Page 119 of The Deal

He folds his arms over his chest, and when he beams at me, I know with absolute certainty that he knew precisely what he was doing. Every move, every word was all a part of his calculated plan.

I should’ve seen it coming, but I’ll always be possessive of her … and her heart, because it holds the key to my happiness.

I blow out a long breath when Sophiafinallypicks up. “Do you ever answer your calls?” I grumble down the line. “I’ve been trying to get in contact with you for weeks.”

“Obviously,” she says, sarcasm lining her voice. “I’m talking to you right now, aren’t I? What do you want, Alexander?”

I inhale deeply through my nose, the air filling my lungs as I fight to keep my cool. I’ve always been weary of her dubious behaviour at times, but one thing I never doubted was her love for Giovanni … until now.

“Do you even care about your son?”

I’ve heard nothing since that one call telling me she was extending her stay in Italy.Not a word.Not even a fucking message.

“What kind of question is that?” she screeches, her voice rising with defensive indignation. “You know I do.”

I’m done with the excuses. “I bought him a phone for Christmas, and I’ve noticed he’s tried to call you a few times. Why didn’t you pick up? Or at least call him back?”

Her response comes across as weak, almost desperate. “I’ve been busy.”

I want to shout, to call out how hollow that excuse is.

Busy?

With what?

Her new guy?

What about her child?

As much as I adore Chloe, I’d never push my son aside for her, and I know she wouldn’t let me. It’s been the three of us since the moment he came to stay with me, and I love her all the more for it.

“Has something happened? Is he okay?”

“He’s better than ever,” I answer honestly. “He’s thriving at school and loving life with us.”

“Us?” she mutters, clearly irritated.

“Yes, us. My fiancée, her parents, my brother, and Carmella. I have a house full of people now … we’re one big happy family.”

“You got engaged toher?” she gasps.

“I did. She’s the love of my life; there was no way I was letting this one go.”

“How sickeningly sweet. It’s a shame you never felt that for me.”

“I barely knew you, Sophia. And what I thought I knew turned out to be a lie. You deceived me in the worst possible way.”

“You’ll never let me live that down, will you?”

“You told me you were pregnant withmychild when you knew all along it was someone else’s.”

“Whatever,” she spits, the defensiveness clear in her voice, but she knows I’m right.

“I didn’t call to rehash the past.”

“Well, why did you call? I’m not in the mood for your bullshit today.”

I give myself a moment, trying to quell the inner fury that only this woman can bring.

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