Married to the Mafia Monster (Rossi Mafia Brides #4)

1. Bella

ONE

Bella

“Bella, come here, now.”

The wheels of my cleaning cart squeak in protest as I push it toward the check-in desk.

“Yes, Mr. Harris,” I say, masking my dread with a forced smile.

His cold, assessing gaze rakes over me. “What did I say to you yesterday?”

“That I shouldn’t be seen in the lobby?”

He doesn’t return my smile. “Rule one of The Dolphin: chambermaids are invisible. Stick to the shadows. Guests shouldn’t even know you exist.”

“But you asked me to clean up that coffee spill by the front door.”

“Don’t argue with me.” He straightens, his face mere inches from mine, a predatory glint in his eyes as a slow smirk curls his lips. “I took a risk hiring you. No ID, no address, no references.

“But, I told myself, everyone deserves a shot. You’ve only been here a week but you’re already forgetting the rules.” He leans closer. “I think it would be best if I remind you. Over dinner tonight.”

My heart pounds. “No, thank you. I’m busy tonight.”

His smile fades, eyes narrowing. “You enjoyed being homeless so much you want to be back on the streets already? Think hard before making an enemy of me.”

“Bella,” a friendly voice calls from the door to the women’s bathroom. “Gimme a hand?”

Mr. Harris shoots a glare that way. “Lily Jefferson, will you ever learn how to address fellow staff members correctly?”

Lily sticks her tongue out at him. “I am so sorry, Nigel. Miss Bennett, could you possibly spare a brief moment to assist a damsel in the most unfortunate distress?”

Mr. Harris answers for me. “No, she can’t.” He looks down at his notepad and then up at me. “Room 1207 needs a full turnaround at once. Get to it.”

“But I cleaned it this morning before the guests checked in.”

Mr. Harris smirks, clearly enjoying the moment of suspense. “An anonymous gentleman paid a significant amount to have the guests moved.

“He’s paying top dollar for that specific room, so I need it spotless when he arrives. Bella, you clean it. Lily, you can supervise, seeing as you have so much time on your hands.”

In the elevator, Lily presses the button for the twelfth floor. “Saw the way he was talking to you,” she says as the door closes. “What was it this time, hints of promotion if you just give his teeny weeny some attention?”

I manage a weak smile. “Asked me out to dinner. Again.”

“He needs castrating, that guy. Want to do the honors?”

“Might struggle to keep my job if I cut the nuts off my boss.”

Lily looks at me, her eyes filled with concern. “You’d get another job, trust me. You work harder than anyone else in here, me included.”

“I’m only in it for the leftovers and the accommodation.”

She grins. “How did a sweet, kind, intelligent girl like you end up on the streets in the first place?”

I bite my lip, the memories flooding back. “You really want to know?”

“I’m asking, aren’t I?”

“Well, two weeks back, I lost my waitressing job. I got home to find Dad telling me I needed to move out. Wouldn’t say why, just said that I had to go.”

“What did your mom say?”

“Not much. She died when I was a kid.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“It’s all right. I don’t remember her. Anyway, Dad got a message on his cell, and it sent him into this wild panic, like he thought the apartment was about to explode. Started shoving me out the door. I didn’t even have time to pack.” I lower my voice. “Started saying he screwed up.

“Told me to stay in New York. Said it was only for a day or two and he’d be in touch. I asked if I could take my cellphone, but he said it could be traced too easily. Then he just shoved me out the door.”

“Shit, what did you do?”

“I hid, like he said. Only it’s not easy finding somewhere to sleep without the cops moving you on or some sleazy asshole trying to touch you up.

“I ended up in the alley behind the Dolphin and that’s where Mr. Harris found me. Offered me a job as a chambermaid, said I could live in and get three meals a day.”

“Bet he didn’t mention wanting to fuck you.”

“Funnily enough, he did omit to tell me that part of the job description.”

Lily’s eyes widen. “What’s your dad’s name?”

“Robert, why?”

“Because I’m going to hunt down Robert Bennett and give him a kick up the ass.”

“Don’t go looking for him. You could be putting yourself in danger. I’ve no idea what’s going on with him but I’ve never seen him look that scared.”

The doors slide open to reveal a hallway lined with plush carpeting. Elegantly decorated doors lead to the guest rooms. “1207 is down to the right,” Lily says, stepping out first. I follow closely behind, pushing my cleaning cart.

“I wonder why your dad didn’t tell you what was happening?” Lily asks as we walk down the hallway.

“I don’t know,” I admit. “He just said it was important that I stay away. Not try to call him or anything. Said he’d be in touch as soon as he can. It’s been two weeks, and I’ve still not heard anything.”

“Maybe he’s tried to get in touch but doesn’t know how.”

“I thought about ringing him, but then I remember how scared he looked when he told me not to. I’ve never seen him like that.”

She turns to face me, her expression softening. “Look on the bright side, the longer you’re hiding out here, the more decent company I have. We girls can take care of each other, right? Think of me like your big sister with big tits, okay?”

“They’re not that big.”

“You should see me running. They called me black-eyed Lil last time I went to the gym.”

“Don’t tell Mr. Harris that anecdote. He’ll send the desk bell catapulting across the lobby.”

“Delightful image. Now, let’s get this room spotless before he comes up to supervise in person.”

“We could put him in the trash bag with the rest of the unwanted shit.”

She grins. “That’s the kind of big idea this place needs. They should put you in charge.”

“I wish. You know, I’ve always dreamed of running a hotel like this one.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I think Lorelai in Gilmore Girls got me thinking about it. Being in charge, meeting new people, making everyone happy.”

“Earning a fortune.”

“That too. You reckon Mr. Harris would swap places with me?”

“If you offered to let him do you up the butt, he might.”

“If that’s the deal, I’ll stick with being a chambermaid for now.”

“Scaredy cat.” As we turn the corner, she leans in conspiratorially, her voice tinged with excitement. “Oh, I forgot to tell you,” she whispers, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “There was a hot guy in the lobby earlier. Gucci suit, tall enough to touch the ceiling, hands that would look just right cupping my ass. You’re looking at the future Mr. Jefferson, my girl.”

I can’t help but chuckle softly at her enthusiasm. “Can I come to the wedding?”

“Honey, you’ll be the maid of honor. Or we can double team him if you like? Me on his face and you on his monster dong.” She stops outside 1207 to swipe her keycard.

“Is that what you mean by us girls taking care of each other?” I ask as the door swings open.

The cool air-conditioned interior washes over us as we step inside. The suite is spacious and elegantly furnished. The plush carpets, rich wood furniture, and tasteful artwork all exude luxury. There’s a bedroom, living space, bathroom, and two balconies.

“The sex talk will have to wait,” Lily says, grabbing a duster from the cart. “Work must temporarily intrude.”

The crystal chandeliers cast a soft, golden glow, making the suite look almost ethereal. I move into the bedroom, straightening cushions, vacuuming the carpet, wiping down every surface until they gleam.

“No clean towels on your cart,” Lily calls out as I move through to the bathroom. “And you call yourself the owner?”

“A good employee would go fetch some from the closet,” I shout back as I wipe the mirror.

“No good ones around. I guess I’ll have to go get some instead.”

My elbow bumps a glass perched on the marble counter, sending it clinking to the floor and splashing water all over my blouse.

“Shit,” I mutter under my breath, panic rising as I grab a towel and hastily blot at the spreading wetness. My top becomes transparent in seconds. “That’s just perfect,” I mutter. “Fantastic.”

I hear footsteps out in the main lounge. “In here,” I shout. “And I’ve got quite the sight for you.” I spin around and thrust my chest out, expecting to see Lily with an armful of clean towels. “You’re not the only one with big tits around here.”

I freeze as a towering figure fills the doorway, his piercing blue eyes locking onto mine with a gaze that sends shivers down my spine. He steps forward, his presence dominating the room. He’s like something out of a gangster movie.

He’s dressed in a perfectly tailored suit that accentuates his broad shoulders. His dark hair is neatly styled, framing a face that is ruggedly handsome yet marked with an aura of authority and danger.

His eyes, a piercing shade of blue, see right through me, taking in the scene with cool appraisal. I feel even more exposed under his intense gaze, my pulse quickening as I struggle to find words. Any words.

His eyes move to my soaking wet chest, his brows raising slightly. “I’ve seen bigger,” he says. “But not many.”

“I... I’m sorry,” I stammer. “I didn’t mean to...”

He steps further into the room. “Thrust your tits at me?” he says smoothly, his voice low and measured.

I swallow hard, acutely aware of his proximity. There’s an undeniable tension in the air between us, a magnetic pull that I can’t ignore. His presence commands attention and stirs something profound within me—a mix of fear and undeniable attraction.

I take a step back, trying to regain my composure. “I’ll clean this up,” I say, gesturing awkwardly at the wet patch on the tiles next to me.

He watches me for a moment, his expression unreadable. “I’m going to take a shower,” he announces suddenly. “You’re more than welcome to join me.” He begins to loosen his tie, glancing at the name badge on my chest. “Seeing as you’re wet already, Bella.”

I get a sudden crystal clear image of him taking my virginity, saying my name in that exact tone of voice, his strong arms pinning me to a bed. The image takes my breath away.

He tosses his tie aside, getting to work on his shirt buttons. “Walk away and continue with your work. Or dive into the deep end of life. What do you want to do, Bella?”

I stand frozen, torn between desire and reality, my fingers trembling against the damp cloth in my hand. God, can he tell my nipples are rock-hard and aching for his tongue?

Between my legs a tingle is growing, brought on by a new image in my head. The two of us, naked in the shower, his hands touching my pussy, the first man to ever touch me there. I only have to take one step forward and I could lose my virginity to the hottest man I’ve ever seen.

I turn on my heel and walk out of the bathroom, the door swinging shut behind me with a soft click.