Page 1 of Married to the Mafia Monster

ONE

Bella

“Bella, come here, now.”

The wheels of my cleaning cart squeak in protest as I push it toward the check-in desk.

“Yes, Mr. Harris,” I say, masking my dread with a forced smile.

His cold, assessing gaze rakes over me. “What did I say to you yesterday?”

“That I shouldn’t be seen in the lobby?”

He doesn’t return my smile. “Rule one of The Dolphin: chambermaids are invisible. Stick to the shadows. Guests shouldn’t even know you exist.”

“But you asked me to clean up that coffee spill by the front door.”

“Don’t argue with me.” He straightens, his face mere inches from mine, a predatory glint in his eyes as a slow smirk curls his lips. “I took a risk hiring you. No ID, no address, no references.

“But, I told myself, everyone deserves a shot. You’ve only been here a week but you’re already forgetting the rules.” He leans closer. “I think it would be best if I remind you. Over dinner tonight.”

My heart pounds. “No, thank you. I’m busy tonight.”

His smile fades, eyes narrowing. “You enjoyed being homeless so much you want to be back on the streets already? Think hard before making an enemy of me.”

“Bella,” a friendly voice calls from the door to the women’s bathroom. “Gimme a hand?”

Mr. Harris shoots a glare that way. “Lily Jefferson, will you ever learn how to address fellow staff members correctly?”

Lily sticks her tongue out at him. “I am so sorry, Nigel. Miss Bennett, could you possibly spare a brief moment to assist a damsel in the most unfortunate distress?”

Mr. Harris answers for me. “No, she can’t.” He looks down at his notepad and then up at me. “Room 1207 needs a full turnaround at once. Get to it.”

“But I cleaned it this morning before the guests checked in.”

Mr. Harris smirks, clearly enjoying the moment of suspense. “An anonymous gentleman paid a significant amount to have the guests moved.

“He’s paying top dollar for that specific room, so I need it spotless when he arrives. Bella, you clean it. Lily, you can supervise, seeing as you have so much time on your hands.”

In the elevator, Lily presses the button for the twelfth floor. “Saw the way he was talking to you,” she says as the door closes. “What was it this time, hints of promotion if you just give his teeny weeny some attention?”

I manage a weak smile. “Asked me out to dinner. Again.”

“He needs castrating, that guy. Want to do the honors?”

“Might struggle to keep my job if I cut the nuts off my boss.”

Lily looks at me, her eyes filled with concern. “You’d get another job, trust me. You work harder than anyone else in here, me included.”

“I’m only in it for the leftovers and the accommodation.”

She grins. “How did a sweet, kind, intelligent girl like you end up on the streets in the first place?”

I bite my lip, the memories flooding back. “You really want to know?”

“I’m asking, aren’t I?”

“Well, two weeks back, I lost my waitressing job. I got home to find Dad telling me I needed to move out. Wouldn’t say why, just said that I had to go.”

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