Page 106 of Savage Vow (Mafia Marriages 3)

“What?”

“Letting him run off ahead of you like that. Someone could snatch him.”

Yeah, me.

I press my lips tight and shoot a glance at him. “You have your bodyguard here. We’ll be fine. It’s still plenty light out, and the boy needs outside time to run around and have fun. Did you bring your ball and glove?” I ask.

Aurielo reveals a backpack that I hadn’t noticed earlier swung on his opposite shoulder. “I did,” he says.

“Good. I’m sure Ashton will be excited to play ball with you at the park.” I fold my arms across my chest. The slight breeze is cool this afternoon but feels good, sending goosebumps along my arms.

My stomach is a coil of knots as I keep my gaze on both Ashton and the nearby fire hydrant. I hope the plan works and that Aurielo and Francesco pull their attention from Ashton long enough for me to grab him and lure him to the car unnoticed.

A lot is playing on the distraction.

Aurielo drops his backpack and kneels down, one knee on the ground while he unzips the black bag and retrieves a baseball and two gloves. This time, he has one for Ashton.

I’m a shitty mother, taking my son away from his father.

But that father is a mobster.

What other choice do I have?

I didn’t know the man that I slept with killed and tortured people for a living. I have to do what’s best for my child, and pulling him out of a tough situation, no matter how good it looks and appears on the outside, is important.

This new life is superficial.

The private school Ashton is enrolled in, his father wanting to play ball with him, the mansion we live in, it’s all fake.

It has to be, or else I’m making the biggest mistake of my life.

No.

My stomach churns. I shove my hands into my pockets, hoping that no one notices the slight tremble. Nervous is the biggest understatement.

I’m trying not to be obvious by staring at the fire hydrant.

Ivy gave me the time that she would create the distraction, but that assumed traffic was perfectly timed. And it’s the city. Traffic sucks.

Also, I don’t know the make or model of the rental car that she grabbed last minute. So, I’ll be as surprised by the accident as Aurielo and Francesco.

I just have to act on instinct.

Not react.

Aurielo hurries over to Ashton and bends down, handing him a glove. They exchange a few words and then a hug.

I’m going to be sick.

I’m doing this for Ashton.

He deserves safety. Protection. Love.

Aurielo can’t give him all those things. Maybe one. I’m not even sure which.

They toss the ball back and forth. Time feels as though it stretches on forever.

I inch closer to Ashton. I need to be ready.

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