Page 162 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Don

Though surrounded by family, she seems isolated, contained in her own bubble with her children.

The way Elena watches Luca from across the room strikes me as peculiar.

She almost looks resentful.

While everyone else welcomes my brother with open arms, she maintains her distance, keeping the triplets close as if they might disappear.

I think back to some of the things she’s said about Luca, and clearly, she doesn’t think much of my brother, but why?

He hasn’t been in the United States for six years, except at Christmas and occasional business meetings.

"You okay?" Marco asks, noticing my distraction.

I link my arm through his. "Have you noticed Elena tonight?"

"What about her?"

"She seems… off. Almost like she's hiding from everyone rather than enjoying it." I watch as Adalina tugs at Elena's dress, asking for something.

Marco follows my gaze, his brow furrowing slightly. "She’s got her hands full."

“Did La Corona have any say in her situation? Being a single mom.”

He arches a brow. “Are you asking if we offed the father of her children?”

“No.” Although, now that he mentions it… “I just wonder how much you know of her situation?”

“That’s Dom’s family. When her father went to jail, Dom looked after her. He wasn’t the Don yet, but he took responsibility for her. Out of respect, no one asks about the children’s father, although it appears there is none.”

“Every child has a father.”

“Mine almost didn’t.” His words fill me with guilt. He gives me a smile. “Thank goodness I saw the light.”

“Thank goodness.” I glance at Elana again, feeling so fortunate for myself while my heart breaks for her.

But tonight is about love and savoring our blessings.

"Let's go to the library," I suggest. "I could use a moment away from the crowd."

His eyes darken with recognition. "The library? Are you sure that's wise?"

"My ideas are always wise." I tug his hand, leading him through the hallway. My father’s library is on the second floor, but we have an elevator to save Marco the exertion.

The library doors close behind us.

“You lured me to a library last year.” He takes in the room, the vast collection of books.

“I did. I was surprised you followed me there, but when you did, I knew…”

“Knew what?” He turns to me.

“You’re fascinated by me. Like a moth to a flame.”

“Yes. All fire and intellect. I couldn't look away. It terrified me.” His fingers brush over my cheek.

"The great Marco Calabresi, terrified?" I laugh softly.

"Of what you made me feel." He takes my hand, looking at the engagement ring he gave me this morning. “I couldn’t deal. When you left the first time, I wanted to be relieved, but you were everywhere. In my thoughts, in every room of my home. I felt like I was going mad wanting you and being afraid of how much I wanted you.”