That night I had a dream. I was running, terrified.

I was running for my life, and something was chasing me. Something dark. Something with intent to kill. I could hear it howl loudly, It wanted me.

It was hungry and angry and it wouldn't stop hunting me until it caught me. I ran so fast that I stumbled on my own feet and fell. It was close now; it would catch me.

A dark figure slowly appeared from the shadows. It had red eyes and pointed fangs, huge ears curling like a dog's. When it leaped towards me , I saw its claws, I screamed in horror. It caught me, and now it was shaking me.

“Hey! Hey!’ a gentle voice urged. I shot my eyes open with a gasp and found Levi looming over me.

“You're okay,” he assured me, brushing a tear off my face.

“ It was just a dream.”

I was still panting and sweat dripped down from my face. Levi pulled me to his chest, holding me in his arms as he stroked my hair.

“It's alright.” He whispered. “Relax and sleep.”

Slowly as I lay in his arms, my heartbeat went back to normal and I fell asleep again.

When I woke up the next morning, Levi had already left the room.

The maids from yesterday had helped me prepare my bath. I remembered last night, still surprised by the fact I was untouched. He hadn't even tried to touch me, maybe he was just tired, I thought as relief swept over me. Still, I wasn't ready, maybe I should talk to him, he'd understand.

I was still brushing my hair when a maid came in.

“Sir Levi wants you to join him for breakfast.”

“Sure.” I said putting the brush down, “ lead the way.”

The maid led me to the dinning, just beside the kitchen. There Levi was standing with his back towards me, his arms crossed behind his back.

“Levi?”

He turned around and I couldn't understand why my heart skipped a beat.

“Did you have a good night's sleep?” He asked, his eyes scanning my body.

“ I did, how about you?” He probably didn't, I disturbed him. But I guess I had to ask either way.

“I did too, sit down please, let's have breakfast together.”

“ Sure.” I answered with a smile.

The food smelled and looked delicious. There were several dishes, my favorites amongst them.

I started to eat slowly trying to mind my manners but I soon started chomping down food. I was hungry and I hadn't eaten the whole of yesterday because of my nervousness.

As I ate, I would feel Levi's gaze on me , he didn't look like he was eating much.

“ You're not hungry?’ I asked , wiping the side of my mouth with a paper towel.

“ It seems like you are.” He said smiling.

Curse this man, he had no idea the emotions I had gone through yesterday because of him. He suddenly burst laughing at my embarrassed expression.

“You don't need to be shy with me at all.” he said suddenly standing up from his seat and walking over to where I sat.

He sat on the table in front of me, running his hand lazily through his damp hair and I felt my cheeks heat up.

“Where did you learn to play the violin?” He asked, finally looking at me.

“I had a music teacher train me when I was seven.” I replied, taking a bite out of the strawberry in my hand.

“Hmm….you play so well.”

“ Thank you.” was my short reply.

As we sat there in awkward silence, I decided that now was probably the best time to bring up the wedding consummation.

“Levi?...”

“Yes?”

“About uhhh….. about the wedding consummation, I don't think…I'm not ready for sex yet.” I spoke as I played with my fingers.

What was I doing? I was in no position for this. My heart pounded eagerly as I waited for a slap or a laugh or anything, I suddenly felt sick in my tummy.

“Yeah…that's fine,” he said gently. I finally let myself breathe out of relief, a little smile on my face.

“I'll just go get a mistress to satisfy my needs then.” He added.

The smile on my face died as I folded my fists into a ball. Why was I getting angry? He could do whatever he wanted, it wasn't any of my business, I was just a tool for him to use anyway. He could go to hell.

Suddenly he laughed, I wondered what was so funny.

“If you don't want me to go, then tell me?” He said raising my chin with his finger so our eyes met.

“I don't want you to go.” I repeated.

Shocked at my own outburst, I quickly looked down, stuffing my mouth with the last strawberries on my plate. He laughed again.

Eventually he stopped laughing, “ Vanica,” he said leaning closer to me, his eyes were hard to look away from.

So he knew my name. I liked the way he said it, it made my heart flutter

“ I promise you one thing. I will treat you well.” He then took my hand in his and kissed my knuckles. My heart fluttered again inside my chest.

Dropping my hand, “I have to go, make yourself at home.” He said before standing up and walking away.

I went back to our bedroom soon after I was done eating. Studying the elegance of the room this time, I wondered why we didn't have separate bedrooms like mother told me we would have.

“Mafia men love their privacy.” She had said. Maybe Levi wasn't like that.

I picked up my phone and called Sarah, I missed her. I was sure she was waiting to hear a lot of gist from me. Too bad for her I didn't have many, I was still a little scared of my husband.

“Hey girl.” I heard her scream at the other end of the line.

“Hey.” I answered back.

“How's it going Vanica? I hope he's treating you well.’

“Sure.” Was all I could say.

Sarah and I talked for sometime, I asked her to visit soon and she said she would.

I put down the phone , letting my thoughts drift aimlessly and I fell asleep.

****** ******* *******

I yawned, rubbing my eyes sleepily. It was already mid afternoon and I had nothing to do. Being a housewife sucked.

I wonder if Levi would take me to work one day, I had a college degree in business management, I could help around.

Fixing up myself, I decided to give myself a house tour. Levi's mansion was huge and there were other mansions around him.

I realized it was an estate, his family's estate.

I walked through the halls admiring his choices of art and furniture, soon, I found myself in the backyard.

It was beautiful, a little white swing hung not far from where I was standing, surrounded by daisies. Excited, I walked towards the swing and sat on it , absorbed in my own thoughts.

“I see you have yourself a tour.” His voice quickly brought me back to reality as I jerked from my swing seat.

I could see a frown settle on his face.

“ I didn't mean to scare you.”

“ You didn't.” I gestured for him to sit beside me on the swing chair.

We sat in silence again and I was unsure of what to say when he finally

spoke up.

“Prepare yourself, we're having dinner with the rest of my family tonight.”