~B.~
When we finally arrived Marcello attached himself to my hip. I threaded my fingers with his before putting my other hand on his bicep once again.

I've never really been in a relationship, so this was nice. Going out with a man, Marcello no less. Even if he wasn't interested at the end of the day.

"So how am I supposed to know this Stefan man anyway?"

"You met him a couple of times with your father when you were little. Your father got him out of a lot of bad situations, Stefan promised himself he'd watch over his children."

I hummed in acknowledgment even if I thought he did quite a bad job. He literally failed 50% of the job.

"I don't like the men my father spent his time with."

I kept my eyes straight but could see Marcello out of the corner of my eye. He glanced down in sympathy before squeezing my hand.

When we entered I couldn't help but admire the pillars and classy decorations. I was so busy taking in the building I didn't notice everyone staring at us.

"Bambina, come follow me." Marcello pressed a kiss to the back of my hand and at this point between the term of endearment and that I might faint.

"I understand we're supposed to be a couple but if you don't quit it I'm going to pass out." I playfully glared at him while we walked.

"What? You can't handle me?"

"Uh no, sir! I can to handle you. You're just being very affectionate and it caught me off guard," I huffed and bumped him with my hip.

"I'll have to call you that more often," I ignored him and his stupidity.

I was directed to a very Italian looking man, with salt and pepper hair. He had a nice mustache too.

"Belle!" My eyes widened when he said my name with such excitement. I was pulled into a hug by the man who must be Stefan.

Marcello pulled me away from him and back under his arm. Stefan looked at him in confusion.

"Milano I know you take your jobs seriously but you are relieved. The money is about to be sent now."

"I don't want your money, Belle will be staying with me from now on so you don't have to worry about her."

"Well, you work fast don't you," Stefan said almost passive aggressively.

"She'll be safe with me, do you have a problem?" Marcello's voice dropped an octave as an underlying threat. I pressed my hand against his lower stomach to see if I could reel him back.

His eyes snapped to mine and I smiled gently at him before turning to Stefan, "it was nice to meet you but I think we'll find a seat now."

I tugged on his arm and Marcello followed. I found a seat with Milano at the table and we sat down. I noticed Marcello being quiet.

"What're you thinking about?"

"You made me look weak in front of Stefan."

"In what way?" I shot back getting offended quickly.

"If I'm threatening a man for a good reason, you don't interrupt Belle. Do you understand?"

"That's the thing! There was no good reason, I'm done with this I'm going to get food." Just as I said that Marcello's phone rang and I left quickly before he could stop me.

I noticed a stage not far from our table or the food, the curtains moving a little.

Just as I had gotten pasta and a glass of champagne the curtains opened and I almost dropped everything when I saw the person up there.

"Our surprise guest for tonight, Maria Dubois."

My mother.

I was practically gasping for air when I saw Marcello rushing towards me. I quickly sobered up and met his gaze.

He reached for me and I stepped back, "wouldn't want to make you look weak."

I passed him to go to our table and eat. I greeted the others sitting at our table while Marcello joined me. With his poker face, he sat next to me and rested his hand on my thigh.

I growled under my breath before stuffing my mouth with the fettuccini.

Marcello spoke business with some men at the table while I kept my head down. Halfway through the pasta, a familiar voice spoke.

I choked on a noodle when I saw her standing there speaking to a woman. I looked just like her. Marcello patted my back gently before rubbing my shoulders. I looked at him pleadingly, wanting to leave now. The tears brimmed my eyes and I was beginning to panic having her this close.

"We're leaving Bambina."

"Ah! Mr. Milano! I've been wanting to finally meet you." Her voice cut through like a knife while we stood.

Marcello quickly drew my flushed face into his chest and I gripped his jacket.

"Nice to meet you as well Ms. Dubois. Unfortunately, my wife isn't feeling well, we have to go."

"Oh, I'm sure you can stay just a little longer can't you?"

"No."

When we tried to leave she grabbed my arm and I ripped it out of her grasp while turning to meet her gaze.

If it weren't for the different skin tones we'd look like twins honestly.

"Oh my..." her jaw was slack.

"Sorry for the inconvenience mother. But I would really like to leave."

"Wait, h-how is your father? And Lucas, how's my boy doing?"

I was shocked she didn't know, I looked at Marcello for help but he was busy glaring at the woman.

"I told you we need to leave Dubois. Don't hold us up." I spoke immediately after him.

"They're both dead. I'm doing swell by the way. Bye," Marcello's hand gripped my waist and hauled me out of there. I didn't get to gauge my mother reaction but I didn't really want to.

The drive to the hotel was silent while Marcello seethed, "I'm sorr-"

"Don't Belle. I'm not in the mood. If I didn't even know the fucking surprise guest what else don't I know about that event. Enemies could've been there. And having you there was no help at all." I sighed while he continued to rant about how I messed up. As soon as we parked I stepped out only to realize it was down pouring. I checked in quickly and avoided Marcello at all costs, relieved when he went down to the bar.

I stripped but froze in my place when I saw one king sized bed instead of two queens. I screamed in frustration before stomping into the bathroom with my pajamas.

I ran the tub so it was steaming hot while sinking into it. Steam filled the monstrous bathroom where I could let my emotions flow.

Tears streamed freely while I just ran the tip of my nail over the ceramic.

I miss Lucas. He would've been able to talk to mom, she always liked him. He would've convinced me to forgive her, but as of right now I saw no reason to. I just wanted to forget her.

So to help myself out I grabbed the conveniently placed phone and dialed room service to order myself a bottle of red wine.

Twenty minutes later I had my hair washed while I stepped into my underwear. I slipped on a T-shirt I found while I reached for the doorknob.

Unfortunately for me, the door busted open while a stranger pushed his way in.

I screamed in fright before dropping to crawl between his legs. I scrambled to the duffel bag Marcello brought praying there was a gun in it.

Fortunately, Marcello is hella paranoid and did bring a gun. I turned to see the stranger bringing out his own.

I quickly shot his hand and then his knee making him fall. I wanted him alive to find out who sent him.

While he was crying on the floor I grabbed a vase that looked mighty nice. I flipped it so I could hold it by the neck. In one swift motion, I smashed it over his head. I watched him fall unconscious and sighed. I was glad the gun had a silencer.

I jumped when a knock sounded, the wine was here.

I poured myself a glass before going to rip a sheet I found in the closet. I successfully used the shreds to tie his hands and feet. Before gagging him.

I sighed while sitting on the bed, deciding to wait for Marcello so he could do his thing.