Beneath The Surface

Chapter 11 : Marked by the Past

--- Marco's POV ---

As I rise from the bed, my gaze lingers on her form, lying still amidst the tousled sheets. A sense of fulfillment washes over me, mingled with a hint of concern. With purposeful strides, I make my way to the bathroom, the cool tiles soothing beneath my feet.

Turning on the faucet, I watch as the water flows, filling the tub with warmth and comfort. The steady rhythm of running water fills the air, a soothing backdrop to my thoughts. I adjust the temperature, ensuring it's just right before stepping away from the bath.

Returning to the bedroom, I find her still resting peacefully on the bed, her presence a calming balm to my senses. With gentle hands, I lift her into my arms, cradling her close as I carry her to the bathroom.

Lowering her into the bath, I watch as the water envelops her, offering solace and tranquility. I join her in the tub, settling beside her as I wrap my arms around her, drawing her close in a silent gesture of comfort.

But as I gaze upon her back, my breath catches in my throat. Two stark scars mar her skin, a poignant reminder of the pain she has endured. Anger flares within me at the sight, my hands instinctively reaching out to trace the contours of those scars.

Tracing the scars etched into her skin, a surge of anger rises within me. Who could have inflicted such pain upon her? What horrors has she endured in her past? The questions gnaw at my mind, demanding answers that seem frustratingly out of reach.

Turning her around to face me, I grasp her chin firmly, forcing her to meet my gaze. "Who did this to you?" I demand, my voice carrying a note of authority. But she remains silent, her body tense and her eyes avoiding mine.

Frustration simmers beneath the surface as I release her, and she looks away, retreating into herself once more. I make a mental note to enlist Ace's help in uncovering the truth about her past. Whatever secrets she harbors, I am determined to unearth them and protect her from any further harm.

For now, all I can do is offer her comfort and reassurance. With a gentle touch, I soothe her fears and guide her through the remainder of her bath.

As I help her out of the bath, a protective instinct surges within me, urging me to shield her from any further harm. Wrapping her in a towel, I dry her gently. Guiding her back into the room, I retrieve a soft t-shirt of mine, offering it to her for comfort.

Once she is settled in bed, I ensure she is tucked in securely, watching as the weariness finally overtakes her. With a sigh, I brush a strand of hair from her face, feeling a pang of tenderness mixed with the frustration of unanswered questions.

As she drifts into sleep, I quietly slip out of the room, needing to make a call to Ace. The urgency of the situation weighs heavily on my mind as I dial his number, determined to uncover the truth about her past.

I punch in Ace's number, urgency coursing through me as I wait for him to answer. The phone rings once, twice, and then his voice fills the line, sharp and attentive.

"Marco, what's going on?" Ace's tone is laced with curiosity, picking up on the urgency in my voice.

"Ace, I need a favor," I reply, my voice clipped but determined. "I need you to do some digging for me."

There's a moment of silence on the other end, and I can practically feel Ace's curiosity growing. "Sure, Marco. What do you need?"

"I need everything you can find on Bella," I say, my words leaving no room for questions. "Every detail, every piece of information."

I can almost hear Ace's eyebrows raise in surprise. "Bella? What's going on? Is everything alright?"

I pause for a moment, considering how much to reveal. "I just need to know more about her," I reply cryptically. "It's important."

Ace doesn't push further, understanding the gravity of my request. "Got it," he says, his tone serious now. "Consider it done. I'll get back to you as soon as I have something."

"Thanks, Ace," I say, a sense of relief washing over me. "I appreciate it. Let me know if you need anything."

With that, we end the call, and I'm left to wait anxiously, knowing that Ace shares my feelings for Bella and will stop at nothing to uncover the truth.

As I move to settle into my study, the familiar glow of the computer screen illuminates the room, casting shadows across the walls. I begin typing, intent on delving into my own investigation, but before I can make any progress, Bella enters the room.

My eyes immediately find her, drawn to the sight of her wearing nothing but my t-shirt. A rush of warmth floods through me at the sight of her, and I can't help but admire how effortlessly beautiful she looks, even in such a simple garment.

"What are you up to?" she asks, her voice soft with curiosity as she moves closer to me, her gaze flickering over the screen of the computer.

I tear my eyes away from her for a moment, focusing on shutting down the computer before turning to face her. "Just some work that came up," I reply, my tone casual as I reach out to her.

In one fluid motion, I pull her into my arms, relishing the feeling of her body pressed against mine. With practiced ease, I lift her up, her legs instinctively wrapping around my waist as I carry her back to the bedroom. The weight of her in my arms feels comforting, grounding, and I can't help but feel a surge of possessiveness as I hold her close.