Chapter 53

**Annika…**

Chiara was on her way to help me get ready for tonight's event. Apparently, every mafia boss was going to be there tonight. Raffaela’s cast on his arm had finally come off yesterday but I think he told the doctor to take it off since he had this event.

I asked him why it was important to go and he said that Tony might be there tonight. I knew he wanted to kill Tony but I didn't want him to get hurt again.

A knock on my door pulled me out of my thoughts. “Come in.”

Chiara walked in with a bag in her hand and smiled. “Are you ready?” She asked.

She helped me with my hair and make up and once she was done, she handed me my dress. It was a beautiful, long red dress. It showed my curves and some cleavages.

“You look beautiful. My brother won't be able to keep his eyes and hands off you,” she chuckled as she looked at her handy work.

I walked to the full-length mirror and could almost not believe that it was me. The red dress complimented my red hair well.

“Thank you. You did an amazing job.” I smiled.

There was a knock on the door and Chiara went to open it. Raffaela walked in and once he laid his eyes on me, he smiled as I looked at him through the mirror.

“You look beautiful.” He said this as he walked closer to me. He wrapped his arms around me and kissed my neck.

“I'm going now. I don't want to see my brother getting kinky.” Chiara chuckled and walked out of the room.

I turned around and wrapped my arms around his neck. “You look handsome as well.” I whispered. He bent down and kissed me. After a few seconds, I pulled away.

I walked to my dresser and took a tissue from the drawer, wiping the lipstick off his lips. “Now you don't have any trace of lipstick on you.” I smiled.

We walked out of my room and once we were downstairs, the kids were waiting on us.

“Why can't we go with you?” Romeo asked his father.

“Because children aren't allowed at these galas. And even if they were, I would still not let you go.”

“Why not?”

“Because I want to keep you guys safe and by taking you there, I could put you in danger.”

Romeo stayed silent for a few seconds. "Yeah, okay. I was only kidding. I won't go even if I am allowed because I don't want to look like a penguin.”

I started laughing at his lame joke and when Raffaela looked at me, I stopped. “I'm sorry.” I said, pressing my lips tighter.

“I will see you later. Now listen to Chiara. She will be in charge while we are out.” Raffaela said.

“Yes daddy.” The three of them said their goodbyes.

Raffaela took my hand and led me to our waiting car or, shall I say, Limo, where Flavio and Thea were already waiting for us.

I smiled once I saw her. She looked beautiful in a long black dress. Her hair was made in an elegant bun with loose ends hanging freely.

“You look amazing,” I said, hugging her.

“I can say the same to you. I would have never thought you would wear red.”

“I guess miracles happen.” I chuckle.

We got into the limo and started driving away.

“I want both of you to stay by our side the entire evening. Don't talk to anyone without Flavio or me.” Raffaela said as we stopped in front of the place where the gala was being held.

“You made it sound like there are a bunch of killers inside.” Thea laughed.

“Thats exactly what they are, Thea. Every mafia boss is here tonight. Although they can hurt us while we are inside, nothing will stop them from doing so once we walk out of those doors,” Raffaela explained.

Thea and I nodded. "Okay, we won't talk to anyone.” I said

The door opened, and Raffaela stepped outside and held his hand out to me. I took his hand and got out. Once I was outside, I saw a huge building with a beautiful garden in front. This is probably an expensive place, I thought as I looked around. There were many cars parked in front of the building and people walking around. It must be an important night for the mafia.

Raffaela led me to the building and a man at the door greeted us. Raffaela nodded as we made our way inside.

We stood at the door when an older man walked up to us with a grin on his face and said, “I see you are still alive, Raffaela.” He smirked.

I felt Raffaela’s body tense as he glared at the man and said, “Tony, I see you still have a death wish.”

Tony laughed and shook his head. “You can't do anything to me while we are here, remember? Besides, I would like to see you try. I should have planted more bombs in that warehouse.”

“Yet you don't, and I'm still alive. It looks like your plan failed. Tell me how Jorge is doing.”

The grin that was on Tony’s face instantly turned into a scowel. “I will get you for doing that to him.” Tony angrily spit.

“I will be waiting. Now if you will excuse us.”

We were just about to walk away when Tony stooped us. “I see you are still fucking your nanny. She must be special.” He chuckled and looked at me.

The way he was looking at me creeped me out. My body became tense as I held on to Raffaela.

“It's none of your business. Why don't you worry about Blanche instead?”

Tony’s eyes went wide when Raffaela said that and we took that opportunity to walk away.

“I don't want you near that man.” Raffaela told me. I could tell he was angry.