Page 9 of Protecting My Nanny

An actual truth, I think to myself. My social media life is keeping tabs on the old neighborhood and its people. If anything wereto happen to Giovanni, SnapFace would likely be the first place where I could see the news.

"Wait, so no InstaSnap or SnapFace, nothing?"

"No, I just try to avoid them." I hesitate, thinking of a good reason why not. And then it comes to me: Why not use a bit of truth? "I had an obsessive ex who nearly ruined my life, constantly trying to keep tabs on me. I decided a year ago to give it a rest for a few years, or until I feel comfortable again."

"Say no more, sweetie. We've all been there. We'll just talk through text. Please promise to send me pictures of you and Jaime now and then."

"Of course." I smile.

"If you don't mind me asking, the ex... was this here or back home in Italy?"

"Italian guy," I respond. "Back home. He helped me after I lost my parents. I'd dated him before. I knew he wasn't good, but... he was there. A shoulder to cry on, made sure I ate, helped me and my brother out, and me being dumb, I fell back into it."

"You ain't dumb, honey," Annette responds. "I've done it before. Did he talk you down? Hit you?"

"Both," I say. "He said I wasn't giving him enough attention. It started with yelling and outbursts of anger for no reason. Thenit escalated to shoving and pushing. One day, when I made a sarcastic comment, he hit me. I ended things right then and there."

"Hmm... They're everywhere, huh?" says Annette. "Well, at least you were smart enough to move on. Unfortunately, I can't say there's much of a better selection here."

Annette's phone rings, drawing her eyes to the illuminated screen. "Speaking of low-quality men," she says, looking up from her phone. "It's time for his dad's monthly playdate to start." She smiles, then raises her eyebrow as if an idea has come to her. "I'm dropping him off with his dad in an hour, and I'll be free the whole night after..." Her eyes widen. "You wouldn't be interested in being happy for an hour or three?"

"I... what's that?"

"Happy hour, doll... half-priced drinks. Free, if the bartender thinks you're cute enough."

"I wish. I've got to make Jaime's dinner, and his uncle's working late."

"Uh, well, next time, doll. I'll get you out someday, no worry," she says slyly, a half smile across her face.

I get up to call for Jaime, but she gestures me down.

"Relax, hun, I'll reel them in," says Annette. She gets up and crosses the park, returning with Jaime and Alex walking in front of her.

"Hey guys," I say to the boys. "You two have fun?"

Alex looks full of joy as he nods his head. "Ms. Nickel, can Jaime come to a sleepover with my dad?"

"Yeah, can I?" Jaime adds.

"Hmm," I pretend to think about it for a moment; the answer is no, of course, but I don't want to seem too cold. I look to Annette, who shrugs her shoulders.

"Not tonight, boys, but I promise to ask Uncle Shane about it next time... How's that, bud?" I say to Jaime.

"Ok," he says with a smile.

"We've got to go," Annette adds. "You two say goodbye."

The boys turn to each other and slap hands, palm to palm, then backside to backside. They end with a hug, and my heart melts instantly.

Annette smiles. "See you soon, doll," she says to me. Then she brushes back Jaime's hair. "Bye, Jaime," she says sweetly. Annette and Alex turn and start down the path to their car, giving a final wave as they walk away.

Our car arrives at the park as the rain starts. In the backseat, Jaime talks about his day and his connection with Alex. It's nice to see him so excited. But Annette's comment about her social media blowing up is bothering me. I grab my phone and start looking for news articles or posts about the syndicate and Naples.

One story catches my attention: "New York City Police Investigate Series of Violent Crimes Tied to Italian Crime Family." The article details a series of violent incidents in the past few months, all linked to the Avvoltoi syndicate. A new task force is being assembled to crack down on their activities.

Raffaele comes to mind immediately.

After we broke up, I called Aldo when Raffaele threatened our protection. Aldo sorted things out with Raffaele, making it clear that any harm to us would come back to him. That was a lesson I learned from my father: For every egotistical bully that tries to control you, there is always someone more egotistical trying to control everyone. The syndicate despises loose cannons, especially when they work for them and threaten their reputation. Still, Raffaele had always promised he'd get me back. He'd be the one to establish the family overseas, and I'd be his queen once he did.

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