Sweet Little Bumblebee

Under my skin

Marcus

I followed my father to his office. He sat behind his desk and offered me a cigarette. I refused and with a shrug he lighted his. He took a deep sip and blew the smoke out slowly. This room brought me back many uncomfortable memories and I wanted to leave as soon as possible.

- Take a seat. - father said and it was more of a command than an offer. I took a seat and he chuckled.

- Obedient like a soldier. But your always forgot son, this Empire needs and Emperor and not soldiers. - his eyes searched my expression and when I remained calm he chuckled again.

- At least you fixed your face. There might be some hope for you in the end. - I sighed and got up heading towards the door. A glass hit the door next to my head and I heard my father's annoyed voice.

- Who do you think you are? - I've turned back looking him into his eyes. I despised my eyes than looked like his. Cold, empty and cruel.

- Don't mistake manners and respect for obedience father. Your ignorance will kill you one day. I've had a long day, so if you called me here to criticize me, you can do that tomorrow. If there is something important, than cut the crap and tell me. - his eyes softened and he sat back to his chair. He nodded towards the armchair and I took my seat again.

- The Biancis. They seem to forget their places lately. Since you are not here usually, they're trying to steal our territory. Also , there have been weird disappearances.

- What kind of disappearances? - dad took blew some smoke out again and said looking out of the window.

- Young women. At the beginning only from poor families, that used to happen back in the time as well, so no one thought it could be important. But, lately, girls of big families are attacked and kidnapped as well. - I groaned.

- You could've told me this before I brought Daisy with me. - my father looked into my eyes again and said.

- You don't care about that woman.

- I care about her. - I said and he scoffed shaking his head.

-Ts ts ts... No son, you look at her like someone looks at their dog. You might have some kind of affection towards her, but there is no love in your eyes. Interest yes, but love... Although she seems a nice onex maybe we should use that flower for distraction and save women who really matter. - I felt my hands clenching into fists. This can't be true. I do care about Daisy.

- You are wrong father. I truly care about her. - my dad put his cigarette out and leaned on his hands looking at me.

- What is her favorite color? - he asked and I was taken aback. I couldn't tell and he knew it.

- Okay, an easier one, what's her favorite drink? - I couldn't answer.

- You clearly brought her to avoid the marriage with Federica and since you put so much effort into raising your puppy perfect for us, I give her a chance till you are here. But if she is not useful, I'll make sure to get rid of her. Frank's granddaughter or not, if she is useless, she means distraction and distraction in our world is equal to death. You may go now. We will talk about this more throughoutly tomorrow. - I got up and headed out. I didn't want to listen to him anymore. Daisy is not useless. She is not like a dog! She is not disposable! But... Why didn't I tell him this? I wanted to find Daisy but bumped into my mother.

- Son.

- Mother.

- A word. - she said and walked to the resting room. She hopped on one of her favorite white couches and smiled at me.

- So... This little flower of yours. She is well trained.

- Educated. Don't treat her like a dog.

- I didn't. I think she is really intelligent and cute. She can read the room well and act accordingly. - my mother seemed to be a little happier with Daisy.

- Your grandpa is head over heels with her! You have similar taste in woman like him. Your grandmother was really similar to her. I enjoyed Daisy's presence it made us feel like a normal family for a while. - I felt a smile spreading on my face.

- Yeah, I felt the same way.

- In this case, why don't you love her? - my eyes widened.

- Why are you coming with this bullshit as well? I understand that dad is trying to find fault in her, but I expected more from you mom. - she giggled and stood up caressing my face.

- My poor baby, you are so handsome, so clever, yet so blind. I see that she peaked up your curiosity, that you like her, but there is no affection in your eyes. We might be arguing with your father and screaming but in the end of day, he still looks at me with puppy eyes and makes me week in my knees. Tell me honestly, what do you feel around her? - I've never thought this over. What do I feel?

- I think I admire her. She is unique, cute and interesting. I like how she can get built up over little things and how she surprises me. I really enjoy teasing her and her reactions.

- This is how you describe a sibling son, not a woman you love. I know why you brought her, and believe me, I understand. But, if you are toying with her feelings, stop it, because that girl, really loves you.

- What are you talking about? - my mother chuckled.

- Try to look into her eyes for real once and you'll understand. I let you off of the hook for today. - mom walked to me and hugged me.

- I'm happy that you are home. - I hugged her back and wished good night. With my head full of thoughts I started to look for Daisy. She appeared in front of me, locking arms with my grandpa and laughing about something. Daisy had a tiny flower in her hair and my grandfather looked at her with a soft expression. At least one of them believes us. I thought but when my grandfather looked at me that lovely gaze switched back to the usually cold one.

And now, we are in our room, laying on the fluffy carpet and Daisy is caressing my hair. My grandfather told her the same my parents did to me. I didn't want to discourage her by telling the truth and then my mother's words resonated in my mind. "Try to look into her eyes for real once and you'll understand." - I've looked at Daisy but she just sat up.

- I'll take a shower first if that's okay. - she said and I nodded. She walked to the bathroom with a little bag in her hand and a PJ on her arm. When she closed the bathroom door I said.

- You looked really nice today.

- Thanks! I wanted to dress up for the occasion. I hope they'll like me and let you off of the hook. - I smiled, my mom just let me go with these words as well. Suddenly the bathroom door opened and Daisy peaked out of it.

- Marcus... Could you please help me?

- Help you? With what? - she blushed and turned around.

- The zipper got stuck. - I got up and walked to her. After a few attempts, I managed to zip her dress open revealing her beautiful back.

- Thanks! - she said and rushed back to the bathroom. I heard the water run and looked at the bed.

- This is going to be interesting. - Somehow my parents words got under my skin. When Daisy finished her shower she walked out in a PJ onesy. It had little pizza sliced drew all over.

- What is this? - I asked and she blushed but pulled herself straight.

- I dressed for Italy! By the way the dinner was amazing, but I have on my bucket list to try authentic Italian pizza. - she walked her fingers up on my chest and looked into my eyes.

- So... You owe me this at least. - I laughed at this bribing and held her face in my hands.

- Really? And what do I get in exchange? - her pretty eyes sparkled and I understood what my mother said. I saw my reflection in her eyes, but it was so different. I looked different.

- You can sleep on the bed! - she said.

- Wait a second....wasn't that obvious?

- Em... No.

- How so?

- There is only one bed! And you are a gentleman. A real gentleman would never let a lady sleep on the couch.

- You got it wrong Babybee. - I pulled her closer by her waist and lifted her chin to look into my eyes.

- I'm not a gentleman, I'm the bad guy here. So I'm not sleeping on that couch, but neither you.