The Serpent's Kiss and the Saviour's Hand

Chapter 1 "You may now kiss the bride," The echoing voice of the priest filled Marcella's head with more fear and anxiety than she walked with to the altar. Beneath her large flowing white gown, her palms were clammy, her chest tightened. She could barely look up at the man in front of her; the man who had become her husband few seconds ago. He stepped even more close to her, capturing her jaw between his rough palms, and fusing his lips on hers. Marcella gasped into his mouth, and all she felt at that moment was disgust as the taste of tobacco and mint filled her nostrils. From the corner of her eyes, she saw them clapping and cheering – her mother, her big brother, Jaime and her two best friends, Becky and Rose. The hall wasn't crowded as it was a private wedding, but the few people that came already looked like millions to Marcella. She'd hoped one of them would stand up, and oppose the marriage. But until she walked down the aisle, and the rings exchanged, the vows said, no one batted an eyelid. "Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Giordano. Welcome to your new world." The priest said lastly, before releasing them to the outside world. Rocco Giordano smiled brightly, took his wife's hand into hers, and stared lovingly into her eyes. "We finally did it, princess. We finally did it," he whispered, his dark blue eyes sparkling. Marcella smiled back, but beyond it was a hidden mask of fear. A hidden scar she dared not show to the outside world. The newly wedded stepped down from the altar, and as they walked out, a lot of colourful confetti was popped on them, with cheers and jubilations. Marcella maintained the smile on her face as her mother stepped out to hug her, and kissed her lightly on the forehead. Jaime, her brother stepped out as well, held her hand, and kissed them gently. He could see the worries in her face, but he didn't say anything so he doesn't ruin the moment. "Call us," he said to her, smiling. Marcella nodded, received more hugs from her friends, and turned to look at her mother. "Enjoy yourself, my darling. Don't leave any stones unturned." Estella said to her, and turned to give Rocco a hug as well. "Don't you worry, Estella. My princess is going to have the best time of her life. There will be no room for thinking." Rocco promised, his sparkling eyes still on Marcella. The people escorted them outside the church doors, clapped and cheered as they watched them getting into the white decorated limousine. As soon as the car hit the road, zooming off with lightening speed, Rose folded her arms and bit her lower lip as an uncertain look clouded her eyes. "What's wrong? You look lost," Her friend, Becky nudged her. Rose turned to look at her, slide a look at Marcella's mother who had gotten surrounded by families as they congratulated her for becoming an in-law to the great Giordano family. "It's a pity she couldn't even see that Marcella looked scared." "Marcella? Scared? Oh come on. She loves the Italian man more than anything in this world! He practically changed our lives! Why would Marcella be scared after getting married to her man?" Becky laughed. Out of the corner of her eyes, she stole a glance at Jaime and watched him as he went back into the church. She rolled her eyes, wondering why he wouldn't say hello. Rose shook her head, and took her eyes back to the road. By now, the car had longed disappeared from sight. Estella suddenly clapped her hands excitedly. "Alright, alright, people! The after party is at the house! Let's be on our way!" ********************** The mansion was one Marcella had never seen in real life. It was one of those impossible mansions she always saw in Disney lands while growing up as a child. She didn't think she would enter one of them any day of her life. As the car door was held open for her, she came down slowly, her heart beating party drums, and her eyes wide with amazement. She stared at the white painted building with a huge chandelier hanging from the high ceiling of the main entrance. The floor was made with matching white tiles, the trees adorned with beauty she thought was too much to be real. A large fountain with statues stood gigantically at the middle of the compound, adding more beauty to the edifice. Marcella heard the door closing behind her, and she turned to see Elio, Rocco's most trusted man, straightening up behind her. "Bring her to me, Elio." Rocco ordered. He didn't like the too much distance between him and his wife. Elio glared at Marcella, and without warning, he stretched his hand, and gave her a gentle push. Marcella gasped as she lurched forward, almost bumping into her husband. "You like what you see?" Rocco's voice suddenly whispered into her ear. With her heart almost in her throat, Marcella jumped, gasping. "Oh, no, princess. Did I scare you?" Rocco cooed, reaching for her hand. Slowly, he brought it closer to his lips, and planted a gentle kiss in the middle of her palm. With his free hand, he gestured towards the gigantic building. "I built you a castle befitting a princess like you. I asked if you loved it." With one hand gripping the hem of her pink short gown which she'd changed into at their hotel, Marcella nodded. "It's beautiful," she stated with a nod, and continued, "but I wish...you would let me go." She added breathlessly. Rocco stopped, turning fully to look at Marcella. His love shaped mouth was stretched with a smile, but his eyes held a look devoid of emotions. "Let you go?" He questioned, and grinned. "Let you go where? Princess, we just got married. We are here to stay forever. This is our new home." Rocco replied, his grip tightening around Marcella's wrist. Marcella shook her head, and an impatient tear escaped one eye. "No, no. I married you just like you wanted! Why can't you let me go stay wherever I want?" Rocco's eyes sparked with the anger he'd been trying hard to suppress all day. The sight of the tears on his beautiful bride's face was like a trigger. He hated seeing it today of all days, and she knew it. "I warned you not to show me those tears today." He gritted. Marcella gasped as she felt her wrist almost melting into her bones. He was squeezing harder now, and all that was left was for her to scream out, but that would not save her. It would make things worse for her instead. With all her strength, she kept her agonies inside, her eyes painfully closed. "That's how I love it. Strong." Rocco muttered, his gaze penetrating deep into Marcella's face. He softened his hold on her wrist, and placed one powerful arm around her delicate waist. He was one powerful man, both physical and beyond. He was tall and huge with very dark hair that was made to sleep all the way to the back of his head. As he walked towards the main entrance, he pulled Marcella along, an excited look playing across his face. Like a sheep being led to the slaughter, Marcella followed. She looked extremely beautiful, but the look on her face was gloomy. And it was her first day as a wife. They got into the house, and Marcella was met with another marvelling sight. The living room was extremely spacious with the most expensive furnitures adorning every single space. Tears welled up in Marcella's eyes as she looked around. She turned to look at Rocco, and as usual, his eyes were on her, studying her every move. "It's...nice in here..." She stammered. "Yes. Everything for you..." Rocco replied, and leaned in, kissing her tentatively on the lips. Marcella stepped back, her lips trembling. "Everything is nice, but...I really don't want to stay here..." "Marcella!" Rocco vibrated, his pupils dilated, his face getting red with anger. He lurched towards her, grabbing her roughly by the arm. "Why do you want to get away from me so badly!" He yelled into her face, pinning her hard against the wall. Marcella sobbed as she stayed still, knowing fully well that fighting against Rocco was like trying to move a mountain. "Please, let me go!" She cried. "You're mine! Always mine! You are not moving an inch from me! Get this off your body!" Rocco thundered, and in a flash, he ripped off Marcella's dress, and the pieces pooled around her ankles, revealing her creamy skin and matching red undies. "You...ruined the dress." Marcella cried, but she knew the dress was the least of her problems. She just needed an excuse to let out her pain. "Don't worry, princess. We are going to get millions of the dress. Right now, I need you to get wet for me." Rocco whispered hoarsely into Marcella's ear, and without warning, he pushed his hand into her panties, and tore it off as well. "Please... Please, don't!" Marcella wept, but rather than getting the freedom she begged for, Rocco closed his large palm around her neck, and looked into her face, his dark blue eyes searching. "Don't make me hurt you, princess. I'm your husband now, and you won't refuse me. Never." He breathed, glaring at her. "Take the stairs, and find your way to the bedroom." He ordered, his voice deadly and threatening. As soon as his hand left her neck, Marcella coughed out, and nakedly, she found her way to the long flight of stairs.