Page 4 of Curvy Girl for the Mafia Daddy

His eyes drop to where my hand rests on his arm, then drags back up to my face. The air feels thick, crackling with a tension I can't name. Luca's gaze burns into me, searing me from the inside out. I know I should drop my hand, step back, put some distance between us. But I can't seem to make my body obey.

Finally, Luca clears his throat and steps back. He’s all formality as he states with a nod, “Goodnight, Ms. Johnson.”

He turns and leaves before I can bid him good night as well.

Leaving me there with cheeks and body burning.

Luca Romano is a dangerous man.

In more ways than one.

two

. . .

Dana

My heart breaks for this poor little boy. Orphaned at such a young age.

Does he truly understand his mommy and daddy are never coming back?

I kneel down, gently brushing a lock of chestnut hair from Matteo's forehead. "Hey there, little man. What are you drawing today?" I ask softly.

"A dinosaur," the boy murmurs, his small fingers gripping the crayon tightly. He hunches over the paper in concentration.

"That's amazing, Matteo! You're so talented." I beam at him, admiring the colorful scribbles taking shape. "Can you tell me about your dinosaur?"

As Matteo explains each jagged line and dot, his hazel eyes bright with pride, I feel a prickling awareness creep along my spine. I glance up. Luca, Matteo’s uncle, stands in the doorway, arms crossed over his broad chest as he watches us intently.

Dark and dangerous.

Unyielding.

The notorious mafia king cuts an imposing figure in his impeccable black suit, dark hair slicked back.

His chiseled jaw clenches as our eyes lock, stormy grey on emerald green.

I gulp.

A current of electricity crackles between us, raising goosebumps on my skin despite the mansion's oppressive heat. I knew exactly who Luca Romano was when the agency sent me. Ruthless. Powerful. Merciless to his enemies. But Matteo needed nurturing, and this is my calling.

I tear my gaze away, focusing again on the sweet boy beside me as he chatters on. I knew the stakes when I took this job.

But I can handle Luca. I have to—for Matteo's sake. As long as I keep my wits about me, I won't get burned by the smoldering fire always lurking behind Luca's eyes when he looks at me...

The hardened planes of his face, that full sensual mouth, the raw masculine power of him…

I force the dangerous thoughts away. Matteo. He's all that matters.

I pull the giggling boy into my lap, hugging him close as I feel Luca's presence looming behind me, his intense gaze burning into my back like a brand. The fine hairs on my nape prickle with awareness. Matteo snuggles into my embrace, his small body trusting and pliant, oblivious to the crackling tension.

"Miss Dana, look!" He holds up his drawing, a green dinosaur with a crooked smile. "He's happy now."

"He sure is, sweetheart." My voice comes out huskier than I intend. Damn Luca for rattling me without a word. "I think your dino is the happiest in the whole world, because you drew him."

Matteo beams, gap-toothed and precious. I ache to protect him, to cocoon him in love and wipe away the shadows of grief that dull his eyes when he thinks no one notices. But I feel those shadows too, lurking within me. A kinship with this orphaned boy.

I kiss the top of Matteo's head, breathing in his sweet innocence. His tiny arms tighten around my neck trustingly. My heart swells and cracks at once. I will do anything to keep him safe. To make him feel loved and wanted. Even if that means resisting my ill-advised attraction to his devastatingly handsome uncle.

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