Page 82 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Don
“Send me paperwork and I’ll see what I can do.”
He pauses, almost as if he didn’t expect me to agree.
And I don’t agree, not really. I’m just turning the tables.
“That will take?—”
“I won't help you until I have it in writing that my father—my family—is safe from prosecution.”
Another long pause. “I’ll be in touch.” He hangs up.
I blow out a breath knowing I’m playing with fire.
I’ll need to let Marco know about this call or I could end up in hotter water than I already am.
I dress in an oversized sweater, leggings, and wool socks, then head downstairs to Marco’s office.
When I find it empty, I go to the kitchen where Maria is having tea.
“Ms. Monti.” She starts to rise, but I wave her down.
“Enjoy your break. Do you know where Marco is?”
“I believe he went out.”
I wonder if he’s running away from me or if his call was something related to work.
“Carlos said he received a call from Mr. Ginetti.”
So work, then. A flicker of worry ignites in my belly.
Dons don’t rush out for work unless there’s something going on, and in our world, that something usually involves danger.
“Thank you, Maria.” I head back upstairs trying not to worry too much about Marco’s safety.
He’s been at this for a long time. He’s a careful man, always weighing the risks, always ready to defend what’s his.
What’s not his is me.
I press my hand to my belly again, having an odd wish that a baby is growing there while also terrified of the idea.
But then I think of Elena who ended up in a similar situation, pregnant with an absent father, although I’m not sure how or why or who he is.
But she’s done well as a single mom.
I don’t pretend it will be easy, but neither is it the end of the world as Marco makes it seem.
In fact, the idea of being a mom sounds like a great new adventure.
An adventure Marco will never know because if I do end up pregnant, I won’t be telling him. Why should I?
He doesn’t want me or a baby. I’ll move away, to Italy, maybe, and live contentedly with my child.
Marco can live his life just as he wants. A bitter, lonely man.
15
MARCO
