Page 82 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Don

“Send me paperwork and I’ll see what I can do.”

He pauses, almost as if he didn’t expect me to agree.

And I don’t agree, not really. I’m just turning the tables.

“That will take?—”

“I won't help you until I have it in writing that my father—my family—is safe from prosecution.”

Another long pause. “I’ll be in touch.” He hangs up.

I blow out a breath knowing I’m playing with fire.

I’ll need to let Marco know about this call or I could end up in hotter water than I already am.

I dress in an oversized sweater, leggings, and wool socks, then head downstairs to Marco’s office.

When I find it empty, I go to the kitchen where Maria is having tea.

“Ms. Monti.” She starts to rise, but I wave her down.

“Enjoy your break. Do you know where Marco is?”

“I believe he went out.”

I wonder if he’s running away from me or if his call was something related to work.

“Carlos said he received a call from Mr. Ginetti.”

So work, then. A flicker of worry ignites in my belly.

Dons don’t rush out for work unless there’s something going on, and in our world, that something usually involves danger.

“Thank you, Maria.” I head back upstairs trying not to worry too much about Marco’s safety.

He’s been at this for a long time. He’s a careful man, always weighing the risks, always ready to defend what’s his.

What’s not his is me.

I press my hand to my belly again, having an odd wish that a baby is growing there while also terrified of the idea.

But then I think of Elena who ended up in a similar situation, pregnant with an absent father, although I’m not sure how or why or who he is.

But she’s done well as a single mom.

I don’t pretend it will be easy, but neither is it the end of the world as Marco makes it seem.

In fact, the idea of being a mom sounds like a great new adventure.

An adventure Marco will never know because if I do end up pregnant, I won’t be telling him. Why should I?

He doesn’t want me or a baby. I’ll move away, to Italy, maybe, and live contentedly with my child.

Marco can live his life just as he wants. A bitter, lonely man.

MARCO