She flinches, but I don't back down. Trust is earned, and right now, hers is in deficit.
“And like I said, I have three years to catch up. Don’t try to keep me from getting to know my daughter.”
Eva looks between me and our daughter. "She doesn't know you."
"And whose fault is that?" I snap. Recognizing I might scare Mirabella by calling out her mother, I soften my voice, giving my attention to her. "Would you like to stay with me today? We can start planning your fairy room. Maybe have ice cream."
Mirabella's eyes widen at the mention of ice cream. “Chocolate?”
“Whatever flavor you want.”
Eva knows she's lost this battle. "Just a few hours. And you'll call me if she needs anything. Promise me."
"I promise." I meet her gaze steadily. "I'll protect her with my life, Eva. That's one thing you never have to doubt." I arrange for Eva to go shopping with Sophia, the house manager, and several men for protection from the Bratva who might be following Eva as well as to prevent her from running.
Until I know why the Bratva wants her, she’s not free from Dante protection.
I take Mirabella to the garden, watching her eyes widen at the expansive grounds.
Her small hand in mine feels like a tether to my heart.
It’s the strangest feeling.
"What do fairies eat?" I ask, pointing to a cluster of wildflowers.
"Honey and dewdrops," she answers without hesitation.
I lift her onto my shoulders, her little fingers gripping my hair. "Should we leave them some?"
Her delighted giggle vibrates through me. "Yes! And they like shiny things too."
We collect smooth stones and arrange them in patterns beneath the roses.
She repositions rocks that don't meet her standards.
"Like this," she insists.
I follow her instructions, laughing at how this feared enforcer is now taking orders from a three-year-old fairy expert.
"What else do fairies like?" I ask, watching Mirabella arrange tiny pebbles in a circle.
"Music. They dance when nobody's looking. Do you dance, Daddy?”
Daddy.
Christ.
The air whooshes from my lungs at hearing the name. “I… ah… no. I never have the opportunity.”
“I can teach you. It’s easy.”
I’d like that, although I imagine the razzing I’ll get from Alessandro and the men. Oh, well. Fuck them.
When she yawns, I sit beneath an oak tree, cradling her against my chest.
"Was I in your tummy?" she asks.
I smile. "No, Princess. You were in your mommy's. But you’re in my heart."
