Page 27 of Nanny's Baby for the Italian Mafia Boss

He’s just a man. A man I barely know. A man who is dangerous and would hurt me in the long run, anyway. The chemistry between us needs to stop. A way to do that would be to meet someone else. I should start dating again and leave Mr. Milazzo as my boss.

Onlymy boss.

Ella has on headphones while watchingPaw Patrolon the small screen that unfolds from the ceiling, while Gianni drives. I’m lost in my thoughts about Matias. I don’t even realize when we pull into the parking lot.

“Where do you want to go first? Playground or Carousel?”

“The playground.”

“You got it.” I climb out of the car and swing the bag over my shoulder, take Ella’s hand, and walk to the massive playground. It’s overwhelming. There are swings, monkey bars, slides, a water pad, anything and everything a kid could want, it is here.

I don’t have to peer behind me to see Gianni. I feel his presence. His shadow follows us to make sure we are safe.

I take a seat on an empty bench and drop the bag next to me. “Ella, make sure you stay where I can see you, okay? And you don’t talk to strangers. You don’t walk away with anyone. Understand?”

She rolls her eyes at me. “I know that. Daddy taught me that. Never talk to strangers.”

“That’s right. Okay, go, go have fun. I’ll be right here if you need me.” I didn’t bring a book or anything to keep me busy. My eyes are going to stay locked on Ella. I cannot lose Matias Milazzo’s daughter. If I do, I’m sure my body will never be discovered again.

Immediately, Ella makes a friend. Another girl. She has braided red hair and fair skin with a hefty amount of freckles. She looks adorable.

What would Matias think about setting up play dates with new friends? I’ll have to talk to him about that.

Ella runs with a big smile on her face while her new friend chases her. I think they might be playing tag by the looks of it.

“Which one is yours?”

I glance up to see a very handsome man sitting down next to me. He has salt and pepper hair and green eyes, the color of the sea on a beautiful day. He is wearing slacks and a button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled to the elbow.

Why do men become so much hotter when they do that?

“I’m sorry. I don’t know you and I’m not going to point out which child is mine,” I say with a tight smile.

“I understand. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. My daughter is the redhead right there. Her name is Gwen,” he states. “I can prove it.”

“By all means.”

“Gwen!” he shouts, his daughter stopping in her tracks as she chases Ella. “Come here.”

Gwen whispers something to Ella and the two girls skip towards us hand in hand. Kids make having friendships seem so easy. I miss that kind of carefree life.

“Is everything okay, Nanny Sophie? Did we do something wrong?” Ella asks, snagging a juice box from the bag.

“No, nothing is wrong. Are you having fun?”

“Yes! Gwen is so fun.”

“Are you hungry or thirsty?” the stranger asks his daughter.

“Nope. I’m fine, Daddy.”

“Great. Okay, go on. Be careful,” he says.

And just like that, they are off running around the playground again.

I chuckle and admit defeat. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be such a bitch about it. I’m Sophie.” I hold out my hand.

“Dean.” He takes my hand and squeezes it lightly. “Don’t apologize for looking after your child. I would have done the same thing. I guess it’s a little weird for a stranger to come up to you and just start talking.” He places a hand against the middle of his chest and smiles genuinely. “I apologize for that. I just wanted to come sit next to the prettiest woman at the playground.”

---