𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐞 || A Mafia Love Story

xviii

Marlee's voice cut through the silence as she drawled out a question. "So... where we goin'?" she asked excitedly.

Viktor shifted his gaze towards her as he continued to drive. "This diner I saw when me and Roman moved here," he answered, his voice nonchalant.

As Marlee heard the word diner and her eyes lit up with excitement. "Oakley's?" she asked, her expression hopeful.

Viktor hummed in thought before confirming her question. "Yeah, I think so."

Marlee sat in the passenger seat, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "I really like that place," she said, her words coming out in a rush. "Their food is really good."

She continued to talk, her voice animated and eager. "Did you know that my Papa gets his pies from them?" she asked, grinning from ear to ear.

"Does he?" Viktor mumbled, the corner of his lips tugging at a slight smile.

Marlee hummed in agreement before diverting her attention out of the window, her gaze fixated on the passing houses. "Hey!" she exclaimed suddenly, her voice filled with excitement. "That's Ava's house."

Viktor glanced at her again, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "And who's Ava?" he asked, his voice tinged with intrigue.

Marlee's voice lost some of its enthusiasm as she answered Viktor's question. "Oh... she's my old friend," she said, her tone tinged with a hint of sadness.

Viktor noticed the way Marlee's body seemed to sag a little in her seat at the mention of her old friend. He couldn't help but wonder what had happened between her and Ava.

Viktor hummed in acknowledgment as Marlee spoke, his eyes focused on the road ahead. Her words, "But I'm friends with Roman now, so it's ok!" rang in his ears, triggering a pang of jealousy within him. The mention of his little brother made him tighten his grip on the steering wheel, his teeth gritting slightly.

He was envious of the close bond between Marlee and Roman, but he refused to admit it to himself.

As Viktor pulled the car into the parking lot, he took a deep breath. His eyes darted around, scanning the area for any signs of potential dangers. He hated being in crowded places, the noise and activity only serving to increase his anxiety.

He shifted his gaze to Marlee, who was sitting next to him. Her presence had a calming effect on him, but he still couldn't shake the feeling of unease. The thought of being surrounded by strangers made his heart race and his palms sweaty.

Viktor released a breath of tension before he spoke, "Ready?"

Marlee nodded excitedly, her eagerness to go inside evident. She jumped out of the car before rushing over to Viktor's side, waiting for him to emerge.

As they began walking towards the crowded diner, Marlee discreetly observed the tall man beside her. She noticed the way his shoulders were unusually tense and how his usually stoic expression seemed to be tinged with anger and irritation. Her eyes trailed down to his balled up fists that were stuffed in the pockets of his suit pants.

As they approached the entrance of the diner, Marlee discreetly reached for Viktor's hand, gently pulling it out of his pocket and entwining her fingers with his. She felt him visibly relax at the contact, the crease between his eyebrows smoothing out and his shoulders losing their tension. She could feel the tension leave his body as he exhaled a breath he had been holding.

The hostess, cheery and welcoming, greeted them as they entered the diner, "Hi! How many today?" She directed her question towards Viktor, but he didn't bother looking at her, instead keeping his face stoic while his eyes scanned the space.