2. Snowfall

Vienna was walking hand in hand with Tristan around a Christmas market in New York. Security was tight. The market was in a closed area open to members only next to an O'Neil casino and a Rosario restaurant. All the workers there were frisked and searched at the entrance to the market. She wasn't searched of course. She never recalled being searched. Not even at any airport. Tristan was ever allowing anyone to touch her.

Vienna walked to different stalls and shopped finding it hard to choose from the variety available.

The guards were everywhere. But Vienna didn't see what the tight security was for. She was a Rosario. Always a target. No one took chances with her life. But still she felt too safe with Tristan to think she needed any additional security.

Vienna got excited as she noticed it was now snowing. It was such a lovely shopping trip. Vienna loved seeing the white crystals falling on her. Her fur coat that Tristan had bought her kept her warm. He always got her thoughtful presents. It was really cold that day in New York.

Vienna walked to a stand and got a mug of hot chocolate for herself and Tristan. Just when she was about to pay, Tristan beat her to it. The stall keeper of course didn't accept money. But Vienna tried.

Tristan lead Vienna to a bench and they both sat down. As Vienna was drinking she avoided his stare. He was looking at her intensely.

Tristan warned " Next time don't try to pay for anything when I am around." He then stood up and walked to a doughnut stand. He got two doughnuts and walked back to Vienna. He stood towering over her as he handed her the doughnut " You have to try this fresh doughnut while it's hot."

Vienna smiled and took the doughnut " Thank you. I almost forgot to get one. The only doughnuts glazed with Irish cream around here are ones owned by O'Neil businesses." She then bit into the fresh hot doughnut.

As she was eating, Tristan bit into his doughnut while looking down at her seated form. He loved how much she looked adorable.

Vienna looked up " This is really nice. One of the tastiest treats ever..."

Tristan thought to himself "Nothing is tastier than your lips." He sat next to her and slowly wrapped his arm around her waist. He sat close to her and whispered " Are you cold? Why are you shivering?"

Vienna wasn't shivering. Just when he looked at her like that it made her shiver. He was just so possessive. She could never get used to how much he loved her. She replied " I am fine." Just to change the subject she then said " Do you hear the music? Where is it from?"

Tristan whispered " It's an Italian band that I invited to sing.

Vienna said " You invited the music band? How thoughtful of you? Thank you. I love the music."

Tristan explained "They just arrived. But to be honest they came early but they were being searched so they got delayed. Your brother insisted we use an X-ray machine at the entrance today. That works so well but he prefers searching the traditional way too at the same time. That was how I convinced him to let you come here with me. Having double security measures with different methods."

Vienna looked down " I am sorry you went into so much trouble for me."

Tristan smiled " I love you. Your safety matters most..." He then made her lean into him and kissed her forehead as he rubbed her back. His eyes caught the windows that belonged to one of the Rosario multi story restaurants. The private suite of the top floor had a window where Tristan was sure Vincenzo was watching him from. That was why he had chosen that bench in that particular place. He knew that big brother watched and if he didn't see them he was going to be drastic. He didn't want armed guards surround the place more than they should have. He wanted Vienna to have a normal Christmas shopping experience.

Vincenzo was indeed watching his sister sitting next to Tristan. He was drinking his soda cursing Tristan in his mind for suggesting to his sister it was a good idea to go shopping at this time. His father was away still. So he wasn't happy with the arrangements. They needed to be more careful but of course the Irish were reckless. He heard Letizia's voice from behind him " Vincenzo you staring at him would not make him burn down to ashes like how you want right now. Why don't you come play billiard."

Vincenzo turned and gave her a look at made her go quiet. When his baby sister was involved he wasn't in the mood for joking around and playing around. "Letizia. This is not the time."

Letizia took a deep breath. She got on with playing billiard all alone and didn't dare object. Vienna was special. Very special to Vincenzo.

Vincenzo turned back to the window and Letizia glanced at his back. Letizia was used to being alone. Vincenzo was only associating himself in public with her to protect her. That was all. She needed to return to Italy soon. Very soon. She had offered to go back to Italy voluntarily many times. She didnt want to cause Vincenzo inconvenience more than she had already but Vincenzo thought she was only going to make everything worse if she acted by herself.

Letizia hit a billiard ball and called out "Vincenzo. Are we going for dinner? I know we are waiting for Viggo and his girl to get back but I really want to get this over with. I really don't like your brother's girlfriend and you know it."

When Vincenzo didn't reply and carried on looking outside the window in silence, Letizia took it as a sign to continue "Him taking her to her parent's graves is only going to make her worse."

Vincenzo turned sharply to her "Letizia. Dont question my brother." He then stared her down " This is really not the time to discuss Angelia."

He then turned towards the window as he spoke in a harsh tone" Its a Sunday night Letizia. We are eating around midnight... If you need anything just go to the bar. Stop wasting my time with your complaints about Angelia. You are not the one who has to live with the only Andovini alive with enemies appearing left and right. All of the people who arranged for Angelia's family to die haven't been caught yet. It was a team effort and there are some murderers running free still. My brother is the one who has to hold Angelia's hand and watch his back. Not you. So quit complaining... Also...  Know this. You have to put up with people you dont like in the profession you are pursuing after college. Being an economist doesnt mean just talking to people you like. I don't approve of Angelia but not for reasons you don't approve of her.... I suggest you go to the bar downstairs and wait for me unless you can keep quiet about my brother's affairs. You have two choices. Stay and obey the rules or leave... Don't make me choose for you."

Letizia took the threat seriously so she whispered in a defeated tone " I am sorry Vincenzo... I know your brother's relationship is a sore subject. I won't bring it up again."

Vincenzo spoke " Don't make promises you can't keep. Just keep your head low. I didnt protect you all this time so my own brother or the raging bull take you off my hands with a bullet."

Letizia froze and put her billiard stick down. She shook her head "Viggo wont kill me..."

Vincenzo chuckled darkly as he was watching his sister. He found it amusing that Letizia underestimated his brother. Alot of people did make the mistake Viggo was peaceful. Well. He was gentle. But he could kill. He could fight. Anyone who underestimated him were digging their own graves. Vincenzo didn't want letizia to become one of them. He had lost touch with Terza because of her. He had dedicated so much time and effort to protect her. He had hidden Letizia's situation as a secret from his family. For what? So she could get herself killed?

Vincenzo turned and glanced at Letizia "You know... Viggo takes it very personal when you insult his girl... My brother can kill you Letizia. No one is untouchable except our blood. Tristan would also not hesitate. Your friendship with Vienna wont save you if they want you dead. Times have changed. We dont take chances anymore. We dont leave people who can become risks alive. If you become a liability, you will be eliminated..."

Letizia spoke "Tristan wants my blood. I know that... But Viggo won't hurt me..."

Vincenzo argued " Are you certain? How certain? You don't know that. If you don't know the limits of the people you are testing, maybe you should stop pushing them... Right now..." He then turned around and looked outside.

Letizia walked slowly to Vincenzo. She stood behind him  "Viggo is capable of killing me? You think so?"

Vincenzo nodded " Yes. In a painful way too. The only one of the guys you think is a saint is not one. All of us are capable of anything. We have to be."

Letizia froze. She gulped and slowly reached her hand to his"Will you let Viggo or Tristan kill me?"

Vincenzo shook off her hand and took a step closer to the window making Letizia cringe. "Don't touch me Letizia. You know my rules..." He let the threat hang in the air.

Letizia didn't like it when he ignored her touch in private unlike in public. They weren't truly a couple but still it hurt when he didn't let her touch him at all behind closed doors.

Vincenzo declared " If you test me, I might let them get close enough to teach you a lesson. But no. I won't let anyone hurt you... but me. I will be the one killing you if you push me hard enough. Vitale knows that too. That's why he is going to do everything he can to speed up the process."

Letizia slowly walked closer to Vincenzo and stood one step behind him looking outside the window " How?"

Vincenzo stated " He is turning eighteen very soon. He turns eighteen on my parents' wedding anniversary. A storm is coming soon. Be prepared and get ready to fight it."

Letizia understood what he meant. She nodded " I am ready....." She then felt like her throat was getting too dry. The thought of the mess she had left behind in Italy made her quite worked up. She needed a drink. She walked away slowly towards the exit " I think I am going to go down to the bar. Come join me if you wish." She then walked out of the room and made her way to the bar. She never felt so alone.

Vincenzo used to be warmer to her but he had changed. He wasn't patient with her anymore. Ever since the prom night a year and a half ago, he wasn't the same with her. He was much colder. Something had happened. He didn't look at her like he used to. He didn't let her touch him. At times in public to keep appearances he did kiss her forehead or wrapped his arm around her but she never felt there was any intention to comfort her. She felt like time was running out. She wanted to get back to Vitale and stay friends with Vincenzo. She had every intention of repaying him. But of course she wasn't meant to return yet. She sat at the bar and ordered a milkshake. She could see Vienna and Tristan sitting on the bench. They were kissing now. She could imagine Vincenzo fuming. He was protective of her. Everyone was.

Vienna was a queen. She truly was guarded like one. Her parents were Rosarios, her godparents were Anna and Arturo Agostini who owned half the Italian government officials including ambassadors in other countries. Her boyfriend was a Giovanni-O'Neil. She was well protected but well loved too. She was still most popular in school. Girls dreamt of having her elegance. Boys dreamt of her addressing them since they weren't allowed to get close. Letizia was mostly alone and she didn't mind. She preferred working solo. But did she wish she was as beautiful and elegant as Vienna? Absolutely. Every girl did. Vienna was the perfect all American girl never making any mistakes and having no flaws. Letizia was aware she made so many mistakes and Vincenzo had to clean up after her.

Letizia watched Vienna's figure outside. She was like a snow queen standing there. Her pale flawless skin sparkling with the snow flakes falling down on her. Even though she was just wearing a big coat that hid her body shape, still her beautiful figure could be admired. She wondered if Tristan truly saw Vienna's actual outer beauty. If he did, maybe he would have made more effort to hide her from sight.

To Letizia's surprise she saw Vincenzo coming down the stairs. But when she saw the direction he went, her excitement vanished. Vincenzo walked out of the building to confront Tristan perhaps. There was so much Vincenzo could endure when he witnessed his sister making out with the raging bull.

Tristan had Vienna sitting next to him on the bench. He was moving his lips against hers as he was revelling in smelling her perfume and tasting her lips.

Vienna stopped kissing him and pulled away slightly " We should stop... People can see."

Tristan retorted " People? You mean your brother? Well, tell him, 1980s is upon us in a matter of days. It's a new era. He should cut out the cave man attitude."

Just then Vincenzo walked up to them " Tristan... Change of plan..."

Tristan sighed and looked up " What kind of change?"

Vincenzo narrowed his eyes as he watched Tristan kissing his sister's cheek in front of him and making her blush while rubbing circles behind her back. Tristan was pushing it and wanted a reaction. Vincenzo wished he could punch him but his father approved of Tristan.

Vincenzo knew Tristan was pushing it because he could. Tristan didn't stop even though he could see Vincenzo cared for his baby sister and was furious.

That was it. Vincenzo had endured enough. He declared " You know, not everyone is like the O'Neil household. We have boundaries. If you touch my sister in public and I don't approve of it, I can ban you from seeing my sister until my father returns..."

Tristan looked at him sharply " Kissing is not illegal Vincenzo. Just because you and Letizia have a conservative relationship, it doesn't mean everyone else has to follow your example."

Vincenzo retorted " I warned you. Take it how you wish... Now... As I said, I want change of plan. Quit the outdoors. Take Vienna to the shops indoors. You have had your fun now. It's safer to go inside now rather than later."

Tristan sighed but didn't protest " Fine." He turned to Vienna " Let's go to the boutiques over there next to the hotel. They are O'Neil clothing stores." He then looked up at Vincenzo " What's the plan afterwards? Are we going out for dinner or you are ordering your siblings home early?. You call the shots today since your parents are away."

Vincenzo stated " We eat in the hotel here. We can't go out tonight. I decide it's best not to leave the premises. I will take care of the security here to make sure safety is retained throughout the night. Do you have a problem?"

Tristan turned to Vienna " What do you think?"

Vienna nodded " I don't mind. I told you we can even eat hotdogs for dinner from the stalls here. I don't have any preference for dinner."

Tristan nodded " I have no problem Vincenzo." He then took Vienna's hand in his. He helped Vienna up and side stepped Vincenzo while walking away with Vienna hand in hand to the luxurious clothing shops. But while they were walking, Tristan planted a kiss on her hair making a statement to Vincenzo. If he didn't like to see him intimate, he had to suck it up. He felt Vincenzo's eyes on him but he didn't mind. Another pair of eyes watching over Vienna was something he was grateful for. He just wished Vincenzo wasn't so strict about relationships. He didn't see kissing his girlfriend in public a crime.

Vienna didn't say much when she shopped. She entered the main boutique and got on with it. Vienna knew which clothes Tristan liked just by looking at his expression. She just picked clothing and sometimes when he shook his head silently, she agreed and put them back. But sometimes he wasn't happy and was vocal about it. He wanted certain colours and certain models on her. He loved her to wear clothes that matched the colour of her eyes. He loved clothes that complemented her pale skin. He didnt like it when she picked plain clothes.

Tristan managed to find a sales assistant " Excuse me ma'am, please show us to the changing room. My girlfriend would like to try the clothes she has selected."

Vienna felt sorry for the woman. Tristan was respectful but his stare was intimidating and his tone was harsh.

The poor sales woman lead the way shakily and opened a private changing room for Vienna and Tristan that had sofas and a coffee machine. She then left the couple alone. Tristan sat down on a sofa and picked up a magazine as he spoke " Take your time trying the clothes on... There is no rush."

Vienna smiled " Thank you ." She then went into the changing room.

As Tristan was flipping through a local newspaper he sighed at the articles. FBI was closing in on small illegal businesses. None of them belonged to the Giovannis, O'Neils or Rosarios. FBI had not been able to find any evidence to accuse anyone from Tristan's circle of being involved in underground crime. FBI had absolutely nothing on them. In particular, the Giovannis not only were covering their tracks and stayed hidden, they were gaining more power too. In fact Tristan's mother had managed to get in Hollywood. She had a film studio with major contracts. No one knew who she truly was and what she was capable of. Sancia O'Neil was a brutal business woman by day and hanging out with hollyood leading ladies by night in Casinos and hotels networking.

He looked up from his newspaper as he saw Vienna walk out with her first outfit. He shook his head " I don't like it. It's too plain."

Vienna shrugged " I like to keep it Tristan. I like its simplicity."

Tristan raised an eyebrow " Are you questioning me?"

Vienna blushed. She was teasing him accidentally. He liked it when she argued with him. Then he had the excuse to convince her otherwise.

Tristan put the newspaper aside and stood up. He walked towards her as he warned " A queen must wear what the king likes to see. It's her duty."

Vienna looked up into his eyes as he was towering over her. "A queen can convince a king to reconsider." She then stood on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around his neck. She leaned closer and closer until her lips touched his. She loved these simple moments. These were the only moments Vienna had any say in matters. Personal life was scarce. She cherished it when she could. She was totally excluded from Tristan's business life but this personal side of life was when she could feel the old Tristan was still present no matter how much he had changed. Tristan wasn't who he used to be. He was tougher, meaner, harsher and his presence and air of authority was felt more than before. But of course he still had a heart that beat for her.