Page 16 of Captive Vow (Mafia Marriages 2)

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Paige

I’m startled awake by the soft tapping of little Nova.

“Hey, good morning.”

She stands beside my bed, her stuffed giraffe tight in one arm and her thumb tucked in her mouth.

“Do you want to keep me company?” I ask and pat the bed beside me.

I haven’t glanced at the clock yet. The sun is just rising, and it’s peeking through the curtains, which means it’s too early for me to be awake.

Nova climbs atop my covers. She lies beside me for a split second before gathering onto her knees and tapping my shoulder again.

I roll onto my side.

She’s not going to let me sleep. “Are you hungry for breakfast?”

Her eyes are wide, and she nods vigorously as if she’s starving.

We had a feast for dinner. The guard brought our meal up to the bedroom, where the two of us opted for a picnic on the floor with her stuffed animals.

Hopefully, we can sneak down to the kitchen without bothering Moreno.

I want to check out the rest of the house, too.

“Let’s get you dressed,” I say and climb out from beneath the covers.

Her pitter-patter of feet hurries across the hardwood floor and to the open adjoining door. Nova heads inside, waiting for me to accompany her.

It takes a few seconds for me to fully wake. I rub the sleep from my eyes and catch sight of Nova poking her head around the corner of her door.

She’s waiting for me, wondering if I’m coming. I head into her bedroom and grab a white dress with red poppies for her to wear. It’s a summer dress, but it’ll be perfect for today’s weather.

“How about this?” I ask, showing her the outfit from her dresser.

She grins and snatches the fabric from my grip. “If you want to dress, I’ll get ready too.”

I don’t sense any hesitation, so I head out through the adjoining door and close it most of the way.

My bag is situated on the floor by the dresser. I didn’t bother to unpack my clothes or the few belongings that I own. I wasn’t in the mood when Leone brought my things up to my room last night.

It’s not like there’s much to unpack either.

Bending down, I unzip my duffel bag and grab a floral yellow and blue dress with cap sleeves and a keyhole in the front. It’s knee-length and one of my favorite comfy dresses. I hold the accompanying undergarments and head to the bathroom, closing the door behind me.

But there’s no lock.

Great.

Hopefully, Nova won’t bust through the door unannounced.

I doubt she’d knock, and she certainly isn’t going to say a word to warn me she’s coming into the room.

I hurry to undress from my pajamas and slip the dress over my head, tying the front to tighten the keyhole bodice. It’s cute, light, and hugs my figure. Not that I should care. I’m not mixing business and pleasure.

I run my fingers through my hair before opening the bathroom door.

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