Marrying the Mafia

Putting Out the Dumpster Fire

Derek's POV:

This girl consumes my everything. As much as I try and try, I can't push her away. I'm so selfish keeping her here, but I have to. Aria stirs in her sleep for a moment before burying herself deeper into me, her arm still stretched across my body. I continue my gentle movements through her hair, unable to sleep. I guess that's what happens when your house gets shot up in the middle of the night.

"Derek?" A soft knock at the door interrupts my thoughts as I pray that Aria doesn't wake up. I recognize the voice as my father's. What could he want at this hour?

"What?" I call out as quietly as possible, my hands still playing with her soft strands.

"Where's Aria?" He asks. I look down at the Sleeping Beauty in my arms.

"With me. She's sleeping," I reply. I'm met with nothing more than soft footsteps towards the living room. Aria's chest slowly rises and falls, giving me a satisfaction. I would do anything for this girl in order to make her happy.

The following morning, I wake up to a cold, empty bed. I don't remember falling asleep. What time is it? Where did she go? I remain reasonable, but I can't help but feel anxious after last night's ambush.

I quickly get out of bed and head for the kitchen. I'm immediately met with a distressed Aria and a fuming Ryder.

"It doesn't matter, it is none of your fucking business," Aria hisses, her face red with anger. Ryder begins to step towards her, but she shoves his chest. "No, get the fuck out of my face."

I round the corner, exposing myself to them. Ryders eyes darken whereas Aria's eyes contradict with light. Aria lets out a sigh of relief. "Tell him to fuck off."

"Ryder, fuck off. Don't you have anyone else you can bother?" I ask, not even angry. I'm just annoyed. This early in the morning, he has to harass my wife. I'm so goddamn tired of it. She doesn't deserve that. She deserves peace through this shitshow.

"I'm not bothering her, I'm just asking a simple question!" Ryder exclaims, but Aria's voice overpowers his.

"And I told you, it is none of your fucking business!" She shouts, pointing at him. I press my palm to my forehead, my head pounding from the shouting.

"Ryder, just get the fuck out," I sigh, pointing towards the door. To my shock, Ryder just scoffs as he turns on his heel. What the hell was this about? Why was he so quick to listen? I've never seen Ryder give up without a fight. He's like a damn bull who chronically sees red. He never stops.

Ryder doesn't even say a single word as he walks away from us, slamming the front door with a bang. Aria, clearly irritated, rolls her eyes before walking towards the kitchen counter and grabbing her phone. I watch as she types feverishly, ignoring my presence. I skulk over to her swiftly, wrapping my arms around her waist gently in an attempt to soothe her.

"Not now," She says angrily as I rest my head against her back. I sigh, gently massaging her sides.

"You fight with him a lot," I point out, my hands roaming her soft skin under her long t-shirt, a courtesy of me.

"Mhm," Aria hums in response.

Noticing her mood won't change, I try a different approach, reaching all the way up her shirt, feeling just under her breasts. I earn a positive reaction as Aria leans back and drops her phone on the counter.

"He never goes away. He's like a stalker," She says, her voice growing quieter as her hands rest on mine as she speaks. Rage continues to build up inside me as I listen to her talk about the hellspawn. I hate him and his control over her. I hate it so much. She doesn't deserve that.