Page 82 of Unwilling Vow (Mafia Marriages 4)

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Four Weeks Later

Olivia

I’ve avoided Jace as much as I can, but that’s an impossible feat when he’s driving me back and forth to the hospital, at my side with Astrid.

I should probably relinquish my rights as promised. And I will, but not before I know that she’s safe.

She will be safe with Jace, right?

He’s the head of the mafia.

How can she ever be safe? I don’t even feel safe, and I’m still sleeping under his roof. I don’t feel safe from him, his men, or Luka, who is still out there.

Will Luka Caruso return for me?

I haven’t seen him since the day I was taken, the day that I delivered Astrid. I am constantly looking over my shoulder at the hospital. Worry creeps in, but I haven’t stumbled into him.

Jace and I spend quite a bit of time together looking after Astrid. I’m still pumping, providing the hospital with breastmilk, and feeding her when she’s hungry. She latches on and takes more than when she first started.

I swore I wouldn’t bond with her, but it’s impossible not to, staring down at the beautiful little girl nuzzled against my chest.

“Good news.” The doctor heads toward us with a bright smile. “You’ll be able to bring Astrid home tonight. She’s been thriving and able to maintain her body temperature. She’s gained a little weight too and doing well.”

“That’s great news,” I whisper, staring down at Astrid.

But it doesn’t feel great. It feels like another loss.

I don’t want to be selfish. I went into this arrangement knowing that Jace would have a child, and we’d part ways. But with all the money that he’s offered me, after looking after Astrid and being with her every day in the hospital, she feels a bit like mine.

I’d never take her away from him. I’m not cut out to be a mother. I couldn’t protect Austin. What makes me think I can protect Astrid?

Jace and the doctor discuss the specifics of Astrid’s care. I zone out, not paying any attention as I focus on the little girl in my arms. I don’t know how much more time we’ll have together, and I want to savor every second.

* * *

Nightfall comes sooner than I’d like.

While I am relieved Astrid gets to go home with Jace, I worry about what life will be like for her. Will she have guards escorting her everywhere she goes as she grows up?

I’m not worried about the normalcy of her life. I knew from the beginning her father was a billionaire. Nothing will be normal for her. But I do wonder if she’ll be a target of the other mafia family.

I don’t want that life for her. But it’s not my decision. And I have to make peace with how Jace chooses to raise her.

We head down to the lobby, Jace carrying the car seat with Astrid tucked inside, as we walk beside one another in silence.

A flurry of reporters rushes at us with cameras and microphones, their focus and attention on Jace.

“Jace, can you tell us if the rumors are true? Is the baby yours?” one reporter asks.

Heat flames over my cheeks. My stomach wrestles with survival. I raise my hand to cover my face and let my long hair help hide me from the cameras.

“What’s the baby’s name?” another reporter shouts. “Do you plan on marrying the mother and settling down from your bachelor lifestyle?”

Jace ignores them and rests a hand on my back, guiding me outside to an awaiting car. Matteo is in the driver’s seat.

Jace opens the back door and gestures for me to get inside while he comes around the back of the vehicle and opens the opposite door, securing the car seat for Astrid.

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