Arthur leads me to the front yard as we sit down together. It's been an hour since the girls won the nerf battle. I still haven't told Arthur what Leon tried to do. I don't want trouble. I'm afraid that Arthur will get mad at me again or something.

I take a glance at Arthur. He is staring up at the stars. The starry sky lighting up the nightime darkness. He turns to face me. Our eyes locked on each other. My face turns red again as I look away.
What is happening with me lately. Every time I look at Arthur I can't help but feel....
I don't know how to describe it. Every time I look at him my stomach turns. My body feels warm and I loose focus. If I even take a look into his pure brown eyes my face flushes and turns red. Lately Arthur has been nothing but kind to me. He's finally accepted me into his gang.
" So are you going to tell me what happened earlier?"
I snap out of it and look at Arthur. I'm hesitant at first but then I speak.
" Uhm.....
I tripped and landed in Leon's arms.but he was trying to touch me inappropriately-"

Arthur stares at me shocked by what I just told him. He looks angry at first but then he pulls me in tight. His arms wrap around me as I hug him back. My head rests on his shoulder as I take in a sniffle of his manly cologne.
He then Whispers in my ear.
" I'm sorry he did that to you. I'll have a talk with him. Will that make you feel better?"
I nod my head as Arthur picks me up princess style.
" What are you doing arthur-"
He takes his finger and puts it on my soft lips. Gesturing for me to be quiet.
" It's getting late let me get you to bed"

I lay down on Arthur's bed as he tucks me in tight. For some reason I have been sleeping in Arthur's room. He cuddles me every night. It helps me sleep better: keep things off my mind. Arthur kisses my forehead as I smile weakly at him. I'm tired but a lots on my mind.
" Have u heard from my father?"
I manage to ask. Arthur stares at me for a second. I can't tell what he is thinking. But he looks like he saw a ghost.
" We can talk about your father in the morning Mari. For now get some rest."

Arthur walks down The hallway leaving Mari in his bed to rest. He heads downstairs to check on the others. On the living room couch was deangeline. She had her kitty cat headphones on and was playing on her Nintendo switch. Dean was ao occupied that she didn't see Arthur walk past.
Arthur enters the kitchen where he finds becks. To his surprise: becks was doing a TikTok. She was smiling and shaking her butt to a song by Shakira. Instantly she realized Arthur was watching and stopped. Her face flushing with embarrassment.
" I uh....."
" Please don't explain"
He says in a joking tone as he wanders away. He walks up the stairs and knocks on josh's door. Then He opens it. Josh and Jake were in the same bed their shirts off cuddling each other. They were under the covers watching a show in their boxers. This doesn't phase Arthur though. Arthur is the only one who knows about josh and Jakes secret relationship in the first place.
" You two good in here?"
Arthur asks in a teasing tone. Josh glances up at Jake and pauses the show.
" Relax where just watching a movie"
Josh says reassuringly
" I know- have u two seen Leon? I need to have a word with him"
Arthur asks politely.
Jake nods and tells Arthur
" Last time I saw him he was downstairs working out. That was fifteen minutes ago"
Arthur nods and says " thank you you two sleep well"
Then he shuts the door. Making sure to lock it. He respects josh and Jake. He supports them. There not ready to tell the others about there secret relationship and he is okay with that. There like his family: and exposing them would make them both feel horrible about themselves. Something Arthur tries not to do with his gangster family. It's not always easy being the leader but he manages. Not for himself but he continues on for them. For the house of gangsters.

Arthur finally makes it to the basement. Leon was there working on his abs.
Arthur approaches as he leans against the wall. Watching Leon with a death stare. If looks could kill Leon would be on the floor dying.
" Who are you getting all dolled up for Leon"
Leon drops the weights and stretches his arms. Clearly unphased by Arthur's smart alick attitude.
" If I were you I would watch how you speak to me."
Arthur laughs with a grin
" I heard what you did to Marianne Leon. Your lucky I'm not here to beat your ass to a bloody pulse. I'm actually going to let you off with a warning;
If you ever lay a finger on Mari again your ass will be kicked out.
She doesn't like you that way and we both know that"
Arthur stares at Leon angirly as he gets up in Arthur's face. As if to intimidate him. Leon let's out a sigh of laughter as he snarls at Arthur.
" She doesn't like you that way either. Let the best man win."
Then he walks away leaving Arthur in the basement. Arthur's so pissed off that he clenches his fists angirly.

Arthur heads upstairs to his bed. Mari was still tucked in neatly like a burrito. She was sleeping peacefully. Arthur lays down next to Mari as he stares at her.
" I love you Mari" Arthur kisses her cheek.
Arthur turns the other way shutting his eyes tight as he falls asleep. Still deep in thought by what Leon said.

May the best man win.....