Page 2 of The DeLuca Crime Family: Vol. 1

“Thank you for agreeing to meet with me on such short notice.”

“It wasn’t a problem at all. I had a meeting at the agency this morning, so I was already out and about anyway,” I assured him.

“My mother fell and broke her arm about a month ago, and it brought my attention to just how much she does for Sophia and me. Unfortunately, her doctor has decided she needs surgery because the break isn’t healing the way he’d like. So, the need to find a suitable nanny for my daughter is more urgent than ever.”

His eyes softened when he talked about his mom and daughter, making him even more attractive than before. Imentally shook myself, trying to overcome his magnetic pull. “I’m sorry to hear about your mom.”

“Thanks.” He flashed me another smile before getting down to business. “The agency sent your resume over. I noticed that up until a couple months ago you were studying to become a physical therapy assistant. Have you decided not to continue with that? Because the hours I’d need you to be available aren’t conducive to a full, or even part-time, course load.”

“No, I decided that it wasn’t for me so I won’t be going back.”

“What made you decide to try nannying?”

“I love kids,” I blurted out awkwardly. “I mean, I’ve always been good with children. I started babysitting when I was twelve, volunteered at the church’s day care all throughout high school, and had planned to focus on pediatric patients as a PTA.”

“You only spent a year at college. I’m hoping whomever I hire will stay for at least several years. Sophia is only six and will most likely grow attached to her nanny. I don’t want to make any unnecessary changes to her routine once it’s settled.”

Finding the right words to explain was difficult. None of my friends or the few boys I’d tried dating in high school understood where I was coming from. It had to be done, though, so I forced the words out of my mouth. “Leaving school the way I did probably makes me seem flaky, but I swear I’m not. It just wasn’t right for me, it wasn’t what I’m really looking for in life. It might make me sound old-fashioned, but what I really see myself doing is being a wife and mother. Since I haven’t found the right guy for me yet, being a nanny makes sense. I can’t promise to stay on as Sophia’s nanny forever, but I can tell you that I’m loyal. I’ll probably grow as attached to her as she will to me, and it would be hard to leave her.”

“You’re hired.”

I felt my jaw drop as I leaned towards him. “But you haven’t even checked my references or anything,” I sputtered.

“I’m not used to anyone questioning my decisions.” His tone held a trace of steel mixed with humor, so it was hard to tell if he liked that I was questioning him, or if I should never do it again. “But of course, the offer is subject to the background check I’ll run on you.”

Since I’d always been one to follow the rules, I didn’t have to worry he’d uncover anything and shrugged my shoulders.

“I’d like you to come back to meet Sophia tomorrow, after I’ve had the chance to talk with her about you.”

“That will be fine,” I agreed.

“And then, if all goes well, I’ll want you to move in this weekend when I’m available to help.”

“Move in?” I gasped. “I didn’t realize this was for a live-in position.”

“It is now.” Some of my shock must have shown on my face. “No need to worry, though. Not only will we have my daughter to act as a chaperone, but my mother lives upstairs.”

I didn’t understand exactly what he meant about the position only now being a live-in one, but I found myself agreeing anyway. It looked like I’d found the nanny position I’d wanted, only it was more than I’d bargained for.

Chapter Two

NIC

“Caduto dalle Nuvole,” I muttered softly. The expression of surprise had slipped from my lips involuntarily when I opened up my front door to find the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. Not in the traditional sense, like a tall, Barbie-shaped model. This woman was all curves and sweetness—a combination so sexy, I was suddenly fighting to keep from scaring her away with an obvious erection. I suddenly had a strong hatred for long sleeve sweaters with buttons up the front. Her dark hair, green eyes, and olive skin hinted at an Italian heritage, and I filed that away for later.

In a spilt-second, I had no doubt the woman was mine. I’d taken her hand and walked her back to my office for an “interview.” It seemed the wisest course of action at the moment. I didn’t want to scare her away. Not that I would let her go. In fact, when she spoke about her desire to be a wife and mom, I decided to move her in with us. Surprisingly, it hadn’t taken much convincing, and I’d had to stifle a lascivious grin when I realized she was just as affected by me as I was by her.

I took her hand once again, helping her up from her seat and guiding her to the front door. I lifted her hand and brushed my lips over the silky skin on the back.

“Until tomorrow,mia dolce.”

Anna’s eyes were wide and a little bewildered, as she nodded then turned to slowly descend the stairs leading to my front door. When she reached the sidewalk, she looked back to where I was standing, leaning against the doorframe, watching her. I smiled and winked, immensely pleased with the pink tinge that appeared on her cheeks. Damn, she was fucking gorgeous, and I couldn’t wait to get another look at the lushness beneath her sweater and learn just how far down she would blush when I was worshipping her body. And make no mistake, it would be happening soon.

I wasted no time calling the agency and informing them of the status change to live-in and asked for her background check to be faxed over. It was in my hands less than ten minutes later. I raised a brow at the name printed across the top confirming my suspicions as to her genealogy.

Gianna.

The name suited her. It was every bit as exquisite as she was. Why in the world would she use Anna? It occurred to me then, she wasmyGianna and mine alone, while everyone else got Anna. I shifted in my seat, uncomfortably, my cock definitely loving the idea.

---