Monster in Disguise

25. Catalina

Catalina

W atching Marcello's interactions with Claudia warms my heart. He's so gentle and patient with her, his eyes bright and attentive as she chatters away.

As I watch them, I feel a fluttering in my chest that I can't ignore. It's a warm, comforting sensation that spreads through me, and suddenly everything becomes clear.

I am deeply and completely in love with Marcello Lastra. This overwhelming feeling is unfamiliar yet strangely comforting, like a puzzle piece that finally fits into place in my heart.

Deep down, I think I always knew it would come to this. From the very first moment I saw him, there was something about him that drew me in. It wasn't just his striking looks—although they certainly didn't hurt—but it was something deeper. A tingling sensation in my chest that hinted at a connection between us.

At the time, I had dismissed it as mere physical attraction. After all, he was undeniably eye candy. But now I realize it was more than that. There was an unspoken understanding between us, a sense of trust that I rarely felt towards anyone after the incident.

Perhaps it was the hint of sadness in his eyes or the way he looked at me with such wonder and disbelief, as if he couldn't believe someone like me existed. Or maybe it was the fact that he showed me kindness when no one else did.

With him, I feel cherished—truly seen and appreciated for who I am. And for once, I allow myself to bask in this feeling without any doubt or hesitation.

I observe as his eyes crinkle around the corners, filled with amusement and adoration as Claudia meticulously describes her vision for the perfect princess dress. In that moment, I can feel my heart opening up to him completely. Knowing that he will treat my daughter with the same kindness and love he shows me only solidifies my feelings for him.

A small smile tugs at the corners of my lips as I watch them interact. It is a gentle reminder that this man before me, whom I have fallen deeply in love with, would also make an amazing father figure for Claudia.

And with that thought, I decide it's time to tell him how I truly feel. Even though there is a possibility of rejection, I cannot deny the strong pull towards him any longer. Yes, I will not give up on us. Whoever he may have loved before holds no hold over him now; he belongs to me and I to him. My cheeks flush at the intensity of my thoughts, but I know deep down that I will do whatever it takes to keep him by my side.

As Claudia excuses herself to finish her homework, Marcello pulls Amelia aside to inquire about Sisi.

"They were simply conversing, sir. I made sure there was nothing inappropriate happening," she explains.

"Do you think they have feelings for each other?" He turns his attention to me, taking my hand and pressing his lips to it in a tender kiss.

"Perhaps. That would be lovely, wouldn't it?"

"I don't know. I don't trust Guerra, and Sisi's barely had time to get used to life outside Sacre Coeur. It might be too fast." Marcello frowns, and I get the urge to kiss his worries away.

"She's old enough to decide for herself. Besides, she's extremely strong-willed. No one could pressure her into doing anything she didn't want. That's why I think there might be something between them."

"We'll see." It's all he says.

"You called her Sisi." I stifle a smile. "That's a first."

"That I did. I must be getting more familiar with her." A smile tugs at the corner of his mouth.

I finally give in. Raising myself on my tiptoes, I place a kiss on his lips. Given our height differences, I have to almost jump.

"You shouldn't start what you can't finish, Lina." There's a seductive quality to his voice as he winds his arm around my waist and pulls me into him.

"Who says I can't?" I raise an eyebrow at him. I can't very well scream RAVISH ME; it wouldn't be quite proper.

"You have one second to change your mind before I throw you over my shoulder and take you to my lair to have my way with you." His words always have the ability to make me blush to my roots.

"Hmm, that doesn't sound bad at all." I flutter my eyelashes at him suggestively.

"That's it!" He says a second before he scoops me up and actually throws me over his shoulder.

"Marcello!" I gasp, shocked he'd do that in the open. His hand comes down on my butt and he pats my dress so it stays in place. He doesn't waste any time as he takes a few steps at a time, quickly reaching my room and depositing me in the middle of the bed.

There's something different about this Marcello. He's more carefree, more playful. It's like an entire weight has been lifted off his shoulders.

I recline against the soft sheets, propping myself up on my elbows as I gaze at him through lowered lashes. My breath catches in my throat as his hands ghost over the buttons of his shirt, his eyes never leaving mine. Desire burns in his glazed gaze as he slowly reveals the toned muscles and taut skin beneath.

My heart races with anticipation, the heat between us palpable and making me tremble. I remember a night when he was away from me, the emptiness and longing tearing at my heart. In the short time we've been together, he's become my every thought, my every desire.

He approaches me on the bed, his knees sinking into the soft mattress as he moves closer. Without hesitation, I part my lips slightly and guide his hand to my chest, placing it over my racing heart. I want him to feel how much he means to me, how his touch sets me on fire.

The scars on my back may forever bear witness to the darkness that once consumed me, but it is this man in front of me who has brought light back into my life. He has imprinted himself on my very being, filling me with hope and love that I never thought possible.

My fingers lightly graze against Marcello's rough stubble, and for the first time, I see him less than perfectly groomed. Perhaps he had a hard time like I did? He turns my palm over, kissing the center before bringing it to rest against his cheek. His eyes close as he nuzzles into my hand.

"It's over... It's finally over," he whispers, his voice filled with relief and emotion. "What is it?" I ask, but he simply shakes his head.

"Sometimes I still can't believe you're here," he says with a sad smile.

"Me neither." I draw him closer, my dress acting as a barrier between us. I gaze into his eyes, trying to commit every detail to memory—the way they light up when they look at me, the flecks of green in their deep brown depths.

"When I'm with you, I feel like I can be a good man. Someone worthy of you," he confesses, his words laced with pain and reverence. His thumb gently traces along my cheekbone.

"You are. You are," I repeat, yearning for his lips on mine.

They say love can happen in an instant, but it feels like every moment spent with Marcello has led me to this point. Every second in his presence ignites a fire within me that has grown into an inferno.

But that's just it—I would willingly burn for him.

His other hand skims up my leg, tugging at the hem of my dress until it falls off me. I stand before him in a simple white bra and cotton underwear. Even though he has seen me naked before, I can't help the heat that flushes my face as Marcello leans back to take in my body, his eyes roaming hungrily over every inch of me.

With a playful swat, I try to push him away, feeling slightly embarrassed to be the center of his attention. Instinctively, I cross my arms and turn my head to the side.

"Lina, don't hide from me," he softly admonishes, gently untangling my arms and leaving a sweet kiss in the center of my chest, between my breasts.

"You're the most beautiful thing I've ever laid eyes on. If I could capture this image in my mind forever, I would." His warm breath caresses my skin as he speaks, slowly trailing upwards towards my neck with his touch tickling and delighting me all at once.

"Thank you," I whisper shyly, feeling overwhelmed by his proximity. "You're really handsome too."

His chest rumbles with laughter and he leans in to whisper in my ear, his lips nibbling and teasing before taking my lobe between them. "I'm glad you think so."

As he reaches under me to unclasp my bra and slide it off my arms, he continues to murmur soothing words in my ear. My eyes flutter closed as I revel in the feel of his bare skin pressed against mine. Soon enough, my underwear follows suit.

Driven by an unfamiliar urgency, I pull at his belt, desperate to be even closer to him. He helps me unzip his pants and I use my feet to tug them down. And finally, when we are both fully naked, I wrap my legs around him, needing him to fill the void within me.

"Not yet, love." His hand sneaks between our bodies, touching me, feeling how much he affects me. "You're not ready," he says, and my brows furrow at his words.

"I'm ready, so ready. Please." How can he not see how ready I am, want dripping from my very being?

He chuckles and shakes his head, giving me a quick kiss before lowering himself between my legs.

I just want him inside! My mind is screaming, but as his tongue makes contact with my flesh, I can't be mad anymore.

I fall back onto the mattress, eyes wild, legs on his shoulders and hands in his hair.

He's killing me.

My breathing picks up, my body responding to every touch.

"Marcello," I gasp, that elusive feeling nearing ever so slightly.

My thighs clench, tightening around his head. His hands on my butt draw me closer, his movements increasing, his tongue wringing every bit of pleasure from my body.

Until it all collapses.

"Mar-cello!" I moan out loud, feeling my body go limp.

Marcello's lips press gently against my stomach, his head resting on the slight curve. My fingers tense as I remember the stretch marks that adorn my belly from pregnancy, but he stops me from pushing him away.

"Don't," his voice is filled with tenderness and a hint of awe. His hand rests on the most prominent scar, tracing it delicately.

"It's not pretty," I try to stop him, placing my hand over his.

"But it is," he interrupts, dropping another kiss on the marred skin. "Because it gave life. Never be ashamed of it, Lina."

His words wash over me like a warm embrace, causing tears to well up in my eyes. He sees the scars as symbols of strength and sacrifice, not flaws or imperfections.

"You gave up everything for your beautiful baby girl when others wouldn't. This is your badge of honor, Lina."

"Thank you," my voice catches in my throat. It's the first time someone has acknowledged my sacrifices for Claudia, the first time anyone has seen them as anything but shameful.

"You have no idea how much that means to me," I whisper, running my fingers through his hair in gratitude and love. He truly understands and appreciates what I've been through as a mother.

With a fiery fervor, he moves up my body, his lips finding mine in a scorching kiss. All other thoughts dissipate as I surrender to the overwhelming sensation.

He settles between my legs, slowly entering me with each deliberate thrust. My arms wrap around his strong form, holding onto him as he lavishes attention on every inch of my body. With each touch and stroke, he worships me like I am the most precious thing in the world. I can do nothing but gaze into his intense eyes, feeling the waves of pleasure wash over me.

But it's almost too much to handle.

"Faster," I plead, unable to contain the building pressure inside of me. Marcello responds by increasing his pace, his length retreating and then plunging back into me until I am stretched to my limits and gasping with delight.

Just a little bit more!

I clench around him, every nerve in my body electrified with pleasure. The intensity pushes me over the edge, tears streaming down my face as I release all control. And moments later, I feel him join me in bliss, filling me completely.

"Lina," he groans, resting his forehead against my shoulder as we both catch our breaths. He lifts his head slightly and sees my tears.

"Fuck! Did I hurt you? Are you all right?" He tries to move, but I keep holding onto him.

"No, you didn't hurt me. It was just... too much. Too much feeling," I confess, biting my lip. His eyebrows crease in confusion.

"You're sure?" he asks again.

"Yes, everything was perfect." My hands glide across his back, and I'm once more reminded of the horrific sight I'd seen.

We settle in bed, and he drapes the sheet on top of me. We sit in silence for a while, and I muster the courage to ask.

"What happened to your back?"

"You saw," he slowly says. I turn around to face him. His expression is tight, and he's looking anywhere but at me.

"Who did that to you?" His shoulders slump at my question. He shouldn't feel embarrassed about it. Not knowing is something I can understand very well.

"I..." He pauses, taking a deep breath. "I'll tell you someday," he finally says, not meeting my eyes.

Someday. Why is it always someday with him? Before I can control myself, I blurt out,

My voice trembles as I struggle to form the words, my heart pounding in my chest. "Like the woman you loved?" The question hangs between us, charged with a mixture of fear and jealousy. I can feel my hands ball into fists, itching to neutralize any competition.

Marcello's gaze meets mine, his expression pleading for me to drop the subject. But I need to know. "Can't you tell me?" I continue, feeling a surge of desperation. "I want to know who I'm competing against. Is she still in your life?" But what I really want to ask is if he still loves her.

"It's in the past," he replies, his voice tinged with regret.

"Marcello," I start again, struggling to find the right words. "I think we should lay everything on the table."

Confusion clouds his features as he frowns at me.

"I'm in love with you," I declare, my heart racing with every word. "I've been falling in love with you from the very beginning. That's why... I need to know if there's still someone else in your heart." Now that the truth is out, I don't know if I should rejoice or weep. Moments pass as he simply stares at me, his mind racing.

"You... love me?" he repeats incredulously.

I nod, tears welling up in my eyes. "Of course I do."

He pulls me into a tight embrace, his arms wrapped around me so tightly it feels like he wants to never let go.

"You love me," he whispers against my hair, his voice filled with disbelief and wonder.

"I do," I reply without hesitation. "I love you."

He continues to hold me close, repeating those three words like a mantra as if trying to convince himself that this is real.

After a while, he finally lifts his head from the crook of my neck, his eyes shining with unshed tears.

"Marcello?" I tentatively break the silence, feeling a lump form in my throat.

His eyes meet mine, and I can see the emotion swirling within them. And then, I hear it—a small sob slipping from his lips as he pulls me even closer, sealing our love with a passionate kiss.

"Marcello," I say again.

"There isn't anyone else," he finally speaks against my skin. "There was never anyone else."

"But... that woman..."

"It's always been you."