Page 55 of Nanny for the Don

I nod, but my tone hardens. “And I don’t want any more business being handled at my home. Not after what happened last time.”

Sal nods in agreement. “If I find Jack, I’ll keep him on ice. Won’t bring him near your place, I promise.”

“Good,” I say, standing up. “Let the lieutenants know what’s on the docket. The meeting’s happening tomorrow. I’ll be in touch with the time, but I want everyone ready.”

Sal nods again, pulling out his phone. “I’ll take care of it.”

“And Sal,” I add, my voice firm, “I’ll be spending the night at the warehouse. I want eyes on the place to make sure we’re secure.”

“Got it, boss.”

As I turn to leave, the gravity of what’s coming settles in. We’re not at war yet, but the pieces are in motion. It’s only a matter of time.

I grab my glass of wine and sit at the empty bar, the events of the last few days playing on a loop in my head. There’s no escaping it—until my father’s killer is brought down, none of us are safe. Not me, not Willow, and definitely not my daughters.

The thought of something happening to any of them makes my blood run hot, rage boiling just beneath the surface. I take a long sip of wine, forcing myself to calm down. Losing my cool won’t get us anywhere.

I pull out my phone, ready to text Willow. I’ll let her know I’ll be away on business for the night, to keep an eye on the girls. The fact that I trust her to look after them gives me some peace. She’s become a part of my life now, whether I planned it or not.

And with that comes responsibility. Her safety is on me. She might not fully understand the world she’s stepped into, but I do.

I type out the message, keeping it short.I’ll be home in a bit. Something came up. We’ll discuss.

As I hit send, the weight of it all sinks in. I’ve got enemies circling, but as long as I’m breathing, I’ll make damn sure nothing touches Willow or the kids.

Willow texts back almost immediately.Is everything alright?

I look at the screen, the words staring back at me.For now, yes, I respond.We’ll talk when I get home.

After I send it, I think about how the hell I’m going to pull her deeper into this world without breaking her. She deserves to know the risks, the real danger she’s in just being around me. But at the same time, I can’t afford to scare her off—not now, not when things are this close to boiling over.

Tomorrow’s meeting with the lieutenants will be crucial. We’ll iron out the battle plan, prepare for whatever’s coming. If I need to, I’ll send Willow, Olivia, and the girls out of town—somewhere far from the bloodshed that’s about to rain down.

Chapter 28

Willow

I’m sitting at home, the girls finally down for their afternoon nap, but I’m a mess of nerves.

Olivia’s out getting groceries, so I’m here by myself, no one to talk to, and this uneasy feeling just won’t go away. I can’t shake the thought that Nico isn’t telling me something. Something big.

I’m glad he’s on his way back. Hopefully, I won’t be in the dark much longer.

I hear the chime—the one that means his car just pulled in. My heart does this little flip, and I feel this crazy rush of excitement. I swear, I’m like a teenager again, all giddy at the idea of seeing him. Which is ridiculous, because falling for a mobster? Probably the worst idea I’ve ever had.

And yet... I think I’m in love. God help me.

The door to the garage opens, and there he is, stepping into the kitchen. His presence fills the room, and my heart practically melts on the spot. He’s got that look on his face that makes me weak in the knees.

I try to play it cool, but it’s useless. I’m completely wrapped up in him, whether I want to admit it or not. This might be love, as ill-advised as it is.

I can’t help it. The second I see him, I rush over and throw my arms around him. His hands immediately go to my face, pulling me in for a kiss, and I melt into it, completely lost in him. The second his lips leave mine; a wave of sadness hits me like a ton of bricks. Oh shit. I’m in deep. Way deeper than I ever expected.

He pulls back slightly and looks at me. “Sit,” he says, and I know it’s not a suggestion. I do as he says, my mind spinning.“I’ll be out of town for work overnight,” he tells me, his tone steady. “Ms. M will be here if you need anything.”

Curiosity buzzes at the back of my mind, but all that comes out is, “Will you be safe?”

He pulls me in for a tight hug, his chin resting on the top of my head. “I’ll be fine,” he murmurs, his voice calm but firm.

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