Page 10 of Texting My Mafia Savior

“Gian…”

Is that Aunt Lucy’s voice? I stop in the hallway, the hairs on the back of my neck standing up. People say that, don’t they? But I don’t think I’ve ever actually had it happen to me. Lucy sounds like she’s enjoying whatever’s happening.

“We shouldn’t,” she goes on with a moan. “Not here…”

I creep along the hallway. This is wrong. I should turn back, pretend I heard nothing. If Lucy’s cheating on Nico, it’s none of my business. But I keep going. I can’t understand how anybody would cheat on him—he’s just a handsome man, and I really don’t know him all that well. I only know him from a quick meeting in a cafe and a few texts.

The door to the guestroom is half open. I hold my breath, peering around the edge of the door. Giancarlo has his arms wrapped around Lucy. They’re kissing. Both of them have their eyes closed.

I move away, feeling cold, sick, and dirty. I shouldn’t have done that. Now what? Should I tell him? Is that my place?

Quickly going to my bedroom, I replace the camera’s battery and rejoin the party. I’m glad I’m on this side of the camera. I don’t think I’d be able to force a smile after what I just saw.

CHAPTER 6

NICO

It’s almost time for the meeting with Enzo. I sit at my desk, drumming my fingers, my phone open in front of me. I’m looking at the last text my niece sent me, the one with the laughing emoji. The emoji reminds me of the distance between us—in age, appropriateness, experience, and everything.

Nobody I talk to uses emojis, not really. Lucy might throw one in from time to time, but not like this. Am I making this into something it’s not? I’ve spent the past day, between my long working hours, replaying the meeting in the cafe, imagining what her untamed hair would feel like if I gently ran my fingers through it, leaned in, and kissed her soft-looking lips.

What. The. Fuck. Is. Wrong. With. Me?

I quickly type a text.

Me:It’s showtime this evening, Arria. I hope you’re ready.

For the next hour, I work, attempting to focus on the boring legal documents. When my phone makes an alert noise, I grab it way too quickly.

Arriana:What if I’ve had second thoughts?

I grind my teeth. Ugly images flash across my mind. The things Enzo will do to her if she doesn’t play along. His comments about her still make me so livid I want to become Nico the Nightmare again.

Me:That isn’t an option. I’ve already told him you’re willing to apologize. He specifically commented on needing to believe you so that he would withhold any legal proceedings. We have to satisfy his ego. I’m sorry. I can pick you up.

Arriana:I’m not his performing monkey, Nico. But fine. I’ll be there. What time is it?

Me:The meeting’s at seven. I’ll pick you up an hour before. We need to account for traffic.

Arriana:I guess we don’t want to keep His Highness waiting, do we?

Me:Arria.

I drum my fingers on the desk some more. The smirk tugging at my lips is pretty damn annoying. This would be much easier if I didn’t respect her fiery nature so much.

Me:Please don’t say or even hint at anything like that in front of him. This has to go well.

Arriana:I know. But that doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy.

Me:Maybe not. The right thing rarely is.

Arriana:So you’re my savior AND a philosopher, huh?

Another smirk. Maybe I should start counting.

Me:Stop with the sass. Just be ready.

Arriana:What should I wear?

---