𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐞 || A Mafia Love Story

xvii

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Viktor studied Marlee, noticing the tension behind her smile. He could tell something was amiss, her joy not fully reaching her eyes as it usually did.

"Thank you for coming to get me!" Marlee said, her voice cheerful but tinged with an edge of unease as she sat in the passenger seat.

"What happened, Marlee?" Viktor's voice was sharp and direct.
Marlee blushed, caught off guard by his astute observation. "Well..." she started, her embarrassment growing. "I'm not doing very well in Physics, and my teacher said I might fail his class if I don't improve soon." A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she expressed her frustration, and despite the situation, Viktor couldn't help but find her vulnerability endearing.

For a brief moment, Viktor entertained the idea of taking matters into his own hands and beating Marlee's Physics teacher into submission to ensure she got an A. However, he quickly dismissed the impulsive thought as he knew Marlee wouldn't approve of his heavy-handed approach. Her wellbeing and happiness were more important to him than the satisfaction of exacting revenge on her behalf.

Viktor paused, his thoughts returning to the present as he considered the offer. A gruff sound escaped his lips as he felt a hint of embarrassment at the proposition.

"I could... help you," he grunted, his voice betraying his hesitation. The truth was, he had always been a diligent student back in the day, and he knew he had the skills to help Marlee improve her Physics grades.

Marlee's eyes widened in surprise and excitement at Viktor's unexpected offer. She couldn't help but shift eagerly in her seat, a wave of energy coursing through her. "Really?" she exclaimed, bouncing slightly in her enthusiasm.

But as quickly as her excitement flared up, Marlee suddenly felt a pang of guilt, recognizing the sacrifice of time and energy Viktor would have to make to help her. "You don't have to, though. It's okay," she murmured, voice laden with remorse.

"I've got plenty of time, Malyshka," Viktor reassured her, picking up on her guilt and quickly brushing it aside. "But only if you really want to." Marlee said, picking at her fingers, a small smile growing on her face.

"I do," he confirmed, his voice softening as he saw her enthusiasm.

Marlee's smile widened, her guilt easing as she grasped his sincere intention to help. She understood that beneath his gruff demeanor, he genuinely wanted to assist her.

"How about today?" Marlee proposed eagerly, her smile widening with anticipation.

Viktor took a moment to consider his own workload before responding. "I have some work I need to get done," he admitted, "But I can make time to help you If you want to come over." His gaze flicked towards Marlee as he issued the invitation, gauging her reaction.

Marlee eagerly nodded, her excitement mounting at the thought of visiting Viktor's house. He caught a glimpse of her animated expression in the corner of his eye and inquired, "Do you need to tell someone you're coming over?"

She shook her head vehemently, dismissing his concern. A barrage of excited chatter followed, filling the air as they continued their drive to his place.

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On their way into his home, Viktor noticed Marlee's backpack and offered to take it from her.

"Give me that," he said, gently lifting the backpack from her shoulders and carrying it himself.

As they entered his office, he gestured for her to sit, placing her backpack on the chair beside her. Marlee took a seat, her legs tucked up against her chest.

Viktor settled into his seat and began to prepare his work. He reached into a drawer, extracting a neat stack of papers and a pair of glasses. He donned the glasses, an action that only accentuated his striking features.

Marlee perched on the edge of her chair, her eyes fixated on him as he rifled through the papers, his brow furrowed in concentration. Her heart fluttered in her chest as she admired his serious expression.

His stern voice shattered her dreamy state, startling her back to reality.

"Marlee," Viktor said firmly, demanding her attention. "Get your homework out."

She shook her head, snapping out of her daze. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she fumbled through her bag, rummaging for her homework assignments.

"I've got four," Marlee confessed, shyly arranging the papers on his desk with a sheepish expression. She glanced up at him, nibbling on her lower lip nervously.

"I... uh... don't quite know how to do some of it, though..." she trailed off, her voice laced with uncertainty. She met his gaze, waiting for his response.

Viktor hummed in acknowledgment as Marlee indicated a part she was having difficulties with. He glanced at the problem she pointed to, his gaze tracing over the equations and numbers.

"Alright," he murmured, studying the problem intently. "Let's take a look at that."

Viktor focused his attention on the problem, his gaze narrowing as he absorbed the information. He leaned forward a bit, his tone shifting to a more casual yet still authoritative manner.

"Okay, so here's what we're dealing with," he began, tapping the paper gently. "First, you need identify the key variables here..."

Viktor proceeded to explain the problem in a calm and clear manner, patiently breaking down the concepts and steps for Marlee. She listened closely, her expression a mix of focus and curiosity as she absorbed his instructions.

"Do you understand?" Marlee sheepishly shook her head, trying to express that she understood it somewhat but was still puzzled in certain aspects.

Viktor's response was gentle, his voice reassuring and patient. "That's alright," he said softly. "I can explain it again.  Which part are you struggling with?"

Marlee and Viktor worked diligently on their tasks, the room filled with a comfortable silence as they concentrated on the equations and documents before them. Every now and then, Marlee would pause in her writing, furrowing her brow as she puzzled over a particular issue, in which Viktor would be quick to help her with her question.

Marlee's voice broke the silent rhythm of their work as she exclaimed, "Done!" She finished the last equation with a flourish, a feeling of triumph evident in her voice.

Viktor looked up from his papers, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his lips. He hummed in response, setting down his own paper and taking off his glasses in a gesture of satisfaction.

Viktor's gaze flicked down to his wristwatch, his expression turning contemplative. He then looked up at Marlee, noting the happiness in her eyes.

"Hungry?" he inquired, to which Marlee nodded vigorously, her stomach rumbling in response.

Rising from his seat, Viktor removed his suit jacket, draping it over the back of his chair in a smooth motion. "Let's go," he declared, his tone shifting to one of authority.

Marlee hurriedly shoved her belongings into her backpack, slinging it over her shoulder with a swift movement. However, her actions were halted by Viktor, who quickly grasped the bag, effortlessly slinging it over his own shoulder.

Marlee looked up at him, somewhat startled but also a bit thrilled by his unexpected gesture.

Marlee trailed after Viktor as they made their way to his car. Her mind was still focused on the physics concepts they had been studying, the equations and formulas dancing before her eyes. The evening had been intense but productive, and now she was simply looking forward to some food and a well-deserved break.

The thought of spending more time with Viktor excited her, she was oblivious to why she felt such a fluttery feeling in her stomach. Marlee took her place in the passenger seat a wide smile spread across her face.

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Thank you for reading! <3