Page 77 of Dark Mafia Vows

The kitchen is empty when I step inside. Relieved, I exhale softly. Even if it’s just for a moment, I need to be alone. I need to sit in my thoughts.

I grab a carton of eggs from the fridge and set a pan on the stove. Maybe some food will settle me, help me think more clearly. I add a little butter to the pan, watching it sizzle and dissolve. But as soon as I crack one egg into the pan, the smell hits me, and my stomach churns violently. I clamp a hand over my mouth, fighting the urge to vomit.

“Ginny,querida, what’s wrong?”

I turn to see Rosa standing in the doorway, her kind eyes full of concern. Piper rushes toward her, and Rosa smiles briefly, carrying the dog into her arms.

“I’m fine, Rosa,” I say, my voice shaky as I turn off the stove. “Just...I don’t feel great this morning.”

Rosa steps closer, her gaze narrowing slightly. “Not feeling great, hmm?” She trails off, her eyes narrowing.

I stiffen. Fuck. Can she tell? I know older women can often tell about stuff like this, but I would be more at ease if no one else knows about my pregnancy for now.

“You’re looking a little pale, Ginny. Maybe you’ve caught something.”

I exhale, avoiding her eyes. I don’t think she suspects I’m pregnant. God! I hope not.

“I don’t think so,” I say quickly, but Rosa just raises an eyebrow, not convinced.

She steps closer, touching the back of her hand to my forehead. “Hmm, no fever. A stomach bug, maybe? You’ve been looking off for a couple of days now. Maybe it’s because Dario hasn’t been home.” Her voice turns playful and teasing, but I feel my heart race at the mention of his name.

I force a laugh. “Yeah, maybe that’s it.”

Piper makes a whining sound. I absentmindedly reach out to rub her fur.

“You should have waited for me to make you breakfast,” Rosa chastises like she always does when she’s in full caretaker mode. “Go and lie down. Get some rest. I’ll make you some tea later. Do you want some cakes with it?

My heart softens slightly as I nod. She’s observed me to the point of knowing the things I like.

“Thanks, Rosa,” I sigh, thankful for the escape.

“Come on, Piper. I know you’re hungry too,” I hear Rosa coo as I walk out of the kitchen.

As I head upstairs, I walk straight to Dario’s room without thinking. I may be unsure of what I should feel about him, but one thing I know is that being in his room right now, inhaling his scent and just imagining him with me, will make me feel better.

Or not.

When I collapse into his bed and pull the covers up to my chin, I try to follow Rosa’s advice, but sleep won’t come. My mind is too restless, my thoughts too loud.

I keep thinking about Dario. What if he doesn’t want this baby? What if it’s too much for him? For us? And what about the wedding?

I toss and turn, trying to find a comfortable position. The silk sheets feel cool against my skin, not the warmth I wanted. His faint scent lingers in the air, not enough to fill my lungs.

The door creaks open minutes later, and Rosa walks in with a tray in her hand and a smile on her lips.

“I knew I’d find you here.”

“Where’s Piper?” I ask weakly as she sets the tray down on the bedside drawer.

“She’s eating.” Rosa smiles before patting my head lovingly. I’m glad when she leaves me alone.

I drown most of the scorching tea almost immediately before taking a few nibbles out of the cake. I know I should eat more for the baby, but I don’t think I can stomach anything more than that.

I lie back against the sheets and close my eyes. My thoughts won’t quiet down, and the bed feels too big, too empty. I sit up, hugging my knees to my chest, staring at the empty space beside me where Dario should be. I can’t do this. I can’t just sit here and mope around all day. I need to move. I need to clear my head.

I swing my legs off the bed, walking over to the dresser where Dario keeps his things. My eyes land on one of his car keys, and before I can second-guess myself, I grab them.

Dario no longer keeps me prisoner in the house, and I’m free to go out, so long as I’m escorted. I know I should call Timoteo to drive me, but I don’t want anyone with me right now. I just want to be alone.

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