Page 54 of Mafia Heir's Broken Vows

I slide into bed beside her, pulling her into my arms. She rests her head on my chest, her hand splayed over my heart.

"He's asleep," she whispers.

"I could have told you that." I needed to check for myself; I don't think the fear will ever be completely gone.

She lifts her head, her lips brushing against mine—she's feeling frisky tonight. We break apart only to breathe before I kiss her back.

"I never thought I'd have this," I whisper. "A woman I can't get enough of—a family of my own."

She smiles, fingers tracing lazy patterns over my chest. "Now you do. And I can't get enough of you either." She wiggles her eyebrows, and it's more funny than sexy, but I love it.

"I think we need to test that theory," I say rolling over so she's beneath me. "Every day, at least twice a day."

"Are you trying to kill me? Or knock me up again?" She laughs and wiggles her body against me. It's a flirty invitation and one I can't ignore.

"Neither." I kiss her, "but I am trying to get in your pants. You should take them off." Serafina laughs and wiggles her silky shorts off.

SERAFINA

We had a busy morning—Leo's first day of kindergarten, and I'm an emotional wreck. My baby is growing up too fast, and I'm not handling it well. Alessandro, on the other hand, is the picture of calm and pride, grinning like he's just won the lottery while I try not to sob.

"He's going to love it," he says with absolute certainty, his warm hand resting on my shoulder.

"That's not the point," I sniff, dabbing at my eyes with a tissue. "He's still my baby. I'm not ready." The thought of letting him go, even for a few hours, makes my chest ache. And though I know this is the right thing for him, a small part of me can't shake the lingering fear—what if someone from our old life finds us? What if they try to take him?

"Mommy." Leo tugs at my hand, his little fingers wriggling to break free. "Lemme go now. That's my teacher—she speaks Italian, English and French. And she's pretty," he adds matter-of-factly, pointing toward the classroom door. "I'm in the Lion class. Roooar!"

I laugh through the tears as I let his hand go. "Bye, Leo," I call after him, waving like a lunatic.

But he doesn't even look back. He's already bounding off, finding someone to talk to, and heading into the classroom with his new friend. No hesitation. No second glance. My brave, independent boy. Just like his father.

"What am I supposed to do now?" I ask Alessandro, my voice breaking as I turn to him.

He laughs softly, taking my hand and pressing a kiss to my forehead. "I'll distract you. Let's go get something to eat."

"This is going to be the longest day ever," I mumble, glancing back at the classroom door one last time.

He squeezes my hand gently, his steady presence grounding me. "We can take him to the beach after school. You two can have some fun time together."

I nod, already looking forward to it. "You're right. He's going to be fine."

Alessandro smiles, his gaze is full of reassurance. "So are you."

The scentof blooming jasmine drifts in through the open windows, mingling with the faint aroma of salt from the sea. The world is quiet now, still and peaceful—a stark contrast to the chaos of the afternoon at the beach. We stayed out almost until sunset, and Leo passed out in minutes when he got in his bed. He liked school—which made me sad that he didn't miss me.

I tiptoe through the house turning out lights and closing the shutters, pausing at Leo's bedroom door. It stands slightly ajar, and I peek inside. He is sprawled out in the middle of the bed surrounded by toys, fast asleep.

Quietly, I close his door and turn away. My bare feet make no sound as I move down the hallway, drawn by the soft music floating through the air.

Alessandro is out on the terrace, leaning against the stone railing, staring out at the sea. His sleeves are rolled up, and his shirt is unbuttoned at the collar, revealing a hint of the strength beneath. He looks... so handsome. He's fucking sexy and I'm already thinking of all the things I want him to do to me.

He senses me before I speak, turning slowly, a lazy, knowing smile curving his lips. "He's asleep?"

I nod. "Out like a light."

He reaches out, his hand steady and warm. "Then we have the night to ourselves."

I step into his embrace.

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