Insecurities

I stood naked in front of the stainless-steel mirror hung in the bathroom after taking a shower and gazed at my reflection, my pale green eyes staring right back at me. My body has developed some changes over the past few months of my pregnancy, I've gained a few more pounds.

My thighs are now thicker that they practically rub together whenever I walk, my breasts are bigger and more sensitive, my hips are wider making it nearly impossible to fit in my old clothes, my baby bump is now bigger, I could barely see my feet.

I wonder what Vincenzo would think if he sees me naked? Would he think I'm now fat and wouldn't find me attractive like he used to? I felt heat stain my cheeks at my thoughts. 

During the two years of our relationship, he had always showered me with compliments, telling me I looked beautiful everyday. It had always warmed my heart when he would look at me with pure adoration. Before he became distant towards me.

I shook my head trying to get rid of those thoughts. We weren't together anymore, things are different now.

He rarely ever looks my way now. It was like I was the plague and he was trying his possible best to stay away from me. I don't know why that thought makes my heart squeeze painfully.

I shut my eyes and took a deep breath before opening them. I grabbed a towel and wrapped it around my body before walking out of the bathroom into the closet to get dressed.

I put on a nude colored body hug gown that ended just above my knee and a white button up sweater. The gown is stretchy and comfortable and made my bump more prominent. I used the hair dryer to dry my frizzy brown hair, running a comb through it and letting it fall mid back.

I applied a minimal amount of make up that consist of my red lipstick and mascara. I wasn't really a big fan of make up. 

After dressing up, I stepped into the hallway. I realized I haven't really had a tour of the mansion. To say the hallway was huge would've been an understatement.  The ceiling went for another eight—maybe more feet. I turned towards my right, investigating the hallway. They were four more pairs of double door, looking similar to mine; probably bedrooms.

One of the doors in particular caught my attention. It had an oak wood door and the base color was white. It had a gold ring handle unlike the other doorknobs. I already knew who this room belongs to without even looking in. It was Vincenzo's.

I took a step forward towards the direction of the stairs when a voice stopped me. It was coming from Vincenzo's room.

I felt my curiosity take over as I tiptoed over to the door and listened.

"You think because you had the girl before me, that you've won?" A manly voice spoke with a very thick Russian accent. The voice sounded farther away, I could tell it was a phone call.

"Mr. Kuzlow, I don't think—I know. I told you I'm always a step ahead of you." I could recognize that voice anywhere.

"Alright then, you asked for it Romano. You've declared a war with me. Nobody takes what is mine and gets away with it. When I get my hands on her, I'll make sure to rip that bastard of yours out of her." The menacing tone sent chills down my spine. They were clearly talking about me, this man must be the reason why Vincenzo brought me here. But the real question is, what does he want from me? I suspect this doesn't have anything to do with me carrying Vicenzo's child. This person seemed like he knows me. Personally. 

"Bring it on, Kuzlow. You're going to have to go through me to get her. I will not allow harm come to her or my child." Romano spoke with an air of confidence, voice never wavering.

I felt fear grip my heart, so this was the war Matteo was talking about. I knew this was far from over—it was only just the beginning. And I had a very bad feeling about it.

I was about to turn around and head downstairs when my hand accidentally knocked the flower vase to the ground. I cursed as it caused a shrieking noise to echo around the hallway.

Vincenzo Romano stood in front of me, his 6'3 height towering over my 5'4 height. He gripped the door handle so tight that his veins begun to stand out.

He clenched his jaw tight and finally spoke up after what felt like eternity.

"What did your parents tell you about eavesdropping, Ms. Stewart?" My mouth fell open but slowly closed, I had no idea what to say. 

He seemed irritated at my lack of response. He moved to shut the door in my face I caught his wrist before he could, ignoring the tingles that shot through my arms. 

"Wait! Who was that? Is he—is he the man that you were trying to protect me from?" I asked. 

A frown took over his handsome features. "I don't see how that is any of your concern. As far as I remember, you want nothing to do with my illegal business." He seethed , his Italian accent coming out thicker. 

"Well I do now when it concerns the safety of me and our child. Why can't you just tell me what's going on?" I asked. 

"Lillian, it's nothing I can't handle. I already told you that as long as you're under my protection, no harm will come to you and the baby." He stated as his hard eyes stared intently at me. 

"But—" 

"Don't. I don't need this right now, I'm done with this conversation." And with that he slammed the door shut in my face. 

I gaped at the closed door my mouth opened in shock. I huffed and crossed my arms, my eyes burning holes into the door. 

"Such an annoying, controlling, egotistic asshole." I muttered, walking down the stairs into the living room. 

Rico approached me with a wide grin plastered on his face. "Hey lilly! I was actually coming to get you for breakfast." I haven't seen him for a few days. I didn't match his enthusiasm. 

"Well I'm here now." I said with a dismissive tone, he frowned at my words. Vincenzo has managed to spoil my day before it even started. 

"Look, I'm sorry for the way Antonio and I treated you that day. But I want you to know we were just doing our job. We knew you would not willingly come with us if we didn't do that. I'm sorry." His eyes looked at me pleadingly, he sounded apologetic. 

I don't really have a problem with Rico, he didn't hurt me, it was Antonio who dug his fingers into my arm. 

"It's fine. I forgive you." His face split into a wide grin. "But—" His smile dimmed a little. "That doesn't mean that I forgive Antonio for what he did." Rico nodded his head in agreement while muttering 'Antonio will have to speak for himself' as we walked into the kitchen. 

"Where is Matteo?" I asked only now noticing the empty kitchen. 

"Boss gave him the rest of the day off after he made breakfast. He went to see his family." I nodded my head, well he wasn't as heartless as I thought. 

Rico went over to the covered pot and dished a plate of whatever Matteo prepared.

He placed the plate in front of me, the sight  I saw made me scrunch up my nose in disgust.

"What the fuck is this?" I asked stared at the greenish looking food.

Rico chuckled at my reaction. "It's called creamy avocado pesto pasta. Boss told Matteo to make it for you, in his words, 'your intake of junk food is unhealthy for the baby.'"

I groaned in annoyance. Why does he have to be so controlling? I can't even eat what I want without him breathing down my neck. 

I picked up the spoon reluctantly and tasted the pesto whatever. Rico looked at me expectantly. 

"It isn't as bad as I thought. It tastes...good." Rico grinned in triumph, before taking a bite of his sandwich. 

We ate breakfast in complete silence, after eating Rico suggested he took me on a tour of the house. I agreed immediately, anything other than the four walls of my bedroom. 

We turned down a hallway. It was bright and well lit; windows on each side. Outside on the left, I saw tennis courts, a swimming pool, basketball backstop, and acres and acres of land. Vincenzo owns a whole estate?

"Rico, how many acres of land is this?" I breathed out, looking completely stunned. And impressed.

"200 acres."

My mouth fell open. I walked forward a little wanting to see a clear view of the house. Different type of cars were parked in the driveway.

This was like every girl's dream come true, only difference is, I wasn't the owner of those cars but I was still impressed.

Why would Vincenzo hide all these from me? Did he think of me as some gold digging bitch, that I would only be with him for his money? It wasn't making any sense when I thought about it.

We walked back into the mansion but we entered an entirely different hallway. Rico opened a door and we entered a large and spacious room. 

A library. Shelfs and Shelfs of books covered the four corner of the library. I saw books from authors like William Shakespeare, Robert frost, Michelle Alexander all first editions.

"This is one of Vince's favorite place in the house, when he isn't busy which is really rare, he comes to the library for some peace and quiet." Rico said. 

I knew that already, when Vince and I lived together, whenever I didn't find him in his office, he was always in the library or our bedroom.

We walked out of the library and into another set of door. The room was large, it could contain at least fifteen or more people. I could tell it was a game room.

We walked out of the room our shoulders occasionally brushing but I didn't feel the sparks of electricity and tingles like I did with Vincenzo.

I groaned inwardly, why did I have to compare every single man with Vincenzo? 

We are no longer together and I have to get over him but how is that even possible when his name is always mentioned in every corner of this house.

I think the fact that I haven't had sex in six months added to my frustration. I mean who would want to sleep with a woman, pregnant with another man's child? You don't want any other man. My subconscious mocked. I shook my head. 

I refuse to let my thoughts drift to that direction. My sexual frustration was getting into my head making all rational thoughts disappear. 

"I'm going to get a cup of coffee, do you need anything?" Rico's voice snapped me out of my not so innocent thoughts.

"A glass of water would be fine, please." He shot me a smile before walking into the kitchen.

I went into the living room and made myself comfortable on the soft cushion. Rico returned with a cup of coffee in his left hand and a glass of water in his right hand, he handed the water to me and sat down beside me keeping his distance. 

"Thank you." I said before drinking the water in large gulps. A thought entered my mind. 

"Rico, are we still in New York?" Rico turned his attention to me and nodded his head muttering a 'yes' I sighed in relief. 

I heard footsteps walking down the stairs, I looked up only to find Vincenzo staring at us with a frown marring his handsome features. Rico immediately scrambled to his feet looking panicked. 

"Rico, did you deliver the files to my clients like I told you to?" Rico slowly shook his head. "Well, what are you waiting for?" Vincenzo's deep voice boomed, authority lacing his words.

Rico rushed out of the living room, leaving Vincenzo and I alone.

I stood up and moved to walk out, Vincenzo wrapped his large arm around my waist pinning my body against his warm chest my baby bump poking his stomach. 

"I want you to understand this." he spoke in a demanding manner, "I do not want you getting cozy with him. I did not bring you here to seduce my men."

Before I could react to what he said, the sound of gunshot rang out through the air.