Eric was out of the room as soon as he was done with the judgment, he had to brief his people on the current happening – there would be no war. There might be a little placating as well considering everyone had been pumped up for action.
Marcel and Arianna were left alone with the brothers and of which a staring contest began. There was an awkward silence.
Elvis was the first to say, “Isn’t this the point where you take your leave.”
“Oh yeah, sure -” Marcel was about to agree to it when Arianna cut him off.
“It’s too late.” She pointed out, “He can’t go out there with neither of his people to protect him. What if Richardo is out there waiting for him?”
Moreover, she didn’t trust them until the sun was up and his people were here to take him. What if this was all a ruse and Eric secretly kills him when he goes out? Arianna didn’t want to believe the worst, but her imagination was super active.
Elijah supported her, “She does make a fair point.”
But Arianna glared at him. She couldn’t forget what he did to her. He could have helped her change Eric’s mind but he didn’t – although his hands were tied as well. But then, it felt better hating him.
“You guys do whatever you want, I don’t care.” Ephraim waved them off, sinking further into his seat with a yawn. He was tired from moving and planning a war that didn’t come to fruition all through the day.
.....
“Where is he going to sleep though?” Ezra asked, “All the rooms are occupied by our men. Not even the living room is spared, it’s a camp out there.” Even the lawn had been turned into a backyard camp for the rest of the men that couldn’t fit into the house.
And to that question, Arianna and Marcel shared a knowing look. There was no need to search for a room to stay when her bed was enough for the both of them.
A blush crept up Arianna’s cheeks and she looked away while scratching the back of her head. Marcel had a hint of a smile when he turned to say, “I think I’ll stay with….”
And then, he met the dark murderous looks the brothers gave him. Marcel got the hint. Arianna’s bedroom was off-limits. Flunk that order and he would have himself to blame.
“You’d stay with me,” Elvis announced, stepping out.
Marcel swallowed, of all the brothers, why him? Had it been Elijah or Ezra, he would be able to bribe his way back to Arianna’s room, but Elvis? It was mission impossible.
“Good.” Ephraim hopped up to his feet, “Now that everything is settled. Goodnight everyone and may I never see your face till morning.” He was out of the room before anyone else.
“Don’t mind him, he’s grumpy whenever he’s sleepy,” Ezra explained to Marcel.
“And it’s time we left, don’t you think so?” Elvis was by Marcel’s side in a flash.
They couldn’t even give him a chance to say goodnight to Arianna, Marcel couldn’t help but grumble inwardly. Nonetheless, he grabbed Arianna’s hands and tugged her to him, placing a quick kiss on her lips.
” God, no,”
Marcel could hear groans behind him, but he didn’t care. He was with the one he loves, not to mention that he was given a rare second chance, and he would take advantage of it.
“I’ll see you in the morning,” He pressed a kiss once more to her lips and the groans continued.
Arianna looked down at his body in concern, “You should wash up while you’re at it. Also….” She looked Elvis warningly in the eyes, “Don’t let that brute bully you. He might look tough and all but he’s a big softie. All of them are.”
“Sure,” Marcel said, already seeking her mouth once more and this time their kiss was hotter and deeper. The passion was unbridled and there wasn’t just groans but actual protest from the brothers this time.
He was ripped away from Arianna and Elvis began to drag him away just as he managed to shout out, “I love you, Arianna!”
“I love you too, Marcel.” Arianna echoed back, her heart racing and still reeling from the kiss.
“God, these two are so dramatic,” Ezra shook his head only to stare at his brother Elijah and by a dark twist, realized that the joke was on him.
Out of all of his brothers, he was the only single one. While he and Elijah could have stood firm as proud bachelors, he had to get a girl pregnant and was on his way to getting married. He was alone now. Damn it, why was everyone being in law with the Luciano family though? If only Marcel had a grown-up sister. Nonetheless, he was proud to be a godfather.
While Elvis did not talk to him throughout the journey, he showed him his room.
“And here is the bathroom. You should go clean up, you look a mess.” He hinted at the bruises and blood on his body.
Elvis left him only to return later with clean clothes and a first aid box that he placed on the sink, “I’m bigger than you obviously, but you’re not lanky, so it should fit a bit,” He tossed the cloth to him and Marcel caught it.
“Thank you,” He said.
“Whatever,” Elvis grumbled and left him alone in the bathroom.
With him gone, Marcel was able to concentrate and survey the damage to his body. Staring at his reflection in the mirror, Marcel was not surprised Arianna was rattled earlier. His treasured face suffered injuries and he was not pleased by it. But then, this was the sacrifice he had to make for peace.
Thankfully, his nose was not broken, hence he doesn’t need to go for surgery nor does he need stitches. Just a little cleaning, pain relievers, band aides here and there and he would be good as new, hopefully.