Page 32 of Die for You

I scoff at the notion because Lenny and I only know conflict. And besides, I don’t want our daughter growing up in a world where her life is at risk.

She will be collateral to many.

Therefore, no one can know she exists.

If it was uncovered that Lenny and I had a child, a Mafia princess, then the bounty on her head would be priceless.

No one can know of her existence. I will keep her safe here in Italy. I can never return to America. A hard truth but it’s one I must accept. Everything happens for a reason, and that is why I came here—to save my child.

Something deep down in my belly tells me to keep her a secret from the world, Gianna included. A protection so fierce overcomes me, something I’ve never felt before. I decide to listen to intuition, and I can work out the rest along the way.

“Ciao, Valentina, sei a casa?”

Quickly slipping into my robe, I splash some water onto my face so I look semi-human and meet Nico in the kitchen. The smell of freshly brewed coffee is one of the only things that doesn’t turn my stomach. A fact Nico is aware of.

He takes one look at me, and his reaction says it all.

“Nice to know I look as shit as I feel,” I say, while Nico arches a brow, confused. “Oh right, you don’t understand me.”

Even though he doesn’t, he can read my body language and knows I’m being a huge bitch to him, which is unwarranted. He has been nothing but nice to me, so I have no right being so rude.

I don’t think I can blame baby hormones on this.

He doesn’t press and instead pours me a shot of espresso.

No cream or sugar. The Italians take it black.

I drink it in one mouthful and am thankful when it doesn’t come back up.

Nico downs his coffee before washing his cup out and leaving it by the sink. He makes it clear that he’s leaving, and I don’t blame him after my antisocial behavior.

I instantly feel bad.

“Do you want to go into town? I can make us dinner,” I say in a rushed breath.

Nico turns to look at me while I point out the window and gesture with my hands to my mouth.

Thankfully, he understands my charades and nods.

I have no idea why he’s so good to me. But I will try my best and return the favor.

Quickly excusing myself, I go to my bedroom and slip into some underwear, a yellow summer dress, and sandals. I tie my hair into a messy bun and don’t bother with any makeup. Looking into the mirror, I shrug because this is the best I got.

Reaching for my bag, I quickly check the cell Madam Gazella gave to me. I haven’t called the number like instructed. I had other pressing matters to deal with.

But I will make sure to call it today.

Once I head back out into the kitchen, I see Nico waiting outside by his motorbike. It’s a beautiful day, and the sun bounces down on him, highlighting him in a way that evokes a longing that hits me hard. Yes, Nico is an attractive man, but this desire is different.

I suddenly feel myself getting wet just by the sight of him.

His white shirt sticks to him like a second skin, leaving nothing to the imagination as every taut muscle is on display. His skin is sun-kissed, and his hair is styled in just the right way to give him that sexy bedhead look.

Every part of me is aroused, and it terrifies me. I have never felt this way for another man before.

Nico turns and catches me watching him through the window.

My cheeks instantly blister.