Page 77 of Nanny's Baby for the Italian Mafia Boss

If he will talk to me at all.

I pulled into the parking lot of the grocery store and Ella peeks out the window.

“Why are we here?”

“I need to get a few things for lunch and dinner. We will be quick. I promise.”

“Okay. Can I get candy?”

Like I could ever say no. “Yes, but don’t tell your dad. It will be our secret.”

She grins and opens the door to get out.

“Wait for me. I’ll come get you.” I don’t want her to be alone for a second. I make my way around the car, open her door, and help her out of the booster seat. I take her hand and the size difference has me catching my breath. My hand completely wraps around her little fingers. She’s so small and delicate. The thought of anything happening to her scares the life out of me.

The air conditioning hits us as soon as we step inside the automatic doors. Grabbing a basket, I immediately head toward the deli. I get a few pounds of chicken and turkey with different cheeses, then head to the veggies. The basket gets slightly heavier and when I look down, a box full of fruit gummies is there.

“And where did that come from?”

Ella shrugs. “I don’t know.”

“Mhmm,” I say with disbelief, snagging lettuce and cucumbers.

“Sophie?”

I hold my breath and freeze as I lean in to pick up an onion. That can’t be who I think it is. I straighten, wrapping my arm around Ella, and I spin, pushing her behind me as I face Michael.

What are the chances of me seeing him here?

“Michael,” I greet him.

Ella tugs on my hand. “Who is this?” she whispers.

“I’m one of Sophie’s friends.” Michael bends down to talk to Ella and I step in his way.

“That’s very generous of you to say when both of us know it isn’t true. Don’t speak to her,” I warn him in the best, menacing voice I can.

He quirks a brow at me, amused by my threat. “So she means something to you, huh? I used to mean something to you. We were good together, Sophie. We can be good together again.” He reaches to touch my cheek and I dodge his touch.

“No, we weren’t, and no, we won’t. We’re leaving.”

“Aw, don’t be like that, Sophie. I want you back.” He grabs my arm as I walk by him.

I yank myself free, keeping a tight hold on Ella. “I don’t want you. I’ve moved on. I want nothing to do with you, Michael. Leave me alone.” I pick Ella up and rush out the doors, leaving the basket on the ground. I’ll go somewhere else, or I’ll order groceries. We need to get as far away from him as possible.

“I don’t like him. He looks at you funny,” Ella whispers in my ear as we run out of the grocery store.

“I don’t like him either.”

“Who is he?”

“Just someone I used to know. I’ll have to tell Gianni about it. How about we go home, and we convince Gianni to get groceries? I bet he’d love that.”

She snickers. “He hates shopping.”

“I know.” I boop her nose as I set her into her booster seat. “You remember I won’t be home tonight, right? I have plans. Gianni will be with you.”

“I know. I’ll miss you though,” she pouts, kicking her legs.

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