Page 174 of My Mafia Queen

“Yes. She’s in her room, getting ready to sleep,” I say, sounding like a mother.

My attitude garners me a stare full of admiration from him.

His eyes slide down before coming back to my face.

“You’re good at this,” he says.

“Mothering someone?” I murmur playfully.

“Mothering, too.”

I slide onto the barstool and set my elbows on the counter, crossing my legs.

“I’m not so sure,” I say before ordering a coffee. “I think my sister has a crush on Vito.”

“A, um… What?” He laughs. “What did he do?”

“He didn’t do anything. I don’t think he needs to do something. And I think she has a crush on you too.”

The bartender slides a cup of coffee in front of me before I turn my eyes to Damaso.

He looks at me attentively.

“She’s never had a father figure, I guess. I’m not a psychologist. Anyway. There’s not much that I can do. I promised her she’d have all the male attention in the world when she grows up.”

“Like her sister,” he comments, humor lining his voice.

I sip coffee, smiling.

“Yes. Like her sister.”

I put the cup down and look at him, warm feelings simmering in my chest, my hand sliding to his arm.

“Thank you so much for everything,” I quietly say, my eyes dipping to his lips. “She is very happy. And she’s never felt safer than she feels here with us. She’s thriving. Every day, she comes up with something new. She’ll grow out of this phase. Right now, she relishes everything she has.”

He looks at me thoughtfully.

“How about you?” he asks.

I hold his eyes for a few good seconds while he awaits a response.

I kiss him tenderly.

“I couldn’t be happier,” I murmur against his lips.

I peel my lips away from his and splay my fingers over his cheek while his arm snakes around my waist.

“I’m happy we’re alive,” I say, my eyes getting misty.

“We’ll be alive for a long time,” he comments self-assuredly before shifting his focus to his drink and finishing it in a gulp.

“Let’s go,” he says, taking my hand and walking me out of the room like I have predicted.

* * *

CARMINA

The doorsto the terrace are wide open, and a cool breeze sneaks in, unsettling the sheer drapes.

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