Page 10 of Captive Vow (Mafia Marriages 2)

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Moreno

“The new nanny seems—cute,” Dante says, giving me a smirk.

“I didn’t notice.” It’s a lie. How could I not notice her lovely long legs and under that skirt?

Dante laughs under his breath. “Of course, you didn’t. So, you hired her, I take it.”

I rub my forehead. Her experience on paper was excellent, but I wasn’t pleased with how she spoke to me. If I said a word about it to Dante, he’d tell me to fire her ass.

“I can’t keep interviewing nannies,” I say.

“This is your second nanny and first interview since Nova was born.”

Dante doesn’t beat around the bush.

“Right,” I say. “I’m not used to letting outsiders into our home, our lives.” I head to the kitchen for a cup of coffee, and Dante follows on my heel. “How’s the shipment?” He was dealing with business when I came in this afternoon with Paige.

“Late, but nothing I can’t handle. It turns out the truck broke down and was out of cell phone range. You know how the open roads can be,” Dante says. “Everything is back on schedule.”

“Good.” It was one less thing that I’d have to deal with tonight or tomorrow. Dante had done me a favor of handling the shipment. That was my responsibility, and I’d been dealing with hiring a new nanny for Nova.

“You seem different, quiet.” Dante is always one step ahead. That used to be me. Ever since the attack on the compound, I’ve been distracted.

“You know how it is,” I excuse and grab a cup of coffee, pouring a cup for myself. I take a sip from the mug. I need the extra dose of caffeine today. I need to be on my toes, especially with Paige under our roof.

Dante’s lips are tight. “I can set you up with a place of your own, private security, get Nova and you out from under my roof,” he says.

“No.” As tempting as the offer is, I can’t do that. I wouldn’t feel safe without the same level of private security that Dante has for his family. “I’ll never be home. We both know that’s not ideal with Nova.” I didn’t hire Paige to raise my daughter, just look after her while I’m distracted with work.

“Have you given the new nanny a private tour of her accommodations and Nova’s bedroom?” Dante asks.

I haven’t. I bolted out after making a fool of myself in front of the kids. How could I not fear the worst when I heard Luca’s terrified scream? Of course, once he saw my gun, the waterworks started, and the hysterical cries grew even louder.

Some days I don’t feel cut out to be a father. Serene had been the one who wanted to be a mother. And she’d left me alone with Nova.

Dante was right.

“Not yet. She’s with Luca and Nova in the playroom,” I say.

I did need to show Paige around. A part of me was avoiding her.

Why was that?

“Nikki just took Luca to go hiking.”

“I can’t believe you let them go alone.” How can he be so careless after the recent attack?

“They’re not leaving the property, and one of the guards is with them at all times. They’re never alone,” Dante says. “I wouldn’t have it.” He grabs a glass from the counter and then the whiskey in the liquor cabinet and pours a glass for himself. “I’d offer you a drink, but—”

“Yeah, no thanks.” I don’t drink. My father was an alcoholic, and so I’ve always been careful to avoid the stuff. I don’t want to become my old man.

Dante swirls the amber liquid before swallowing it in one gulp. He pours a second glass for himself. “The nanny you hired, she’s cute.”

“Don’t,” I warn him. Why was I feeling overprotective of Paige?

He snickers. “I wasn’t suggesting for me. It’s been a year, Moreno. Your wife is gone. You deserve a little fun,” Dante says.

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