Page 47 of Mafia And Maid
I tug at the bottom of my tee, wishing desperately that I’d picked a longer top that would have at least hidden some of my thick thunder thighs.
“What do you think of the set up? I designed it all myself.”
“It’s, um, nice,” I say in a feeble voice, unable to think of anything else to say because my mind is a complete blank. All I can think about is how stupid I must look. “I thought I’d try to get in shape,” I mumble, avoiding his eyes.
“You look great,” he says after a moment.
My gaze drops down to my feet. “Thanks, but I’ve got a long way to go.”
He shakes his head, his expression serious. “You really don’t, Rosa. You’re great just as you are.”
His words hit me like a punch to the gut, and I can’t help the tears that sting the back of my eyes. “You don’t have to say that,” I mumble, my voice barely above a whisper. “I know what I look like.”
He steps closer, and I feel a jolt of panic. He reaches out to touch my arm lightly. “I’m not just saying it,” he insists.
I swallow hard, trying to keep my emotions in check. “You don’t understand,” I say, my voice trembling. “It’s not easy, being...like this. People judge. They stare. And I just always feel so out of place.”
His expression softens, and he gives my arm a reassuring squeeze. “I do understand, more than you think. Everyone has insecurities, things they struggle with. You’re doing something incredible by being here, by taking charge of your health. That’s something to be proud of. And whether you work out or not, you always look beautiful to me.”
Beautiful? Me?I’ve spent so long feeling invisible, trying to blend into the background, that hearing someone say that feels surreal.
His words are like a balm to my wounded spirit, and for the first time, I feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe he’s right. Maybe I don’t have to be perfect to be worthy of kindness, of admiration. Maybe it’s enough that I’m trying, that I’m here, sweating and struggling but still moving forward.
“Thank you,” I whisper. “That means a lot.”
He smiles in reply, and it’s like the sun breaking through the clouds.
“I have to go now—”
“Don’t leave just because I’m here,” he says quickly.
“I have work to get done,” I say with a small nod before hurrying away.
As I head upstairs to shower, I keep thinking about Camillo’s words. I’m still self-conscious, still aware of every extra pound, but maybe, just maybe, I can start to see myself through kinder eyes.
It gives me a renewed determination. Because I’m here, and I’m trying. And for now, right at this very second, that’s enough.
And as I wash, there’s another thought that keeps running through my mind—does he really think that I’m beautiful...?
CHAPTER 12
CAMILLO
I'm drawn to the kitchen as the scent of something delicious wafts through the house. As I come closer, I hear the clatter of pots and pans and hear the sizzle of something frying.Bacon.
Lingering by the door, I watch Rosa work. She’s concentrating intently, like she’s cooking for someone she cares about...
And then, my arms crossed, I watch as she fusses over Mr. F like he’s the king of this household. Her soft voice coos as she scratches the dog behind his ears, and the sly mutt leans into her touch with a contented groan. She’s completely absorbed in making sure Mr. F is comfortable, happy, and utterly spoiled.
A feeling twists in my chest. When was the last time someone fussed over me like that? Sure, I get laid often enough, but it’s just not the same. And now, here Rosa is, but all her attention is focused on the dog.
“Mr. Fluffy, you’re such a good boy, aren’t you?” she murmurs as her fingers work magic into his fur. “And you definitely deserve a treat, don’t you?”
My shoulder muscles bunch up, and I feel like yelling thatI’mthe one in this house that deserves a treat.
She crouches down onto her knees, practically now on the floor with him, as if there’s nowhere else in the world she’d rather be.
I clear my throat to draw her attention. But she’s too absorbed in fussing over him. And I can't help feeling annoyed at how easily she ignores me.I’mthe one who hired her,I’mthe one paying her salary, and yet she’s lavishing all her attention onhim. I just don’t get it.