'Anotnella?…Antonella?' Gio searchingly exclaimed the name of his sister while moving frantically, but thoroughly into each room he came in contact with. Each time he was met with an space void of inhabiting anyone. She wasn't there, as of yet. Betty quietly made her way into the house, sharing a short and somewhat bitter glance with Mr Hartley as she crossed his path. On seeing this expression, he let out a little smirk, which made Betty scuttle away from his presence, and followed Gio to the back of the house.

'Antonella?'

On entering the remaining room of the lower, Gio was met with a large, yet cosy feeling room, with many cushions and sumptuous throws strewn about the place. It looked like a real love nest had been set up. Thoughts whirled around his mind- what had been going on here? Had Antonella let herself be seduced by this rat of a man? He swore to himself that if he had as little as laid a finger on her, he wouldn't be responsible for his actions. As his eyes darted about the room, his attention focused on the small figure residing in the corner, looking out of the window. It was Antonella. His heart leapt with relief.

'Gio! What are you doing here?' The tone of her voice possessed an air of embarrassment. 'And why is she with you?' On the sight of Betty somewhat cowering in the doorway behind him, Antonella sounded bitter. She hated that woman for the way in which she had treated her brother. And, now seemingly, he had let her back into his life.

'I've come to take you home, that's what I'm doing here.' He went forward, and tried to take hold of her arm.

'No. I'm not going home. I'm staying here with Matt.'

'You heard the little lady, now I suggest that you let go of her right away!' Mr Hartley had casually sauntered over to their struggle and spoke just inches away from Gio's face. Ignoring the command, Gio continued to talk to his sister.

'Nella, has he…have you…been involved with this man?'

'That is none of your business!' Her voice screeched at his question. Matt placed his hand upon her bare shoulder, and addressed her.

'Antie, why don't you go into the drawing room, so that your brother and I can have a talk. I promise it won't take too long.' As she reluctantly agreed, he proceeded to pat her on the back and watch her take her exit.

'And why don't you take Miss Suarez with you?' He called after her.

Betty became alert at hearing her name. 'Actually, Mr Hartley, I'm going to stay here.' He was taken aback by her confident tone and actually gave a sigh of relief. After suggesting she accompany Antonella out of the room, he became aware of the information that she could have received from his former 'acquaintance'. Betty made her way to Gio, standing a few steps behind him, like he was her human shield.

'So…big brother has come to save the day, has he?'

'Something like that. And I'm telling you, I won't be leaving without her.' Gio tried to remain calm. 'And just so you know, if you have laid a finger, just one, on her, I will not be responsible for what I may do to you.'

'Oh is that a threat?' Hartley replied, a hint of mockery in his tone.

'Make of it as you wish' was Gio's reply. He became increasingly aware of Betty standing behind him, her breathing becoming heavy. He took a step back to reassure her that he was there, that he wouldn't let anything happen to her.

'Hey, hey, hey! Why are we all acting like I abducted Antonella against her own will? She isn't as sweet as she seems. Hmmm…she sure looks sweet though…good enough to-'

Gio lurched forward, his fist ready to rain down on this disgusting, arrogant man. However, he was stopped by Betty's hand grabbing hold of him.

'Gio, he's not even worth it' Her voice was only just audible to them. Hartley smirked once more.

'Oh…so she speaks. And allowing her to stop you from hitting me. Oh indeed!' Hartley proceeded to release a loud, bellowing laugh. 'You want to know? Do you? Truth is your sister hasn't done anything. Not that she doesn't want to mind…deep down. Hmm…yes. Seems she can come over quite the prude at times. I've treated her like a princess and still she recoils and plays hard to get. Is it fair for her to be such a tease?' A curl played at his lips, as he noted the expression on both Gio and Betty's faces. The former possessed a furrowed brow and wide, angry eyes. The latter seemed to possess both shame and concern within her countenance. The rage began to boil through Gio's veins, how dare he speak of his sister like she was a possession, or even worse, a piece of meat.

'So you thought you'd bring her here, lavish her with attention, soften her up so you could get what you want?' Gio spat.

'Basically, yes.' He had no morals and didn't care about what he said. A gasp was heard from the doorway, and three sets of eyes were met with a shocked Antonella. She had heard everything he had said. She rushed to her brother's side into his waiting embrace. She wrapped her arms around his waist, as he pulled her close, stroked her hair and whispered soothing words to her. 'Shush, its ok, its ok.'

Amused by the scene, Hartley proceeded with his attack. 'Now little Miss Suarez is another matter'. As he spoke, he circled the room, making Betty feel extremely uncomfortable and vulnerable. Although she knew that what had occurred between herself and Mr Hartley was something that lie unspoken between herself and Gio, she was ashamed that it was going to be aired for everyone to hear. It would be concrete evidence, and she would not be able to hide from the way she had behaved.

'Oh yes, Betty here didn't need any persuasion…well not much anyway. A few glasses of wine and three simple words was all it took to possess her…' He stopped and emphasised the last part of his sentence right in front of the quivering woman, whose eyes were firmly focused on the ground.

'Do you remember this room Betty? This blanket? These cushions? The taste of my mouth? The feel of my hands on-'

Gio marched over to where Hartley was venomously launching his words upon a fragile Betty. Protectively he placed himself between the two parties and forcefully pushed the physically weaker man backwards. Matt stumbled into a small side table.

'How dare you talk to her like that! You really are a vile excuse of a man, aren't you?' As he spoke, Antonella darted to Betty's side, allowing for the older woman to crumple into her arms. She pushed the feelings of hatred towards her aside, as she became aware of the similar experience they had shared, and how much worse it could have been for herself. She suddenly felt Betty jolt within their embrace.

'You said you loved me!' Betty shouted.

'Well, you really are as stupid as you look. How could you think that I could love someone like you? Ha Ha…you do make me-' Matt however could not finish his words, as a fist fell forcefully across his perfectly groomed cheek.

'That's for my sister!' Another thud landed on his skin. 'That's for Betty!' And as Matt lay amongst the soft furnishings intended for taking away Antonella's honour, Gio hit him one last time. As he grabbed hold of both Antonella and Betty's hands to leave, he turned his head to look at Mr Matthew Hartley's bruised and bloodied face.

'Oh and that last one, that was for luck'

Gio placed his arms tentatively around his sister's shoulders. He had found her, she was safe and was going home. He smiled slightly. He was disgusted by the way in which Hartley had spoken to and had treated both Nella and Betty. He shook his head, Betty didn't deserve to be humiliated the way she had, and he was concerned for her. Still holding Betty firmly by the hand, he proceeded to guide them all out of the cottage into the hot and humid afternoon air.