ROSA
I heard Marco shout out a warning, but I was frozen.The car was speeding towards us too quickly for me to even think to react.My dad yelled, "Rosa!"And instead of feeling the impact of the car, someone pulled me back from the side of the pavement and out of the path of the oncoming car.I slowly came out of my state of shock, and looked around to see Marco lying on the ground next to me, and my father, on the other side of him."Dad! Are you okay?" I called out in panic."I'll live," he grunted in reply."Do I need to call an ambulance?" Marco asked from his side.My dad turned to inspect me. "Are you hurt, Rosa?"I shook my head. "I'm okay too. Just a bit scraped," I responded shakily."I'm indebted to you, Marco, for pulling us out of the way," dad said thankfully to Marco. Hoisting himself to his feet, he spat on the ground and wiped his forehead."Those bastards!" He cursed, turning to Marco. "Did you get the license plate number?"Marco shook his head solemnly. "No. My first instinct was to make sure you didn't get hit.""Damn it! On my grave, I'm going to find them and make them pay!" He swore and vowed.I laid my hands on his arm, trying to calm him a bit. "If they were drunk, the police might stop them before they get to wherever they're going –"He roughly removed my hands. "They weren't drunk, damn them.""What are you talking about?""That wasn't an accident," dad growled. "Whoever was driving that wanted to kill me," he hissed."Are you sure?""I have a lot of enemies, Rosa," he acknowledged, "but it's something else when you're involved." He jerked a thumb at Marco. "Rossi, you're coming home with us."My eyes widened as I looked at Marco, whose expression remained serious and professional.He's coming back with us?He continued. "Angelo was right about you. I'm glad I could see that," he smiled gratefully.Marco nodded grimly. "It's a pleasure to serve you. We should get off the streets though," he suggested.We hurried quickly to the car, Marco taking his place behind us.I was thankful that he's watching over us, but when I looked over my shoulder, I caught him as he looked up from checking me out.He raised his eyebrows, but his face quickly settled back to neutral.***At home, my father was still fuming, pacing up and down the room."Someone is after me. I'm being followed. This can't be a coincidence," he declared."What do you suggest we do, dad?" I quietly asked."What I need is a shadow. Someone ready to defend my family with his own life," he dictated. He turned to face Marco, who was still standing perfectly still, eyes straight ahead."Starting today, I want you under my roof too. You'll live, breathe, and sleep on my orders," dad commanded.What?! Marcos living with us? We can't live together! I don't know if I can trust myself around him."It would be by honour. Thank you," Marco answered."I wanted to see how your first week was before making my decision, but you showed your worth today," my dad said with admiration."I won't let you down," chorused Marco.My dad nodded. "You will take Angelo's old quarters. Rosa will show you around. I need to call a meeting. Come and see me later," he instructed and walked away.As Dad left the room, Marco looked at me blankly as if he was putting on his new role."Dad likes to have everyone under the same room," I explained, "more control. Welcome to the family," I said awkwardly.***Alone in my bedroom that night, my mind began to wander as I thought about every wild thing that had happened over the last couple of days... But what I found myself focusing on, was Marco.There was something about him that I couldn't put my finger on.Snap out of it, Rosa.I can't afford to get myself in trouble, or Marco, in danger. Now that we're right under dad's nose all day, everyday... I need to stick to his rules more than ever.Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching.I wonder who that is at this time of the night...I cracked open my door quietly, and peeked out to see Marco coming up the hallway. My heart started beating a little faster.I froze and stared at him, not knowing what to do. Seconds later, his eyes fell on mine.I opened the door shyly, offering a small wave, and suddenly I remembered how I was dressed in nothing more than a transparent nightgown and my panties."Hello, there," Marco greeted.If dad found us talking at this hour of the night, he'd be furious. But, he's right there, and no one has seen us.I should let him in.Before I could say anything, Marco seemed to have his own ideas for me. "You gonna invite me in?" He smirked a little.Rules are meant to be broken, right?"Come in..." I moved away from the door, as he stepped in, the door still open. "What were you up to?" I questioned."Just heading back to my bedroom. Apparently, I have to walk past yours to get there," he replied. "I didn't wake you, did I?" He asked."No, I was up.""Good," he said, then cleared his throat. "Just to be clear, I'm fully shouldering the responsibility your father gives me. That means I have to take him seriously when he tells me to keep my hands off you," he sighed. "That said... This is a high-pressure world, and I need to relax somehow."He looked both ways down the hallway, and when he was sure my father wasn't around, he closer the door, almost silently. Then it was like someone cranked up the heat to blazing.His fingers reached up and ran through my hair as he cupped my face, pulling our faces together in a kiss.I close my eyes as the kiss deepened, and I felt his dominant tongue sucking hard on mine.I let out a moan, his hands running down my body, searching for places never explored before.Lost in our desire, we ran out of oxygen, our tongues never leaving the other. But he soon pulled away, leaving me hanging for more."From now on, I'll be sticking around, beautiful," he breathed. "Call me if you need anything.""Goodnight, Marco," I whispered, my mind still hazy from the kiss. He opened the door and left as I struggled to stop myself from telling him to stay with me for the rest of the night.I sunk myself back into my bed.Closing my eyes, I let my imaginations run wild, thinking about Marco, his deep sultry voice and his strong, muscular body.I bit down hard on my lower lip as my fingers moved under my panties. I pushed my panties aside and settled my hands under the band, so it doesn't move.I wanted to touch myself and bring myself to a peak as soon as possible, but then I changed my mind.I'm gonna take this slow.I decided not to use that hand in my panties and switched to my other hand, imagining it being Marcos. I started to cup my left boob, massaging, pinching the nipples, just like I imagined Marco would do. Soon, reality and fantasy were impossible to distinguish.Marco was on top of me, we were both completely naked, as my spread legs welcomed his hard shaft."Oh..." I moaned.Fully lubricated and thoroughly aroused, I started to caress myself. I alternated between rubbing myself with eagerness and massaging slowly with long, deep circles. I could almost feel his shaft rubbing over my sensitive area, before sliding inside me in one firm motion.My finger wandered in... And in my mind, it was Marco, grinding. I breathed slowly, with my legs wide apart, and I let go of my greatest relief, my body tingling with pleasure.ROSAThe next morning when I woke up, I threw my covers off, had my shower, and headed to my closet to put on a lovely, elegant dress with floral embroidery, keenly aware that Marco would see me in it.Not having much planned for today, I decided to go to Dad's private library to see if there was anything there I'd like to start reading.It was with surprise that I walked in on someone in there."Oh, sorry for interrupting Dad," I called out thinking he was the one in, till I noticed that he wasn't. "Marco?"Standing at the bookshelf, he jumped when he heard my voice. "What are you doing here?" I asked with a small frown."I was... trying to find a good book to read," he smiled."It's your first day working for my dad, and you're in the library?" I quizzed, looking at him weirdly."And?" He retorted."Um..." I trailed off. He's trying to find a book to read too?I wonder if that's what's he was really doing here. Maybe Dad asked him to fetch something for him... and he doesn't want to
ROSAI sat down to the meal I had just made, when Marco strode in. "Good afternoon, gorgeous.""Do you usually talk to girls like that?" I teased, hiding a smile."Only the gorgeous ones. Where's everyone else?""Out on business."He slides in next to me causally, before a questioning brow was raised. "Nothing I need to know about?""I'm sure they didn't call you 'cause you're fresh. My dad might need a little more than a few days before he fully puts his trusts in you," I grimaced. "Just ask my dad. If he needs you to know I'm sure he'll tell you," I advised."Can't you?" He probed.I shifted awkwardly in my seat. "I don't want to without my dad's say-so.""You seem to be more clued in than I am. I didn't realize Enzo has been telling you all this," he gave me a curious look, muttering more to himself than to me.I shrugged, dismissing his curious look. "Well, he wasn't lying when he said he'd be bringing me into the business.""All the more reason to stick to you. But for now..." H
ROSAOn getting back home, I went straight to the living room to drop the mails I collected for Dad, when I felt an arm jerking me around."Mar-" I almost called out, but the words died in my throat as I'm spun around by Tony."Not me you were expecting?" He sneered, squeezing my arm.I frowned. "What are you doing? Let go of my arm." I tugged, getting myself out of his grip."Fine, whatever." He snorted, raising both hands in surrender. "Where have you been today? I know you've been less regular at work," he stated, letting me know that he's been looking for me."Yeah, well, with the changes around here, Dad said I could step back from managing the restaurant for a while. Do you have a problem with that?" I crossed my elbows, all the while glaring at him."Enzo's word is law, I guess." He lamented, giving me a one-shouldered shrug, and my glare deepened as I rubbed the arm he earlier squeezed."Can I go now?" I snapped."Sure thing, my lady." He stepped grandly aside, with a wide gri
ROSAIt was late in the evening, I was heading down the hallway to go to bed when I see Marco climbing the stairs, a perplexed look on his face."Marco!" I yelled. When his eyes met mine, it seemed like it took him a second to smile at me. "Where have you been? I wanted to ask you something about --"Ignoring my question, he looked behind me to make sure no one was in sight."Nevermind that," he answered."What? What's wrong?" I frowned in confusion. He then opened the door and pushed me in, closing the door behind us. "What are we doing in the closet?" I asked agape.He pulled me closer to him, and my hands sweep up and land on his chest. I could feel his heart thumping hard in his chest like he'd been running, and I couldn't help but wonder if something happened.Without saying a word, he began to stroke my back.I closed my eyes, as the sensation of his touch sent shivers down my spine, then my entire body. Soon, my thoughts vanished as I wrapped my arms tightly around him, wanting
ROSAAs I exited Dad's office, I saw Marco waiting for me. He pushed himself off the wall he was leaning on and joined my side."Hey.""You didn't have to wait around for me," I remarked, even though I was happy that he did."Sue me," he remarked and smacked his lips.I chuckled. "Well, for a moment there, I thought he was going to call us out," I revealed."He doesn't know about us. There's not much to know," he commented."No?" I glanced at him. Maybe I could use this moment to ask him more about his personal life, since he's right. I don't know much about it. "You're right. So why don't you tell me something about yourself? You already know so much about me," I countered with a small shrug. "Why are you interested in knowing more about me?" He quizzed, frowning slightly."Because... I'm interested in you as a person," he looked over to me and I shrugged. "I've already opened up a lot, while you're always so mysterious about yourself," I pointed out."Okay, fair enough." He started
MARCO The next day..."What do you want, Simms?" I frowned, stepping to the alley that had become our meeting point. "You can't keep dragging me out here so often. The Castillos will soon catch on to me," I grumbled loudly as soon as she came into sight.Skipping any greeting, she went straight to the point. "Angelo called to talk earlier today. He's getting impatient. He wants to know the name of the person who poisoned him," she announced."I need more time.""It's been weeks!" Her shrill voice squeaked."I thought he had more time." I tilted my head and scrunched my nose. "He's getting worse by the minute," she said and started pacing furiously, her black pumps making a soft 'clacking' sound as it touched the ground."He's angry and frustrated, and says that if we don't get him a name soon... He'll tell the Castillos about our deal." She stopped right in my front, concern blazing in her eyes. "You see... He's threatening to expose you."I furrowed my brows in thought, sucking on
ROSAMy mind was racing, furious at both of the men sitting within strangling distance of me... But the look of astonishment on my face didn't do anything to change the words that had exited Marcos lips."I... I think Rosa should accept."How could he agree with me marrying someone I didn't know?I thought he and I had something together...I looked over at Marco, who was nodding his head slowly. "Yes, I think if you find the right family, it would work," he told my father."Good, I'm glad to see you have the best interest of the family in mind," my father appraised with a wide smile.He expects me to be like him and put business before everything, no matter what. He should understand that I would never want to marry a stranger."Why ask Marco? Shouldn't I be the one with the most say here?" I frowned in question."Your judgement wouldn't be the objective. And marriage is business," my father reminded."Well, I don't agree," I frowned.My dad didn't seem fazed at all. "That's why I as
ROSA Marco was leaning against the door frame, his face causally close to mine. He was looking at me with his beautiful, hypnotizing brown eyes, and I almost forgot why I was angry with him."Hey, beautiful," he cracked a smile.I frowned and crossed my arms across my chest, not saying a word. I said almost forgot, not that I had forgotten. Seeing as his smile wasn't doing the trick, he sighed and looked at me with remorseful eyes. "I'm sorry it took me so long to come to you. I wanted to follow you as you walked out, but I couldn't escape from your father," he explained.I snorted. "From where I was sitting, you were pretty chummy with him," I hissed."C'mon, Rosa. You know I didn't have a choice," he retaliated with an exasperated tone."It all sounded very convincing to me," I huffed."Do you really think I'm happy with you getting married to some schmuck?" He demanded angrily.I shook my head, letting my arms fall to my sides. "I don't know... You're saying something very differ