Page 4 of Nanny's Baby for the Italian Mafia Boss

“Oh god, I’m sorry. I’m so nervous.” he says again, trembling more with fear.

“I’m not going to kill you or hurt you. This is a business meeting you wanted, remember? If I wanted to kill you, I would have done it already. You wouldn’t have gotten through these doors,” I remind him, and somehow, that helps him calm down.

“Right. That makes sense.” He lets out a deep breath and nods, wiping the sweat from his forehead again.

I didn’t know someone could sweat so much.

“How can I help you today, Mr. Rochester?”

“As you probably already know, I run a successful food truck.”

I nod, having the food from his business myself a few times. He makes a delicious Philly cheesesteak hoagie.

“I do,” I say, folding my arms together. “Are you looking to franchise?”

“No, Mr. Milazzo. My daughter got a part-time scholarship to Harvard. I only have enough money set aside for thirty percent of what is owed. I’m looking to borrow the other twenty. I’m good for it, Mr. Milazzo. I’m not rich by any means, but my family and I live comfortably. I can pay you back in weekly increments.” He hands over a folder. “This is what I’ve made in a year. I’ve broken it down per week for you and how much I can pay you back at the end of every week, which will still allow my family and I to live without worry.”

I flip through the pages, loving how he has come prepared. I study his numbers, pleased with how much he has made and how he plans to pay me back. He’s really done his homework.

“I like you and your truck, Mr. Rochester.” I tap the folder with my finger. “And you’ve impressed me today. You have yourself a deal. You’ll begin paying me back when her semester begins. I also want proof you’ve used that money to pay for her education. Do not lie to me about where my money is going.”

“Absolutely, Mr. Milazzo. I promise. That I can do.”

“I’ll have my lawyer make our contract. You’ll be hearing from me soon. I’ll deposit the funds in your account by tomorrow.”

“Don’t you need my account information?”

I give him a bored look, lifting a brow.

He chuckles. “Right. Of course, you don’t. Thank you so much, Mr. Milazzo. I appreciate this.”

“You’re responsible. It’s a big thing going for you and if you ever want to franchise, come see me. I’ll happily invest in your business.”

He beams. “Really? I’ve never considered it.”

“You should. Your food is delicious. Think it over.”

He holds out his hand again for me to shake, and I fist-bump him instead.

“I will. Thank you. Thank you so much, Mr. Milazzo.”

“Mr. Rochester?” I call out for him before he can leave.

“Do not fuck me over,” I say in a warning. “You know what I’m capable of.”

His face loses all of its color. “I wouldn’t consider it, Mr. Milazzo. You have my word.”

“You may go,” I tell him, and he runs out the door as if vicious dogs are biting at his ankles.

I let out a breath when the door shuts behind him, and rub my eyes as they begin to burn. It is still early in the day, and I could go to sleep. Ari advised that I’d get used to the job, the stress, and the responsibility, but I have doubts.

I have always had doubts. It was one of the reasons why I turned down Carmine to begin with, but now that I’m a father, I’m not sure how I’m going to keep up. I saw Carmine and Ari do it, so why can’t I? They did have partners. My brothers got very lucky with whom they chose to have contracts with. They fell in love with those women, and it’s worked out for them.

While Ari was in charge, I adopted Ella, and there was no pressure for me to have a wife. Now, I haven’t heard the end of it from Ari and Carmine.

The pressure is on.

It doesn’t look good that I’m the mafia boss with a child, but no wife. I find it a little too traditional. In this day and age, I don’t see why I can’t be a single dad and a mafia boss, but our family rules say otherwise.

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