Page 121 of Mafia Daddy's Christmas Bride
Now I'm helping his daughter pick out his Christmas gift.
"He needs a new watch," Angelica announces. "His is scratched."
I smile. "That's very observant of you."
After three stores and much deliberation, we settle on a sleek leather-banded watch that Angelica insists "looks like Daddy."
I pay, grateful that Roman insisted that I have access to funds despite everything.
"Hot chocolate time?" I ask as we exit the store.
Angelica nods emphatically. "With extra whipped cream!"
We duck into a small bakery, warmth enveloping us instantly. The scents of cinnamon, chocolate, and fresh bread make my stomach growl.
Christmas music plays softly in the background as we find a small table near the window.
"Two hot chocolates, please. One with extra whipped cream," I tell the barista, adding a chocolate croissant for us to share.
While we wait, Angelica chatters about school and her friends' Christmas plans.
Our drinks arrive, Angelica's piled high with whipped cream. She takes a sip, leaving a white mustache that makes me laugh.
"What?" she asks, grinning.
I hand her a napkin. "You've got a little something there, snowman face."
She giggles, and the sound warms me more than the hot chocolate ever could. I hadn’t thought much about having a family.
"Can we wrap these when we get home?" Angelica asks of the presents.
"Of course. Your dad is working late tonight, so we'll have lots of time."
“Look! Toys.” Angelica scampers off to a display of stuffed animals in the corner.
The bakery owner has set up a small Christmas village complete with plush reindeer and polar bears.
She picks up a white bear with a red bow, hugging it to her chest before carefully returning it to its spot.
It feels dangerous, this growing attachment, yet I can't help myself. I want to protect her, to keep her safe from the world her father and I inhabit.
"She's adorable."
I turn to the voice sitting at the table next to me. My breath catches as I recognize her as the woman from the fabric store.
"Agent Olivia Ricci," she says quietly, extending her hand. "We should talk."
I don't take her hand. "You shouldn't be here." My eyes dart to Angelica, still occupied with the toys.
"I'm not here to cause trouble," Agent Ricci says, following my gaze.
"I'm not interested." My voice is steady despite the growing panic. I glance at Roman’s men who guard us from a distance. The last thing I need is them calling Roman. "I've made my choice."
"Have you?" She leans forward. "Or did Roman Ginetti make it for you?"
I meet her eyes. "I'm with my stepdaughter. This isn't the time or place."
"Isabella, your mother's case?—"
