Page 30 of Nanny's Baby for the Italian Mafia Boss

Ice cream seems to be a common theme in this family.

Sad? Ice cream. Happy? Ice cream. Celebration? Ice cream.

There’s no fault in that logic.

“Because he knows a gem when he sees one, Sophie. To him, you’re the rarest of them all,” Gianni whispers, so no one else can hear.

His words still my breath and I watch them walk ahead of me. There’s no way he feels like that so soon.

But why do I feel the same?

Chapter Seven

Matias

Sophie is still angry with me. She hasn’t spoken to me in a day. I have learned that I fucking hate it when she’s upset with me. I truly despise it, but I wouldn’t change what I did. When Gianni called me and told me a man was flirting with Sophie, showing interest, and asking her out, I felt rage.

But also jealousy.

A lot of it.

I had never felt so out of my depth. I’ve never cared about any woman enough to think twice. Even my longest relationships, I wouldn’t care if other men flirted. I knew those women were a means to an end. They weren’t permanent. I never felt the overwhelming need to love them, to let me love them, to let me consume them.

Sophie is different.

Ever since Sophie walked into my office, I’ve known she was mine. I knew there would be no other woman in my life.

The call I was on when Gianni sent me the message immediately ended and I said I’d reschedule. When I saw that man close to her, laughing, leaning in, wanting more of what was mine, I knew I had to put an end to it.

I did. I was successful in my efforts, but those same efforts have pushed her away.

She hasn’t spoken to me since the park yesterday.

“How are you doing, Matias?” Gianni asks, just as I take off my blazer and undo my tie. I plop on the couch and take a swig of beer.

“I’m fine. You?”

“You lie,” he says, taking the spot next to me.

“I’ve had a long day.” The runner that stole from me has been found and dealt with. I hate having to kill my own men, but I have to make an example of them when they turn their backs on me. “Castillo wants me to meet him at his casino. I think he wants me to go into the business. Own half of the casino and he says I can use the basement for my own dealings, but I’m not sure I want to do that.”

“Sounds perfect. What’s the holdup? That could open new doors for us.”

“I don’t know if I want new doors, Gianni.” I take another drink of my beer. “We have enough on our plates. I can’t have any more time taken from Ella.”

“You wouldn’t have to. Delegate.”

I blow out a breath, unsure, but relent. “I’ll think about it.”

Gianni leans back and checks the monitor. I have those monitors all through the house so I can keep an eye on Ella at all times and so can everyone else.

She’s taking a nap right now and it makes me wonder if this life is what is best for her. She’s just as much protected as she’s in danger. I don’t want her to grow up and realize she hates me for my job, for this business the family runs. She’ll have it one day if I never have a son. Usually, men are in charge, but I think that should change.

“How is it going with Sophie?”

“It isn’t. She won’t speak to me. I need to apologize to her for how I handled the situation yesterday, but I’m not going to apologize for the outcome.”

“She’s a tough one. She’ll keep you on your feet.”

---