a little sex appeal to the outfit. She decorated her wrists with her bracelet and rings with silver heels that had straps across her feet.

I had two feelings. One, proudness, knowing that she was a queen that belonged to me. Second, nervous, knowing that she would be the target of men's eyes all through the night.

Antonio's wolf whistle broke me from my thoughts as I watched her glide down the stairs.

"Eliiizaaa," Alberto purred behind me.

I was too taken in by the sight to even feel annoyed. My feet took two steps up to meet her reaching out for her hand. A small embarrassed giggle escaped from her lips as she dropped her head, her cheeks coming the same colour as her dress.

"Get lost," I finally ordered, hissing under my breath.

I heard a chuckle behind me - I'm guessing it was Garrick - before I heard footsteps walking away. Zoey got my attention as she bounced her way down the stairs to Eliza.

"You look great, Lizzy," she told her, planting a kiss on her cheek.

"Thanks Zoey, I owe you one," Eliza smiled, patting her friend's arm.

Zoey just shrugged, taking another step before glaring at me and making her way down the rest. I waited till I heard the click of the door latch that led into the dinning room before I said anything more.

"Eliza," I breathed, taking in her appearance again, "you look..."

"Beautiful, magnificent, lovely -."

"Like a queen," I buttered in, watching as a smile spread on her face.

I began to get a sense of déjà vu, knowing that we had been in this exact position, in the exact moment before.

"Is this where you take me up to the study and give me a gun?" She asked with a little laugh to mask the hidden fear in her voice.

I chuckled and shook my head, reaching up to cup her silky soft check, "is that all you remember of that moment?"

She bowed her head as red consumed her cheeks. Her eyes flicked up like a shy child, trying to contain a very important secret. I raised an eyebrow, pretending that I was hurt by her forgetfulness. Though I doubt she had forgotten.

"No," she almost whispered, taking another step closer to me, "actually, I remember everything that you said to me."

"Really?" I asked, in disbelief.

She nodded, her lip curling as she thought, "you were upset that our relationship wasn't normal so then we pretended that you had taken me out to dinner and we had walked along the streets."

My eyes closed remembering what I had said in perfect detail. For a moment I was lost in her words, imagining the nice, late-night breeze against my cheeks and her warm hand clutching mine.

"Then you would take me home, lead me to our room and the ring would be sitting on the pillow, the room filled with roses," she sighed, taking yet another step down before wrapping her arms around my neck.

She rested her head against me like that night, allowing me to trap her in my embrace and pull her close.

"That sounds nice," I sighed as well, dropping my head on hers.

My eyes flicked opened. My brain began to tick. Wait, did she just say upset?

"I wasn't upset," I corrected, like a wining child.

Eliza snorted, lifting her body from mine. Her face was covered in disbelief.

"I wasn't," I cried, making her shake her head before taking my hand.

"Come on, we're going to be late," she told me, changing the subject as she tugged on my arm.

I groaned but complied, allowing her to drag me out the front door. There, a black SUV was waiting and like the gentleman I was, I opened the door for Eliza.

She smiled at me, her eyes giving off a humorous spark.

"Thank you," she prized, lifting up her dress and struggling to get into the car.

I snorted as I listened to her grunts and groans, suddenly unladylike. Taking a step forward, I peered into the car, not hiding my cocky grin. She frowned at it and narrowed her eyes at me.

"Got something to say?" she asked, rising an eyebrow.

I shook my head and chuckled before shutting the door, while making sure that all her limps were inside. With Eliza safely inside the car, I made my way to the other side. Once I was in, the car sped off into the night.

We had been silent for a minute before I began to grow tired of it. I had grown use to Eliza's conversation during car trips and now always seemed to ache for it.

"Are you excited?" I asked, presuming it was appropriate for tonight's event.

She shrugged and turned her gaze off of the window and now to me, "more nervous than anything. I mean, how am I even supposed to act?"

"Like yourself, the queen," I reminded her.

"I know," she sighed, rubbing her forehead, "It's not like I've never gone to one of these things, but I always had Papa."

"Well now you have me," I told her, nudging her arm.

She giggled, but shook her head, "You know it's not exactly the same thing."

I frowned, "Why not?"

"Come on, Patrick, how many times must we go over this? We're not equal," she told me, turning her body to face me.

My frown deepened, "Of course we are. You run your empire just as much as I run mine."

"Yes, but other people don't see that. I mean, Odin Volkov thought my Chinese contacts were yours?" she reminded me, something I already knew.

Of course, I knew it. My own father had wanted me to take control of her empire when her father died, determined for me not to be seen with a weak wife. At the time, I had disobeyed him, argued with him and stood my ground. But others were not like me.

Knowing that I didn't have a decent argument, I sighed and took her hand. Her whole body seemed to relax at my touch, her big blue eyes growing with a hunger for comfort.

"You and I both know who we are and who we are together," I told her, before leaning in close to her ear, "And if they can't see it, I'll kill them."

"Patrick," she giggled, more trying to convince herself that I was joking.

Technically I was, but it wouldn't take much for me to change my mind.

After another ten minutes, we arrived at Egor's glorious mansion. Even I had to admit that it was beautiful with traditional Russian designs. The car drove up the decorative tiled driveway that flowed into a circle at the front of the house. I admired the light brown bricks that founded the two-story building. Stone steps pathed the way to the brown wooden French doors that framed the glass with metal railing along the sides. Above was a circular balcony with the same decorative metal railing and another set of glass French doors. Large windows filled the walls, letting out the light that was trapped inside.

Eliza's gasp woke me from my admiring, bringing me back to the car, "It's just as I remember it."

I smiled, adoring her cuteness, letting my heart grow at my own special memory.

The car pulled up in front of the steps and almost instantly, a valet was opening up my door.

"Thank you," I told him, with a silent nod before standing to attention like a soldier.

"Thanks," Eliza spoke from behind me, causing me to turn my head and find her getting out of the car as well.

Her eyes instantly found mine, giving me a smile before she made her way to me.

"Are you ready?" I questioned her, allowing her soft hand to slip into mine.

She gave a nervous whimper as she shook her shoulders, "Just don't let me fall over."

I chuckled at her, giving her hand a good squeeze, "Come on."

She groaned and complied, following me up the steps. The doors opened for us, letting out the classical music that filled the room. I had to give it to Egor, he did know how to through a classy party.

The large and open room was lit up by taper candles being held in groups of five by gold holders on the walls. Red and white was the colour of the night, with blood red curtains draped around the place. Waiters walked around the room, trying to remain invisible as they served out glasses of wine – red of course. Wanting bachelors hung out before the stone spiral staircase that led up to the second floor, eyeing every easy woman in the place. My own eyes scanned the room, examining every face, considering every threat.

But something seemed to keep me steady. Eliza's grip on my arm seemed to tighten as we walked closer into the room, her big eager eyes only seeming to grow. The sounds of her silver heels tapping on the wooden floorboards made my blood pump around my body as her gasps filled my lungs.

My feet halted and I pulled her back before she strayed to fair away. Her body twirled around with little control, a big smile spread across her face.

"Patrick," she cried, looking around the room, "this is amazing. I mean, look at this place."

I frowned, surprised by her glee, "Eliza, it's just a house."

"Just a house! It's beautiful," she exclaimed, looking around the room like she had never seen a mansion like this.

"Don't be taken in by all this...fluff," I warned her, gesturing to the candles and curtains.

She frowned, "What do you mean?"

"Well, take the pool for instance," I started, pulling her in close and nodding towards the large wall of windows that looked out to the backyards, "what do you see?"

"Mmm," she hummed, tilting her head and squinting her eyes to get a picture.

Egor's backyard was nice, I suppose. The pool itself was fifty meters long with three large fountains evenly spaced in the water. I had spent many times with Odin out there at one of his many play boy parties.

"I don't know, it's a pool," she shrugged turning back to me.

"It's impractical," I told her, "It's only use is for show."

And the occasional late night swim, but I wasn't going to tell her that.

"Oppose to our pool?" she questioned, playing with me.

My eyes narrowed at her, "Excuse me, our pool and house have heart and purpose."

"Oh yes," she purred, leaning in close, "like what?"

"Well," I coughed, feeling my cheeks flair up, "It's a family home."

My throat tightened when her eyes doubled in size, her eyebrows raising in surprise.

Oh damn it.

"You know, you and I, Rex, I suppose and the boys," I covered, rubbing the back of my neck.

Oh what hole I had found myself into now. Being as cool and calm as always, she just giggled and reached up to peck my cheek. My heart seemed to swell in my chest, my body calming at her touch. It was just another thing that made me love her with each passing moment.

"Ah, Patrick, Eliza!"

At the sound of Egor's cry, my body span around and found the fifty old Russian drug Lord behind me.

"Egor, what a lovely party?" I greeted, offering out my hand.

He took it, with sharp eyes, giving it a firm shake.

"We were just saying how lovely your house is," Eliza spoke up, gaining his attention.

He dropped my hand and went straight for hers. Eliza's eyes twitched as he brought her hand to his lips. It brought a smile to my face, to know that she wasn't under Egor's spell.

"Dearest Eliza, you look as krasivaya as ever," he complimented her, his accent becoming thick.

I rolled my eyes and tried not to let the fire grow. Why must everyone want after my wife, right in front of me?

"Thank you, Egor," She giggled, embarrassed as her cheeks became the same colour as her dress, deep red.

His smile widened, his eyes sparked, knowing the effect he had over her. And he was enjoying it.

Caressing her hand, he looked between the two of us, "Well, you two enjoy your night."

And with that, he left us like he hadn't just set a fire in my stomach.

"Well, that was nice," she huffed, not meaning it.

I scoffed and shook my head.

"Hello, Patrick."

Another voice echoed behind me, Eliza's face dropped and caused my body to spin around. It was Odin, wearing a black suit that was similar to mine. My eyes dropped to the woman that clung to his arm. She was attractive, in the obvious type way, with blonde hair was out and curled over her shoulder. Her face was round and she had a nice natural glow to her skin. Her pouting lips was red and her eyes were sharp and dark. The dress was the biggest statement of all. A dark purple mermaid dress with a deep neckline that showed off her less natural breasts. It was backless, revealing her perfectly shape back and hips. I had seen her before at many of these types of functions, always with a different Lord on her arm.

"Good evening, Eliza," He purred in a different tone, looking her up and down.

If one more Russian undresses my wife with their eyes, they are going to have a serious problem.

"Hello, Odin," Eliza greeted when I didn't, "Thank you for inviting us."

He nodded, a smile spreading on his face, "It's my honour. To be honest I wasn't sure you were going to come."

I couldn't help but chuckle as Odin's eyes fell to me. Yes Odin, I will always try to keep Eliza from you. Wanting to distract him from her, I decided to move the conversation to his own woman.

"I'm afraid we haven't met, I'm Patrick Maestri," I introduced myself, offering out my hand to her.

She smiled, her eyes looking me up and down. I almost regretted my decision, feeling Eliza's careful gaze on me.

"Rose," She replied, giving my hand a squeeze.

The very thought made my blood boil. Very discreetly, I yanked my hand away turning my attention back to Eliza.

"And this is Eliza, my wife," I emphasis, hoping she would get the picture.

"It's nice to meet you," Eliza politely said, with the smile that she only preserved for people she's unsure of.

"Likewise," Rose nodded, her eyes darting between Eliza and myself.

"I didn't know the real party was over here," said the voice that seemed to make my blood go cold.

Konrad appeared, with that devious smile that I had mastered years ago. Already, he had a drink in his hand and my own need for one had suddenly grown.

"Ah, Konrad, you made it," Odin cried, a lot happier than he was before.

I guess Odin and Konrad were a lot friendlier than I had expected.

"Of course, Odin. I wouldn't miss it," he promised him, just as his eyes found their way to me, "Hey, Patrick. I'm surprised to see you here?"

"Well, you know how it is, have to keep up appearances," I lied, pretending that these functions were the highlight of my week.

Both Odin and Konrad chuckled, knowing full well that I was lying. I guess that was easy when I had gained the play boy reputation.

I thought I had stolen his attention when his eyes slowly dropped to Eliza who's grip on me seemed to tighten.

"And I suppose this is the mysterious, Eliza Maestri," he added, looking her up and down.

My eyes narrowed, as if given him a silent warning to behave.

"Eliza Uccello-Maestri, actually," Eliza corrected, taking a step forward and establishing her confidence.

And making me proud in the process.

"And you must be Konrad Verona, the man that tortures people for money," she added, causing alarm bells the go off in my head.

There's a time and a place for this Eliza and now was neither. I tugged on her arm, praying she would call off any plans of a lecture, but I didn't even get a glare that she had even registered what I was trying to tell her.

My mind began to panic as Konrad's, as well as Odin's chuckled, clearly seeing a delusional woman that was telling a joke. At the most part, they weren't wrong. It was Eliza's inability to recognise the reality of her own world that often got us both into trouble.

"I see that my way of doing busy displeases you, Eliza," He teased her, causing my eyes to narrow further.

The way her name seemed to roll of his tongue made my skin crawl, not to mention the flirtatious tone in his voice.

"Yes, actually