***~~~*** Ernesto Rossini, a balding man with a noble brow, crooked nose, and overbearing, rotund presence, had been leading the textile guild for as long as Brian could remember. His lack of vision, and staunch refusal for change drove Brian to constantly butt heads with him. However, Brian was as determined, as Ernesto was stubborn. Brian approached Ernesto as if stalking prey, he had to get Ernesto to listen to him. Ernesto noticing Brian’s imminent approach tried to eschew himself an escape, but he was trapped. “Ah, thought you could avoid me did you?” Brian said with his tongue in cheek smirk. “Now why would I do that Brian? You know how much I enjoy our little chats.” Ernesto’s reply dripped with sarcasm. He refused to let Brian get the upper hand. Not taking the bait and getting into a ‘who can be more witty’ tirade with him, Brian got right to the point. “Ernesto how can you continue to ignore the fact that we could vastly increase our income accessing other markets. The wealthy “princes” of this city are not the only people who are interested in quality work.” “Brian, we’ve beaten this issue to death. We can not market to the common people. They do not have the means to compensate our efforts.” “How many courts do you produce wares for right now?” “The Medici, the Pazzi, and a few others.” Ernesto replied. “And how much do you bring in from those sales?” “Several thousand florins” Ernesto again replied thinking Brian had no where to go with his argument. “Well Ernesto, I have been reviewing numbers, and I could bring in several thousand florins from a couple hundred common workers, and there are a great many more common men venturing into Florence than there are new wealthy “princes”. Contemplate that.” Feeling he had given Ernesto something to ponder, Brian turned to find Vic and head home. **~~** “What did you say to him?” Vic questioned. Noticing that Ernesto’s gaze had not yet left Brian’s retreating back. “Just the truth.” Brian replied with a superior look in his eye. Vic just laughed and shook his head. If Brian had his way, everyone in the textile guild would be following the truth according to Kinney. *~* In silence Vic and Brian walked the maze of streets that would lead them home. They both preferred the quiet that was brought on by dusk falling over the city. It allowed them time to ponder without distraction. However, tonight Brian wanted Vic’s opinion on his musings. “Vic, I know we have already discussed this, but do you think my ideas are just naive foolishness?” Vic glanced at Brian and saw the seriousness in the young man’s eyes, and knew that this discussion was not going to be another of Brian’s typical rants. “No Brian. I don’t think your ideas are foolish, nor are they naïve. You have always been intent on learning as much as you possibly can. Your pursuit of knowledge in all realms has never been an uncertainty in my mind. I greatly admire you for that.” Brian stood taller and prouder at hearing Vic’s praise. “However,” Vic continued, “your methods for presenting your ideas sometimes leave a little to be desired.” He smiled at Brian to lighten the criticism of his remark, but he could see its affect as Brian lost some of the pomp he was just before displaying. Brian knew that Vic was not trying to slight him, but offer the advice that he had asked for. He did tend to go overboard when trying to sway people to his way of thinking. “I know,” Brian laughingly replied, but quickly furrowing his brow. “It is just that trying to talk rationally with these men would try the patience of the Pope. I fail to understand their reasons for ignoring such a lucrative market. It doesn’t make any sense! Can you explain it to me?” Brian’s tone was almost pleading and suddenly Vic was reminded of that confused and nervous boy he had discovered all those years ago. Brian had become so confident in his outward demeanor that he rarely showed any vulnerability or uncertainty. “Brian, change and the realization that practices you have always followed and have always been the status quo, are becoming outdated is not easy to accept. These men, who you want to persuade to your way of thinking are the masters in their fields. You threaten them; not violently, but intellectually. I saw how Ernesto followed your movements out of the guild house tonight. He greatly respects you, which I’m certain is not easy for him. You tend to forget at times, that he deserves your respect as well. You can not brush aside his or the others’ viewpoints and expect them to acquiesce to all your plans.” “I do respect them Vic. I thought by taking my ideas to them and sharing them would demonstrate that. I could have just kept them all to myself and gone out on my own. You’ve never shot down any of my ideas, you’ve encouraged them. Why do they continue to do so?” Brian asked. “Brian it is easy for me to accept and encourage you. I do not have the same things at stake as they do.” “How can you say that? You are marvelous at your trade and greatly admired and respected by your peers and especially me. That would seem to be something of great importance to lose.” Brian vehemently replied. Clapping Brian on the shoulder and encouraging him with his calm demeanor to settle his racing mind, Vic began his retort. “Brian, I am filled with pride at your interpretation of my status within the guild, and I strive to maintain those opinions. Still, I am not at the rank and stature of Ernesto and his colleagues.” Brian looked to protest, but Vic cut him off. “Nor have ever strived for them. I am content with who I am, and what I do. I know that what I contribute to this industry is well appreciated and admired. That is why I do not wish to vault myself into the deluge of the upper echelon. I fear that if I did, my dedication to my work would suffer for it. But you Brian, you thrive on that, that is why I encourage and support you. You are not content to just sit back and watch the world happen around you. You want to happen around the world.” Vic paused to allow his words to settle into the inner workings of Brian’s mind. Vic did not have a son of his flesh, but Brian was the son of his heart and mind. He wanted Brian to have and achieve all the things that he strived for and much more, that was why he would never stifle him. Brian had never felt such humility in all his years. Vic knew and understood him so well. This loving and caring man, his ‘father’, for that is how Brian thought of him, would never think of taking the spotlight for himself. He was always the one in the shadows, making sure that those he loved and cared about would shine. Sensing the need to return to conversation before too much drama descended upon them, Vic offered up some sage advice. “Brian you have watched me when I sell my fabrics. Now I know that they are good quality as do you, but they do not sell themselves. What have you observed?” Brian pondered Vic’s question, trying to deduce what Vic was getting at. “Don’t try to outthink me.” Vic said smiling, knowing that Brian was trying to figure out how he was supposed to answer. “Just answer. What are your immediate observations when you watch me sell my fabrics?” “You are always courteous, and allow your customers time to look and sample the feel of the fabrics first. You don’t hover over them, but you subtly make suggestions. You engage them in conversation, asking pertinent questions as to what the intended uses of the fabrics are. Once they communicate their needs to you, you direct them towards products that will suit their needs. Then you graciously step aside and ultimately they come to you.” Brian replied, somewhat hesitantly. Not really sure what this had to do with his dilemma with the guild leaders. “Very astute observations Brian, but I can tell you are uncertain what this has to do with you.” “I admit, I’m not seeing the connection.” Brian said. “You have to SELL your ideas to the guild leaders just as I sell my fabrics to them, and just as they sell their products to the wealthiest of princes. Court them Brian. Rather than telling them that their markets are no longer the best way to go, discuss with them how the addition of a new market will only broaden their benefits. Ask them their opinions, get their input on how they would see things being run. Whether or not they are accepted or acted upon is of no consequence. Once you have gained their favor and they begin to see some positive outcomes, they will completely forget them. Ernesto and his colleagues are not so difficult to convince. You just need to learn to use their egos against them.” Vic concluded with a knowing and somewhat telling glint in his eye. Brian studied Vic carefully. To all outward appearances Vic was a modest and agreeable man, who worked diligently at his trade. All of which was definitely true, but Brian was captivated by the cunning and certainty of Vic’s explanation. While Brian himself presented an arrogant bravado to try to achieve his goals, Vic demurely achieved his by outsmarting those around him. It was at that moment that Brian realized just how much more he still needed to learn. His only hope was that Vic wouldn’t tire of teaching him. Placing his arm across Vic’s shoulder Brian said, “Thank you Vic. Let’s go home.” Vic just nodded knowing that he had given his “son” something to think on, and that his input was greatly appreciated. **~~** The Liberty Inn , Florence Italy Rounding the corner onto Via Dell’ Alloro, Brian and Vic approached the Liberty Inn. It was a modest building situated on the corner of the street close to Vic’s shop. The stucco covered brick building with its terra cotta tiled roof would have blended into nothingness with the other buildings on the street, were it not for its vibrant red door. The door had achieved its color by having the heavy wood saturated in a pigmented dye that Vic had used for his fabrics. The flare of the door spoke of the wonderful atmosphere of the inn and reflected the personality of the woman who ran it. Deb, Vic’s sister, was an all consuming spirit, who felt the need to infuse everyone with her passion for life. This was why her patrons continuously returned. She never turned a stray soul away, always engulfing them with her kindness and understanding until they could stand on their own again. Brian loved and respected her for that. She had faced her own tragedies with the passing of her husband, but continued to live on joyously in his memory. Deb also worked very hard to honor her brother who had come to her aid in her time of need. The inn often housed potential buyers for Vic’s fabrics and she always made certain that they were cared for in the best possible way. Entering the inn on the lowest floor, where the dining area and bar was located, Brian noted the slow pace of the evening. He glanced around taking in the two patrons who had come in the previous night just sitting down to their evening meal, and Deb coming out of the kitchen. Right on Deb’s heels was her son, Michelino, who upon seeing Brian immediately headed towards him. “Hi Brian, how did the guild meeting go?” Michelino asked eagerly. He longed to interact with the more well to do people of Florence as a means of impressing Brian, but was always detained by his mother whenever Brian and his uncle Vic went to the guild house. Brian steeled himself for a moment preparing for Michelino’s onslaught of questions. Hoping that he could escape them, Vic tried to restrain a laugh as he looked at the overwhelmed expression on Brian’s face. His nephew was Brian’s best friend, and Vic knew that Brian loved him as a brother, but he also knew that Michelino’s feelings were more than that. Brian was especially careful not to lead him on, and his outside “pursuits”, as Vic called them, kept him busy. However, Vic knew that Brian had a great capacity to love and he feared for his nephew when that love came along; for it would not be given to him. “So, how did it go? Did you get to talk to Ernesto like you planned? Did he listen to you this time?” Michelino spouted. “Slow down Mikey. Yes, I talked to Ernesto, but I still have some work to do on him.” Brian replied passing a knowing glance toward Vic. Vic smiled in return. Mikey missed the unspoken communication between his uncle and Brian. Too focused on trying to figure out just what Brian meant. He let it go as he noticed Brian heading over to the bar. “Are we going out tonight Brian?” Mikey asked. “Don’t I always?” Brian replied. “Great! Emilio and Theodoric are going to come with us. I saw them earlier and they said that they wanted to come too.” Brian rolled his eyes. ‘Yeah Great’ he thought. Just what I need a night out with the ‘boys’. Well if he was going to have to endure the evening he needed to get cleaned up and prepare. “Well give me a couple hours to rest up and be ready for our adventure with the boys tonight. Meet me back down here around 10:00.” Brian said. “Deb can I get some panzanella and some wine to take upstairs?” Brian loved Deb’s panzanella, it consisted of basil, tomatoes, parsley, garlic and oil soaked bread. And Deb knew to just give him a little bit of the bread. “Absolutely sweetie. I just made up some fresh for you and Vic.” She placed Brian’s portion on a small tray along with a pitcher of red wine. She knew the rich merlot was Brian’s favorite and complemented the panzanella wonderfully. Placing a small kiss on Deb’s cheek, Brian accepted the tray and turned to go upstairs. He passed the second level which was home to eight modest guest rooms. Deb usually had at least 3 to 4 boarders at any given time, many of which were only staying for a few days in passing. On occasion she had long term visitors, who were often patrons who had boarded with her before. A great amount of her income came from the restaurant below and the bar. Deb was a fabulous cook! He was glad to have come in during a lull in the evening diners. Things would be picking up soon. At the end of the hall was a spiral staircase that led up to the attic level of the inn. This had once been wasted space, just used for storage of unimportant junk. When Brian got older and his small space in the back of Vic’s shop became too cramped for him, Vic asked Deb if they could convert the attic into a living space. He wanted to gain Deb’s approval since she and Michelino lived in the master quarters that were located on the first floor behind the restaurant. Once the junk had been cleaned out the and the windows washed to let in lots of natural sunlight the dark attic opened up into a vast room that would meet all of Brian’s needs. Upon entering the room, the first thing you saw was a large platformed area that was walled off by a series of screens covered with varying hues of blue sheer fabric. Enclosed behind these screens was Brian’s bed. The bed itself was simple in its appearance, dark blue coverings which created a sense of calm for the man. There were two small crafted tables on either side. He had a dressing area that was draped with similar sheer fabric, only it was in a natural color rather than the blue of the screens. Next to the dressing area was a small room that he had enclosed using wood paneling to create a space to take care of his bathing and private necessities. The portion of the room that captivated its visitors were the small ensconced crevices above the bed that housed candles. The crevices were partially covered with soft amber colored glass. When lit, the room glowed. Looking to the left of the entry one could see a desk, a comfortable chair and several bookshelves. This was Brian’s self-proclaimed contemplative area. It was here that he delved into his mind. And after his discussion with Vic this evening he knew that he would be spending some time there in the near future. To the right of the entry across the room was a set of shuttered doors surrounded by a vast set of windows. The windows were covered in a black woven drapery to keep the early morning sun from entering into Brian’s sanctuary. An early morning person he wasn’t. However once awake he tied the draperies back to allow in the great amount of light afforded by the windows. In the space in front of the doors was a small dining table that was sufficient enough for two people. Although Brian almost always ate alone. Along the wall, behind the table, was a tall cabinet that stored various small items that Brian used, but didn’t want out in plain sight. The space also contained a sofa that with Vic’s help he had restored and had covered in a soft leather that he had saved practically an entire year to attain. A low table sat in front of it on a woven rug of soft muted colors. The doors led out to a small terrace that overlooked the alleyway behind the inn. He and Mikey had spent one summer building a narrow staircase that led to the terrace to provide Brian a private entrance when needed. Brian walked over to his small dining table and set his panzanella and wine down upon it, placing the tray next to the door to return to Deb when he went out. Retrieving a glass from the cabinet, he poured himself some wine and took a soothing swallow. He sat down and looked out over the city as the night life awakened. He quietly ate his dinner wondering what the city below would offer to him tonight. He hadn’t indulged himself in a few days. He was so focused on how to approach Ernesto that no temptation would sway him. Tomorrow he would spend pondering Vic’s advice and his new approach for dealing with the guild leaders. Tonight however would be different. Tonight he could and would be tempted. Finishing his meal, he placed the dishes back on the tray and went to his bedroom. He laid upon the soft down filled mattresses and savored the comfort that they brought to his body. The mattresses also housed other pleasures for his body, but those would not be available until later in the night. Closing his eyes he dosed off, later reviving himself for his evening escapades. About an hour later, he awoke to some loud banter that was taking place outside. He had left the terrace door open slightly knowing that the sounds of the evening revelry would wake him. Lifting himself from his warm slumber he went into the paneled room, relieved himself, and washed. After completing his toiletry he went into his dressing area to select his ensemble for the evening. Brian took his personal fashion very seriously and had a very unique style all his own. He often offended those around him by not dressing to the societal standards but he was not there to impress them, only himself. He selected a pair of black tight pants and a dark charcoal gray shirt that had laces hanging loosely from the neck line to midway down his chest. His only accessory was a leather and shell woven bracelet that he had acquired from a merchant ship passing through on his first day in Florence so many years ago. Feeling he was ready for the men that awaited him, he exited his room and went to retrieve Mikey. **~~** Coming down the staircase, Brian was assaulted with the noise from the bar and restaurant that had now filled to almost capacity. Deb happened to be close to the bar so he took the tray to her and asked that Dominic, the young boy that Deb had taken in to help her with the guest rooms, clean his washing area before he returned home. Brian liked Dominic and was always nice to him. He always left an extra florin for him on the basin, a little secret he kept from Deb. Securing her promise to see that the task was completed Brian headed to the opposite end of the bar, where Mikey and the boys were holding court. “Evening boys.” Brian said with a smirk on his face and look of trouble in his eye. “You look great Brian!” Mikey exuberantly said. Leave it to Mikey to always state the obvious. “Well don’t you just appear to be on the hunt this evening? How many hearts are you planning to leave wounded tonight?” Emilio asked, always loving to banter with Brian. “Emilio I’m hurt. You know I would never harm a living creature. All my captives are truly satisfied before I return them to the wild.” Brian said with mock indignation and a flare of mischief in his eyes. Emilio just laughed. “Yes but how many of them are capable of returning to the wild once you’ve house- broken them?” Theodoric asked, miffed that Brian could have any man he wanted. “Oh don’t worry Theodoric, I’ll see if I can find one of my tamer ones for you tonight.” Brian replied, digging at his friend’s inability to capture anyone’s attention. Theodoric just grumbled something under his breath as Brian turned to lead them out for the evening. **~~~** The Streets of Florence Justin had been wandering the streets of Florence for hours trying to comprehend how his life had gotten so out of control. He wasn’t quite sure where he was exactly, but figured if he didn’t know, then the likelihood of his family finding him was less. He needed to regroup. This morning when he had awakened, all he was concerned with was whether or not he would receive Mr. de’ Medici’s patronage and attend the Academy. Now it seemed as if the wishes of others had turned him into a marionette for them to manipulate for their own benefits. When his father lashed out and struck him, he was very startled at first, and only thought to remove himself from his home. He had quietly and cautiously backed out of his parents’ parlor and then quickly bolted from the house. Replaying the incident over and over in his mind brought him the realization that he was actually not surprised at his father’s actions. True, he had never hit him before, but a father who could so easily disregard his only son’s feelings, and belittle his dreams, would not have any qualms about hitting him. Craig’s only concern was that his position in the Medici bank was not in danger. “It will secure my position, raise our social status…” his father had remarked; rank and appearances were all that mattered. He had mentioned that Justin could benefit as well, but at what cost? What had shocked Justin more was his mother’s response to his father’s outburst. She had initially tried to play the peacekeeper as she always did, but when Craig had hit him, she sat frozen, making no move to help him. Jennifer’s inaction had hurt more than the slap to his face. She had always encouraged Justin to follow his dreams, and praised his art. But it seemed when she was faced with the potential for social advancement, she was just as shallow as his father, no doubt concerned about improving the families living arrangements so that she could host parties and tea for the other wives of the Medici court. Justin was thankful that Molly had not seen the altercation. She and Justin were close. Though five years separated them, Justin had always made time for his sister as they were growing up, and she in turn doted on him to a fault. She was reaching the age where her mother would begin to show her off and present her at gala occasions. He worried for her happiness. Molly was smart as a whip, and she knew her own mind, despite her young age. Justin prided himself in thinking that he had played a role in that. Their father had very little time for Molly, and their mother only wanted her to look pretty and be quiet. Justin on the other hand, fostered her curiosities and challenged her to think for herself. As a consequence, Molly often embarrassed their mother, and was chided by their father. Molly never found fault with Justin for that. She knew how she was expected to present herself, she just chose not to. Justin had to pause and smile as he thought about his sister. He really was proud of her. His deepest regret about what could potentially happen as a result of his actions would be their impact on Molly’s future. Justin looked up and tried to ascertain his bearings. As long as he could find the dome of the Cappella Medicee at San Lorenzo he knew that he could get home. His other option was to seek out the grand dome of the Piazza Del Duomo and he could head north to reach San Lorenzo. He rarely ventured into this area of the city. It was known for it’s numerous bars and loud, gaudy nightlife, which as he looked more closely was beginning to emerge. Glancing down the dimly lit street he could hear the boisterous laughter coming from many doorways. Feeling more secure that he could find his way home, he turned down another street and resumed his worrisome thoughts. His concern for Molly’s future made him start as the reality of his own future dawned on him. If he remained true to himself and refused Lorenzo de’ Medici’s proposal to marry Daphne, would he even have a future? Would the patronage that he had so recently attained be snatched away from him? Would all his dreams fade into nothingness? Justin wanted to believe that Lorenzo would not be so callous as to rip all his hopes from him. Lorenzo was unfaltering in his support of the arts. Could he stifle the talent that he obviously saw in Justin, just because he did not want to marry his daughter? And would his refusal of Daphne truly bring the reprisals against his family that his parents were so certain would occur? Daphne. So much of his future hinged on her. Justin honestly did love her. He wondered for the thousandth time if he could sacrifice his own feelings and desires to commit to her as both their families appeared to want. And for the thousandth time he still did not have a clear answer. His deepest feelings told him that if he did as was expected of him, he would not only be betraying himself, but he would also be betraying Daphne. He valued her friendship above any other. If he were to marry her, but remain unable to give her his heart, what kind of life would that be for her? Yes, Daphne loved him, and felt that she was in love with him, but how long could she deny herself those same feelings? Feelings Justin without a doubt could not honestly return. “Why didn’t you just tell her?” Justin whispered, berating himself. He was trying to make decisions that were not only up to him to make. He had forgotten in all his shock that Daphne had to accept him first. He knew that Daphne had caught him with Antonio once behind the kitchen. Did she suspect where his desires lay? Did she think that they were just a passing fancy and that he would eventually conform to the societal norms? Would she understand and accept that he could never feel that way about her? It just felt unnatural to him. “Unnatural!. Justin listen to yourself. You’ve never even been with a man. Antonio doesn’t count! How can you be so certain?” Justin once again spoke to himself. He grabbed his head in frustration, looking down he didn’t see the broad body he was about to run into. **~~** Robiglio Bar and Café Brian leaned against the bar, tuning out the innocuous chatter of his friends, while trying to find his entertainment for the night. He and the boys had arrived just as things were starting to heat up at the café turned brothel. Robiglio was owned and run by one of the few men in Florence who did not hide his preference for men over women, at least in his own establishment. When in the “graces” of the populous Giorgio just refused to openly discuss his penchant for men. Brian remembered asking him once how he managed to maintain his double identity and Giorgio had replied that “They make me lie to them so that their precious society will be maintained, but I cannot lie to myself.” Brian had taken his words to heart, and adopted them. Refusing to ever lie to himself about any feelings he ever had in order to bend to someone else’s views or wishes. Scanning the crowd, Brian spotted him, his prey for the evening. Medium build, dark brown hair, relatively impressive ass, and he had been eyeing Brian all night. As he had not seen anything else worth tempting him, he decided to give the man what he had obviously been hoping for. “Well boys it’s been fun, but…” Brian began to speak. “Brian you can’t possibly be thinking about leaving now! We just got here!” Mikey whined at his friend. “Mikey we got here two hours ago, and I can’t deny the young man any longer.” Brian answered locking his gaze with the man at the other end of the bar. “Pay up Theodoric, he took longer that the ninety minutes you said he would take.” Emilio haughtily spoke to his friend while holding out his hand for his payment. “Nice to see that you are redeeming yourself for the wound that you stabbed me with earlier, Emilio. I’m touched that you felt I would stay with my friends rather that seek out my own pleasure.” Brian stated placing his arm around Emilio’s shoulder and glaring at Theodoric. “Don’t get all chummy with him so quickly he only gave you ninety-five minutes!” Theodoric retorted, just to get back at Emilio. Turning his glare to Emilio, only to see his friend meekly looking up at him, Brian pushed himself away and swallowed the last of his drink. “Well fuck all of you! You three have fun holding up the bar, while I go have fun holding up him! Later boys.” Brian followed his prey outside and was just about to approach him when he noticed a group of young men gathered around what looked to be a young boy who was definitely out of his element. Casting another look at the man whom he had selected to pleasure, he had almost decided not to involve himself in something that was obviously not his business. Until he heard the muffled cry. **~~** Streets of Florence Just outside of Robiglio Bar and Café Twenty minutes earlier Justin looked up startled. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t paying….” he trailed off as he comprehended whom he had just crashed into. Chris Giovanni. Chris was the eldest son of Cosimo Giovanni and he had instantly considered Justin an enemy from the first time they met. Justin’s father was responsible for overseeing the Giovanni accounts at the Medici bank. They had been introduced one day at the bank, several years ago, just as Chris’ father was storming out of Craig’s office cursing about the management of his accounts. Chris had sneered at him and addressed him like a petulant child. Justin never understood Chris’ animosity toward him, but it only seemed to increase as they got older. “Well, well, well, look who we have here boys.” Chris said addressing his friends, Rossario and Filippo. “Little Justin Taylorento. Why aren’t you at home painting your pretty little pictures for mommy?” “Leave me alone Chris!” Justin said, while trying to force himself around Chris and his friends. Jumping back in front of him. “Where are you off too in such a hurry? Looking for your little buddy Antonio?” Justin glared up at Chris with an intense fury in his eyes. He knew that Chris had nearly beaten Antonio to death after Antonio had masturbated in front of him while Chris pleasured himself. This had happened about a year after Justin and Antonio had shared their kiss. Justin felt a wave of guilt wash over him. He had told Antonio that they couldn’t see each other any more after Daphne had discovered them. Antonio claimed to have understood, but Justin wondered if he had continued to see him, would he have avoided Chris’ wrath? Refocusing his mind to his current situation, not wanting to create any more conflict for himself, Justin again attempted to allude Chris. Chris, determined to get the best of Justin tried a different tactic. “Or maybe your off to see your precious Daphne? I can’t say that I blame you there. She is most certainly someone I would love to get my hands on.” Chris said baiting Justin with his raucous tone. Justin stopped cold. Chris had been forcing advances at Daphne for the past two years. Daphne despised him with a passion. Chris’ rough and uncouth manners left her sour. He had cornered her six weeks ago in the market, a man had intervened and prevented an unpleasant situation, but Daphne had been severely shaken by it. It took Justin a week just to get her to go into the garden. She had refused to tell her father, because Chris had threatened Justin if she said anything. Justin adamantly told her that he could look out for himself, but succumbed to her wishes and did not mention the incident to anyone. He turned to face Chris and the fury he had had in his eyes for Antonio blazed with new found fierceness. “What?” Chris asked with false bravado, slightly taken aback by the flame that seemed to overtake the blue spheres intently blazing over him. “Leave. Daphne. Alone.” Justin clearly pronounced in a chillingly calm voice. Chris shivered slightly from the chill the radiated from Justin’s words. But he quickly recovered his brash demeanor. He had to save face in front of his friends. Chris knew he could take Justin with no problem, but what he feared was Daphne’s love for him, and the ultimate consequences her father would retaliate with if she divulged the incident in the market. His anger at himself for his cowardly fears, fueled his anger at Justin. Forgoing any further verbal retorts, Chris attacked. He slammed Justin into the wall of the building behind him, knocking the wind out of him. He then got off one solid punch to Justin’s left cheek and eye, before Justin surged forward pushing Chris to the ground. As Chris went down his friends jumped into the foray. Filippo grabbed Justin from behind holding him still while Rossario kicked him squarely in the ribs causing Justin to let out a muffled cry. Chris had regained his footing and was cocking his arm to punch Justin in the stomach when the sound of a voice rang out. “Hey! What’s going on over there?” Chris turned to see the face of the man who was interfering in his business. Focusing his eyes, he stopped his actions and looked at his friends. Making a nod, Filippo and Rossario dropped Justin to his knees and the three young men took off. Justin fell into a huddled mass on the ground clutching his battered ribs. When he felt the hand on his shoulder he curled in on himself to prevent any further damage. “Easy.” Brian said with a gentle and calm voice. “I won’t hurt you. Can you get up?” “Yes.” Justin replied as he winced in pain while trying to move. He managed to get into a seated position, his back resting against the brick wall. His eyes tightly closed from the pain that was radiating through his chest. Taking a few shallow breaths, trying to calm his racing heart, Justin allowed his eyes to flutter open. Tear flooded, azure blue eyes, met a bewitching hazel stare for the first time.