APOV

"How are your hands mum" Lucy asked me.

"They're fine Lucy, look" I said, showing her them.

Although bruised, the redness had gone down. I think Christian had kissed all the pain away last night once my daughter had let me go. She had been so relieved when we had arrived home, happy that although we still had some people to deal with, the evil bitch was gone.

"Is Nicole back home yet" I asked about her friend who was coming later in the day.

"Yes, she was telling me all about the security system that was in place. Apparently, it looks like something out of star trek or the space station."

"I hope it's a bit more up to date than the space station" I laughed, knowing that place had been up there a long while.

"You know what I mean mum, so hi-tech. She was also telling me about Penny's new boyfriend. Barney."

"Barney, member of this family Barney" I asked, nearly choking on my tea.

"Yep, he spent so much time around there, setting up and showing her how to work the new system, that he finally asked Penny out. Nicole likes him."

"He's a good guy" I smiled, turning towards the doorway when my deliciously dishevelled husband came into the room.

"What do you want for breakfast Christian" I asked, getting ready to get up from my chair.

"Stay where you are Ana, I will have some toast" he told me, stealing a slice from my plate.

"Dad, I'm sure you can make your own toast" Lucy teased him.

"He doesn't need to, he has been sharing my toast since we have been married. Why do you think I always make extra" I told her, smiling as a buttery kiss came my way.

"How are they and don't say fine" he asked, picking up my hands.

"A bit sore and stiff, nothing broken though. You should see the other girl."

"I did" he said, looking into my eyes as his fingers came up to stroke where her hand had touched my cheek.

…

I spent the afternoon around the house while Christian went to the club. Tuesday night is when people come in and pay their tributes but over the past few weeks, everything has been pushed back so everyone could concentrate on the search. Now Christian wants everything back to normal again and everyone to pay what is due.

Lucy had Nicole and Gabriella over, talking about the wedding we're going to soon. Nicole isn't sad that she's not going with them, she's happier than I have ever seen her before and I think Barney has a lot to do with that. He was here when the girls arrived, laughing and speaking with Nicole before he left with Christian.

"Ana" Oriella said, knocking on my bedroom door.

"Yes, in here" I called from Christian's closet, where I was putting some of his clothes away.

"He has more clothes than I do" she laughed, joining me.

"You and me both. Look at the colours though, black, white and blue. The only time he wears any other colour is if I buy him something."

"Ana you could get Christian to wear pink if you asked him."

"Probably" I laughed. "I bought him this about ten years ago" I told her, pulling a pale pink shirt down. "He has worn it once, only to make me happy and even though I know he would never wear it again, he will not throw it away."

"Sounds like Luca with that Hawaiian shirt I bought him as a joke. He will never wear it but he won't part with it either."

"Men are funny when it comes to something bought by their wife or girlfriend."

I made my way out of the closet and towards my box. It's not much of a secret of how to get into the drawer any more as all my family know. It's still a good place to store things, the money Christian gave to me this morning in fact.

"I love that box" Oriella said as I closed it once the money was inside, keeping company with all the rest that was there.

"I do too. I always wondered where my mother got it from as my grandparents said she never had it with her when she was taken. Something she acquired along the way, the perfect hiding place" I said wistfully as my hand came up to rest over my locket. "Are you ok" I asked Ori as she sat down on the small couch we had in my bedroom.

"Yes, speaking of mothers, I need to go home" she said, playing with the bangle that now adorned her wrist.

"Does Luca know" I asked her, taking a seat by her side.

"Yes, of course. When I said that I need to go home, I mean to collect my things. My mother has sent me yet another of her colourful messages, telling me that the things I have left behind will be thrown out by tomorrow if I do not pick them up. Personally, I think that she just wants me to go around so she can try and change my mind about Luca but there are photos of my grandparents there that I would like to collect, little mementoes that I have had since I was a child. They loved Luca, especially his cheeky smile. My grandmother was always pinching his cheeks when she would pick me up from kindergarten."

"I remember" I smiled. "She was a wonderful woman." It's a shame her daughter wasn't the same. "When would you go."

"Luca is on his way back from his office so as soon as he gets here, we will go. I know the girls are here but I was wondering if you could come with us. I'm hoping with you there, my mother will hold her tongue."

"We can but wish. Of course, I will go with you, the girls will be fine here. If she doesn't hold her tongue, I will feed it to her" I said, following Oriella and her laughter out of my bedroom.

Oriella joined the girls at the table while I sent a message to Christian.

The fox is about to go into the hen house, knuckle check might be needed xxx – Ana

I don't know whether to be worried or turned on at the thought of you kicking the shit out of someone again. Who is it that has earned a fist this time xxx – Christian.

Martina Pais. She likes to send threats to Oriella. I'm going around there to help her pick some of her special things up xxx – Ana

I will meet you there xxx – Christian

Christian you have been telling me how important it was that you got back to work today. If any part of me needs your attention before you come home tonight, I will come and see you at the club. I will be fine, I love you xxx – Ana

Ok, I love you Princess. Stay safe and stay close to your guards. xxx – Christian

"I will xxx – Ana

Luca, Oriella and I headed to her old home on the other side of Bellevue. The houses much smaller here, the lawns left to grow as if no one really cared. It's hard to imagine that the young woman cuddled into my son's side had grown up in this place. I pulled onto the driveway, blocking in the car that was already there. Curtains were twitching already, so they knew who had arrived.

I had my usual guard following me and an additional ten too. We still had a threat out there that needed to be found, although with my husband giving orders, it will be only a matter of time. I won't be stupid with my safety though, I never am so as my guards all fanned out across the street, we finally got out of the car.

"Are you ok" Luca asked her quietly.

"I'm fine. I just hope my mother hasn't destroyed anything that is important to me."

"Do I need the big guns out" David asked as I shook my head. He had Oriella's guard Malc by his side and I knew they were both armed.

David had been here the time that Christian had paid a visit to her father and I knew he would stay close now.

Oriella unlocked the door for us, before we made our way inside.

"Look who remembered where she lives" her father said, coming into the hallway.

Seeing Luca and myself stood with Ori and our guards, immediately quieted his words.

"I will go and get what I want" Oriella said quietly.

"Ok sweetheart, take your time" I told her, looking at her father, daring him to say anything.

We had not even been in the house five minutes when the shouting started upstairs.

"Go" I told Luca who quickly disappeared with Malc not far behind.

"She doesn't need him there. Martina just wanted words with our daughter."

"If you haven't realised by now, where one goes, so does the other. They have been like that since they were babies and that is not going to stop now" I told him, standing my ground. I received a huff from him before David and I were left alone in the hallway.

I could hear some game on the TV but it held no interest to me. What did interest me was the woman who was barrelling down the stairs towards me, raging like a bull.

"You filled her head with shit, brainwashed her against us. She doesn't belong in your house, doesn't belong with you" she spat as David tried to move me behind him but I wouldn't budge.

"I gave Oriella a home, a place where she could be herself. If you have a problem with that then tough, someone needed to."

"Why you" she said angrily bringing her hand to my face. I stopped her before she could touch me, knocking her to the floor.

"Stop, don't touch her" Oriella called out, running down the stairs.

I thought she was talking about me hurting her mother but Oriella stood in front of me, shouting at the woman on the floor. She was upset and I hated that because the tears were caused by someone who should've cared for her. We never had a problem with her parents until the day they laid a finger on our girl.

"You don't touch Ana. She and Christian have been better parents to me that you ever could have."

"Yes, perfect role models, criminals" she spat, getting to her feet.

"Ori" I said, quietly. Moving Oriella into my son's arms.

"You can think what you want about me, try to hit me but I will always put you where you belong. Oriella is part of my family, a very important part in fact and I will not let you hurt her."

"You have no right to take her away from us."

"No one took me away mother, I went willingly. I went to a family that is full of love, one that sticks together through thick and thin and I'm so happy and proud to know that when Luca and I get married, I will finally be a Grey."

"You always have been Ori" I told her, repeating my husband's words.

"Let her go Tina, we don't want any of their type in here" her father said, joining us in the hallway. "Go whore yourself out to them."

It wasn't my sons fist that connected with his face although he had been moving quickly forward, it was my own. My bruised knuckles getting just a bit more painful as I tried to move them. It was so worth it though, to see this lard arse hit the floor.

"Do not" I said, pointing to them both. "Do not ever call my daughter that."

"She isn't" was all her mother got out before she shrunk back when I moved forward.

"Oriella is my daughter and she's protected, especially from the likes of you…. Do you have everything you need" I asked, turning to Oriella.

"Yes, your hand, is it ok" she asked through her tears as I pulled her into my arms. Luca, David and Malc were keeping watch so that they didn't move.

"Of course" I winced as I tried to move my fingers. Oriella didn't see it but my son did. "I will be ok" I told her, leading her to the door.

Placing Oriella into the car, I turned to my son, knowing what was coming. Luca and his brothers are nearly as bad as their father when it came to my health.

"Mum you need to get those fingers seen to."

"I will. I will go and see your grandfather when I get you two home. We both know what will happen if I call your father from here."

"Yes, ashes to ashes" he said.

Instead of me driving my children home as I wasn't driving anyone anywhere with my fingers, we had to split up. Luca was torn, wanting to make sure his fiancée was ok and not wanting to leave me either. His priority was Oriella though, just like I know Christian's priority would be me. I would see Eamon first though, see what the damage was before informing my husband. I would rather have the explosion that I know is going to happen at the club rather than the hospital.

…

I had a break in my middle finger and a small fracture to the one, to its left. He did ask me if I have been flipping people off or giving two fingers as they were the ones that I broke.

I scanned in at the club, hiding my hand as I made my way up the stairs. The music was pounding, the drinks in full flow as everyone seemed to be having a good time.

"If one of you changes what you're doing then I'm going to be pissed and you wouldn't like me when I'm pissed" I said as the music quietened. They were all probably getting ready to run from the room.

I received a lot of smiles as the music was turned up again and the party continued.

I made my way towards Christian's office, hearing the laughter from within. He had his door open and as I peeked inside, a full office too.

"Show me" he said as soon as he spotted me, knowing I would've been at home otherwise.

"Can't a wife come and visit her husband at work" I asked.

"Mum what the fuck have you done" Theo asked, scaring the crap out of me as I hadn't realised he was there.

"Don't shout at me like that" I scolded him.

"Never mind that Ana, let me see" Christian told me.

While I had been looking at Theo, Christian had made his way around his desk until he took my hand into his.

"She had better not dare get up again" he said angrily.

"It wasn't her, it was him."

"WHAT, where was your guard."

"Stood beside me. When someone calls one of our girls a whore, I'm not just going to stand there and do nothing. I just happened to be nearer and quicker than Luca or David at that moment. The rest of my guards were surrounding the house."

"Why didn't you tell me, I would've come to the hospital with you."

"If I had told you while we were there, you would've burnt that place to the ground, no matter how many witnesses there was. I know you Christian when it comes to our children, so don't deny it. I asked Eamon to look at it, hoping it was just bruised again so I didn't have to worry you."

"But it isn't, is it."

"No, I have broken my middle finger and a small fracture to my index. Eamon said I had either been flipping people off too much or giving them the two-fingered salute" I giggled.

I could see the stern look on my husband's face slowly begin to fade as a smile came to his lips. The room had quickly cleared, leaving just the two of us here which was perfectly fine by me.

"What am I going to do with you" he asked, shaking his head.

"Love me, kiss me and cut my food up for me because I have no chance with this" I said, raising my hand.

"I promise" he whispered against my lips before they touched.

I gripped his shirt with my left hand, having no chance with my right while his lips devoured mine. A knock on the closed door was ignored, as his lips moved to my neck.

"I want you but not here, when we get home."

"Can I stay, until you go home" I asked, receiving a little nod.

"You will probably scare the shit out of them, most have seen you in action."

"I probably already did out there before. I think my body and especially my hands need a vacation from scaring people."

"Chicago, we can relax although we will have everyone around. When we get back, after your and Lucy's birthdays are over, we will go away, just the two of us before the family fly back to Italy."

"I'd like that. Can we go back to Arletta."

"Of course, Princess. A couple of days, just the two of us, preferably naked sounds perfect."

He was moving closer to kiss me again when another knock on the door came.

"I'm going to shoot them all" he groaned, pulling away from me.

"You did tell everyone that they needed to be here tonight and not to be late. They're just doing as they were told, probably afraid of your wrath."

"Go and take my seat then. They're here to pay tribute, they can pay the Boss" he smiled, waiting until I had taken his seat before he opened the door, barking at them all for the interruption.

…

Being Boss for the evening was hilarious. I had those who were surprised to see me. Many I knew, not really surprised at all. Men I had seen being loud and obnoxious in the club before, were now quietly paying their tribute.

"You should get Ana to work here every week" I heard Jason say to my husband. "I don't think you have ever cleared them all out of here this quickly before."

"No thank you boys, I don't think my nostrils could take the stench. Do some of them bathe or do they kill their enemy by smell. Death by smelly armpit" I laughed as they both joined me.

"Sorry Ana, having a bath is not one of the criteria for joining this business" Jason laughed.

"It should be, I can still smell the last one."

Once the last of Christian's men had been in to pay their tribute, we moved out into the bar. It was late and although there was no dancer on the stage now, the place was still busy.

"What happens to all that money you collected in tonight" I asked Christian.

"It depends if we need a supply of something coming in, whether drugs, guns or cars. They are always sorted first. The rest goes into various accounts at various locations under various names. Some will go through the club downstairs, showing up as alcohol sales. We order a lot, especially for two places. Apart from Ros, no one downstairs knows about this place. It's the busiest club in Seattle so they go through a hell of a lot of alcohol. Money from tribute goes in with that, being banked along with all the other money they bring in at the bar downstairs. We do our homework, we always bank the right amount of money for the alcohol sold. The money made in this club goes straight to us as it doesn't exist."

"You have money everywhere" I asked.

"We have money every where" he whispered, leaning in to kiss my lips.

Christian and I made it home just after two. Lucy thought it was hilarious that I was working with her father when I spoke to her earlier in the evening. Telling me to put everyone in their place.

….

"The party can start now that I'm here" Mac shouted down from the top of the steps to Christian and I below.

"We're here" Sofia laughed, walking past her husband and down the stairs of the Jet to greet us.

"Welcome back" I smiled, hugging my aunt.

"It's good to be back, although next time those two decide to have a farting competition halfway across the ocean, I will be getting the pilot to ditch us in it."

I laughed, hugging my uncle next who on seeing my hand immediately took it into his. He looked to Christian and then back to me, tipping my chin up so he could see my face.

"The other person had better not still be standing."

"Not when I left him" I told Mac, hugging him once more, hearing a mumbled "Good" above me.

I hugged AJ who was happy to be back, only wishing he could've brought the Italian weather with him too.

"He's just getting over a cold. He is worse than his Dad at complaining if he's too hot or cold" Sofia told me as their bags were loaded into the car.

"When he gets as bad as Christian, then worry."

"I heard that Princess" he complained.

"You were meant to" Sofia teased as we both ended up in giggles.

"What's in Chicago" AJ asked as we headed home.

"Casino's, bars, Strip clubs, that's the business side of it anyway" Christian said, as AJ's eyes lit up.

"Thanks Christian, just where I want my son to be" Sofia complained and if my sons didn't frequent the club here for work, I think I would too.

"Can I go, are the boys going" AJ asked us.

"Garret is having his bachelor party at the casino, not a strip club. You will have to speak to your Dad about going there and with regards to the boys, Luca and Theo both have girlfriends or a fiancée in Luca's case who are coming with us" Christian told him.

We arrived home to a welcome party as the dogs made their presence known first. As usual they were all stroked, a fuss made of before they slowly parted.

Mac hugged his parents, checking on my grandfather's health and being told to shut up and stop worrying in the next sentence. Mac is like me when it comes to my grandparents, constantly worried about their health.

We made our way into the house, the smells surrounding us as we went. Isabella and Grandma have taken over kitchen duty, not that they didn't before as we just all did it together. With one and a half broken fingers, not only is it annoying trying to do anything with my right hand, but a bit painful as well.

"Lucy stop growing, you're going to give your Dad a heart attack" Mac told her, picking my daughter up and swinging her around, her squeals echoing around the room.

"I'm going to be sick" she giggled before being promptly put back down. "You only saw me a few months ago."

"I know and I think you have grown another inch."

I stood watching my family all together again with a smile on my face. I turned to Christian when he took my good hand into his, placing two painkillers into my palm.

I quickly took them and drank the glass of water that he passed me too, giving him a kiss in thanks.

...

"So how did you hurt your hand this time, mum said it was already bruised" Mac asked when we had finished dinner.

"That was Philipe. He called me a not so nice name" Oriella said quietly.

We all noticed that she didn't call him Dad but we were not going to say anything about it.

Talk soon moved onto other topics, depending on who was in the room. We talked about Luca and Oriella's wedding, Chicago, before moving onto what had happened with than woman once Lucy and Oriella had gone up to bed.

"I'm glad you got rid of her. She sounds like someone Lucy's age playing with your heads."

"Only our Lucy doesn't play games, well apart from winding Christian up daily about boys" Grandma said, laughing at the grimace on his face.

"She has to grow up one day, but I admit, not for a while" I said, cuddling into Christian's side.

The world, our world can be an evil place, especially for my little girl.

….

We were on our way to Palermo for Luca and Oriella's engagement party. I had been here earlier in the day, wanting the restaurant to look perfect for when we all arrived.

The cake was made, I did it at home with the help of Isabella. I wanted to make it myself as a present for them but it just wasn't possible with my fingers. I know they will love it though.

"Are we all going in at the rear" I asked Christian.

"Yes, we still have people out there that need to be taken care of and the back will give us better cover."

I knew the drill, I had done it earlier in the day. The blinds to the restaurant would be closed to the outside world, less chance of someone taking target practice at us as we ate our meal.

"Ana this place looks beautiful, thank you" Oriella gushed as her and Luca looked around.

As always, we had one large table to sit around. That would never change, no matter how many of us there were. The table had white linen tablecloths and cream and pink roses in vases all along. Those were the colours they had chosen for their wedding day so I thought it was only fitting to have it here also.

We were served an Italian feast, Christian quickly filling his plate. I stuck to the mushroom risotto for now as I didn't have to ask Christian to cut that up. It will also mean I have room for dessert later.

"A toast" Christian said, holding his glass up high as I took mine in hand.

"To Luca and Oriella, it's about time" he told them, making Ori laugh.

"You do remember their ages Dad" Matteo asked.

"Yes, I do. When Luca told us he was going to marry Oriella at ten, I expected him to wait only until they were thirteen before he proposed. So as far as I'm concerned, he took his time."

Laughter rang out around the room as we toasted our children.

"I wanted to wait until I could provide for my wife before we married" he said, happily.

"I'm proud of you son" Christian told him, raising his glass once again.

"So am I, I'm proud of all of you" I said, raising my glass to each of my children as Christian said "Me too."

These were the times I loved above all others, family time when we were all together. No matter what your surname was, whether Grey, Mancini, Lambert or Kavanagh, we were all one big family and we were all here to celebrate my children's happiness. No matter what happens outside this room, no matter what people thought of us. It always comes back to these people, every single one of them because there was no more perfect or loving family in this world than mine.

Thank you for reading and reviewing.

I was asked how many more chapters there were to this story and at the moment, after this one, I have it to around ten. We're not at the end yet, but we're close.

Until next time, take care.

Caroline.