Sarah - Honeymoon Suite
Mrs Cincinnati chuckled softly as if reading my mind.
“Don’t panic. It’s meant to be playful, but we also know you’re new to our family, and our culture. And to be honest, some of the comments might... not come off as very friendly. We don’t want to risk anyone saying the wrong thing, especially with your family still here. It might not be taken as lightly as our people would mean it.”
I nodded, grateful, and whispered, “Thank you.”
“Oh, no darling,” she said with a sly smile. “This is a calculated move on my end. So here’s what we’re going to do: we’re going to act like we’re heading to the powder room. Once we’re out of sight, I’ll take you straight to your room upstairs.”
“Of course,” I said, falling into step beside her as she kept holding my hand.
We walked in silence toward the bathroom.
It was almost funny in a way, when we got in, I realized I actually needed to pee. So I went into one of the stalls, did my business, and came out to wash my hands. Mrs Cincinnati .... well, Mom, as she asked me to call her, stood waiting, nodding once as I joined her.
We exited the restroom together, two tall men falling into step behind us. Bodyguards, obviously hers. No one said a word as we rode the elevator up to the top floor, the honeymoon suite.
When the doors opened, the guards stayed behind while my mother-in-law and I walked in.
The place was massive. Elegant. Immaculate. It was the kind of room you see in movies. Flowers were arranged in romantic, over-the-top displays, petals on the floor, candles set in corners, champagne already chilling in a silver bucket. This was the sitting room. I hadn’t even made it to the bedroom yet, and I already felt suffocated.
I stood there, unmoving, eyes narrowed at the ridiculous decor. Then I felt her hand gently touch my arm.
I turned and forced a smile.
“Come on, take a seat,” she said softly, guiding me toward the nearest sofa.
I sat down like I was on autopilot.
“Would you like something to drink?” she offered.
I could tell she was trying. In her own way, this was her attempt to comfort me.
“Maybe just some water,” I said quietly.
She walked over to the bar, poured a glass, and returned to hand it to me. I took it and mumbled a thank you.
Then she sat across from me, a few paces away. She smiled gently.
“Do not worry. You are now family,” she said. “And family takes care of each other. You are in great hands. You are now a Cincinnati .”
I forced a smile on my face as I nodded at her and took a sip of the water. Then we just sat there in silence. But this time, even though the room was actually silent, really silent. I just... I didn't feel as lonely as before, which was weird. I was in enemy territory. I didn't even know this woman. I just met her today and talked to her a couple of times. This was the most time I had spoken with her, but she just didn't make me feel so alone.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door before a man walked in. Cedric Cincinnati, the Don. And also my now father-in-law. He entered, looking around with a half-smile.
"I was wondering if someone had kidnapped my sweet wife. I kept looking for you, and you were not anywhere for me to see," he said, his voice warm as he walked close to Mrs. Cincinnati, who had stood up to meet him. Cedric kissed her on the forehead, smiling, and she smiled back.
The times I have seen him, he had always looked composed and distant, no smile in place. But right now, here with his wife, he looked happy. I don't know if it's a word you are supposed to use when referring to a mob mafia boss, but he looked happy. And for a moment, I wondered if Cullen and I could have this one day.
Just as the thought crossed my mind, two more people walked into the room. Cyrus.
I don't know why, but every time I see him, I can't quite explain the feeling I get. It’s not like I’m scared of him or if it's longing....but there’s something about him that stirs me. I just feel this thing that I can't put into words.
I now find myself straightening in my seat, not knowing what to do with myself. Should I stand up? What should I do?
Then, I finally noticed that Cyrus was holding a very, very drunk Cullen in his arms. The two of them were laughing, a little too loudly, almost like they were in on a joke that I didn't get.
I had seen my two brothers acting like this sometimes, laughing, and messing around, and I always felt so jealous of their bond. But this didn’t quite count in this circumstance, I guess.
Mrs. Cincinnati glanced at me, then back at her family, before speaking up.
"This is the honeymoon suite, and the whole family in here? Not a good look," she said, her tone almost joking but with a hint of concern.
Cullen started protesting, slurring, "Oh, come on, mom...." Before anyone could say anything else, a beautiful voice came from behind us, smooth and confident,
"You're right."
I turned to see a woman approaching. She walked right up to Cyrus, gave him a kiss on the cheek, and then turned toward me. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but she came in full force, giving me a warm, tight hug.
"Hey, my name is Bella," she said with a smile. "We didn't get to meet properly at the wedding, but thank you for increasing the number of women in this family."
Mrs. Cincinnati added, "I used to be by myself with these three men, and they used to drive me crazy until Bella joined in. Now we have you, so the number’s even!"
Everyone laughed, except for Cullen and me, of course.
"Okay, out, out, out! Let's leave the wedded couple alone," Mrs Cincinnati said with a wink, ushering the rest of the family out.
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