September 30th

As Carina's bare feet slapped against the marble floors of the palatial abode Carter humbly called home, she was thinking to herself. Her mind wandering, she loved Taeshawn, she'd do anything so they could be together publicly. While this wouldn't provide a means to be public it was more than they had ever been granted before. Provided none of his stooges blew her up Tae could hold her hand around people they knew. It was only really in front of cameras that they had to be wary.

Her sister she reasoned to herself couldn't be entirely happy with the mechanic. While she knew Nina wasn't a material person she also knew her sister liked nice things. She knew that she wanted only the best for Alyvia and only the best for that girl was both her parents together. Right now she wanted to go over a few things with her godfather waltzing into the room that acted as his private lounge she stopped still for a moment.

There was another man in the room, this was not something Carina expected. The colombian had been reading by the pool and obviously hadn't known anyone else had entered the premises. Her eyes rake down her red bikini clad top to the daisy duke style denim shorts. Around Carter she would have been fine but this man was giving her a hungry look that made her all too uncomfortable.

Carina: I just needed a moment to talk about a few things, but i can wait if your really busy.

Shuffling her feet as though she were a nervous child about to be scolded, the action was all for show for the other man in the room. She had to look like Carter would rail on her for entering the room unannounced and disturbing them. It was an appearance thing, at least until she knew whether or not they were kosher and legit.

Carina: I miss my sister, and was wondering when i could arrange to go see her.

The coded hint was there she wanted to talk about how they would get Nina onside. There was a subtle submissiveness as well that was all for the other man in the room. Carina didn't recognise him which meant he was fairly new around here and in her opinion not to be trusted at least not yet. She wouldn't let slip just how close they were not at this moment anyway

Carter turned away from the balcony, his ice blue gaze wondering over to Carina, he offered her a smile, his only hint that the man in the room with them was one on side, one that they could actually be themselves around, he had seen Carter around both Nina and Alyvia on more then one occasion and knew most of his coldness towards any one but himself was all for act. He couldnt risk the people he cared about getting hurt because he had been foolish enough to show that he cared about any one but himself.

"Its fine Carina"He stated, he gestured for the other man to leave, eyeing him with annoyance when he realized just what he had been looking at with such hunger in his eyes, his gaze followed him from the room, before it slipped over towards Carina. He offered her a smile, while he stepped into the main part of the lounge, heading towards the bar to pour himself some whiskey. "Would you like something"He questioned looking over at her, already pouring her a lighter drink, knowing that while she did enjoy the strongest, she prefed something that didnt burn her throat.

"What is it you wanted to talk about"He questioned knowing already that the pretense of seeing her sister was a lie, since the hospital Nina had been seen around the house much more, sometimes with ALyvia many times without, and Carina knew she could visit her when ever she pleased.

The young woman accepted the drink in one hand and settled herself on the sofa the other man had just vacated. Lifting her legs and bare feet she curled them up as she sat leaning on her right side. One arm draped on the arm of the sofa, the other raising the glass to her lips.

Eyes assessing everything around her, she'd quickly caught onto the fact that the man who left was one who was firmly onside. Still he made the colombian uncomfortable and that was something she didn't relish. Licking her lips she thought over his question. What did she want.

Carina: Some advice, i figure to get Nina firmly back onside we have to discredit the mechanic. She can't love him i think it's an infatuation because he's so different from anyone else in her life.

For once Carina was showing wisdom beyond her years, trying to assess what her sister was thinking. Pausing for a moment, she smiles.

Carina: Your already going up in her estimations, from my hints to your own behaviour. I see the way she watches how you interact with Alyvia and me. Not to mention she leans into your touch more often right. The mechanic is the only thing keeping her apart from us now, i'd just like some of your thoughts on how to go about it.

Carter twisted on the bar stool to watch his god daughter curl herself into his plush leather couch, with one brow raised he nodded hsi head, he had to agree he had seen the way she watched him, but not just with his daughter or her sister, but just to watch him. "SHe has"He stated with a firm nod of his head, he shifted from the bar stool and walked over to the couch, he settled himself next to her, his arm drapping across her shoulder.

"Nina has to want to leave"He stated as much as it pained him to say it, he didnt want to do anything that would hurt her in the long run, if she wanted to come back to him, it wuold be because she wanted him, not because he had done something against Rome.

"But you could do something for me"He stated, looking down at her, his blues eyes sparklign with amusment. "I need you to set someone up, get one of your friends to hit on him, seduce him, if he wont fall for it, get them to make it look like he did"

Carina never asked questions, plausible deniablity and everything. The less she knew the less people could try and force out of her. Instead she thought for a few minutes. Did she really want to admit to having friends in these places, but then Carter was asking for something so he couldn't really question when she came up with the goods.

Nodding her head the latina scanned through her phone, not at numbers but at the photographs contained there. Stopping on one in particular she handed the phone over to Carter. If Tamara couldn't make this man fall to his knees she damn well knew how to make things look convincing.

Carina: Tamara earns her living as a honey trap, you know the women other women pay to set up their husbands so they get bigger divorce payouts. Or so their own indiscretions are overlooked. If she can't make this look good you'll be better off hiring a man to seduce your boy.

Carter watched her with a careful eye, glad she wasnt asking questions, it ment she didnt have to lie to her sister that way, and she could never get into trouble with any one if she didnt know anything, the picture shown to him, truely was a beautiful woman, full pouting lips, full curvy figure, he nodded his head, gaze flicking towards his god daughter.

"Well the woman hes with is extremly beautiful as well"He stated, he had seen Faye Perez from affar, had watched her and observed her and had Daniels words for it also. "Just get her to make it look like hes doing something"He stated, he didnt want to push the other woman, and get Jack suspisious to soon, or his plan would be out the window.

Taking another slow sip of the drink he'd poured her, she would have to compliment him on knowing what she liked at some point. Right now though she took the phone back, never once questioning what was happening but knowing it was on a need to know basis. She didn't need to know nor did she want too.

Smiling she nods her head at Carter's words, they both knew it didn't matter what the woman looked like to some men. It was more a case of what she was willing to do. a half smile hit her lips, her mind thinking about Taeshawn and the random women he bedded when he thought she didn't notice.

Carina: That's like saying Tiger Woods didn't fool around with mongrels when he had a purebred at home.

Taking back the phone from his hand she smiles before dailing the number.

Carina: Hey TT, uhuh yeah i'm good girl. Definitely in need of a catch up but listen i need to ask a favor. It includes me flying you out to LA for a night out and paying for your new outfit and drinks sweetie. I knew you'd listen, it's right up your alley actually. I need you to help me make it look believable. No it's not Tae, i'll tell you more in person dolls. See you soon.

Pressing the button to end the call she smirks up at the man in front of her.

Carina: She'll be here this afternoon and ready to begin when you are.

Carter licked his lips as he listened to her half of the phone call, with a smile he flipped out his credit card, "But it on me" He stated handing it over to her. He pulled her towards him once more, his gaze settled on the wal in front of him.

"Nina is comeing over later, it will give the two of you time to talk" He stated with on a breath, is blue eyes sparkling at her name, he loved Nina more then any other woman that had graced his bed and he was lost without her, but he had spoken the truth to Carina when he said he wouldnt play any games, he didnt want to force her hand.

hours later

Carina was contorted into a twisted pretzel type shape that people told you was a yoga pose when her phone began to ring. Unhooking her various limbs the lithe latina answered the phone, catching sight of her frame in the gyms floor to ceiling mirrors. Phone pressed to her ear using her shoulder, the colombian turned this way and that assessing herself in the mirror while listening to the person on the other end of the line.

Carina: I'll send someone for you, now. I'll see you soon girl.

Her yoga pants clinging tightly to her form, she'd spent the majority of the morning catching up with Nina discussing her audition that had still yet to come to light, but Nina had promised it would be soon. Which was now why she found herself doing yoga to try and burn off the calories that she'd ingested while chatting with her elder sibling.

Practically dancing down the stairs, knowing she needed to take a shower but also knowing she needed to relay the important information to her godfather. She'd already arranged it, it wouldn't look good if Tamara were seen coming here so Carina had booked her into a hotel under an assumed name.

She had a friend who worked in said hotel and was willing to turn in the occasional favor on the understanding Carina never told his wife he tried to sleep with her. Ok so he wasn't a friend he was a lackey but you get the picture. The hotel was equipped with an underground carpark and lift straight to the penthouse suite that Carina had checked herself into. Anyone asked it was a girly night of pampering at Tae's expense. In all truth it was were Carter or Carina would pass on the information to Tamara.

Knocking on the door this time the brunette waits tentatively until she hears his voice call for her to come in.

Carina: You busy or can we talk?

Carter had spent half of his time watching his two faviourte woman talking, his ice blue gaze locked onto Nina, a smile tugging at his other wise emotion free face, he finally turned away from them, and only because he had buissness to deal with and he didnt want to deal with it near Nina.

His conversation with his FBI mole had gone well, loose ends were tied up and he had agreed to do what it took to get the little lawyer on side, he almost felt bad for using the pretty brunete, once he had found out about her past, which was far to recent in his eyes, he shoulld have known that working with Chris had been a mistake, when Nate had been taken out, so should she have been.

It was finally though falling into place though, his plans, all his scheming, he was back on top once more, finally the one pulling shots, the go to guy for anything and everything, and his plans for the asswholes he fucked him over were wel and truely under way. A few hours later he lifted his head away from the computer and paper work in front of him, the light knock at the door signalling someone wanted to talk to him, the soft honey like voice of his god daughter bringing a smile to his face.

"No come in"He called, swiftly turning to the computer so that he could remove the documentation of the screen.

Pushing the door open the young woman stepped into the room. Her eyes finally settling on her godfather sat behind the desk. He looked happy, but Carina also thought he looked tired like he'd been doing too much. shutting the door behind her with a click she perched herself on the edge of the desk he was sat behind.

Carina: Tamara is being picked up from the airport and driven to a hotel. I figured it wasn't wise for her to be seen coming here.

She watched Carter nod, thankful he never questioned her actions or how she became so good at hiding things in plain sight. You could blame her covert relationship for that and lessons from her father.

Carina: I'm booked into the penthouse, no need to check in and a direct lift to the suite from the underground carpark so no one knows whose actually in the room. Anyone asks i wanted to spend the night with Tae and felt it was disrespectful to do that in your home.

Pausing for a moment she allows him to take in what she's said. Licking her lips slightly before continuing.

Carina: All CCTV in the underground carpark is down for maintenence. Frayed wires can be dangerous apparently so the whole circuit down there had to be switched off.

In all honesty Carina had had her little inside person tear the cord of one camera knowing it would knock offline all the others in that area. taking out a very cheap looking mobile phone she passes it over the table.

Carina: pre-pay phone Tamara is in the speed dial on number 1. Untracable and it's never going to come back to anyone in this house.

Carter eyed his god daughter with pride, but he hated the fact she knew such things, that her life had always been about how to hide things, knowing what to say when to say it and when not to speak. Shaking his head he smiled, nodding hsi head he sighed.

"You did good Carina"He stated pride laceing his words as he gazed up at his god daughter. "Now we just have to make sure that Jack is gonna be at the same club she is"He stated, and the only way he knew he could do that was through Nina and to his annoyance Rome.

"You think you can come up with something"He questionde with a raised brow.

Thinking quickly the brunette could only come up with one answer that would guarantee Jack would be in the same place as Tamara. She pursed her lips slightly, then a full on pout, damn it she was going to have to do this. Time spent with people who could do nothing for her was wasted time the majority of the time. Tonight she would have to suffer through mindless chitchat about how people got to know eachother.

She could only wonder how much Nina had told people about their father. What she'd have to keep quiet about how she'd have to twist the truth if Nina had said too much. Nodding her head she knew the answer wouldn't be to Carter's liking but damned if it wasn't the only one she had.

Carina: I'll make the call to Nina. Looks like i'll be going out tonight. I'll tell her i want to be more of a feature in her life, like i feel she's ashamed of me because i've yet to meet her

The pretty colombian shudders as she speaks the next word. It's obvious in her manner that she doesn't think Rome can provide for her sister or that he deserves her.

Carina: Man. Their friends as well, given that i want to build a clear picture of who he is if he's going to be around my niece for any period of time. I'll tak Tae with me just incase anything happens and to let Nina make her own assessments of him. Sisterly bonding, i hate to use her like this but it's the only way the two we need to be in the same place will be.

Carina sighed running a hand through her touseled locks. She hesitated for a moment before letting Carter know one other thing.

Carina: Tamara's purpose in my life has long since expired. I wouldn't shed any tears.

her eyes taking on a distant sheen, the blonde had at one point been one of her best friends. Funny how a man could come between them. With a half smile she set about explaining.

Carina: She was one of the few who knew from the beginning about Taeshawn and me, that didn't stop her trying it though. One of my supposed best friends tried to destroy my relationship on several occasions. We'd laugh about it him and me, he'd show me the messages and pictures she sent before we deleted them. Anyway she'd be a loose end, can't have any of those laying around.

Carter rose a brow, he could clearly see that she had come up with the same idea that he had, and by the looks crossing her face, the slight annoyance and distest in her voice it was clear she didnt like it either, but it had to be done, if he wanted Nina back and to make both ROme and Brian to pay for destroying what he had spent so long to create. With a shake of hsi head he slowly nodded his head, he could already see Carina playing the role of the poor neglected sister, making sure Rome knew that he wasnt welcome around Nina, chuckling softly his brow furrowed togehter as he turned towards Carina.

Hearing her speak so coldly about a so called friend, how she wouldnt care if she was dissposed of in the end, with a sigh he shook his head, he knew it might have to be done, and he had long since accepted his role, that taking peoples lives, destroying them, it no longer bothered him, but the fact it didnt seem to bother Carina made him squirm, not that he would allow her to see that.

"Good to know"He stated instead, "How bout you talk to Nina when she comes around tonight to drop of Alyvia, see what she thinks"

As he pulled his black ferrarri scuderia into the drive way of the dominating facade his business partner and his girlfriend called home, Taeshawn's eyes were met with another vehicle. One which quite unusually he didn't recognise. As he slowly pulled to a stop, when he finally recognised the female who was struggling with a number of bags and opening the back door to the car.

God was his timing flawless, even if it was accidental. Time to put in motion his phase of Carina's current project. Stepping from the car, he headed toward where Nina was struggling before he spoke.

Taeshawn: Here let me help you with that.

Without waiting for a response he took the bags from her shoulder, allowing her to open the door next to her daughters car seat with ease. Glancing down at himself in his handcrafted Savile row dinner suit, it wasn't quite black tie but he was looking suave. He was taking Cari out, or atleast that was the pretense they were working on for his presence.

Taeshawn: Actually your just the person i wanted to speak too. Cari adores you, and she's afraid of losing you a second time which is why she's said nothing.

Nina looks slightly confused as to what her sister could possibly have to say that could cause a rift between them. Licking his lips Taeshawn knows he's playing this well. It's not exactly a part to play, he really is the concerned boyfriend.

Taeshawn: She feels like she's part of your life you try to hide away. She's sensitive Cari, and because she hasn't met your new man and your new friends she feels like she's only on the edge of your life. I'm supposed to be taking her to dinner to cheer her up. I was thinking maybe you and yours could join us. You know ease her worries, because she's thinking the more seperate you keep her from everyone else the easier it is for you to walk away from her again. It'll be on me of course.

Deliberately showing an almost audible gulp, his adams apple throbs slightly as though nervous. The right hand corner of his mouth quirks upward as though in some sort of half smile.

Taeshawn: It'll give you a chance to get to know me better as well. I'm already completely prepared for you to find me not good enough for her, Carter tells me every time i see him and when he forgets i tell myself i don't deserve her. I just hope you can see that i make her happy.

Nina had spent half the morning with her sister, doing yoga and just talking the rest of the afternoon she had spent shopping, and now she was pulling her yellow Mustang to a stop outside Carters large home. SHe had been spending more and more time there and it was beginging to conffuse her she had turned him down, more then once but now she was slowly starting to see him in the light she had done before.

With a sigh she juggled her bag and her baby bag while attempting to pull open the door to get her daughter out, compleatly unaware that another man had arrived and was making his way over to her that was untill she heard his voice with shock registering over her features she turnde her gaze over to him, allowing him to remove the bag from her shoulder so she could grab Alyvia.

"Really"she questionde with wonder as she rested Alyvia agsaint her body amusment turning into a frown as he continued to speak. Once upon a time her and Carina would have been able to talk to her about anything, but now, ever since she had left there was a void and Nina didnt know how to fill it, "well if you really think thats gonna work im sure Rome wouldnt mind"she stated with a shrug, she had been wanting him to meet her sister for a while now, knowing that once she did she'd like him.

"Yea and you also break her heart"she stated, her voice was still calm as she spoke, more to do witht he fact her daughter was in her arms then anything else, her eyes also showed the anger she felt towards the man in front of her. "and she doesnt need some guy messing about with her"she stated.

She cut hsi next words of, knowing what he was going to say before he did, because he was apparently like Carter once had been, "you can try and deny it all you want, but im not blind and neither is she, so either commite yourself to her fully or stay the hell away from her"

She gave him one last cold look before heading over to the doors that would lead her to Carter.

Carina had shut her eyes tinged slightly with regret when she looked at Nina. She watched the conversation her sister and her lover had from her sweeping balcony. Snatching up a silk dressing gown as though she'd been thinking about what to wear and was beginning to get ready. In truth she had an exceptionally expensive outfit laid out on her bed, one she had no intention of wearing it was simply for effect.

Moving quickly down the sweeping staircase, the boxom brunette meets the two at the door. Sparing a hug for her sister, a kiss on the nose for her niece before she turns to her man. Putting a slight whine into her voice.

Carina: Baby your early i haven't even had my bath yet.

Taeshawn's rumbling laughter filled the area, as he bent and placed gentle kisses on both of her eyelids before tentatively claiming her lips. Lacing an arm around her tiny waist he pulled the young woman into his side. burying his face into her hair and inhaling. resting his chin ontop of her head arms absently tracing patterns on her arms.

Taeshawn: That's ok, i have a meeting with Carter trying to help him into the diamond industry. Show him the ropes so no one cons him, you know he's really trying to go legit.

Carina pulls her head out from under his, the pair acting almost as though they've forgotten Nina is present. That anyone else is present for that matter, it looks for all the world as though they only see one another. In reality they are very aware of the other woman, and the man lingering just out of sight.

Carina: I know, i never really did thank you for helping him so much. You know how people are always trying to lure him back, but he's adamant about doing it right for his daughter.

As she rests her head against his chest his new york twang hits her ears once more.

Taeshawn: Slight change of plans for tonight, your sister and her friend are going to be joining us.

Carina's eyes dance with enthuasiasm and delight. the smile on her face evidence enough that she had been feeling shut out of parts of her sister's life. especially when her eyes shot up to meet the hazel ones of her sister. She practically bounced out of his arms and toward her sister.

Carina: Your really going to let me meet him? Your not going to pull out or anything Na?

She doesn't even wait for Nina's reply when she spins back toward Taeshawn, firing off new orders in quick succession. Her manner something some others may find somewhat demanding but Taeshawn merely smiles his indulgent smile and nods.

Carina: We have to make an effort. You'll have to change our reservations. Morton's may make him feel uncomfortable, we want him to feel welcome. If he doesn't like me he might take my sister away again.

The last sentence said in a half frightened whisper just loud enough for Nina to be able to make it out but low enough for her to think that she wasn't meant to hear it.

Carina: Yamashiro's is lovely and has the best views. Can you get us in there baby?

Taeshawn: Anything for you little angel.

Carina: One more thing. Can you get changed for me baby?

Taeshawn: What you don't like the suit?

Carina: No baby i love the suit, but we want him to feel like he fits in and i doubt he has privately tailored suits. Any off the rack suit will do baby, i'm just trying to make sure he likes us. I'll be toning down my own outfit as well. I was going to wear a marchesa dress, but i'm making an effort not to look too....

She hesitates as though at a loss for words, huffing slightly flustered. Taeshawn can't help but think she looks cute flustered. Thought's running through his head about just what else he could be doing right now with her.

Taeshawn: Obscenely rich? You can't help who you are Cari, you shouldn't have to but if it makes you feel better i'll tone it down.

Taeshawn was proud of his money, he liked to show off his wealth. Why? Because he had nothing when he was a kid, and now he'd made himself not a millionaire no he'd made himself a billionaire, diamonds were anyones best friend not just a girls.

As though just spotting the man stood watching the scene play out in the hall way. Taeshawn lets out a noise of acknowledgement. Meeting the other mans eyes.

Taeshawn: Ai Carter, i can see why you love this one. So much in common, infact i think she might hate me even more than you do.

He knew the difference between the two of them though. Carter didn't hate him, he hated the relationship he had with his goddaughter. Taeshawn as a person Carter had no problem with, Nina with all her morals would probably hate Taeshawn even more if she knew about his lack of morals and not just that he broke her sisters heart.

Carter had heard two seperate cars pull up, which instantly had him worried, it could only mean buissnes, with a furrowed brow he turned to his survelience system, eyeing the two familiar smilse with a slight tug on the corner of his lips, his gaze wondered over Nina taking in her every apparence, the way she effortlessly juggled her daughter and everything else she did, to the anger, that even he could see from this far away, burning in her eyes as she spoke to the other man, shaking his head he pushed himself up, ran his hands down his tailored suit to smooth and any creases and headed towards the front door, his mind set on everything he had to do and how he was going to ensure Nina was once again by his side where she belonged, because she did belong there she just didnt know it yet.

Standing in the doorway to his home he allowed his gaze to take in the sight in front of him, from his two faviourte girls to his buissness parnter, he chuckled at the comment Tawshawn shot him, "Nina doesnt have it in her to hate any one" He stated with a smile, befefore stepping down and over the large driveway to stand next to them, his hand snaking around her waist, more to get to his daughter then to her, he winked down at Nina before resting his daughter agasint his chest.

Carina's eyes shone the way a young girls would after being handed a new doll. Grasping her sisters hand she pulled the other woman toward her. The smile on her face radiant as she took in two of her three favorite men. her expression slips effortlessly into a puppy dog eyed pout.

The transistion so effortless it's obvious she uses it often. In fact it's the expression she uses most to wrap the pair around her little finger. lightly tracing across her bottom lip with her pointing finger she tilts her head to one side before speaking.

Carina: You don't mind if i borrow my sister for a bit right? i need her help to look like i fit in with her new friends. I don't want them to hate me because i look different.

The voice was trailing off toward the end of the statement, laced with a small amount of fear and self doubt. Like anyone could not adore her. Turning wide fearful eyes toward her elder sister the seinna orbs glisten with threatened tears.

Carina: If he doesn't like me your not going to stop liking me are you Na? Your not going to forget about me again right?

Nina trembled under Carters touch and sighed, god damn him and the way he was still able to effect her, she couldnt belive how easily he could crawl under skin, make her forget, even for the shortest second the man she adored waiting for her, she smiled up at him as he snuck her daughter from her eyes, then her eyes turned towards her sister as she pulled her away from Carter and his grasp.

With furrowed brow she shook her head, lickingher lips at her statement, she heard Cater mutter something along the lines of 'take her for as long as you need' and then Carina was muttering about something, licking her lips she shook her head, and wrapped her arms around her younger sister.

"I never forgot you, not once Ne" She whispered, kissing her head, before she wrapped her arm around her shoulder and lead up towards the home that had used to have been hers, and now was her sisters. All the while she was workign she was letting her sister know that there was no way Rome couldnt like her, and that she didnt have to make any specialy effort.

"I never do, he knows who i am, and what i am, if he doesnt like it, he's not for me"