Page 21 of Nanny's Baby for the Italian Mafia Boss

“Mr. Milazzo,” Greg, the owner of this store greets me. “I’m surprised to see you so soon. Was the family ring not to your satisfaction?” his thick, but well-groomed, gray brows pinch together.

I lift my hand, showing the remarkable job he’s done for this ring to fit my finger. Carmine passed it down to Ari, who gave it to me, and I needed to get the ring resized and polished.

“No, it’s perfect. My…” I try to introduce Sophie, but I don’t know what to call her. “My friend is looking for jewelry and it is on me so anything she wants, put it on my card.”

Greg’s entire face changes from tired and dull, to happy and bright. A smile takes over his face that reminds me of the Grinch, wrinkles crinkling his eyes.

“Of course. So glad to have your business back, Mr. Milazzo.” He looks over my shoulder, smiling at Sophie. “Please, I’m happy to help in any way I can. Is there anything specific you’re looking for…” he trails off, not knowing her name.

“Sophie,” she says, inching forward as if she’s timid.

“And what are you looking for, Sophie?” he places his hand lightly between her shoulder blades before dropping it.

“I’m not sure.” Her eyes plead for help as they meet mine. “Matias?”

“Everything,” I answer. “Bracelets, necklaces, earrings. Whatever she wants.”

If I’m not mistaken, Greg’s eyes glaze over as if my words cause him to get high. “Wonderful. I’ll close the store—”

“—That’s not necessary,” Sophie interrupts, panicked.

“Please, keep the doors open.” I have a feeling my Sweet Sophie will want a way out if she feels the need to run.

That’s okay.

I love a good chase.

I sit down with Ella on the large leather sofa, and Gianni stands in the space between Sophie and my daughter.

Smart man. They are the only two people in the room that need protection.

I spread my arms across the back of the couch and Ella places her head in my lap, her eyes closing to take a nap. She always hates stores like this. Anything too “adult,” and she’s bored. I don’t blame her. I want her to enjoy every single part of being a child while she can because being an adult is overrated.

“Oh yes, that’s a beautiful piece, Ms. Sophie. Would you like to try it on?”

“I couldn’t. I—”

“—She’d love to,” I state, carefully standing so I can ease Ella’s head down on the couch.

Gianni gives me a firm nod, switching places with me so I can give Sophie the push she deserves.

When I stand next to her, my body heats with recognition of her being so close. Our arms barely touch, but it’s enough for me to hear the hitch in her breath. I angle my body so I’m looking over her shoulder. If she were to turn, she’d run right into me. Leaning down, I whisper, “Has anything caught your eye?”

She startles, jumping and her back hits against my chest.

My hand wraps around her arm to steady her and her ass settles against me, my cock rising from her nearness.

“I didn’t mean to scare you. I only want to help,” I say gently, not wanting her to run away from me. “Tell me. What do you like?” I speak soft and sweet, wanting to prove that it’s okay for her to voice her opinions.

She points. “I love that necklace. I’ve always thought emeralds were beautiful.”

I snap my fingers at Greg. “I want your entire emerald collection out so Sophie can look at it,” I state.

“Yes, Mr. Milazzo. Gladly.” He fumbles with his keys to unlock the case.

“You didn’t have to do that,” she says. “I could have asked him.”

“You wouldn’t have.”

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