(Badgal)

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Two days have passed since that night at the casino. Domenico was getting better and better, his actions started to make him look more important at the eyes of the other mafia heads.

I went downstairs at Don Piemonte's dining room to eat dinner with the rest of the others. After he got shot we didn't came back to the hotel since Don Piemonte didn't want him to recover at an hotel and since he was weak to travel we stayed here. I even got to stay in another room for his recovery reasons. Thank God I didn't have to share a room with him like the hotel.

As soon as I get downstairs I see everyone else is gathered, even Domenico. Great, he couldn't have waited for me? He is making me look bad.

"Dianora I see you have finally decided to come downstairs and honor us with your presence."-Don Piemonte says.

"Scusa. I was doing something and I lost track of time."-I say in a polite way and sit next to Domenico.

"It's alright dear now you are here. And since you are all gathered together I have an announcement to make."-Don Piemonte says and stands up.

What could this be? I hope is not another 'war' between mafia territories.

"Even though with problems we succeeded in our mission. And since signor Domenico is also okay now I have decided to organize a ball to celebrate. Now everyone will know us as the most powerful people in the business. Everything is organized about tomorrow and of course I expect you all to be there."

"Than let's make a toast to that."-Don Fortunato says.

"To respect."

"And honor."

"Cheers!"

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Today was going to be a big day. I only went once downstairs at the ball room and I saw everything was settled. The decorations were ready and you could feel the atmosphere everywhere in the house. This was certainly something big and not only for winning, but for showing power. With the people present, the news about defeating the Russians and the money thrown for this luxury event the mafia heads show their power, the fact that they rule everything and the most important that nobody should mess with this power.

I started getting ready. First on I put on the makeup, than I make my smokey eye using a gold eyeshadow and a bronze one. For the lips I use a light purple matte lipstick. I make my hair wavy and put them on one side.

I put on an Oscar de la Renta dress with crystal details, a silver bracelet and a diamond ring matching it with my Swarovski diamond teardrop earrings.

To finish this I wear a pair of Versace heels and take my silver Michael Kors purse.

After that I feel someone grab me by my waist. It was Domenico. My stomach started to do backflips, why do I feel like this when he touches me?

"We have to go now that's why I came to take you principessa."

He started to bring me towards him when someone said behind the door:

"Signore it's time to come."

"We are coming! Now go away and stop talking."-Domenico says frowning his eyebrows. Well someone is mad today... More than usual I meant to say.

He takes my hand and that feeling reappears. It seems like my body has his own mind no matter what I think.. I have no other choice but to fight it, to fight it with all my strength.

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"Ladies and gentlemen I would like to thank you for coming tonight, for honoring and supporting us. Enjoy the evening and let the dances begin."-Don Piemonte says and the music starts.

I feel someone's chest behind my back:

"Time to dance principessa we are supposed to be in love remember?"-Domenico says in my ear.

He puts his hand on my waist and I put my hand on his shoulder. He reaches his other hand for me and I place my other gently on his. There was still distance between us though, a distance he decides to end by using the hand he had on my waist to bring me closer to him.

"Amore you are a very cold woman. If I didn't knew better I would say you are a snow queen, or worst: that you don't want to have anything to do with me."

"I see you are smart enough to understand that."-I reply shortly.

"Oh don't be silly amore a lot of women would do anything to be in your place."-he says raising his eyebrows.

"Self centered I see! And don't call me that."-I say.

"Call you what?"-he says and spins me. Than he brings me into his arms-"Amore?"

"Okay principessa."

"That one neither."-I say frustrated.

"Nonono you know what they say about requests principessa. If you ask for too much you don't get any. You see I told you I wouldn't call you the first one, but than you got all greedy and asked for another one. And I cannot allow that. So I will continue calling you both."-he says smiling.

"Fine than."-I say and stop dancing.-"Do whatever you want."

After that I go back to sit in our table.

.....

The next hour goes by talking to other ladies, with Loredana gossiping about the most beautiful outfits and with a few glances from Domenico.

I see him talking to another man and after that he comes towards me.

"You know people will get suspicious if we stay away from each other for a long time and as much as I would love to stay around women who would really enjoy my presence I have to be with my so called AMORE."-he says taking two glasses of champagne.

"Yes and as much as I would love to not to see your face. I'm condemned to do so."-I say faking a smile.

"Signor Del Vecchio, I've heard that you were injured. I'm glad you are okay."-a middle aged man says coming towards us.

"Yes but it was nothing serious I am okay now. Grazie."-Domenico says to the man.

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The event was ending and all the guests were leaving. I go upstairs and open the lights of my room. As soon as I sit in front of the mirror the door opens and Domenico comes in.

"What are you doing here? The ball is over, you know."-I say looking at him through the mirror.

He doesn't say anything, but comes closer:

"I heard that you were worried when I got shot."

"And you know that I couldn't care less. But I had to fake my love for you so I said that."-I say trying to deny the fact that I was indeed worried.

He looks at me for a few seconds than says:"I doubt that. It's not like you."

"Do you know how I am?"-I say.

"Maybe, maybe not."he says and now he is very close to me.

He brushes my lips with his thumb and my heart skips a beat. Than he looks into my eyes and my whole body is on fire. He was kissing me.. And the craziest thing? I kissed back. He grabbed my chin to hold me while we kissed. I wanted this... Wait no. I have to fight it.

He stops kissing my lips and starts kissing my neck. I put my hands behind his back and I certainly don't want this to end anytime soon. But I have to stand up, I have to fight it.

"Domenico stop, we can't do this."-I say while he unzips my dress.

"Maybe, but I'm not seeing you backing off."-he says as he bites on my neck.

Oh who am I kidding! No I don't want to back off. It's like my logic and body work in two complete ways. I have to fight it.. Fight... Control.

Domenico continues kissing my collarbone and my chest. And I couldn't fight it anymore. I let it be. I let my body surrender to my sworn enemy. To the flame that is making my blood boiling.

After a while he stops.

"I love your soft skin. Your plumped lips, the way you touch me, fight me and I want all that for me. I can't let you,.. Won't let no one touch you. Not even a Russian boss. I will kill everyone who dares lay eyes on you, or think of you like I do. You belong to me."-he says. He caresses my bare back and kisses on my shoulder before he opens the door and leaves my room, leaving me speechless about what just happened.

I removed my makeup, take my dress off and go to bed thinking... I think I understand...