Don Vidal

28 - Stuck up bitc.h!

Marnie

Today, I’m meeting with my sister to shop for my wedding favors and her bridesmaid dress. Whatever she chooses will be what I chose for the other bridesmaids. Obviously, Jessica won’t have the same; she’s a toddler, but the color will match.

I’ve also developed a habit of shopping for baby things. I used to feel bad about spending money, but each time I go shopping and see the huge smile on Draven’s face when I show him what I’ve bought, it makes it all worthwhile.

And the se.x?

Oh, my God! I’ve never had se.x like it in my life. He’s so adventurous and can get me to do things no one else ever could.

I know what people think of me. They think I’m some dumb blonde who got knocked up by Don Vidal and is now being forced to marry him because of that fact. And yeah, at first, that’s how it was, but now I’m marrying him because I want to. Just like he told me, I would.

Maybe the volts of electricity from the cattle prod shocked my brain into thinking this way, but I don’t care. I don’t even care about the faint scars from said cattle prod. Most women would run from Draven for that alone, but I just can’t leave him. Not for anything.

I know he’s everything people say he is; I’m no idio.t, but I won’t have people saying things about us that aren’t true. It pisses me off so badly.

What people?

People on the streets. I hear them whispering about me and saying things about Draven that they shouldn’t. I would never hurt anyone, nor would I have Draven hurt anyone for me, but I have a mouth, and I use it. If people say things about Draven and I hear them, they soon know about it.

The trouble is, Draven has started to notice how much it gets to me. Not that he’s heard firsthand the words that hurt me. He’d kill those who said them. To be honest, I’m not sure Draven doesn’t find out who upsets me and kills them. Of course, he notices I’m upset, and I tell him the truth. But I don’t tell him who those people are, nor do I point them out when I see them again. But that means nothing to Draven; he could find a needle in a haystack.

I don’t condone murder; it makes me physically sick even thinking about it.

But what the hell can I do about it?

Draven won’t listen to me when I ask him not to do anything. He tells me that as the Don of his Famiglia, he has to set an example for everyone around him. If he lets just one person get away with disrespecting him or me, then he’s not the Don people think he is, and then people will think they can overthrow him because of his weakness. Draven is not a weak man in any sense of the word.

Before I meet Brooke, as she’s officially on maternity leave from work, I’m on my way to Draven’s restaurant, Papa Joe’s, named after his grandfather. It probably sounds pathetic, but I miss him. He was so late home last night that I was asleep before he got there, and I was so tired that I didn’t wake like I usually do when he climbs into bed with me. He was gone when I woke up this morning. However, he left me a note apologizing for being so busy and saying that he’d make it up to me soon.

The bell above the door chimes as I open it. I’m greeted by a young woman, tall, with long legs, brunette, very pretty, model type. The usual kind of girl who works for a Mafia Don. Appearances and all.

Wrong in my book, but then it’s not my place to put my opinion across.

“Welcome to Papa Joe’s. My name is Bella. Will it be a table for one?”

“No, thank you. I just need a moment with Draven.”

Bella eyes me suspiciously. Her eyes travel down my body, taking in my clothes. Not that I see anything wrong with what I’m wearing. It’s still warm out, so I’m wearing a stylish yellow summer dress with a thin white, short-sleeved cardigan and white flat sandals. It’s classy, and I know Draven approves of my outfit because he bought it. My hair is loose, and I’ve pushed my sunglasses up on my head, holding my hair back from my face.

I look okay, right?

I guess not to the likes of Bella.

She stares at my baby bump, the bump I am so damn proud of, and the look of disgust on her face makes my blood boil.

How f*****g dare she look at me like that?!

“Mr.Vidal is a very busy man. He does not wish to be disturbed. Especially not by...” She looks me up and down again. She obviously thinks she’s better than me in her crisp Armani skirt suit, high heels, manicured nails, perfect hair, and makeup. Bitc.h! I’m just as good as her. Just as polished. The only difference is that I’m pregnant! “Someone like you.”

She obviously doesn’t know who I am. Silly girl.

“Someone like me?”

Bella smirks at me, and I want to smack her in the face! I am not a violent person by any means, but I’m pregnant and hormonal, and this bitc.h is pissing me off with her snotty attitude! Plus, I’m not going to be a pushover anymore. Draven has given me the strength to stand up for myself.

Don’t get me wrong, I never let people outside of my family treat me some type of way. But it wasn’t always easy to tell someone to back off when you have to be the bigger person.

“Like I said, Mr. Vidal is busy.” She holds her hand out in a, follow me to the door, kind of way.

I don’t move. I fold my arms across my chest and stand my ground. I want to see Draven and I won’t leave until I do!

“If you don’t leave, I'll call security.”

“Call them.” Like I give a shi.t.

Bella wastes no time in picking up the phone behind her little welcome podium. I listen to her explaining how she has a problem out front and needs whoever’s help.

It’s not two minutes before Tony walks out from the back, walking tall and proud in his Armani suit and tie. He’s quite handsome. Okay, he’s stunningly attractive, with icy blues and chiseled features that of a male model. His sun-kissed skin and that panty-dropping smile could be lethal to all women out there. He would have been just my type once upon a time. Thinking that only makes me chuckle to myself.

He walks toward me with a frown on his face. He looks from me to bitc.h features. “Bella, would you mind telling me what’s going on.”

“Well, this woman came in asking for Mr. Vidal, calling him by his Christian name like she had a right. She clearly doesn’t have an appointment, so I told her that she couldn’t see him because he’s a busy man, and I can’t just let anyone through to see him.”

“What you actually said was that he didn’t want to be disturbed by someone like me while staring at my pregnant stomach in disgust.”

“Well...” She looks at Tony.

He’s looking at her with the angriest look I’ve ever seen on his face. He’s always been calm and collected when I've seen him.

“Hi, Tony,” I ignore bitchface.

“Marnie.” He tips his head respectfully.

“Surely Draven can spare two minutes to see his pregnant fiancée?” I smirk as bitchface’s expression pales.

“Of course, he can. Everyone here knows to let you through should you ask to speak with Don Vidal.” Every single person refers to Draven as Mr. Vidal, Don Vidal, or Boss, never by his given name. Respect. Draven is all about respect. “I’ll deal with you later.” Tony hisses at Bella. “Follow me.” He smiles at me.

I eye bitchface as I walk right past her, my head held high. I’m not the kind of woman to look down my nose at others, but she didn't even give me the chance to explain who I was!

Bella opens her mouth to speak, a scared look on her face. She probably thinks I’ll get her fired or killed. I won’t, I’m not that kind of person, and I’ll make sure Tony doesn’t either.