Page 36 of Nanny's Baby for the Italian Mafia Boss

She chuckles, wiping her face. “I knew that when you came up to the table. I knew he had lied.”

“He must have stolen my phone and texted himself. I wouldn’t have been okay with it. I don’t like to share, Courtney.”

She nods, sagging against the back of the booth. “I’m sorry.”

“I forgive you. It isn’t all your fault. He was a real piece of work. I have to go to his apartment today and pick up a few of my things.”

“Do you want me to go with you? You shouldn’t go alone. He has a temper.”

“I know, but I think it’s best if I go without you.” Now that I know Michael was lying to both of us, I can’t fault her forever. “You should have talked to me,” I say. “To confirm what he was saying.”

“I know,” she agrees. “I understand if you want nothing to do with me ever again.”

“I think I just need some time. I was angry at your betrayal, but knowing the truth, I don’t know, maybe one day we can be friends again.”

She grins, hopeful. “I’d love that.”

I check the time and groan. “I’m sorry. I have to go. I want to get to Michael’s. I don’t want to wait too long.”

“Be careful. Thanks for meeting me. I hope… I hope we will talk soon?”

“Soon,” I agree, standing on shaking legs.

I blow out a heavy breath, and welcome the breeze as soon as it hits me in the face when I leave the café. I’m proud of myself that I didn’t cry when she started talking to me. I’m not ready for her to be in my life again, but I think I’ll get there.

I’ll get there quicker once I get the rest of my things from Michael’s. I just hope he doesn’t give me a hard time. He wouldn’t meet me to bring me my things, so of course, I have to drive all the way to his house. I know this isn’t going to go well. He has always made things difficult.

When I get into my car again, my phone vibrates again, and when I look at the screen, I chuckle when I see it’s Matias.

Again.

Him: “Are you still with your friend?”

Me: “No. I’m on my way to my ex’s house, though. It’s only to get a few of my things. Don’t freak out.”

Him: “Do not go there without me. Sophie, don’t you dare see him alone.”

Me: “I’ll be fine. I promise. I’ll text you when I’m on my way back.”

I toss my phone in my purse and turn the new car on. I might be loving the fact that it isn’t noisy or backfires. The more time I spend in this car, the more I love it, and the less angry I am at Matias. I need him to know I’m appreciative of what he did. He only got me a new car because he cares. How can I argue that logic?

The closer I get to Michael’s house, the more nervous I become. It makes me wish I wasn’t alone, but the independent stubborn side of me says I need to do this on my own.

I pass a gas station on the left, before taking a turn down the street leading to his apartment complex. The road is empty and the trees on either side are still, calm, reminding me how serene it is before it storms.

But then, a storm can be catastrophic, and I can’t help but wonder if the universe senses impending doom. Okay, that might be a little dramatic, but it’s true.

I flip the blinker on and turn left into the apartment complex. A cold dread washes over me when I pull in front of his unit. He’s on the first floor and I can see him through his window now. He’s staring at the window, staring straight at me.

“Get it over with, Sophie. You can do this.” I leave my purse and phone in the car so he can’t take them from me.

I don’t bother looking at him as I walk up the pathway. I can feel his eyes on me, searing into me with anger and hate. I don’t know what I did to make him so hateful toward me, but I just want this to be over with. I want to move on.

Stopping outside the black door that matches his heart, I lift my hand to knock, but the door swings open and he’s already there.

“Sophie,” he greets, looking me up and down.

“Michael.” I squeeze by him since he doesn’t move to allow me inside. I look around for my things that I asked him to pack, but I don’t see them. “You didn’t pack my things?”

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