𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐞 || A Mafia Love Story

xv

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Marlee couldn't help but observe the tall man as he stood in her home, his presence seeming out of place amidst her familiar surroundings. His eyes roamed the room, searching for something, and the thought amused her. "Nobody else is home if that's what you're worried about," she spoke up, a soft giggle escaping her lips, breaking the silence that lingered in the room.

The man hummed his response before looking back to her. As Marlee grabbed Viktor's hand, a curious sensation of tingles shot down her arm, making her heart race. She led him up the stairs excitedly, exclaiming, "My room's upstairs!"

The simple act of holding his hand stirred up a strange nervousness within her. She couldn't quite explain it, as she was used to holding her family members' hands without any such reaction. Yet, the feel of his hand in hers created a different kind of exhilaration.

While Marlee's fingers were laced through his, she felt the roughness of his hands, the skin calloused from years of hard work. The texture was a stark contrast to the smoothness of her own skin, and it sent another jolt of electricity through her. The realization that these hands had seen the wear and tear of life only further fueled the fascination that was building within her.

Marlee's heart raced as she held onto Viktor's hand, her feelings a chaotic mix of curiosity and obsession. She couldn't shake the intense fascination that had taken hold of her since she first saw him at her grandfather's restaurant. The thought of getting to know him, of learning more about this enigmatic man, consumed her thoughts.

She had never experienced such an overwhelming feeling throughout her seventeen years, and the pull he had over her was both enthralling and slightly unnerving.

"This is my room!" Marlee exclaimed, her voice slightly shaky with nervousness as she gestured for him to enter.

Viktor stepped into the room, his hands casually in his pockets. As he glanced around, taking in the details of her space, Marlee couldn't help but feel self-conscious. Marlee's room was a reflection of her past, with stuffed animals and trinkets from her childhood decorating various surfaces. The pale yellow walls were a gentle backdrop to the collection of objects that held fond memories for her.

She watched as Viktor took in the sight of her room, feeling a sense of embarrassment at the childish display. Viktor stepped towards the open window, his steps creaky on the old wooden floor. The curtains billowing in the breeze, seemed to contrast even more vividly with the nostalgia that filled the space.

Vikor stepped closer to her bed, his eyes falling upon her prized possession. The well-loved lamb plushie, its once immaculate white fur now tinged with a beige hue, held a special place in her heart. As he picked it up, his eyes flicked back to her, taking in the deep blush that now coated her skin. A warm chuckle escaped him as he teased her gently. "Are you embarrassed?" he cooed, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Marlee's head shook rapidly as she tried in vain to conceal her embarrassment. She turned away and pressed her cool hands against her burning cheeks, desperately seeking relief.

"Bri," she called out in a soft, soothing tone, "come here, baby." As she kneeled down beside her bed, her slender fingers delicately searching the space beneath it, Viktor assumed she was calling out for her cat.

Finally, a small meow and a faint rustling noise could be heard from under the bed. A smile spread across her face as she spotted the fuzzy head of her cat peeking out.

The girl popped up from the other side of her bed, her arms cradling a small, fluffy brown cat which was now cradled against her chest. A subtle smirk tugged at the corners of Viktor's lips as he thought to himself, "Cute."