Page 104 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Don

She fits too well in my life, in my bed, in places I never wanted anyone to occupy.

It’s my own fault.

I’m the one who invited her into my room, into my bed. I don’t know what I was thinking.

Maybe that’s the problem.

I wasn’t thinking.

I was wanting. Needing.

It's been three days since the ambush.

Three days of planning how to handle Blackwood.

Three nights of Gabriella in my bed.

Three mornings waking up wondering how much longer before this all falls apart.

Last year at this time, I was falling for her without admitting it to myself.

Now I'm doing the same damn thing all over again.

Actually, I’m doing more. Reaching for her more.

Wanting to do things for her more.

And I’m doing it knowing that it will break me when it ends.

I slip from bed, shower, and dress, preparing for the big meeting. Today, La Corona meets and Antonio and I reveal all.

I pour myself another cup of coffee as the first of the cars pull up outside.

I’m not looking forward to this meeting.

Dom especially will be pissed at how much Antonio and I have kept from La Corona.

Gabriella appears, looking stunning as always. “I’d like to be a part of the meeting.”

“The part about Blackwood and your father. After that, you’ll need to leave.”

I expect her to balk, but she doesn’t. Instead, she gets a cup of coffee.

"Remember, let me lead,” I say, needing to keep control of the situation, including her.

She rolls her eyes. "I know how to behave in a room full of Mafia Dons."

I almost smile. Almost.

I greet Dom and Leo outside my conference room.

Dominic raises an eyebrow, his gaze shifting between Gabriella and me. "Déjà vu. Didn’t we just have a meeting in which Ms. Monti was demanding entrance?"

Gabriella stiffens beside me.

“We did,” I say evenly. "This meeting concerns her directly, so she'll join us for the first part."

Dominic doesn’t look happy about it. Leo frowns but doesn’t give his two cents.