Page 42 of Surprise Baby for the Mafia Boss

Things are going well, though, and I see smiles on all of the important faces. I catch Grazia glancing over at Emelia every now and then, and I get death stares from her every time I touch Emelia, but I have explained to her that this is an important night, and she keeps her opinions to herself.

As the plates are cleared, I guide the conversation to a more casual tone. "Let's not allow business to overshadow the pleasures of the evening," I suggest, gesturing to the waiter to pour another round of whiskey. All of the men nod in agreement, downing their drinks happily, the atmosphere loose and chatty.

As the night wears on, each of the men and their wives bid their goodnights. I wait until it’s just Carlos and his wife left, and then escort Emelia up the stairs and away from Carlos' eyes.

Once I know we’re out of sight, I let go of her, but continue to walk beside her. I stop outside her room, for a moment wanting to join her, but I can’t let my own weakness ruin everything I’ve put together in the last few weeks.

There’s too much at stake, and I have too much to figure out, if I really need someone to fuck, there are plenty of girls that I can find in my brother’s club. Emelia brings too much baggage to the situation.

"Buona notte, Emelia," I say. She returns the sentiment, and as the door clicks shut, I'm left alone with my thoughts again.

I go to my own room, happy with the way tonight has gone, but still tortured by the way things are with Emelia. I still have Nonna’s ring packed away in my cupboard, clean and shiny, just waiting to be put to use.

Seeing Emelia with the Mexicans tonight reminded me of why I had been so sure just a few days ago that she’d make the perfect wife. She is so good at reading a room and ensuring that everyone around her is having a good time.

Plus, the way she directs the conversation to keep things light and cheerful is a skill that comes in handy when you’re dealing with crime lords who have had too much whiskey.

If only she had been more honest, if only it didn’t feel like she used my dead grandmother as an excuse to get close to me. If only I didn’t have this nagging feeling that she had known she would get pregnant, and had used it as a way to tie me down.

I close my eyes, needing this day to end and tomorrow to come and be done as soon as possible. Having Emelia in the room right next to me, while pretending that she is the love of my life, is confusing my feelings.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Emelia

Slipping my dress off, I get into bed in my underwear. I’m quite sure that I won’t have Luca sneaking into my room tonight, like he would have done a few weeks ago, but sleeping in the room next to him feels almost as good.

The room is dark, and my thoughts land on how easy tonight was.

The Baldinis are so good at separating their emotions from their work. Even Grazia was nothing but a picture of politeness tonight. No one messed up with their story, and the Mexicans were oblivious to the drama that was going on behind the scenes.

Plus, any conflict that may have arisen was quickly squashed by the festive mood that was at the table.

I know that my own performance was just as good, considering how hard it was to pretend things were fine while I could feel the resentment from Luca and Grazia on either side of me.

Their bitterness hardly bothered me now, though, because I knew that I was helping the family, and when all of this blew over, that is what would matter the most.

I wanted to try and speak to Grazia tonight, but she disappeared before any of the Mexican men and their wives went to bed, so there was no chance. It’s probably for the best, though, since Luca did ask me–no, told me–not to speak to her while Carlos was here.

Typically, I am against taking orders from anyone, but I do want to see this deal go through successfully for Luca, and I’m willing to do my part in making that happen.

There is no humility in me tonight. I know I can be proud of how I handled things. I was nothing if not the perfect partner tonight, perhaps even better than when we were in Mexico.

Since I know this mansion so well, I easily took over the role of lady of the house. It was actually nice to pretend, and imagine how it will be in the near future.

After tonight, I have no more doubts that Luca and I will figure things out and be the family that our baby deserves.

I think back to sitting at the table tonight, laughing at Luca’s jokes, making sure the Mexicans knew what a fantastic man he is. One of the wives even leaned in to whisper to me that she was jealous of our relationship, and she wished her husband paid as much attention to her as Luca did to me. Her husband heard this, and replied, saying that he wished she spoke as highly of him as I do of Luca. I have no idea if Luca heard any of this, but I did see Grazia listening in.

I think about the first time I helped Luca with these associates, and how he had rewarded me. Lying alone in my bed now, it feels like a lifetime ago. I rub my belly, where the reward was still growing.

I can’t wait to tell people about the baby, and send out announcements that a little Baldini is on its way.

I just need Luca to be happier about this before we bring the world in.

I’m glad that Luca asked me to come this weekend, even if he felt forced by the Mexican’s expectations. It’s opened a door of communication that wouldn’t have been available otherwise.

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