Page 10 of Mafia Don's Secret Baby

They deserved this.

Chapter Four

Lilianna Genovese

I held Callum’s hand in mine as he followed me from room to room in the apartment. For two days, he’d been at my side, holding my hand constantly. The wedding had terrified him.

If he wasn’t holding my hand, he held my shorts or my shirt as he followed me everywhere.

I considered taking him back to Italy, but if they were looking for me, they’d find him. If I couldn’t hold them off, they’d kill my toddler. I knew that while some Dons had morals, the ones who had something to gain wouldn’t care about the life of a kid.

I couldn’t think of anywhere safer than under Matteo’s protection, even if he’d been gone for the past day and a half, gathering leads and information.

He finally appeared with a young woman at his side as I gave Callum eggs and French toast sticks for breakfast. Matteo glanced between me and my son, giving him a smile that, surprisingly, reached his eyes.

“Breakfast of champions,” he commented.

“Good breakfast,” Callum said, licking his lips and shoving another syrupy bite between his teeth. “Seat.”

I chuckled lightly as Matteo looked confused. “He wants you to take a seat beside him.”

“Seat,” Callum repeated, pointing.

Matteo, clearly used to standing, fell into one of the chairs before looking at me. “Lili, this is my cousin, Sophie. She’s worked for me for quite some time.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“I brought her here because she has a master's degree in child development, and she worked as a grade school teacher for a few years before stepping into her role with me.”

I nodded slowly. I knew the meaning of “stepping into her role”. She worked in the mob, too.

“I loved my work with children, but when the family business called, I had to answer,” Sophie said. “Matteo mentioned that you plan on staying, and that you have a son.”

I looked between Matteo and his cousin. She looked the part of an elementary school teacher with her long hair and sincere smile. She shone with a light that was rare in this line of business. I wondered what she ordinarily did for Matteo.

“I can’t leave him with someone I’ve never met,” I said, shaking my head. “I’m sure you’re great…”

“I understand,” she said with a smile.

Matteo chimed in. “I can do these things myself, but you said you wanted to be a part of this. We can’t bring your son where we need to go, so you can either stay here with him or let my cousin help.”

His take-charge tone had me clenching my jaw. “You’re aware you’re not my boss, right?” I asked.

Matteo’s brows rose. “Do you want to take your kid to a casino? Do you want him around guns?”

“No, obviously not.” I understood his point, and though I wanted to continue arguing with him, I sighed. Matteo would never recommend someone who wasn’t equipped to handle Callum. In all the years I’d known him, I’d never seen his cruel side directed at me or my family.

He may not have known Callum, but I knew he’d do anything to keep him safe. He’d already proven that.

“How long do you plan on taking me away today? We can do a trial run.”

Matteo smiled, and I hoped I was making the right choice.

**

The thrill of the casino ran through my blood as Matteo led us inside. People waved him on with respectful nods as if he came here frequently. I knew this had been one of his father’s investments when we were children. Silas had brought me and a friend here after hours once, allowing us to play the slot machines to our heart’s content. He and Matteo had gone in the back, and I had never once thought about what my brother had seen back there.

Now, as I waltzed past a woman kicking a machine in frustration and toward the back doors, I realized I would finally learn exactly where he’d gone to that night.

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