𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐞 || A Mafia Love Story

xli

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Russo's hand trembled slightly, his knuckles white around the gun as he pressed it harder against Marlee's head, forcing her to flinch. A low growl escaped Viktor's throat, but he didn't move, every instinct screaming at him to wait for the right moment.

"I'll shoot her," Russo spat, his voice raw with desperation. Blood dripped down the side of his face, mingling with the snow at his feet, his grip on reality unraveling by the second. "I'll do it!"

Marlee whimpered softly, her face contorted with fear, but she was brave—so brave. Viktor could see the tears glistening in her eyes, her body rigid with terror, but she didn't cry out. Her gaze remained fixed on him, trusting him, begging him for salvation.

Viktor's eyes narrowed, his gaze flicking to Russo's quivering hand. He could see it—the moment Russo's resolve faltered, the man barely holding himself together. Viktor could smell his weakness, sense the unraveling fear beneath the threats.

"Maxim," Viktor said softly, his voice barely above a whisper, but the command was clear.

In a single, fluid motion, Maxim fired. The gunshot shattered the silence, echoing through the snow-covered trees like a thunderclap. Russo jerked back, a stunned gasp escaping his lips as the bullet hit his shoulder, sending him stumbling backward.

Marlee screamed as the gun slipped from Russo's grasp, clattering to the ground. Viktor was already moving, his feet pounding through the snow as he closed the distance between them in a heartbeat. He reached Marlee just as she staggered forward, her legs buckling beneath her.

Without thinking, Viktor grabbed her, pulling her into his chest, his arms wrapping around her as if he could shield her from the world. She collapsed against him, sobbing uncontrollably, her face buried in his chest as her body trembled with shock and relief. Viktor held her tightly, his heart hammering in his chest as he ran a hand through her tangled hair, pulling her closer, feeling the wild beat of her pulse against his own.

"Shh, it's okay," he whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion. "I've got you. You're safe now."

Marlee's fingers clutched at his shirt, her grip desperate, as if she were afraid that if she let go, the nightmare would start again. Tears streamed down her cheeks, soaking into his coat as she sobbed harder, her small frame shaking with the force of her emotions. Viktor pressed his cheek to the top of her head, his hand cradling the back of her neck as he whispered soothing words, his other arm locked around her waist, holding her tight.

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Marlee let herself fall apart. She had been holding it together for so long, through the terror, the pain, the freezing cold, and now that she was safe in Viktor's arms, she couldn't stop the flood of tears. Every sob was a release of the fear that had gripped her heart, every tear a desperate plea for comfort. And Viktor was there, solid and warm, his hand stroking through her hair, his presence anchoring her to reality.

Behind them, Russo crumpled to the ground, groaning in pain as Maxim approached, gun still drawn. Viktor didn't look back. All that mattered was Marlee. The sound of Maxims rushed footsteps filled the air but Viktor didn't hear it. The only sound flooding his mind was Marlee's pained breaths.

"Viktor," she whispered, her voice trembling as she clung to him, her hands fisted in his coat. "I—I thought... I thought I was going to die."

He tightened his grip on her, his chest aching at the sound of her voice, raw and broken. "You're not going to die, Marlee. Not while I'm here."

Her sobs quieted, her breathing ragged as she pressed her face harder into his chest, the warmth of his body melting the icy cold that had seeped into her bones. She could feel his heart pounding beneath her cheek, steady and strong, a constant reminder that she wasn't alone.

Minutes passed, the world around them silent except for the soft rustle of snow falling from the trees. Viktor held her close, refusing to let go as he felt the tension slowly drain from her body. He didn't care about the snow soaking through his coat, or the sting of the cold wind on his face. All that mattered was the woman in his arms.

Eventually, Viktor turned his head, catching Maxim's eye. His cousin gave a slight nod, already calling for one of the men they had brought with them—Mikhail, the best field medic they had, trusted to tend to Marlee's injuries. Maxim had secured Russo and the foolish man was being loaded into another SUV that had arrived.

Mikhail hurried over, his medical kit slung over his shoulder, kneeling beside them in the snow. "We need to get her inside," he said, his tone professional but concerned as he scanned Marlee's pale face. "She's in shock, and there could be internal injuries from the crash."

Viktor nodded, his jaw clenched as he reluctantly loosened his hold on Marlee. "I'm not leaving her side."

Mikhail glanced between them, then nodded. "Of course. Let me check her vitals first."

As Mikhail worked, gently examining Marlee's cuts and bruises, Viktor kept his arms around her, his hand never leaving her hair, soothing her with every brush of his fingers. She leaned into him, her face buried against his chest, tears still trickling down her cheeks, though the sobs had subsided into soft, broken breaths.

"Marlee," Viktor whispered, his voice rough with emotion as he tilted her face up toward his. Her eyes, glassy and red from crying, met his, and his heart twisted at the sight of her pain. "You're safe now. I promise you, nothing will happen to you again. Not while I'm here."

She nodded weakly, her lower lip trembling as another tear slipped down her cheek. Viktor gently wiped it away with his thumb, his hand cradling her face as he leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I was scared."

"I know," Viktor murmured, his lips brushing against her skin as he pulled her back against his chest. "But you don't have to be scared anymore. You're with me."

Mikhail finished his examination, standing up and motioning for one of the other men to bring a blanket. "She'll need rest, but I don't see anything life-threatening for the moment," he said quietly. "It's highly likely she has a concussion but we can't know for sure until we get her somewhere. Other than that just shock and some minor injuries. We should get her out of the cold, though."

Viktor nodded, his grip on Marlee tightening as he stood, lifting her gently into his arms. She didn't protest, her body limp and exhausted as she rested her head against his shoulder, eyes fluttering closed.

As he carried her toward the waiting SUV, Viktor felt the overwhelming weight of relief settle over him. She was safe. She was alive. And he would never let her out of his sight again.

The snow fell softly around them as they moved through the darkness, Viktor holding Marlee close, never once letting her go.

Thank you for reading!<3