Page 55 of Savage Vow (Mafia Marriages 3)

“Just peachy,” I mutter. “Walk with me.” I head outside, and he follows my orders.

Since there’s no current threat to Karina, she doesn’t need Francesco in the hospital lobby. He’s here on Alessandro’s orders to make sure that she doesn’t flee. If the girl wanted to run, she would.

She still might.

And knowing the boy could be mine, I can’t let her leave.

One problem at a time, though. Convincing her that she wants to stay is the priority.

“What do you know about private schools?” I ask.

Francesco gives me a funny look. “What’s this about?”

Could he be that stupid to ask? “Ashton.”

What other kid is there around the house?

“I’d recommend looking into boarding schools,” Francesco says.

It’s certainly crossed my mind, but I’m not sure I’m ready to send the kid away if he’s mine. I want to get to know Ashton, not send him to some prestigious educational facility, only to see him during holidays and summer vacation.

Plus, I doubt Karina would be onboard with sending the boy away, either.

“He’s five. Let’s save that suggestion for his teenage years when things are even more complicated,” I mutter.

He shoves his hands into his pockets. “I don’t know of any private schools specifically, but I can do a little research on my phone while I’m waiting for your wife.”

It sounds strange to hear Francesco refer to Karina as my wife, but he isn’t wrong.

“Don’t worry about it.” I can do the same when I get back to the compound. “I just thought if you heard anything good or bad about any of the private schools locally, I’d ask first.”

“I’m just glad you’re thinking about putting him in a school up north. We dropped him off this morning for school, and her twin sister is picking him up and bringing him to the hospital lobby after school.”

“Ivy’s bringing Ashton to the hospital?” I stop walking as we reach the end of the block, and it’s either cross the street or turn around.

I turn around, and Francesco follows. My stomach is somersaulting. I don’t trust Ivy, and I don’t want her around my kid.

“Why aren’t you picking him up?”

“Karina mentioned that the school won’t let him leave without it being an approved guardian or parent.”

“Fuck,” I mutter under my breath. “Do you have the address?”

He retrieves his cell phone and texts me the information. “Not sure what good it will do. Karina was adamant that I couldn’t pick the kid up. Ivy had to do it.”

“We’ll see about that.”

* * *

After leaving the hospital, I head to the nearest store to pick up a booster seat for the vehicle. Traffic is a mess, and the lady at the checkout counter takes twice as long as necessary.

I glance at my watch as I pull up outside of the elementary school. Cars are lined up around the block.

Quickly, I park and hustle down the sidewalk. The kids haven’t been let out yet.

“What are you doing here?” Ivy asks, catching sight of me. She folds her arms across her chest and gives me a disapproving stare.

“Picking up Ashton,” I say.

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