Page 84 of His Son's Ex

He studies me for a moment, then smiles softly, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Yeah. We will.”

Our bodies relax into the mattress, exhaustion pulling at both of us. The day was long, the night was intense. I’m wrapped in Dante’s arms, his skin warm against mine, the familiar scent of his cologne mixed with the heady trace of sex. My eyes drift shut, and I let the steady drum of his heartbeat lull me to sleep.

CHAPTER 26

EVA

“Girl, get over here,” Halsey calls, waving at me.

She’s standing near a display of baby blankets, each one covered in the cutest patterns—tiny elephants, bears, foxes. “Tell me these aren’t the most adorable things you’ve ever seen.”

“They’re definitely adorable,” I agree, picking up a blanket with little giraffes on it. “But I can’t seem to wrap my head around actually needing them.” I glance at my belly under my oversized hoodie. “It still feels unreal.”

Halsey’s smile softens. “But it is real, my friend.”

We meander further into the store, Halsey rattling off half a dozen must-haves she read about on some mommy blog. My mind drifts to Dante, currently out of town on business, apparently putting out some fires caused by the Lombardis.

He keeps me in the loop, but only so much, which I’m fine with. I’m not exactly dying to know every detail of his mafia negotiations.

I glance back at the two hulking guards trying to look inconspicuous and stifle a laugh. They look absolutely miserable.

“Okay, so spill,” Halsey brings me back into the moment. “How’re things going with you and Mr. Mafia Don these days? And please tell me you’ve done something about that vulture Linda.”

I snort. “Oh, yeah. He humiliated her in front of several key mob members a few nights ago. It was magical.”

Halsey’s eyes light up. “Damn, I wish I could’ve been there. Any video? I’d pay to see Linda’s meltdown.”

I laugh. “No recorded evidence, sorry. But trust me, it was amazing.”

We continue strolling through the aisles, picking out cute baby outfits and packages of onesies. I find myself rubbing my belly unconsciously, torn between excitement and lingering anxiety. The break-ins at my apartment and Dante’s penthouse, the swirl of secrets about my father’s death. It’s a lot to handle.

A figure suddenly slips up behind me. I sense the presence before I see it. Halsey’s busy cooing at a set of plush toys so she doesn’t notice. I turn slightly, catching a glimpse of a large man dressed in dark clothing, not the typical customer you’d find in a baby store. He looks Russian based on his features.

My heart rate kicks up, sensing something is not right. I frantically look around for the guards.

He sidles past me, subtly brushing my arm. In a low, heavily accented voice, he mutters, “For you,” before slipping something into the pocket of my hoodie.

I recoil at the intrusion. I’m about to say something, but he gives me a sharp look and darts away, hurrying past a display of baby carriers.

I spot one of the guards at the store’s entrance, scanning the crowd. The Russian glances his way before bolting for the side exit, slipping out before the guard notices him.

I slip a hand into my hoodie pocket and feel a folded piece of paper.What the hell?My pulse spikes. “Hey, Halls,” I say, trying to sound normal, “I’m gonna pop into the bathroom real quick. Be right back, okay?”

“Sure, I’ll be here, fawning over these micro-Chucks. Can you imagine a baby in Chuck Taylors? So damn cute!”

I hurry to the bathroom, locking the door behind me, my breaths coming hard and fast. I open the note and read.

Hell’s Kitchen Library

Book #315

Reserved in your name

I’ll be in touch

After baby shopping, Halsey and I grab a quick lunch before saying our goodbyes and embracing tightly. The guards and I get into our waiting car, the ride back to the estate spent in silence.

After taking a hot shower—to calm my nerves more than anything else—I dress in dark jeans and a black oversized sweater, then tie my hair up into a messy bun.