Page 53 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Don
Frank shakes his head. "These aren't games. If Marco discovers you're spying on him?—"
"I know the risks." I lean forward, placing my hand on his shoulder. "But I need your help, Frank. You know more than anyone what’s going on in my father’s business.”
He nods slowly. "I'll keep you informed. Just be careful what you share with me. Calabresi has ears everywhere."
"I will." I settle back against the leather seat. "I know what I'm doing."
But do I?
I should be afraid of Marco Calabresi.
He's dangerous, powerful, capable of terrible things.
Yet fear isn't what makes my heart race when I think of living under his roof.
It's something more complicated, more treacherous.
"We're here," Frank announces, pulling up to Marco’s home. “You can change your mind.”
I stare at the sprawling building, remembering last year running out of Marco's office, filled with anger and hurt.
Now I'm voluntarily walking back in.
"I'll be fine," I tell Frank, though I'm not sure whether I'm reassuring him or myself. "I know how to handle Marco."
Frank gives me a long look. "Just remember who you are. You're Antonio Monti's daughter. Don't let Calabresi make you forget that."
Whatever awaits me inside, whatever games Marco intends to play, I'm ready.
My feelings for him may be unresolved, but my purpose is clear.
Protect our family, discover the truth.
Even if that truth destroys what remains of my heart.
11
MARCO
I pace my office like a caged animal, the term "guardian" still making my skin crawl.
What the hell was Gabriella thinking?
I'm not some goddamn babysitter for a child.
When I called Antonio, I couldn't bring myself to use that word. "I'll be her protector," I told him instead. "She'll be under my watch at all times." The words felt more appropriate, considering our history.
The intercom buzzes. "Don Calabresi, Miss Monti has arrived."
My stomach tightens.
This arrangement is a mistake, but it's too late to back out now.
I exit my office to meet her at the door.
As I reach the foyer, I stop.
Gabriella strides into my home like she owns it, chin high, eyes challenging. Frank follows behind carrying a suitcase.
