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~ Daniela's POV ~

"Are you mad at me?"

"No." I shook my head at her question as I scanned through the different dresses hanging on the rack. "But you seem mad."

"I'm not mad Aviana."

"But you're not talking to me." When I heard the sadness in her tone I turned to look at her noticing how she was pouting her lips. We'd already been at the shop for the last ten minutes but she hadn't even started looking at dresses yet. She was too busy trying to talk to me.

"I'm not mad at you, I just don't know what to say. I don't know if what happened between us was an argument or not. I don't have many friends so I don't know how to fix things like this."

When she heard my words a smile stretched across her face showing off her perfect white teeth.

"We're friends?"

"Well-" Before I could say anything to try and make myself seem less desperate to have her as a friend, she very quickly cut me off.

"Oh Dani I'm so so sorry, I swear I'll never get between you and Carson again or let Carson come between us again. I don't have any girl friends and I don't want to lose you just because of him. You're so sweet and funny and kind and he's a jerk anyway, can you believe he's forcing me to come to this thing tonight with Grey? Grey, Dani, Grey! I'm going to die."

By the time she finished her rant I couldn't hold back my laughter as she completely overreacted, for some reason worried about having to be Grey's date, even though they were just friends.

"It's not that bad, at least you get to dress up and go out for the night. Plus you'll be with me." When I flashed her a smile, it was clear we'd forgotten all about our 'argument' as she turned to face some of the dresses on the rack next to us. "I know but I don't want to be his date. That means I can't go off and find a guy to spend the night with, I have to stay with him and act all professional."

"Are you even allowed to try and get with anyone there? Aren't they all your rivals?"

"Most of them are yes, but some of them are our allies or just people we haven't worked with before. For example, at the last one in May four months ago, there was this Spanish cartel leader, he was so sexy Dani. He was giving me the eyes all night so finally at the end I went up to him and he just led me outside to his car to go back to his house."

"Wait, you just got in the car with him without saying anything?"

"Well he said 'my place' in his very thick accent, I don't think he spoke English or that he knew that I know how to speak Spanish. Anyway, it was the best sex ever! It was all passion and we had this connection and understanding, even without speaking. Plus, he -oh sorry."

Before she could finish her sentence she had to side step a very, very shocked older woman who was trying to get past her to see a dress next to us. All I could do was shake my head letting out a laugh at the look on that poor woman's face after hearing about Aviana's silent romp with a Spanish cartel leader.

This girl didn't speak quietly at all, even if we were in public.

"So anyway, in the morning I left before he could wake up. I didn't want to have to say anything in the morning, but he might be there tonight. Oh my God, what if he is? He'll think I'm with Grey! Dani, do you know what will happen to me if people think I'm with Grey? They'll never touch me again! They'll think I'm off limits since I belong to Carson's underboss and they'll never come near me again. How am I supposed to - ow woman just find a damn dress or get out of the store!"

When she suddenly turned to glare at the same older woman who was now more frightened of Aviana than disgusted by her, I very quickly pulled her away sending an apologetic smile towards the lady.

"Let's just go and find you a dress shall we?"

<<<<<<< >>>>>>> <<<<<<<

Dress shopping with that woman is hell.

I tried on maybe twenty dresses that were all my style - simple, elegant and sophisticated. Then after I tried them all on showing every single one to her, she still couldn't figure out what type of style I wanted to go for. Then she tried to force me into huge puffy glittery dresses or dresses that had slits all the way up my leg which I absolutely hated.

But, in the end I found exactly what I was looking for.

A simple, silk fitted red gown that showed enough skin to make me feel confident but not that much to make me feel promiscuous.

Well actually, it was entirely backless but I still didn't feel promiscuous. I don't think clothes define a woman to make her look like a 'slut' or a 'whore' just because of how much skin she's showing or how tight her clothes are. Actually it says more about the narrow minded people who define a woman like that.

I think it makes a woman powerful to wear what she wants.

Letting out a breath I fluffed my hair that I had flowing in loose curls down my back before I turned my attention to my make up. I decided to keep the eye shadow light, adding a pop of highlighter to the inner corners of my eyes along with winged liner and some mascara before I put on some red lipstick to match my dress.

I had to look the shit even if I didn't feel so confident knowing Ayden and Atticus were going to be there.

"Can I come in now?" When I heard his voice I turned to look at the closed door of the walking in closet letting out a nervous breath before I eventually nodded my head. "Yeah."

I stepped into the middle of the room as he opened the door, stepping into the room. It took him a second until his eyes met mine, widening a little as he stopped dead in his tracks. For those few moments I tried to scan his face to figure out what he was thinking as he just stood there staring at me.

Taking a few steps towards him, I gave him a nervous smile as I closed the gap, but it was only when I got close enough that I saw his lips twitch up into a smile.

"You look so beautiful Dani." He held my hands in his as he took in my dress, turning me a little to see the back. "I've really got my work cut out for me tonight."

"Your work?" I gave him a soft smile as I reached up stroking his cheek causing him to lean into my touch. "Yeah, I have to let everyone know you're mine."

"You're not mad? I'm showing a lot of skin and-"

"And nothing. You look beautiful baby girl, why would I be mad? Plus I'm me, I'm confident enough to know you'll come back to me." When he flashed me a confident, and borderline arrogant, smirk I let out a laugh nodding my head. "I would, I'll always come back to you."

"I'm guessing now that you have that stuff on your lips you don't want me to kiss you?" When he muttered the words leaning in closer to me I nodded my head, taking a step back. "Later. Now that you've seen my dress, let me choose your tie."

When I mentioned the tie he rolled his eyes as he leaned against the wall waiting for me to go through his excessively large selection of ties. He only reacted like that because we had a mini tiff earlier when I told him we had to match so he had to let me pick his tie.

Of course he insisted on choosing his own stupid Brioni suit. I don't think there was ever a chance in hell that he would let me tell him what suit to wear. I'm starting to think his suits come higher in his list than I do - first he loves his cars, then his mafia, then his suits and then me.

"I have something for you." Once he put his tie on, he spoke as he came up behind me while I stood in front of the mirror at the vanity table, watching him behind me. I frowned in confusion as he moved my hair to the side before he took something out of his pocket.

Shifting my eyes away from him in the reflection I watched as he brought his hands around in front of me resting the silver pendant on my chest below the angel pendant my mother gave me, before he did the clasp of the necklace behind my neck.

"I had it made so that it matches the one your mom gave you plus the length of the chain on this one is adjustable so you can wear both at the same time."

Moving closer to the mirror I admired the silver pendant of the cross with another extra line through, the same on I saw on Carson's chain and his tattoo. This one also had some diamonds in it which just made it look that much more expensive.

"You already know it's the symbol for my mafia." When he spoke my eyes met his in the mirror before I turned to face him. "I want you to wear it, to let everyone know you're mine."

I can't be the only who got shivers when he said that.

"I'll wear it everyday, I promise." I gave him a smile as I leaned up to press a kiss to his cheek causing him to glare at me almost instantly. "If you got lipstick on me I swear-"

"You'll what?" When I rose an eyebrow at him my eyes landing on the red lipstick mark on his cheek, he just shook his head as he grabbed one of my make up wipes to clean it off. I couldn't help but laugh as I watched him before he fixed his hair in the mirror, adjusting his tie and his collar before he turned to face me.

"You ready beautiful?" Once he'd finished fixing his appearance, I just about finished filling my clutch after I slipped on my heels. Nodding my head I took his hand as we left his room heading downstairs to meet Aviana and Grey in the entry hall of their house.

"Dani you're killing me." When he said those words behind me I shook my head in amusement knowing his eyes were firmly focused on my behind as we walked. Without another word we descended down the stairs towards the ground floor where Aviana and Grey were waiting for us.

"Daniela you look so beautiful cara." Through my blush that came from being complimented in front of other people, I mumbled a 'thank you' to her before she headed towards the kitchen allowing me to go over to Carson, Avi and Grey.

"Before we go I'm taking a photo of you." When Aviana blocked the exit, taking out her phone I gave her an excited smile while Carson just glared. "No."

"I don't care what you say. You look perfect together and this is a cute memory. You have to start taking photos together for the future so, smile."

As she spoke she pushed us back against a wall causing Carson's glare to intensify while I just rolled my eyes, guiding his hand to wrap it around my waist.

"Just smile." When I mumbled the words to him he shook his head while Aviana focused her camera on us until she spoke to him again. "Fine don't smile but at least don't look like you want to kill me."

"I do." When he forced out the words, I just elbowed him in the side before I gave Aviana a smile allowing her to take some photos of us. For the next few minutes we took a few photos, a couple of Aviana and I together too before we headed outside.

Once we reached the limo, yes a limo, Carson helped me inside before he got in next to me. There were a line of other black cars parked in the driveway some of which pulled out before we did and then the rest followed behind us. I'm assuming that was their security.

So the ride was extremely awkward to say the least. Apart from the random conversations Carson and Grey had none of us spoke. There was only one reason for that and he was sitting across from me sending me a glare.

Ever since that day he told me I was making Carson suffer by talking to him we hadn't spoken. That was the same day I asked Carson to teach me and ever since then he'd been teaching me everything to do with the mafia.

Grey and I had no contact, apart from him asking me to babysit his daughter through Carson and all the awkward meal times, the few conversations he had with Carson and I about the mafia and the sudden run ins we had if we saw each other in the hallways or came out of our offices at the same time.

Not to mention this awkward hour long car ride into the city. The only time he actually spoke to me during that ride was when he explained to me that there is a separate organisation who organises these events to keep the peace, but individuals can sponsor them if they choose to. That means if one of the criminals wants to sponsor it they can use it as an opportunity to try and earn some extra business since they can make a speech to the entire crowd.

"Dani."

The moment we got out of the car, Carson grabbed my hand stopping me from walking away. He took a second to let Grey and Aviana head down the red carpet, past the security and inside the building first before he spoke.

"If you feel uncomfortable, or scared or worried or anything, just tell me baby and we'll leave."

"Okay." When I gave him a smile he nodded, taking a step away towards the building before he turned back to me again. "Also, I might not be as nice as I usually am while we're in there - I mean like no smiling and mushy stuff like that."

"Smiling is mushy?" When I rose an eyebrow at him in amusement he nodded his head taking my hand as we started walking inside. "I have a rep to protect Trouble."

"And you think smiling will ruin that? I seriously don't understand you mafia men." As I spoke I lowered the volume of my voice leaning in closer to him as I spoke so that he could hear me while we walked. "If people see me smile they'll think I have feelings, then they'll try to take advantage of me because they'll think I won't kill them on site now that I have feelings."

"I see."

I really didn't see.

"So anyway, tell me about this whole thing, why are we here again?"

I still kept my voice quiet as we walked past the security guards at the entrance of the building. The event was being held at a hotel but there was a separate side entrance which led specifically to the banquet hall.

The hotel as expected was luxurious as ever and I mean marble floors, high ceilings, chandeliers and grand artwork adorning the walls. The hallway was empty but I could hear the sounds of chatter and instrumental music coming from down the hallway as Carson and I walked towards the double doors at the end of the hallway.

Behind us were two of Carson's personal bodyguards who I'd seen time and time again whenever we happened to be out and about. But, in the six weeks we'd been back in New York that was pretty rare since Carson was just always so busy.

"I told you once that the whole idea is for everyone to openly discuss business and make deals in the open for one night. You're supposed to bury any ill feelings for this one night although, no one ever does."

"What happens if you have a fight?" When I turned my head to look at him he shrugged his shoulders holding onto my hand as we walked. "There are security everywhere, no one has ever broken that rule, but I guess if it happens they'll just be shot. There's nothing you can do."

"So they can just kill the leader of an organisation and nothing will happen?" As we walked Carson nodded his head. "Yeah pretty much. So anyway, you already know what to expect - there will be drinks, speeches and dinner and I think they're doing an auction today."

"An auction? I've never seen that happen before."

"It depends on who is sponsoring it, I'm not sure who it is today." He didn't get much chance to elaborate on the auction as we neared the double doors which were also being protected by security. "Stay close to me beautiful, you'll be safe with me, I promise."

Nodding my head I let out a nervous breath as we reached the guards who gave Carson a once over before they opened the door for him. As soon as the doors opened my eyes focused on the busy room where people all dressed in suits and dresses were mingling and talking in the open space at the back of the hall.

I guess we were fashionably late then.

Further back into the room were rows and rows of small circular banquet tables with white table cloths draped over them and huge fancy centrepieces in the middle. Right at the far end was a stage where I'm guessing the speeches and auction would take place. There was also a bar area where I guess you could go and order your own choice of drink.

As we stepped inside the waiter on the inside of the door greeted Carson by name, nodding his head in respect although Carson didn't even acknowledge him. Instead he just held my hand as we walked further into the room finding Aviana and Grey in the crowd of criminals.

I could feel eyes on us the entire time as we walked which I didn't find surprising in the least for many reasons. The main one was because I knew Carson was one of the most notorious mafia boss's in the game, everyone here would have known exactly who he was the moment he walked in. The second reason was the fact he looked absolutely amazing in his suit and the cold glare on his face, weirdly, made him look even better.

Before we could reach Aviana and Grey though, a server stepped in front of us with a tray of champagne glasses.

"Champagne sir?" When he spoke directing his words towards Carson, he took one of the glasses before the man shifted his gaze towards me. "Ma'am?"

"Um..."

"Try mine first, if you don't like I'll have him get you something else." Even though he spoke in a much lower, colder tone than I was used to, his words still warmed my heart as I took the glass from him trying to ignore the stares we were receiving. I guess people thought we would just take the glasses and carry on walking.

Lifting the glass to my lips I took a small sip of the cold sparkling drink before I handed Carson back his glass shaking my head. It's not that I disliked the taste, I...well, I guess I didn't particularly like it.

It was a strange mix of flowery and fruity flavours, maybe I was just odd or maybe my pallet wasn't as mature as Carson's.

"What else do you have?"

"Non alcoholic?" When the waiter questioned Carson he glanced at me causing me to nod my head giving him a shy smile. "We have water of course still or sparkling, juices and sodas."

"What about a non-alcoholic mojito?" When Carson spoke up asking about my favourite drink, I gave him a wide eyed look while the server nodded his head. "If you would like that ma'am I can have them make you one at the bar."

"No really, it's okay I'll just take the champagne, that'll just attract even more attention and everyone will know I'm not drinking and-"

"Bring her one please." Without another word Carson took my hand guiding me away from the server who scurried away to get my drink. "Why would you do that?"

"Because I don't give a damn what anyone thinks, if you don't want champagne I'll get you something that you do want."

I didn't get a chance to react when we reached Aviana and Grey who were watching us in confusion much like everyone else who saw our encounter with the server in the middle of the room. Anyway, it's not like I could have done much since we were currently in public and I don't think he would have appreciated me hugging him.

"What was all that about?" When Aviana spoke I turned my attention to her noticing the black dress she was wearing