~M.~
I watched Belle as she leaned over the counter of the bakery in the lobby of our hotel.

Her curly hair was thrown up into a pile on top of her head.

Her neck was exposed to me and my eyes trailed over the clear skin. Skin that would look even better with my mark over them.

I looked over her body, the sweater hung off her shoulders and exposed her mid drift. Her pants were like a second skin and trust me when I say this- her ass moved with each and every step she took.

I wasn't the only one who noticed, it seemed my Belle caught many's attention. Especially the douche bag across the counter.

I glared at him, but only when he tore his eyes off of Belle's cleavage did he notice. I growled lowly and pulled her into my chest.

Belle yelped while stumbling into me and narrowed her eyes at me. I kept my gaze on the kid five feet away.

"Take her order instead of eye fucking her. It's not what you're paid to do," I spoke through clenched teeth and watched him pale.

Belle didn't react much and pointed to the pastries she wanted. When we finally got what we came for she grabbed my hand instinctually and I smirked.

I guided her to the exit and knew my men were following. My driver opened our door and I watched her crawl in.

Belle didn't give a damn about what was going on around her as she ate and hummed to herself.

I was almost envious of her bliss. Her silence was broken as she glanced up at me, licking the sugar from her lips. I unconsciously mimicked her, craving a taste.

"I'm still trying to figure you out Milano," she eyed me up and down. "I still don't understand why you've kept me around for so long. And! Yesterday you couldn't stand me."

My brown eyes met her baby blues and I felt compelled to spill my guts. Fuck, what mafia boss could acquire such a weakness in less than a week?

I could withstand days of torture- weeks even. But one look at her and I have no idea how I'd fair.

I sighed heavily and rested my head against the seat. "I don't understand either Mia Bella."

"That's quite the predicament, Mr. Marcello," she answered cheekily. If only she knew.

"Indeed Ms. Christiano." And with that, she offered me a bite of her bagel.
~
~B.~

When we arrived Marcello opened the door for me and we stepped into a very loud house. It sounded like a woman and man arguing.

As we stepped into the living room I saw Frankie's silhouette and suddenly a vase flying my way.

I was lurched to the left and enveloped in a large, muscular body. Marcello cradled me against his body while unholstering his gun.

Without thinking I grabbed his other that he always kept tucked in the back of his pants. I kept one arm wrapped around him while pointing my gun in the same direction Marcello was.

My jaw dropped when I saw a fuming pregnant woman. She was very pregnant.

If I was that pregnant I'd be throwing things too.

I quickly lowered my weapon when I saw she was crying and turned to Marcello while slowly tucking it back where I got it.

I bit my lip as the urge to squeeze his cheeks overwhelmed me. I tried to hide my smile at the thought and he raised a brow at me as he put his own gun away. I dragged my hands to his front before detaching. A little teasing never hurt anyone.

I quickly turned to the distressed pregnant woman. I shooed Frankie away and gently grabbed her hand while ushering her to the couch.

I ignored the men while sitting next to her and rubbing her back.

"Are you alright?"

I grabbed tissues and passed them to her, "yea, sorry about the vase. Sorry, Marcello. It's just the hormones a-and the father of my baby is an asshole!"

I winced as she got riled up and rubbed her back faster.

"Uh- Frankie leave."

"W-What! That's bull! Where's the democracy!-"

"Leave." I said and Marcello grabbed Frank by the back of his shirt as he sent me a look before hauling him out.

"I'm Belle by the way," I shook her hand. "Marcello is supposed to be 'keeping me safe'."

"I'm Melody. Call me Mel, you don't need to do this. I should really leave."

"No! No! It's fine. I haven't had much female interaction in a long, long time. I could use it, even if it is a cry fest. I've been saving up."

She gave me a watery smile, she was really beautiful. Many shades darker than me, her eyes were a light brown. Her hair was in long braids that framed her heart shaped face. She was much taller and a lean build compared to me. Her bump was an endearing sight.

"Frankie and I have been together for five years. Granted on and off for the first two. When I told him I was pregnant he practically passed out," she scoffed.

"But he was so happy, and these past few months I've been mentioning marriage." My mouth formed an 'o' shape.

"He has been avoiding it this entire time! Never giving me a straight answer! I'd rather get a direct no! He used to talk about it all the time! And this past year he's been hesitant so it makes me think that he'll leave eventually. This baby is the only thing keeping him with me and I-" sobs racked her body.

"I'm sure that's not the case," before I could continue Frankie pushed through the doors.

I stood and bent down to whisper, "I can have Marcello get me ice cream. My rooms on the fifth floor whenever you finish. Particular flavors?"

"Cookies and cream please," she sniffled and squeezed my hand in thanks.

I nodded and smirked, I knew I liked her for a reason.

I walked out and right into the arms of Marcello. I gasped as his hands gripped my hips and he stared down at me.

I smiled faintly up at him and rubbed my hands against his arms holding me.

"Marcello," I sang. I noticed him staring intently at my lips and almost let out a lovesick sigh. I could've rolled my eyes then and there, love was a strong word. If anything this was him trying to get me into bed with him! Just using me and releasing me when he gets what he wants.

Ignoring my cynical thoughts and continued to smile before asking, "can you get me ice cream?"

His brows furrowed before I nodded my head back to the room Mel was in.

"What kind?" He asked gruffly.

"Cookies and cream? Two tubs?" I rocked back and forth on the balls of my feet.

He nodded once, continued out staring contest.

"Je vous remercie," I said quietly. I wonder if he knew French.

"French?"

I nodded while answering, "you know it?"

"I do, I'll have to show you sometime." I squinted in confusion but brushed it off as someone walked through the hall.

"Oh! Damn-" Mathew cut himself off as we both looked at him. We let go of each other simultaneously.

I coughed awkwardly before smiling politely. Even if we had known each other it was like looking at a stranger.

I squeezed Marcello's bicep, "'member the ice cream please!" I called over my shoulder as I hopped up the steps.
•••••

Do you think Marcello will be consistent with his change of heart?? Comment your thoughts and vote because I would love to hear from you guys