Page 5 of Nanny's Baby for the Italian Mafia Boss

Carmine believes it shows power and a sense of family. I’ll do it because I want to keep my brothers happy.

And so that I don’t receive another text message from Ari saying I need to make a plan to get married.

It won’t be difficult for me to find a wife. I know a few women who would jump at the opportunity, but I want someone specific. I want certain qualities. I don’t want someone by my side just to feel like a trophy.

I truly want a partner, and I don’t know the first thing about making that happen, especially when I have my daughter to think about.

“Matias?” Gianni’s voice has me lifting my head, and that’s when he gives me a soft smile as if he feels bad for me.

Then, I notice my position.

He caught me with my head in my hands and my elbows on the table.

“You’re doing great, kid,” he tells me, walking into the room to drop a file on my desk. “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

I snort, tapping my fingers on the folder. “I know. I appreciate it, Gianni.”

“You’re like your twin. You wear your worry on your sleeve, while your brother wears his emotions.”

“Worry is an emotion, is it not?”

He lets my words sink in and rubs his chin with his fingers. “It is, but it is the only one you let show, unlike your brother. He let everyone know what he was feeling when he was feeling it. Happy, angry, sad, you name it, he showed it. You constantly worry about doing well in this position, but it is a position you were meant for. Carmine knew it and so did Ari. Ari wanted you in his place. Let things come naturally, Matias. You’ll be just fine.”

“Thanks, Gianni. I appreciate it.” I take a deep breath and try to relax. I hadn’t realized my worry was showing so much. I’ll have to rein that in.

“The file on your desk is for the nanny. You’ll be interviewing her soon. I’ve pulled everything I could find on her. Anything you need to know will be in that file.”

“Thanks, Gianni. Hey, can you do me a favor and—”

“Check on my wonderful niece? You don’t have to ask me twice.” He closes the door behind him, and his footsteps tell me he is on his way down the hall.

“Uncle G!” I hear a scream from Ella. It’s the kind of squeal that is loud and full of happiness.

Taking a sip of water, I lean back in my chair and open the file. Paperclipped to the folder is an image that has my breath catching in my throat and my heart slamming against my chest.

“Jesus Christ,” I mutter, not caring about anything else in the folder besides this photo.

She is gorgeous, but not in the way I’m used to. She’s real and refreshing. I’m typically surrounded by fake women with fake lips, breasts, hair extensions, and anything to ‘enhance’ their beauty. I typically have found most of those women superficial. They were only interested in my money and status.

Leaning forward, I hold her picture with both hands, wanting to memorize every aspect of her face. She’s not wearing any makeup. Her hair is long, the color of honey, and in soft waves down her shoulders. She’s smiling, her big bright smile adding to her charm. Her eyes are the show, in my opinion. They are bright blue, so stark, I can’t help but wonder if they glow in the night.

It’s a ridiculous thought, but they are that striking.

I guess in the scheme of things, other men would consider her plain or the girl next door. Someone who is easily passed over for someone superficial, but there’s no way I could ever miss an opportunity with this beauty.

I glance at her file, catching her name, and I can’t help but smile when I see it. It matches her.

“Sophie Matthews,” I say to the photo, rubbing my thumb over her face. “You’re going to be mine.” I don’t know how I’ll manage that. She’s here for a job, not for anything else.

My plan will have to get her to want me, to fall in love with me, to have her want to be a mother to Ella.

Then, she won’t be a nanny.

She’ll be my wife, the mother to my children, and her beauty will forever be mine.

Chapter Two

Sophie

---