Page 53 of Captive Vow (Mafia Marriages 2)

She plays with her rubber ducky in the bath while I wash her hair and get her nice and squeaky clean.

I still want to find the ring that she swiped before she forgets where she hid it.

She finishes in her bath, and I dry her off and help her get into her pajamas. “Do you remember the ring you borrowed from your daddy?” I ask.

I don’t want to accuse her of stealing, but she looked extremely guilty earlier when it had been brought up.

She purses her lips together but doesn’t answer verbally.

Not that I expect her to tell me where it is.

But she turns her head and her eyes glance at her stuffed giraffe. She pokes at the butt of the giraffe, tapping it and pulling the flap down. There is a secret compartment in her toy.

Nova reveals the sparkling diamond ring.

I hold out my hand for her to place it in my palm.

She’s tentative at first before she deposits the ring into my hand and wordlessly climbs beneath the covers on the bed.

“Thank you.” I kiss her cheek and place the ring on my finger so that I don’t lose it. I’d never forgive myself if something were to happen to the band, and I know that Moreno wouldn’t either.

I read her two bedtime stories as promised before tucking her in and slipping out of her bedroom. I close the adjoining door most of the way. If she needs me, I hope that she’ll come find me during the night.

Until now, she’s been a sound sleeper, but after the fire today, I can’t help but worry about her.

I shower, cleansing myself from the smell of smoke that permeates my skin. I can smell it on my dirty clothes and shove the linens into the hamper.

I slip on an oversized t-shirt and panties and climb under the covers with my eReader. I’m tired, and I’m not sure that I can read even a few pages, but I’m not ready to go to sleep yet.

The sun is still out.

It sets late in the summer and while the bedroom curtains help, there’s still light peeking through the shades.

My phone buzzes with a text on the bedside table.

I reach for the device. There aren’t too many people that have my number.

Hey, it’s Ariella. How’s the big grumpy bosshole?

I smile and can’t help but laugh. I never told her he was grumpy or a bosshole, but it’s like she can read my mind. She did know Nova before her mother passed away, so maybe he’s always been this difficult to deal with. I had assumed it was because his wife died, but I didn’t know him before her passing.

He’s a handful.

I bet. Do you want to come over this weekend for a girl’s day? I have wine.

That sounds perfect, but would Moreno give me the day off?

Not sure I can escape, but I’ll try.

Escape? What are you captive?

I start to typeyes,but then quickly delete it. I don’t need her calling the police and making more of a mess of my situation.

Very funny. I’ll let you know if I can get away.

Okay. Enjoy your Friday night!

I laugh under my breath. Yeah, I’m enjoying my Friday locked in my bedroom with a four-year-old in the next room over.

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