The promise/pledge

bella pov

I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up as an overwhelming presence filled the room. I didn't need to look to know who it was—I knew that scent too well, the faint mix of cologne and something distinctly him. My breath caught, and I willed the emotions to drain from my face, replacing them with a blank expression.

Slowly, I turned, and there he was. Those piercing blue eyes stared back at me, eyes I could easily drown in if I let myself. But today, there was something else in them—guilt, sadness, and a flicker of something he tried to mask with a faint, hesitant smile.

He muttered, "Good morning," but I didn't respond. I just kept staring at him, my face unreadable.

His gaze dropped to my feet, and before I could process what he was doing, he walked over to a nearby corner, grabbed a pair of slippers, and returned. Without a word, he knelt down, carefully slipping the fluffy bunny slippers onto my feet. His hands lingered for just a second longer than necessary, his touch gentle, yet it sent heat flooding through me. I could feel my face burning, the redness creeping up to my ears.

The room fell into stunned silence.

I dared to glance around and saw Matteo leaning against the counter, his mouth agape like he was witnessing something out of a dream—or a nightmare. His hand dramatically clutched his chest, and his wide eyes screamed disbelief. "You've got to be kidding me," he muttered, low enough for only those nearby to hear. "He's whipped."

Enzo, on the other hand, was no better. His arms were crossed, but there was a smirk playing on his lips, a mixture of amusement and sheer disbelief. "Well, that's new," he muttered under his breath, just loud enough for Leo to hear.

Leo, unbothered by the stares or the muttered remarks, stood back up and met my gaze again. His expression was soft, almost too much for me to bear. He said nothing, but his actions spoke volumes. The silence between us felt heavy, weighted with years of unspoken emotions.

Matteo, never one to let a moment pass without commentary, finally broke the silence. "Bella," he said, his voice laced with mock horror, "what on Earth do you have on this man? He's—he's slipping bunny slippers onto your feet. The mighty Leo Russo. The capo! Bunny slippers!" He looked ready to faint, clutching onto the counter for support.

Leo shot him a warning glare that could have turned anyone else to stone, but Matteo just smirked, clearly enjoying himself.

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to look away from Leo's eyes and the emotions swirling in them. "It's just slippers," I muttered, trying to play it off, though my heart was hammering in my chest.

But Matteo wasn't done. "Slippers, yes, but not just any slippers. Fluffy bunny slippers. Bella, are you a magician? What kind of spell are you casting in this house?"

I let out a soft laugh despite myself, but it felt more like a release of tension than genuine amusement. Leo ignored Matteo, turning to Enzo with a look that clearly said, Handle him.

Enzo raised his hands in mock surrender. "Don't look at me. This is better than any show I've seen in years."

Leo sighed and turned his attention back to me, as if everyone else in the room had faded away. He opened his mouth to say something, but Matteo beat him to it, muttering.

Before Leo could retaliate, I cut in. "Alright, everyone," I said, my voice sharper than I intended. "Can we stop making such a big deal about bunny slippers? They're just shoes."

Matteo chuckled, clearly having too much fun. "Just shoes, huh? Sure, Bella. Whatever you say."

Leo glanced at me again, his expression unreadable this time. For a moment, I thought he might say something, but instead, he simply nodded and turned to leave the room.

As he disappeared down the hall, Matteo turned to me with a grin. "So... do you give lessons on how to have three of the scariest men in the world wrapped around your finger? Or is that a talent you're born with?"

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips.

I know this was a short chapter but I hope u guys liked it i didn't have much time but I still wanted to write since i haven't in a long time so I hope u guys still liked it