Page 105 of Bound to a Monster

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You’re not drinking,” Daniel points out.

“So what? I’ve never been a big drinker. I have self-control, unlike you two idiots.”

They exchange another look.

“You’re pregnant,” Daniel says finally.

And I groan, throwing up my hands. “What the fuck. You two always ruin everything.”

“That’s a confirmation if I ever heard one,” Luca says as he gets up, beaming like crazy. “Come give me a hug. And remember, Luca Junior is a great name for a boy.”

“That’s not really how it works, but sure,” I say as he squeezes me tight.

I look back at Daniel as I sink into my seat again. He’s studying me with a serious look, caught between uncertainty and something else. I realize my knee’s jostling, and after all this time, I still worry about what he’s going to think the most. I don’t even know why I care, but I really do.

“I’m worried,” he says softly. And that’s when I understand. It isn’t anger or disappointment all over the tense way he’s holding himself.

He’s scared for me.

“It’s okay,” I say sincerely. “Really, I promise.”

“You barely know your husband. It was an arrangement. You two have barely been married for a few months, and you’re already knocked up. I don’t like it.”

“Jesus Christ, Daniel, it’s not about you,” Luca snaps at him.

But Daniel doesn’t look moved by that.

The old Carmie would be pissed. Sometimes it really does feel like Daniel can’t get past his idea of how things should be, just like Luca said.

I know better now. I reach out a hand.

He hesitates but takes it.

He cares about me. This is how he shows it. Daniel’s worried that I’m going to get trapped in an unhappy and loveless marriage, and it has nothing to do with being a proper Italian princess.

He’s worried aboutme.

“I’m fine,” I say very softly. “Seriously, we’re happy. This is a good thing.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m positive. Really, if it wasn’t, I’d tell you.”

His jaw relaxes slightly. “Then congratulations.” He squeezes my hand. “I guess I’m going to be an uncle soon.”

“I am too, you fucking prick,” Luca shouts, and we’re back to smiling and laughing again after that.

I feel light for all of ten minutes. My brothers finally know about the baby, and maybe I didn’t tell them the exact timeline of my pregnancy, but they don’t need to know that. We’re talking abouthaving kids and raising babies, and I’m getting ready to start cleaning the dishes when my father finally decides to make an appearance.

“You’re here,” he grunts at me, frowning as he goes to get himself something to eat. “When did that happen?”

“She stopped in to have dinner,” Luca says. “What have you been so busy with?”

“Don’t concern yourself with that.” Dad glares at me. “You should be home with your husband.”

“This again,” Luca says, rolling his eyes. He gets up and looks like he’s going to say something, but I cut him off.

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