FAMILY The word Mafia, derived from the Sicilian word, Mafioso, means family. The Omerta - A Sicilian Family's Code No. 1 - The Code of Silence Under no reason, should a Mafioso rat on his family, or on another Mafioso, even if tortured, or sentenced to death. No. 2 - The Code of Loyalty Once a Mafioso is sworn, and or reborn into a family, he has no right or permission to resign. Once in the family he must remain. You must always honor the Don of the family, and follow any order he may command, under any circumstances. No. 3 - The Code of Alliance You are responsible to assist any family allied with your family, especially at time of war. Alliances may not be broke, unless both heads of the family agree to disregard it totally. No. 4 - The Code of Vengeance Any attack carried out, or attempted on the family, must be avenged. An attack on one, must be handled by all, they hit us, we hit them back. No. 5 - The Code of Honor Always avoid the authorities. No tips or bribed may be made without the Don's consent, unless to tip off about another family, or completely necessary. This was the world that Juliette Mercanti was born into on January 15, 1977, surrounded by a large family where the power was divided among the men of each household and trickled down the chain of command. At the age of 14, Juliette’s mother died of cancer. Six months later her padre passed away due to heart failure leaving her older brother Giovanni in charge. With the help of Zio Luigi and Zio Armand, Giovanni assumed family responsibilities and helped raise Juliette. The two were inseparable, until an unfortunate event occurred involving their cousins Niko and Angelo. Juliette was sent away to boarding school and later college at Harvard University to keep her safe and away from trouble. It was while living in Cambridge that Juliette found herself being drawn to a wilder, darker world that was filled with sensual and erotic pleasures. It started out with a simple invitation to a private party and grew into a wider web of need and desires. She had never dreamed of the fantasies that would become her reality. But, part of her was missing, and she knew where that part lived. So she packed her bags and moved to the City to be near Giovanni. The City was a new and exciting place to spend time with her brother and much to her surprise a budding romance. Deciding not to pursue a career in law, she applied for a librarian position at the Glass Cage BDSM Art Gallery and Library. Soon she was promoted to assistant manager and then manager. Time passed and new opportunities presented itself with the purchase of The Glass Cage and becoming Co-Owner of La Serenissima. The death of Mark Bennett also marked the addition of The Power Plant and several places within to the Mercanti Portfolio leaving Juliette one wealthy woman. But nothing prepared her for what happened next. James Knight came into her life and suddenly her whole life was turned upside down. She thought she had known what she wanted, thought she knew where she was going, thought she knew who she was, until meeting him. He changed her world. He changed her ideas of submission and what it was that she really needed in her life. He filled her with love and stability, took care of her and demanded her submission. She gave her heart to him completely. His and His alone. She has never looked back and never been happier.