Melina walks into the kitchen and gets herself a cold glass of water. While it hurts a little, it's nothing she can't handle. She is relieved that he did not insist on having sex with her despite the fact that her body craves it, which she can't believe. It's messed up, but that's that. Standing beside the fridge, she wonders why Thomas pulled her so close. Did he fear that I repulsed his touch, suddenly? She might not be ready to be with him, but she doesn't disapprove of his touch. Her wet panties are proof of that. Maybe if he hadn't been so scary all the time, she'd be ready to be with him again. Does that even help her situation? She wants to get over Thomas, and she's already planning how she'll prepare to have sex with him again. Melina facepalms, realizing she's acting as if they are getting back together or something. She shouldn't fool herself into thinking things will improve just because Thomas still wants to fuck her. Men fuck women they detest all the time.
Walking out of the kitchen, Melina hears someone giggling and whispering or trying to. She recognizes the voice as Serena's and can hear her speaking to someone. The other voice sounds male and familiar, but she can't place it.
"Stop it; someone might see us," Serena says. Melina detects playfulness in her voice. Is Serena flirting with someone? Melina had no idea she was interested in anyone in the house.
"I don't care if they see us. I don't mind if the whole world knows we are together," the male voice says.
Melina hides to avoid interfering with their sweet moment. The scene before her is so lovely. Leo is looking down at Serena, who is fiddling with her fingers. Leo looks fascinated by Serena, and even though Melina can't see Serena's eyes, the blush on her face tells her she likes him too. They look so cute together.
"You should go back; sotto capo might start wondering where you are," Serena says. She puts her little hand on his chest and tries to push him away from her.
"He knows where I am, so he won't be looking for me anytime soon; stop pushing me away. I don't fucking mind if anyone sees us." Leo wraps his hands around her waist and pulls her closer to him.
"But you know what will happen if the others find out. I can't stand being hated even more than I already am."
"That's why we should let everyone know about us. Perhaps they will stop bothering you."
"I thought of that, but it might not work out that way."
"We have to try at least. I really like you, and I want everyone to know."
"I like you too," Serena says, blushing profusely.
Leo seals his lips with hers. Unconsciously, the word "aww" leaves Melina's lips and causes them to break apart. Serena pushes Leo away.
"Please don't stop because of me. You guys make one hell of a cute couple," Melina says as she comes out of the shadows and walks toward them.
"Please don't tell anyone, Mel. Please, I beg you." Serena grabs her hand, pleading.
"I won't. You don't have to beg me." Patting Serena's hand, Melina gives her an assuring smile. Melina doesn't know why she feels the need to keep her relationship with Leo a secret, but she will keep her secret regardless.
"Thank you so much," she squeaks as she hugs Melina.
"You're welcome."
She pulls away and turns to Leo. "I can't hurt you, but I know someone who can, and if you dare hurt Serena, I'll make sure you regret it for the rest of your life."
Serena is like a little sister to her. They have formed a good relationship these past few weeks, and Melina will be damned if she lets someone hurt her. She knows she's in no position to make such a threat given her relationship with Thomas, but as she said, she knows someone who will take care of Leo if he hurts Serena. The same person she can bet will be there for her if she gets into trouble with Thomas.
"You don't have to threaten me, Melina. Serena means the world to me." Leo says, kissing Serena's forehead.
"You guys are so cute,"
Serena is very short, and Leo is a six-foot-tall man. If she's correct, Serena is five three. Seeing him gaze at her with so much affection in his eyes and seeing Serena blush makes her tingly on the inside. She loves cute couples.
THOMAS
Thomas' hands freeze in the air when he hears someone giggling downstairs. He looks up from his phone and down to see who is laughing. His gaze is drawn to the woman who was once the most amazing woman in his life. His heart tightens as he realizes it's been months since he's seen or heard that smile or giggle. Unconsciously, his thoughts return to the times when that smile would brighten his day. Thomas clenches his fists as he watches her gush over Leo and Serena. He hates that smile of hers more than anything else right now. Staring at it makes him want to rip it off her face, as it causes him heartache. He's furious he fell for that smile of hers.
Thomas' footsteps are hard against the floor as he takes the steps down. Melina's attention is on the cute couple in front of her, so she doesn't notice him walking down the stairs toward them.
"What is going on here?" Thomas inquires as he approaches the trio.
Thomas watches the color drain from Melina's face at the sound of his voice. His heart swells, watching fear build in her eyes. It's only been a few minutes since he faced fucked her. She must still be tense about it. He smirks; this is the only emotion Thomas wants Melina to feel. He wants her to feel only fear, just as he feels only pain and anger when she's around him. Thomas does not want her to be happy ever again in this life for what she did to him. He wants her to suffer as much as he will as a result of her betrayal.
"Sir," Leo says, causing Thomas to break eye contact with Melina.
"Get the car ready." Thomas speaks to Leo in Italian.
"Okay, sir." He kisses Serena's cheeks before walking away from her to do what Thomas asks.
Thomas walks toward the front door and waits for Leo to bring the car around. Once the vehicle is parked in front of him, Thomas gets in and asks Leo to take him to the office. His brother has asked to see him. As Leo drives to the office, Thomas hopes that his brother will not ask him to sell Melina again today. He doesn't want to fight his brother over her again. He feels she isn't worth fighting his brother over.
Thomas steps out of the car once they arrive at the office. He walks inside and nods to anyone who greets him. He considers passing by his younger sister's office before going to his brother's. Aurora, his younger sister, manages their chain of hotels. Being the don and heir to their family's fortune puts a lot of pressure on Stefano, so instead of making Thomas his VP, he gives it to Aurora. Stefano did this so that Thomas could focus on helping him run their mafia. It works perfectly because they own one of the best hotels in the world and are one of the most feared mafias.
When Thomas realizes he's already late for his meeting with Stefano, he decides not to. He knocks on his brother's office door before entering.
"I'll call you back; Thomas is here," Stefano says to the person on the phone once Thomas walks in.
"Hello, brother." Stefano greets his brother in Italian.
"Hello, why did you ask to see me?" Thomas takes a seat opposite Stefano.
"I believe you know why." Stefano raises an eyebrow at his brother.
"My decision is still the same. I'm not selling Melina."
"Then you'd better find someone better than her for Xiao Zhan, because he's refused to sign the contract."
"We don't even sell women. Why is the fucker so obsessed with Melina?"
"I believe it's for the same reason you keep her."
"I have little doubt."
"I'll agree to disagree. I don't have the time to argue with you. I need you to do two things for me."
"What?"
"First, find a woman for that asshole or find another way to get him to agree to sign the contract."
"Done."
"Secondly, I need you to take a trip to Chicago. Our contact is having some trouble with the Mexicans. I need you to make it go away."
"Done too."
"That's great to hear, and I advise you to take her with you. I'll sell her if you leave her behind."
"Who?"
"Since you don't know who, that's your fucking business."
"You won't fucking dare."
"Are you my brother?" Stefano asks, smirking.
"Yes."
"Then you know if I'll or not."
"Do you know you're one lengthy bastard?"
"Likewise, brother, now get the fuck out of my office. I have work to do, and so do you."
"Goodbye," Thomas says as he stands to leave Stefano's office.