𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐞 || A Mafia Love Story

xlvi

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"Hello, dorogaya." Polina chuckled warmly, wrapping her arms tightly around the younger girl. Her pin-straight dark brown hair fell neatly behind her shoulders, and her eyes sparkled with excitement. Lina had missed Marlee.

Polina's gaze flicked over to the brooding man standing silently behind her. Viktor's usually neat blond hair had grown out, curling slightly at the ends, and a small beard shadowed his typically smooth jawline. Roman had already filled Polina in on the current... situation between Marlee and Viktor. It wasn't hard to see the truth. The way Viktor's eyes tracked Marlee's every move, the jealous glance he shot Roman for getting too close—her cousin was clearly in love with the girl. Polina's lips twitched into a knowing smile.

"Come, Marlee. Roman and I will show you the house." Polina grabbed Marlee's hand, throwing a sly glance over her shoulder at Viktor before leading her inside.

The moment Marlee stepped into the foyer, the warmth of the house wrapped around her, chasing away the winter chill. She paused just inside the doorway, taking in the massive space. Dark wood paneling stretched along the walls, contrasting sharply with the black-and-white checkered floor beneath her. The pristine floor gleamed under the soft lighting, and Marlee immediately kicked off her shoes, unwilling to dirty it.

Her eyes widened as they wandered up the grand staircase curving along the left wall. Everything about the house felt overwhelming—the size, the silence, the sense of unfamiliarity. Still, she followed Polina quietly, tucking her hands into her sleeves.

Polina led her through an archway straight ahead, and Marlee found herself in a spacious living room. Roman jumped up from the couch, his smile broad as he wrapped Marlee in a quick hug. She blinked, caught off guard by his exuberance, and returned the hug awkwardly.

"Marlee!" he exclaimed. "Glad you made it!"

From the couch, two other men watched her closely. One of them, Nikolai, leaned back lazily, giving her a polite nod, while the other, Artyom, stared at her with an intensity that made her stomach tighten. His gaze wasn't threatening exactly—it was almost disbelief, as if he were seeing something he hadn't expected.

"Artyom," Polina said sharply, stepping protectively beside Marlee. The tension broke as Marlee offered a small, hesitant wave. She didn't like being the center of attention, and the weight of their gazes made her feel exposed.

"I'm giving her a tour," Polina said briskly. "You boys can't come." Roman made a halfhearted protest, but Polina silenced him with a glare and guided Marlee back into the foyer.

"This way."

The rest of the house was just as grand. Polina led her through the kitchen, pointing out a large window overlooking the snowy forest. Beyond the trees, Marlee could make out the faint outline of a stone wall with three arches. The wooden dining table in the center of the room was scattered with various items—keys, books, and someone's phone charger.

"The boys' rooms are down the other hallway," Polina explained as they ascended the staircase. "But I won't make you step foot anywhere near there." She laughed, and Marlee smiled faintly, though exhaustion tugged at her.

Polina stopped at a door halfway down the hall. "This is my room," she said, tapping it lightly. A few steps later, she gestured to another door. "And this is yours. Viktor's room is the one at the very end." Polina pointed to the solitary door on the far wall. Marlee's eyes lingered on it for a moment before Polina nudged her inside.

Marlee's room was spacious but cozy. The dark wooden floors gleamed, and a large white bed sat in the center, piled with blankets and pillows. Arched windows dotted the walls, and on the far side of the room, a glass door led to a small balcony overlooking the snow-dusted garden below. Polina showed her the adjoining bathroom and closet before they made their way back downstairs.

Roman and Artyom were sprawled on the couch, controllers in hand, the glow of their game reflecting off their faces. Polina groaned, kicking Roman off the couch and clearing a spot for Marlee.

"Sit here," she said, rolling her eyes as Roman mumbled an apology, already immersed in the game again.

"We don't eat until pretty late," Polina added. "Are you hungry?"

Marlee shook her head. "No, I'm fine," she murmured. It wasn't entirely true—she hadn't had much of an appetite since she'd arrived. A subtle unease lingered in the back of her mind, though she couldn't quite place its source.

She sat quietly, her knee bouncing without realizing it. Her eyes darted around the room, taking in the crisp white walls, the dark wood floor, and the large window framing the snow outside.

When Artyom threw his fist in the air after winning the game, Marlee flinched slightly, though no one seemed to notice. She tried to smile but felt her pulse quicken.

A hand suddenly rested on her bouncing knee. Her breath caught, sharp and sudden, but as she looked up, the tension in her shoulders melted away. Viktor stood beside her, his expression calm but focused. She hadn't realized how violent her knee had been shaking until now.

"Come on," he said quietly, his voice steady and low. Without hesitation, Marlee rose and followed him upstairs. He led her to a door Polina hadn't mentioned earlier, pushing it open to reveal a study.

A large wooden desk dominated the center of the room, and the walls were lined with bookshelves. The far wall held a row of windows, their frosted panes letting in the light outside.

Marlee's eyes kept flicking to the lamp on the desk—a simple thing, but her gaze locked on it again and again. Flashes of her uncles office flickered on the edges of her mind and she drew in a sharp breath. She barely noticed Viktor stepping closer until he spoke.

"The lamp?" he asked softly, brushing her hair aside with careful fingers and resting his hand lightly on the back of her head.

"It's nothing," she said quickly, her voice tight. "It's just a lamp." She forced a small laugh, but it sounded hollow even to her own ears.

Viktor studied her carefully, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "If it bothers you, Malyshka, it's not nothing."

Her throat tightened, and she looked away. "I'm just... being silly," she whispered, her words barely audible.

"You're not," he replied firmly. His hand fell from her face, and she instantly felt its absence. Viktor crossed the room, picked up the lamp, and walked toward the door. "I'll get rid of it."

Before she could respond, he was gone, leaving her standing alone in the quiet room, the faint rustle of her hair still lingering in the air.

Thank you for reading! <3