Page 34 of Nanny's Baby for the Italian Mafia Boss

“I have the items you requested, Mr. Milazzo. I hope you don’t mind, but I placed it all in a cooler.” He rolls the cooler into the bedroom. “Medicine is in the side pocket.”

“Thank you, Sergio. I appreciate it. You’re in charge while Gianni is away. Do regular sweeps. Keep me updated on what’s going on in the city. There’s no doubt I’ve made noise having to kill a runner.”

He nods, trying to hide his shock of being in charge. “Absolutely. Thank you for the opportunity.” He bows before he leaves.

I toss my dirty laundry in the hamper and take a fast shower, dress in fresh clothes, and snag the medicine from the side pocket of the cooler.

Only my little girl is already asleep. I decide to wait, not wanting to wake her, and crawl into bed. She rolls over and places her head on my shoulder and I wrap my arm around her, wanting to keep her close.

The only way this moment would be better was if Sophie was on the other side so Ella would be protected by both parents.

Gianni is right. I’m moving too fast.

But when it comes to something I want, I only know one speed.

Chapter Eight

Sophie

The nerve of him.

I can’t believe he’d get rid of my car without talking to me. He had no right. It isn’t up to him to decide what is best for me. I only work for him. Nothing else. He has no claim over me, no matter what beautiful words he spouts.

All men do that. All men tell lies and I’m so tired of believing them.

I wipe the tear away from under my eye, so I don’t ruin my makeup. The last thing I want is for my ex-best friend to think I’m taking my break up with Michael badly.

I grip the soft leather of the steering wheel, appreciating how beautiful this new Beetle is. I can’t lie or ignore how much I love this new car. The dash matches the bright cherry paint on the exterior and the seats are black with red stitching. The detail is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. There are seat warmers and an actual radio with Bluetooth instead of a cassette player that didn’t work.

It’s an obvious upgrade, and I should be more appreciative, but it’s hard to let go of the car I got by myself. That old piece of crap Beetle was a statement of my independence. That if I worked hard, I could get what I wanted without help. I’ve been on my own for a long time and I don’t need a knight in shining black Armani suit to save the day.

I don’t need saving, and the quicker Matias realizes that, the better off we will be.

When I get to the city, I notice how smooth the car drives, and I start thinking about the long apology to Matias. The car is generous, but talking to me about it would have been better.

There is a parking spot between two cars near the café I’m meeting Courtney at. When I parallel park, a beeping sounds, and the screen on the dash shows the car behind me.

It has a camera!

I feel guilty for loving this car more and more.

Parking is a breeze. I take a moment to touch up my makeup, fix the running mascara under my eyes and put on a little lip gloss. I climb out of the car and walk confidently down the sidewalk to the café. I didn’t want to go to a place that served lunch. I wanted to be able to have a quick exit, so after she called and texted a hundred times, I finally decided to hear her out. Then I can be done with her forever.

When I get to Beans and Cream Café, I check the place to see if Courtney is there yet.

She isn’t.

I’m relieved.

There are a few people sitting in the booths and tables. Most have their laptops out or earbuds in, losing themselves in something other than the reality of the world. I stand in line to order coffee, inhaling the aroma that calms my nerves a bit, when my phone goes off.

When I look at the screen, I’m surprised to see a text from Matias.

Him: “Who are you meeting at the coffee shop?”

Me: “Whoever I want.”

Him: “Better careful, Sweet Sophie. Do not make me come down there. Remember. You’re mine.”

---