His Promise: The Mafia’s Babies

“You’re awake?” Christian spoke in an irritated tone. I removed my headphones and put down the tabletcommunicate with him. “Yes…I couldn’t sleep.”

He scoffed and sighed before he walked off to the bathroom, not saying another word. “Did I do somethWe were obviously all tensed, and having Marc around had calmed my nerves. Instead of thinking aboutlife was in, I had found the motivation to keep myself busy with other stuff instead—like the baby room.I felt terrible about being scared, and I did not want my bad energy to rub off on Christian. Not until I hasquirrel, all of this seemed so fake—but now that I knew it was real, things were different. I was afraid, tecrying wouldn’t do anyone any good. At least that was what I thought, but Christian’s reaction made meI did push it?

He walked out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist and threw on some sweatpants while ignorexistence. “I missed you.” I tried talking to him, but all he did was roll his eyes as he joined me in bed. Wgetting sick of me?

“You smell like alcohol,” I whispered, earning myself a glare. “Glad to know your nose still works.”

“Christian, where were you?” I blurted out. My insecurities were getting the best of me, and I wondered iback to his old ways. He turned his head to face me and frowned. “Where do you think?”

“I don’t know, that’s why I’m asking,” I spoke, but nothing could’ve prepared me for his answer. “Then d“Okay…it was just a question.” I turned my head. This was the last thing I wanted to deal with at the momwasn’t his day.

It didn’t take long before I turned my head again and stared at him as he typed away on his phone. “Whproblem.” He almost growled out. “Don’t be like this, tell me what’s wrong…that’s what you’re supposedrelationship,” I spoke in a calm tone.

“So did you find out more about why someone gave me a dead animal?”

“Serena, please know your place and don’t ever ask me about my work ever again. Because while you arout sparkly paint—I’m fighting for your life.” He spoke in annoyance and turned off the night light.

So that was the issue, me ordering baby stuff? Right, maybe it wasn’t the smartest move and a bit selfishdid he expect me to do when he wouldn’t talk to me about work?

“Christian—I didn’t…, can we talk?” I asked him and touched his shoulder, but he pushed me away. “Not not in the right state of mind to talk and I don’t want to hurt your feelings…let’s talk tomorrow.”

I ignored him, and once again touched his shoulder. Knowing something was wrong made me worry, andfor getting even less sleep than I had gotten yesterday. “I know you’re angry with me and I want to apolocareless and for…ordering paint or whatever but—“

“I’m not angry.” He sighed. “Okay? Then why are you being like this?”

Christian turned his head and turned on the light again so he could face me. “Being like what, Serena?”

“I don’t know… this Mr. Scrooge behavior?” I caressed his cheek and saw his eyes soften. “Just go to bedtalk tomorrow.”

We’ll talk tomorrow?

be here tomorrow? You’re not even here and you’re always gone before I wake up. Ytime for me

time?” Christian pushed my hand from his cheek. “Then tell

a day? Do you know how many nights I’ve stayed awake, trying to figureprotect the both

you and the baby—and that’that’s my responsibility, and I know that you’re not exactly the smartest and that you’ve probably lost evcells

ranted.

the right state of mind, let’s talk tomorrow.” He told me, without acknowledging his mistake. Ithe truth, but after a few drinks, he had found the courage

I had just listened and kept “Serena, I—” Christian sighed, and grabbed put his arm around my waist,

~

of noise next door. The first thing I did was make

he put together the baby crib. He brought all the stuff

for the way I approached the situation and felt

I asked and

more when I do it on my own, rather than letting

for yesterday.” I apologized first and gave him a back hug. “Serena, we need to talk.” Christiangesture

already sick of

I screw things up

he going to break up

to alcohol instead of turning to you—who is always by my side,

his forehead to feel his “Don’t get embarrassed.” I giggled

line.

was suffocating and I had to do something so I ordered all this stuff, but it was neto hurt your feelings and it was a bit thoughtless, so I’m sorry for that too.” I

the back and forth apologies as he took a

anymore.” He suddenly spoke. “W-what?” I stuttered and took a few steps bchuckle. Did he

not safe for you anymore.” Christian reassured me and walked forward to hwant to protect both you

where this conversation was going. “You

I trust you,” I told him and wrapped my arms around his waist before I threw my head against“Serena, if you

for a bit, just until things are safe.” He spoke and observed my face to read my reactiofew months, I

and held his hand. My biggest fear was losing Christthough I sounded a bit desperate at times and did definitely not want to do

me in to hug. I rested my head in his chest and held him