Page 65 of Scarred Heir

“I’ve noticed.”

“I think it stems from Nico’s trauma over what happened to Julia.” She crossed herself. “God rest her soul, and that sweet unborn baby of hers.”

My heart hurt for this family. What a devastating loss. How did they come back from that? Maybe they hadn’t. Could that be what shaped them into who they were today?

“So, your job,” Antonella said. “Do you have your clothes picked out?”

“I can’t decide.” I curled my fingers to avoid picking at the smooth polish on them. I wasn’t used to having my nails painted, but I found that having them polished only gave me something else to fidget with when I was overwhelmed. “All the women I saw today were so meticulously perfect. Hair, makeup, clothes. They looked like they walked the runway. Especially Nico’s assistant. She is flawless.”

“Angela?” Antonella rolled her eyes. “She’s a wicked one.”

“Why?” I didn’t want to gossip, but it might be helpfulto know who I was dealing with. “She must be good at her job considering she’s Nico’s assistant.”

“Depends on what she’s good at, I guess.”

“Oh?”

“After Julia died, she swooped in and comforted Nico during a tough time. I’m not faulting him. At the time, he needed that. She was a little younger than him, and she paid him some attention.” Antonella shook her head. “It’s not my place. Julia was my friend, and I just felt like Angela didn’t respect her memory.”

“How did Milo feel about it?”

“I think he saw the relationship for what it was. It was an outlet.” She tapped her hand on the counter. “Nico doesn’t really encourage lasting relationships. Not after his enemies used his wife against him.”

“But Marchello is married.”

“Nico would never stand in his sons’ way, but I think they are all a little cautious.”

Shit! No wonder Milo wasn’t that receptive when I asked him if he saw us lasting forever. What a stupid thing to say.

“Don’t be nervous about tomorrow.” She patted my arm. “You are more stunning than any other woman in that place. Milo knows it. He wants you there because he likes being with you and he wants to help you.”

“I appreciate his help, but I’m worried we are moving fast, and I don’t know how to deal with that. I’m not good at relationships either. I don’t have any experience.”

“You can learn together.”

“There’s so much I don’t know about him.”

“You’re not supposed to know everything all at once,” she said. “A little mystery never hurts.”

“Milo is full of mystery.”

“Give him a chance.” She gathered up the dish towels that she’d used during the day. “You can still take things slow in a fast environment. Control the things you can.”

“Thank you for your advice.”

“I love this family.”

“I can tell.”

“You’re good for Milo. He’s been a bit of a wild one through the years. Unpredictable and out of control, but he’s older now. You’re what he needs.”

“He’s what I need too.”

She headed toward the back staircase. “I’m going to put these towels in the laundry room and leave for the night.”

“Okay.” I took a seat at the kitchen table. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“What would you like me to make you for breakfast on your first day of work?”