Page 68 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Don

“Fill me in,” Marco says, dismissing Roman.

"Are you going to the winter festival tomorrow?" I ask Roman as he reaches Marco’s office door.

"Absolutely. Isabella's made matching scarves for all three of us."

“I hope they’re better than your tie last year,” Marco quips.

“Be nice or I’ll ask her to make one for you.”

I think back to last year and recall Roman wearing a silly Christmas tie. “I think it’s sweet.”

Roman grins. “That’s my girls. Sweet as can be.”

Marco feigns gagging.

“I’m dragging Marco with me tomorrow,” I say. "I plan to ensure our resident Scrooge actually enjoys himself for once."

Roman's laugh is sudden and genuine. "Good luck with that. Marco's allergic to holiday cheer."

I smile confidently. "I've got a few tricks up my sleeve."

Marco’s gaze moves to me, and I swear he’s thinking about the library last year.

There were a few tricks in there.

Tricks I can’t use at a public location, but maybe another time…

No. I can’t go there.

"This I have to see." Roman gives Marco a pointed look. "Don't be late tomorrow. Angelica wants to show you her skating."

Marco grunts noncommittally, but I catch the slight softening around his eyes.

He might not like the holidays or families for himself, but he’s happy for Roman.

If only he could allow himself to be happy.

13

MARCO

I told myself it would be good to get out of the house where I can’t escape Gabriella even when we’re in different rooms.

I can feel her essence everywhere and it’s driving me mad. I don’t ever enjoy myself at the winter festival, but at least there will be fresh air and distractions.

But as I step into the winter festival, I’m immediately assaulted by blinding Christmas lights, cloying scents of cinnamon and pine, and the cacophony of laughter that seems to mock my very existence.

All this… happiness.

It clings to everyone but me.

Roman waves from across the crowd, his daughter perched on his shoulders squealing with delight, Isabella next to him cradling a swaddled baby.

Even my hardened enforcer has fallen under the spell of this ridiculous holiday.

The sight of his genuine smile only deepens the hollow feeling in my chest.

“I’m going to find my father,” Gabriella says. “Try not to scowl so much.”