Page 16 of Secret Mafia Daddy

I tuck in to bed next to my little girl, looking at how her eyelashes fan across her cheekbones, the way her chin turns up just like mine. My heart aches, and I feel a rush of anger rise in me again at Catarina.

She’s curled up in the other bedroom, far away, and I’m surprised she didn’t grab the couch to be closer. She’s so worried that I would hurt our little girl. As if.

I’ll never let anything bad happen to her. And I’ll burn the world down if Catarina takes her from me. I hope she knows that.

As much as I’d fronted when we were arguing, I wouldn’t go back and kill Catarina. I made the right decision, giving her this choice. Our daughter deserves a family, and if Catarina wants to get divorced, it’s going to have to be civil.

As angry as I am, I want our daughter to have the best, most peaceful life. I’ve never imagined that something like this could happen. I always use protection, but now that I think about it, that night with Catarina was unusual.

I remember that night clearly now. How we talked about life all night long and we were both buzzed on tequila from the club. She’d been chatty and seemed like she had a wild streak, unlike now.

I guess I don’t really know her at all, just like she doesn’t know me, even though I still feel that draw to her, that connection.

It’s just because we have a past together, however short it might be. And maybe my body recognized her even if my memory didn’t.

But we’ve made this perfect little girl, and I can’t wait to get to know her. She’s beautiful asleep, and I think about her teenage years and how I’m probably going to have to bust some heads.

I don’t think I’ll ever fall asleep, but with my little girl in my arms I’m able to drift off.

When I wake up, I check my watch and it’s nearly two in the afternoon. Catarina and Chelsea are playing on the floor, some big floor puzzle that Catarina must have brought with her.

“Hello,” Chelsea says when I sit up on the bed, her brown eyes so much like mine sparkling. “I’m Chelsea. Who are you?”

“I’m your Papa,” I say softly, and her eyes widen.

“Really?” she asks, and Catarina bites her lip but doesn’t say anything, just nodding when Chelsea looks at her for confirmation.

Chelsea climbs onto the bed and puts her thin arms around my neck, kissing my cheek.

“It’s nice to meet you, Papa,” she lisps, and my heart feels like it’s swelling in my chest.

I hug her tightly and then she climbs back down, simply going back to her puzzle. I watch for a moment, tears welling in my eyes, and then I wipe at them and go to shower.

In the shower, I think about everything. About what happened with Catarina, how my life is about to change now that I’m going to be married with a little daughter.

I’m going to have the life that Dante and Nico have. I’m going to be the father that my father never was. I’m going to be a husband to Catarina in name only, but I’ll be the best father. It’s what Chelsea deserves.

But I’m so angry that I’ve already missed out on so much of her life.

When I get out of the shower, I sling a towel around my hips to get my clothes, and Chelsea is asleep on the couch, her thumb in her mouth.

Catarina stares at my body for a moment and I would grin if I wasn’t so fucking angry with her. I get dressed in front of her, unashamed, wearing a simple T-shirt and jeans for the flight back to Chicago we’re taking later tonight.

First, we have a dinner to attend.

I have to deal with her stepfather. I wrack my brain to try and remember the name Alonzo DeLuca. I know that Dante has mentioned him, and I’ve heard about him from around. He’s powerful in the New York City area, but not in Chicago. I think I can handle him.

"Did you call your parents?” I ask, looking at her after I finish dressing.

There’s a blush on her cheeks, and for the first time I notice the freckles that are spread across her nose. It’s cute.

Damn it. This woman stole my baby from me. How can I still find anything cute about her?

Catarina nods. “We’re having dinner with them at six,” she says.

“Good,” I say. “That gives us some time to talk.”

I sit down on the couch, looking up at her.

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