Page 20 of Mafia Shade's Reluctant Bride
A slow inhale. A sharp exhale.
Luca’s expression froze, his usual composure slipping like a mask. His lips parted slightly, but no words came out. His brows pulled together, not in anger, not in frustration—just in disbelief.
And Lorenzo—
I refused to look at him. I couldn’t. But I felt it.
Even without looking, I could picture it—the tightness in his jaw, the way his body would have gone rigid, and his muscles coiled like they might snap.
I forced myself to inhale, my chest tight, but still, I didn’t look at him. Because I already knew.
Lorenzo wasn’t just shocked.
He was still.
Luca crouched, his expression unreadable as he met Matteo’s curious gaze. “Matteo, huh?”
Matteo nodded. “Like Grandpa.”
Luca’s jaw clenched. He looked up at me, tears prickling in his eyes, but he didn’t push. Instead, he smiled at Matteo, ruffling his hair. “That’s a strong name, kid.”
Matteo beamed.
Luca stood, his gaze sharp. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
I braced myself. “Because it wasn’t the right time.”
His eyes darkened. “Bullshit.”
Matteo tugged on my sleeve. “Mommy, I'm hungry.”
Perfect timing.
I forced a smile, glancing at Kayla. “Can you take him inside?”
Kayla, bless her, nodded immediately. “Come on, kiddo. Let’s find some snacks.”
Matteo hesitated but followed, glancing back at me once before disappearing into the house. I exhaled slowly, turning back to Luca and Lorenzo.
Luca crossed his arms. “Who’s the father?”
I lifted my chin. “I don’t know. It was just a fling.”
Lorenzo flinched so slightly that I almost missed it.
Luca’s eyes narrowed. “Maria.”
“Luca,” I shot back, voice tight. “Drop it.”
His jaw worked, but he didn’t press. Instead, he exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “Damn it, Maria, you should have told me. Now I feel so bad being angry that you left all these years.”
I forced a smile, ignoring Lorenzo’s stare. “It’s good to see you, too.”
Luca groaned. “You’re impossible.”
Lorenzo still hadn’t said a word. He just stood there, quietly watching.
And still—I didn’t look at him. Because if I did, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to breathe.
