Page 87 of Triplets for the Mafia Prince

Gia turns her head away, like she’s hiding sadness. Is there something between her and Max?

Max smiles and hugs Nic. “Congratulations.” When he pulls away, he says, "I should check the perimeter again.” Before he turns away, I catch how his gaze lingers on Gia for a heartbeat too long.

I curl closer into Nic's side, watching this subtle dance play out before me. There's history here. I make a note to ask Nic about it.

Nic’s hand rests protectively at the small curve of my back, warm and steady against Gia's borrowed sweater. "Time to go.”

Two guards materialize at the doorway. Three more wait outside as we make our way to the car.

Once in the car, I lean into Nic. “Was it horrible?”

“No. I won’t say I reveled in it. Mostly, I felt relief.”

I hold his hand as we ride in silence. “What’s the deal with Gia and Max?”

“Max made the same promise I did to Gia’s mom. To look out for her.”

I narrow my eyes. He responds the same, but he looks confused. “What? Why?”

I shrug. “It feels like more.”

“More what?” There’s an edge to his tone like he doesn’t like what I’m insinuating.

“I don’t know. Maybe they like each other or did like each other.”

“As friends?”

I roll my eyes. “No.”

He shakes his head. “That’s nuts. He’s like a brother to me. She’s my little sister. No… he’d never do that.”

“Maybe he wouldn’t, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t feel something. Or that she doesn’t.”

He laughs and tugs me close. “I think this baby has gotten you feeling romantic.”

I decide to let it go. He’d know better than me, anyway. “Maybe. What will you do about it?”

His smile is wide and happy. “I’m bringing you home, or at least to my place that you can turn into a home.”

I arch a brow. “Are you saying I’m going to be your maid?”

“Fuck. How do I keep messing this up?” he says with humor. “No. You’ve just made all the places we’ve been feel like home.”

I snuggle close. “Good answer.”

We arrive at a building, parking in a garage. It seems like an army of men is around us as we make our way to the elevator and ride up to Nic’s penthouse.

“Wow, this is nice,” I say, my gaze immediately going to large windows overlooking the city.

He pulls me into his arms. “I failed to mention something to you earlier.”

“Oh?” My heart fills with emotion as I stare up into the intensity in his dark eyes.

"I love you.”

I finally understand what the word swoon means, because I swear I do it.

"Not because of the baby, or duty, or any other reason except that you've completely captured my heart."

---