Page 67 of Mafia Shade's Reluctant Bride
My hands stilled. The laugh that left me was too sharp and forced. “Don’t be ridiculous,” I scoffed. Still trying to avoid her gaze because I knew she was already scrutinizing me.
“Maria, come on. You can’t tell me you feel nothing for Lorenzo.”
I sighed, rubbing my temples. “I’ve always had a crush on him, alright? Since forever. But this? This isn’t real. And I refuse to start feeling things when I know it’s all for show.”
Kayla didn’t respond right away.
Then, softly, “But what if it could be?”
I didn’t answer—because I didn’t have one.
A sharp knock on the door saved me from figuring it out.
Luca’s voice rang through the apartment. “Maria, your prince charming is downstairs.”
I groaned. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”
Kayla grinned. “I am.”
I shook my head and grabbed my bag before heading toward the door.
Matteo was waiting for me in the living room, his little face scrunching up when he saw the bag. “You’re leaving?” he asked again for what would be the tenth time that day.
“Just for the night.” I crouched down, cupping his face. “Kayla’s going to take care of you.”
Matteo’s lips wobbled, but he nodded. I kissed his forehead. “Be good, okay?”
“Okay.” He sniffled, then brightened. “Can I have ice cream for dinner?”
I shot Kayla a look. I knew they always did that when I was not around. It was her way of winning him over.
She smirked. “Absolutely not.”
“Aw, man!”
Luca stretched, looking way too pleased with himself. “It’s fine, Matteo. If she had left you with me, I would have let you.”
I sighed. “And that’s exactly why I didn’t.”
Luca clutched his chest like I’d wounded him. “I am offended.”
“You’ll survive,” I smirked, then glanced at Kayla. “Take care of him.”
Kayla blinked. “Matteo?”
“No.” I jerked my head toward Luca. “Him. He’s a child at heart.”
Kayla let out a laugh. “I’ll do my best.”
“I don’t like the way you two are talking about me,” Luca muttered.
Kayla ruffled his hair. “It’s okay, buddy. We love you anyway.” But he shoved it away with a smile forming on his face.
I laughed and shook my head, heading toward the door.
Luca called after me. “Hey, wait. Shouldn’t I be telling Lorenzo to take care of you?”
I waved him off. “I can take care of myself.”
