Adriano walked around to Angela's side of the car and opened the door for her. He extended his hand out for her to take. She had this nervousness in her stomach for some reason that she couldn't shake off. She smiled anyways, taking his hand to help her out of the car. Adriano leaned down and said something in the passenger window of the car to the drive and then grabbed her hand again, leading her into the party.

Once they were inside, the loud chatter of the room full of people greeted them. There had to hundreds of people here, Angela thought it amazement. The lobby was full with people; all dressed impeccably in tuxedos and expensive dresses. Most had drinks in there hand and all were waiting for the large doors of the dinner room to be opened.

"Stay close to me Angela, don't go anywhere on your own." Adriano leaned down a little and told her calmly in her ear. She didn't know whether to be afraid by his comment or nod so she just nodded and clutched onto his arm. Adriano walked with her to the bar, ordering himself a drink first.

"What would you like?" he turned to her now.

"I'm good thanks." She smiled politely at him.

"Don't you drink?" her smile had fallen a little at this words. She remembered Derek and how much he had put her off drinking because of his drunken states he would get into. Angela felt different tonight; maybe she did want to try something tonight.

"Angela, Adriano! You're finally here." They both turned around to find Carmela in a plush pink dress, her make up perfect, her hair in an up style. She hugged the two of them and handed each a glass of champagne. "The doors will be opening soon, they're just getting the last bits ready for dinner. Happy birthday son, now I'm sorry but I have to run. Mike should be here soon. If I see him, I'll send him right over. I have to make sure everything is getting done in the kitchen. Bye guys." Carmela didn't stop for a breath as she rushed out her words. Once she had left the two alone again, they both looked at each other and laughed.

"She seems busy." Angela chuckled.

"That's my mom for you." He clunked his glass with hers and sipped the sparkling liquid as he waited for his drink from the bar. Angela drank a little of hers too but didn't finish it as quickly as Adriano.

The doors to the banquet room were soon opened, there was a sea of tablets, all laid out flawlessly. Everyone walked in and got to their tables. Adriano took Angeles hand again, scanning the room and soon noticed Adamo across talking to his father. His grip on Angela's tiny hand tightened a little as his eyes narrowed at the sight.

"Are you okay?" Angela looked up at him, placing a hand on his chest. He remembered the night Adamo had stabbed him, how he still had dressing on his wounds, how he threatened and talked about Angela and was so close to taking his gun out of his belt and shoot Adamo right here, now. Despite his father's warning that if anything was done to Adamo, there would be hell to pay for it, Adriano didn't care right now. "Adriano." Angela shook him a little and broke his thoughts.

"Yeah?" he remembered Adamo pushing Angela into the wall, her cries of pain, her tears afterwards in fear that he would come back and hurt the two of them. Adriano knew he couldn't tell her he was here, she would only be afraid and he wanted her to enjoy tonight. "Sorry, I was just in a day dream there. Let's go inside will we?" He put on a smile for her and walked into the dining room with her.

They sat at a table with Adriano's family. His mother and father, Mike and a few closer cousins sat with them.

"Happy birthday bro." Mike hugged Adriano warmly but Adriano didn't hug him back. "And hello shortcake." He grinned from ear to ear at Angela.

"Dobbiamo parlare Mike, Adamo è qui." (We need to talk Mike, Adamo is here.) Adriano said coolly to him, his smile faltered and he gave Adriano a serious look for a moment.

"Che cosa? Come?"( What? How?) They talked in Italian to each other for a couple of minutes, not even looking at Angela. She sensed something was wrong but didn't interrupt their conversation. She was sitting down, her hand propped her head up as she looked at all the cutlery on the table in front of her. She tried to listen to the men's hushed conversation as they stood near her, Adriano facing her and Mike with his back to her.

"Why don't we just go and ask him what he was thinking then?" Mike said, Angela still oblivious to what was going on.

"I'm not leaving her on her own. And that's a discussion I don't want her to hear."

"You go, I'll stay here." She turned her head when she saw movement, it was Adriano walking away and Mike pulling out the chair beside her to sit down. He plastered his usual smile on his face but this one was forced. "You sure scrub up well Shortcake." She laughed a little but was still concerned.

"What's going on Mike?" Angela finally asked.

"Nothing, everything's going to be fine. Now, what are you thinking about getting?" He picked up the set menu in front of his place setting and tried to change the subject. She knew he was lying but said nothing else about it, only followed his action and read the menu.

Adriano stormed out of the room, looking around for his father who was now standing alone in the lobby. His eyes zeroed in on him and he began making his way over quickly towards him.

"What the hell is he doing here?" Adriano spoke through gritted teeth.

"Adamo is a guest Adriano. I invited him, I've been trying to mend back together the alliance we had with his familia since you've ruined it." His father said calmly, taking another gulp of his drink and not even looking at his son as he spoke.

"Why? After what they done to Thomas? And me-"

"Don't Adriano." He snapped at him. "You've got yourself into enough trouble because of that woman you brought with you." His father spit out the words like venom.

"Angela, her name is Angela." Adriano gave his father a deathly look.

"Just go back inside Adriano, Adamo isn't leaving. I invited him, I decide who stays and goes. And watch your tone figlio." His voice lowered to a chilly tone as he spoke. Adriano turned quickly and stormed off back into the dining room towards his table.

"Everything okay?" Angela asked gently once he sat down on the other side of her. She had been talking across the table to Carmela and Maria but had turned to him once he had gotten back.

"Perfect." He said tensely. She furrowed her brows at his reply.

"That's a no then I'm guessing." Adriano looked at her out of the corner of his eye, "Anything I can help you with?" she smiled at him, wanting to get him out of this mood he was in. How oblivious she was to it all, he thought. He knew it wasn't her fault his father had invited Adamo, he shouldn't take it out of her.

"No, I'm just stressed out." He let out a sigh and finally looked at her proper. Her warm and smiling face was examining his.

"Well you shouldn't be stressed, it's your birthday. You're the reason were all here." She motioned around the room full of people. "Maybe it can be thought about tomorrow, when you aren't about to have a beautiful dinner, surrounded by your family and friends, at your party." She made him laugh a little but he buried his face in his hands for a moment. If only it was that easy.

"I can't help it." He said, his voice out muffled. Adriano didn't want to smile but he found himself smiling back at her involuntarily now. He reached over and tugged her into a tight hug for a moment, needing the space to be cleared between them. "You're great, you know that?" Angela heard him say.

"I try." She joked and felt his chest vibrating with laughter. He let her go now and found Mike sticking his head right over her shoulder once she had sat up properly.

"You don't even hug me?" Mike narrowed his eyes in mock disgust.

"Oh shut up." Adriano said and the three laughed.

Dinner was served a few minutes afterwards. Angela thought the food was the nicest she had ever tasted. The meal was a whole seven courses, which Adriano told her it was "an Italian thing". She was unable to finish everything she was given and was completely stuffed by the time the last course rolled around.

Angela, Adriano and Mike were standing at the bar now, there were groups of people scattered around and some dancing. Adriano was having another Brandy while Angela was helping herself to her third glass of champagne. He spots his father making his way over to the pair of them and Angela immediately feels him stiffen beside her. She had her arm linked with his, she looked up to see his jaw twitching. Although there was a suit jacket between her skin and his, she was still getting shots of electricity through her from the contact. Angela's mind settled back to a couple of hours ago now, the feel of his lips on her neck, why had she stopped him? She regretted it deeply now.

"Want to dance?" she asked him, nudging his arm lightly.

"I don't dance." He had that glare on his face again, his mood had immediately dropped again and she guessed it was something to do with his Dad.

"Why not? What about just for me?" She begged quietly. Angela noticed Mike looking between the two of them, a grin on his face.

"Adriano." His father gave him a curt nod. Mike and Angela could sense the tension between the two of them and both didn't know where to look.

"Dad." Adriano nodded back, ignoring Angela.

"Vedo che hai tenuto la ragazza al tuo fianco tutta la notte, figlio mio. Luisa sarebbe più adatta." (I see you have the girl by your side all night son. Luisa would suit you better.) He glanced at Angela but she felt slightly uneasy by his stone cold expression. She took a small step back behind Adriano but tried to make it look subtle.

"Forse se non mi avessi insultato invitando Adamo, non avrei dovuto prestare attenzione a chi mi circonda." (Maybe if you hadn't insulted me by inviting Adamo I wouldn't have to watch out for those around me.) Adriano growled taking a step towards his father. He let out a bitter laugh at Adriano and took his drink from the bar.

"I don't see Mike complaining. Smettila di comportarti come un bambino viziato. " (Stop acting like a spoilt child.) Mike stayed silent but gulped, he knew things were probably about to kick off between his father and brother. This was a common occurrence: the two constantly at each other's throats. The two began speaking in Italian again, both raising their voices over each other.

"Let's go and dance." Mike walked Angela away, his hand on the small of her back.

"But Adriano-"

"Don't worry about those two, they're always fighting." Mike tried to brush it off.

"Who was that?"

"Our father." Angela looked at him in astonishment.

"Really?" She asked.

"Yeah. I know." Mike began swaying with her, his hands placed gently on her waist. He knew that right now, Adriano was burning a hole through his head with his glare. He knew that whether Adriano told him he liked Angela or not, Mike knew for sure there was something happening between them.

They turned and now Mike could look at Adriano who had his eyes narrowed in their direction, not surprisingly either. Mike just smirked and looked down at Angela who was oblivious to the whole thing. Mike knew his brother was jealous, although Angela and Mike were close, this was just a bit of fun. He wanted to see how Adriano would react. Mike held Angela a little closer and whispered close to Angela's ear.

"He's jealous." Mike said and Angela just giggled a little, not believing him.

"What? Of course not." She replied.

"Oh it's hilarious, just look at him." Mike said excitedly, obviously enjoying this. She laughed again and she subtly looked over in Adriano's direction. His father seemed to be gone and Adriano was now standing at the bar on his own.

"Um, Mike? He's coming over." Angela's change in tone made Mike chuckle warmly.

"Just go along with me okay?" Mike said quietly and soon enough Adriano was standing beside the pair, who were both not acknowledging him.

"Mike." Adriano huffed.

"Hmm?" Mike looked up now at his older brother.

"What are you doing?" He had his arms crossed and was looking down at the two of them now.

"Dancing? What does it look like bro?" Mike smugly answered, finding Adriano's behaviour amusing; he then extended his arm and held it up to twirl Angela.

"Get out of the way." Adriano grumbled and shoved his brother to the side. Angela watched with blinking eyes as he put his hands firmly on her waist and held her just an inch away from him.

"What are you doing?" she asked gently but didn't pull away. The closeness was something she welcomed. She could smell his cologne and was looking up into his deep, dark eyes.

"I thought you didn't dance Adriano?" Mike smirked again at Adriano, he was the one now who was crossing his arms and giving Adriano a knowing look.

"I do now, now beat it." Adriano said, to which Mike raised his arms in an I-surrender gesture before grinning at Angela and then walking off. They danced in silence for a minute or two, both listening to the music the strings instrument were playing. She was staring at him, while he was looking straight ahead, taking in the feel of her so close to him and letting his thoughts run wild within him. Why did he care when he saw Mike and Angela together? Why was he so jealous? Why did his mind keep going back to their kiss a while back? Why did he want that again?

"Is everything alright with your father?" Her voice broke into his wondering thoughts. She always spoke so sweetly, she was a constant calming presence that he needed and that a part of him was unsure whether he wanted it or not.

"No, not really."

"Do you two usually argue like that?" she inquired.

"Yes. All the time." He realised he wasn't really putting much effort into the conversation and wanted to know more about her. "Do you get along with your father?" as soon as the words left his mouth, he instantly regretted it. Her face sank slightly, like she was trying to hide it. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have-"

"We got along great. All of my family were very close. Your mother reminds me a little of mom actually. She was always so kind and caring." He noticed how she spoke in the past tense and it pained him a little to hear her tell him about her family. "She always knew best, she was a very wise woman. I should have listened to her..." Angela continued.

"Why New York? Why so far away from them all?" Adriano furrowed his brows, needing to know more. In the beginning she got so nervous and worked up about sharing things about her life before she turned up here but it was getting a little easier now. There was a long pause and Adriano noticed how she had gripped his back a little when she spoke.

"I wanted a change of scenery I suppose. Derek always had a plan to move out here too." she mumbled.

"Derek?" Adriano caught onto Angela's ex-boyfriend's name. It stuck to his tongue, feeling like it had turned it green.

"Um..."Angela didn't know what to say. "Yes, my boyfriend at the time. I wasn't too keen on the idea after we moved here. I always felt so homesick."

"So why didn't you go home?"

"I was too embarrassed." She spoke a lot quieter now than she had for the whole conversation. Tears were welling her eyes but she didn't want to cry, not in front of Adriano anyway.

"Why isn't Derek your boyfriend anymore?" Adriano felt like he had said something wrong once he had spoken because of the silence that met him. It was like no one else was here, it was like there was no music, or conversations, no one but Angela and himself. He was just curious, the thought of Angela having a boyfriend wasn't welcomed very well in his mind when he knew it really shouldn't matter to him.

Angela looked away from him, avoiding eye contact and had still yet to speak. She pressed her cheek again his chest and continued swaying left and right gently, hugging him.

"We didn't work out." She lied straight to him. She couldn't tell him the truth about her and Derek's relationship. Not here, not now. She would never tell anyone the truth about what happened. Before she could stop herself, tears escaped her eyes. They were silently wetting Adriano's white shirt and he could now feel them.

Adriano thought he had worked this all out now, with help from the other conversations they had about Angela. He thought about it for a moment. She must have moved away from home with this Derek boy, thinking everything would work out and when it didn't she was left heartbroken, moving to Canada for some sort of a break and now she was back here, all because of Adriano. He pulled away and softly held onto bother her arms.

"Are you okay?" he asked, not wanting to see her crying or upset. She just meekly nodded her head and wiped her tears with her hand, looking away from him. "Let's go somewhere quiet and get you some tissue. C'mon." he put his arm around her and walked towards the bathrooms.

Once they entered on of the bathrooms, Adriano shut the door behind them and got some tissue. The sweet scent of the potpourri and the music coming in from hidden speaks was what she first sense. Everything was dark wood and marble. The counter which had a standing white, shiny sink was spotless. There were folded towels, hand cream and different types of soap placed down carefully. It looked perfect, she thought.

"I'm sorry." Angela said, taking in a deep breath as Adriano handed her tissue. She looked up at him and patter around her eyes carefully to not ruin her make-up. She knew it was probably already in a state because of her tears but wanted to preserve it for the night.

"What for?" Adriano didn't want her to apologize.

"I'm sorry about all of this." She motioned to her face with one hand, while still wiping her face with the other. "It's your birthday, you shouldn't have to be in here with me. I'll be fine, why don't you go back outside and enjoy yourself."

"I want to make sure you're okay. Don't worry about me."

There was a long silence after his words. Angela thought about how they were alone together now, she looked up at him and he noticed how her eyes softened. His glazed over in something she had only seen once or twice before as he took in her appearance again, it was complete lust, but she didn't know it yet.

"You're very sweet." Angela said quietly, giving him a gentle smile. No one had every called him sweet before, he liked it. He liked her. But maybe that was because she knew so little about him, about how sweet he actually was. She didn't judge him from what she had seen of his personality so far and he appreciated that.

Angela stood on her tip-toes and moved her head to place a kiss on his cheek. He turned his head so that their lips met, not being able to help himself. His hands were all over her as he leaned down to her height. As soon as their lips met, something sparked in Angela, something like the kiss they had shared at the piano a while back and she responded quickly. She reached up; running her hands through his hair as he desperately licked her bottom lip for entry.

He was in charge now. He immediately took over and deepened the kiss, she felt his hands run up and down her back and then heard her zip opening all the way down. She pulled away for a split second to catch her breath but Adriano soon enough, grabbed her again. He liked the feel of her soft skin on his, how she kissed him back and let him take control.

He pulled away himself and she was disappointed it was over but soon enough she felt his lips trail soft lingering kisses from her jaw to her neck. She moaned softly, not being able to resist closing her eyes. His touch sent shivers up her spine, had her blood coursing through her veins, made her feel different than she had ever felt before with a man.

But soon, reality hit her like a smack in the face. Someone knocked loudly on the door, causing Adriano to stop abruptly. He looked up at her, both their eyes wide. The person on the other side of the door knocked again, oblivious to what was going on behind it.

"Adriano? Are you in there? Everyone wants you out here for a speech c'mon man." They heard Franco call.

He was frozen for a moment, not able to respond as Angela stood there, her hands gripping the countertop and lightly and silently panting for air.

"Adriano-"

"I'll be right out!" He called loudly and looked back down at a blinking Angela. The two let out a small laugh and grinned at each other. Neither knew what to say. Adriano leaned closer to her again, their bodies touching and swiftly reached around, zipping her dress up again. "God damn it Franco." He mumbled under his breath, not yet ready to leave.

Neither said anything to the other or anyone else for that matter about the kiss, they continued on like it had never happened. That was, until they both reached home. Angela fidgeted with her hands in the car journey home, the tension building up as every minute went by. She needed more, she couldn't help herself and neither could he.

As soon as they got inside the apartment and shut the door he pinned her to it. Taking her face in his hands and kissing her passionately again. He unzipped her dress and helped her quickly step out of it.

"Bellissimo." He mumbled, taking in the sight of her undressed self and kissed her again. Angela took his jacket off and it fell to the floor alongside her dress too. She then kicked off her heels and her height had shrunk. Adriano lifted her up now, squeezing the underneath of her thighs once she put her hands around his neck. She kissed his jaw and he bit her bottom lip, kicking his bedroom door open as he entered with her wrapped around him and the two fell to the bed.

They were both thinking too much and too little at the same time, neither wondering about the consequences of what they were about to do. It wasn't until the early hours of the morning, when it began to get bright again and Angela had just fallen asleep, had it hit Adriano. He thought maybe this would be a one-time thing when he had thought about it before, just the right dose of her to get her off of his mind but he wasn't quite sure now.

She was sleeping soundly, her arms loosely around him, her bare chest on his. Her head was tucked under his chin and her breaths were even and soft. They were both tangled in each other, the sheets just covering her lower back. Adriano looked down at her, her light weight on him was comforting but not enough to calm his thoughts or sooth the knot in his stomach. What was he going to do now? He didn't think he would have enjoyed it that much but he did, and he didn't want to admit it.

Angela woke up, much to her surprise, in an empty bed. She blinked away the sleep from her eyes and sat up, the dull day not able to darken her mood. But as soon as she realised she had woken up to an empty apartment, no sign of Adriano at all, her bright mood had sunken a little but she was still hopeful and tried her best not to be confused.

Didn't Adriano say he didn't have work today? She thought. But still went about her day like she usually would. Angela cleaned around a little and made lasagne for dinner with a salad. She set the table and served up two plates at the dining table. Once Angela took a seat at the table, she glanced back and forth between his empty seat and the clock hanging on the wall, waiting for Adriano to come home. Except he didn't.

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A. Summers xo