Entitlement Issues

Part Two: Free Bird

She watched as everyone around her pranced around and showcased themselves. She wanted to be apart of that, but one look from her father had her shaking in fear of what the consequences would be if she did so. Weighing her pros and cons out quickly she decided to settle for standing along side her father as he spoke to others.

Her eyes risked a glance at Adonis to see him speaking with some woman. She looked amazing, much better than Noelle could ever look. She had just the right curves with what looked to be naturally pin straight hair and effortless beauty.

As if sensing somebody looking at him he glanced up to see the eyes of Noelle. He winked at her before returning to his conversation with the woman. A woman that would help him get what he wanted, permanently.

The two quickly wrapped up their conversation as the woman, that was once speaking to Adonis, walked over to Noelle. Before the woman could speak her father had taken the action from her, "and what do we owe this greeting, Stella?"

"I just came to make new friends Ruvono. I thought maybe I could ask your daughter to have a drink with me? If it's not too much to ask for, of course," Stella's eyes sparkled with mischief and humor taking in the African-Italian Don. She didn't fear him, in fact she despised the very ground he walked on. He was so quick to raise a fist and not just with men. She's seen him do it to women and children, his own daughter no less.

"I would love that," Noelle knew the consequence that would occur for speaking for herself. She knew it would mean punishment when this was over, but she had to know who this woman was.

Without batting a lash at her father she took Stella's arm and briskly walked away from what she knew to be her impending doom, "that was quick reckless I must say," Stella snickered as they took their seats at the bar.

"Believe me you have no idea," ordering them drinks Stella took a seat by the intriguingly gorgeous woman. The drinks were quick to arrive as both women turned to face the other.

Clearing her throat Stella spoke, "I know of your relationship with Adonis," Noelle's airway closed like a boa constrictor as she registered the woman's words, "and you secret's safe with me. I am your ally in all of this, Adonis is my cousin. We have a very close relationship. One may say like brother and sister. He asked me to keep an eye out for you tonight."

A frown took over the face of Noelle, "oh I see," she knew no one wanted to actually get to know her, "I must go before my father sends one of his goons to get me," briskly grabbing her drink she rushed away from the dumbstruck Stella. She wanted to stop her, but she knew that would cause unnecessary attention that she nor her family wanted.

Adonis glowered as he watched his woman walk away, "what happened?" His voice full of accusation as he gazed at his cousin briefly.

"I don't know. I told her the nature of our relationship and I was to keep an eye on her by your demands. Then, she abruptly leaves," he needed to find her and fast. He knew what she was thinking, he always did.

"Of course," he passed his drink over to the nearest waiter and took off in the direction his beloved had went, "I have some matters to attend to."

~*~

"Tesoro," his voice spoke with dominance in the private conference room, "must you run away every time."

"I am not running away," retorted with an exaggerated sigh, "I need a break, my love, you should understand that better than anyone." Her dark brown eyes land on his as he contemplates his next words.

He knew she was fragile and one wrong slip up, no matter how small, would result in a breakdown. A breakdown that he could not properly attend to in this setting. He was no fool, Adonis knew that there were cameras and her father's guards, as well as the man himself, would be here promptly in two minutes. That was all he needed to get her to relax for the night and then he would be able to provide comfort to his woman.

"Il mio amore. . .look at me," her body obeyed the command before her mind could even comprehend it, "she will be a great friend to you. Give her a chance, but we can not do this here and you know that. Your guard dogs will be here soon, as will mine. Play your role correctly."

"Who the hell do you think you are? You can't just come in here!" Her aggression surprised him. He went to speak but a voice advanced before him.

Ruvono spoke with distain, "Mussimo, what an unpleasant surprise or a very great opportunity," a gun clicking registered in his mind, but his demeanor did not falter. Ruvono was many things, but he was not this dumb. The repercussions he would reap were unspoken, however, everyone in that room knew how the story would end if any of his blood was spilled tonight.

Noelle watched the story unfold. He knew her words hurt him, regardless of the fact that he now knew it was to appease her father, because the anger she held in them was real. She was tired of being forced around and taken advantage of. Even by her lover. All her life she has been molded and carved into the woman everyone wanted her to be. Did anybody ask what she wanted? What she needed? Of course they didn't. Nobody cares about her, nobody cares about her feelings. All they care about is their own selfishness and what they can use her for. "Well now that you're here we can discuss business," Ruvono took a seat and waited to see Mussimo's next move.

Instead of giving the old bastard an answer, he left the room. No other words were spoken and Ruvono was furious. A hand struck out before anyone could count a second. Noelle's head snapped to the left, "leave us," her father ordered. All too soon it was just Noelle and her father in the room, "what the hell did I tell you? You fucking whore!"

The sounds of screams and pleas could be heard down the hall. Adonis froze as he registered the sounds of Noelle. His first instinct was to charge in there and murder the man, but the guards secured the entrance of the hallway. He had to think of something and fast. There was no time to waste as her sobs and screams of pain grew louder by the second, "Ruvono and I have business to discuss," the guards nodded as one left down the hall where Noelle was being beaten. Slender fingers grasped his bicep and he removed his eyes from the guard dogs to his cousin and his men standing beside him. The sound of a door opening caught everyone's eyes. Her head was down as the guard dog escorted her to the back exit. The scratches and bleeding visible to him before the door shut behind them.