Page 78 of Nanny's Baby for the Italian Mafia Boss

“You know you love hanging out with Gianni.” I poke her nose once more. “You love that he lets you put glitter on his face and clips in his hair.”

She giggles hysterically. “I do. He’s fun.”

“What friend are you meeting?” she asks. “Do I know them?”

I shake my head. “You don’t.” I’m not meeting anyone, but I feel the need to rebel.

She doesn’t say anything, but she’s curious. I can tell.

After I buckle her in the booster seat and start the car, it takes us all of fifteen minutes to get home, and an angry Gianni is standing outside with his arms crossed.

“Uncle G looks maaaad,” she sings. “What did you do?”

“I have no idea.” I had a small idea. I went to the grocery store instead of going straight home. He agreed to not follow me but to watch the GPS on my car, so I didn’t feel smothered.

But I deviated from the agreement.

We climb out of the car and Gianni uncrosses his arm, the sun catching the distinguished silver in his hair. “Gummy Bear, go inside.”

Ella doesn’t say a word. She runs by him with her small backpack on, leaving me alone with Gianni.

He stomps down the stairs, the muscles in his jaw ticking. “What the hell were you thinking?”

“Gianni, it’s only the grocery store—”

“The store Michael was at. I’m assuming that’s why you didn’t come home with groceries.”

I rear back, shocked. “How did you know he was there?”

“As if Matias would ever let him go anywhere without tracking him.”

I sneer. “As if Matias actually cares.” I bump by him, rage building in my chest at the thought of my lover or boss or whatever the hell he is.

“You have no idea the extremes he’d go for you. He asks about you—”

“—Asks about me?” I take a few steps to stand in front of him. “So, you talk to him but he won’t reply to me.” I chuckle, but I’m not amused. “Unbelievable.”

“You don’t understand—”

“—I understand perfectly. He’s upset about what happened at the gala, but you know what? He doesn’t control me, and at the end of the day, I’ll do what is best for me. Also, I’m getting ready to go out with a friend. Did you see the schedule?”

“Yes, but—”

“—Nothing else needs to be said.” I turn around as soon as my eyes begin to water because my heart is breaking from Matias’s avoidance. I did something stupid.

I went and fell in love with a mafia boss. Now, he wants nothing to do with me.

Well, I’ll show him that I don’t need him. I’ve always been fine on my own. I don’t need anyone.

***

A few hours later, when the sun has set and the stars are out, I’m slipping my foot into a black high heel, paired with a gorgeous slinky red dress that’s way too short and shows too much cleavage. My hair is done in long waves and my makeup is light, besides a small touch of smokey-colored eyeshadow.

I’ve come to the conclusion that I do not belong to Matias. If I did, he’d be talking to me. This isn’t how relationships work. He isn’t communicating and I’m not either, but I don’t know how. It seems it’s his way or no way at all. I don’t know how to work with that. Perhaps the only feelings between us were lust and passion. Maybe these feelings were temporary. Maybe whatever this was has run its course.

My heels click against the floor as I head down the hall, snagging my keys off the counter. Gianni sees me and his brows nearly hit his hairline as he looks me up and down.

“Matias won’t be happy about that dress.”

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