“You’re welcome,” he replies, before walking away.
I nod at Miff. He returns to the table to my left. There are only a few couples sitting on the patio enjoying their pastries and coffee.
Mrs. Cichello continues. “Demario was told to stay away from me too. Because I was also arranged to marry someone else. Toro Cichello. My father made the deal, and there was nothing anyone could do about it. I had to walk away from the love of my life. Now you and my granddaughter have problems, and he magically appears on my doorstep.”
“I never asked him to get involved in that way. I needed soldiers for my private war. And my grandfather provided his army.”
She smiles placing a hand over mine briefly. “You and my granddaughter’s problem brought him back to me. Our spouses are deceased. We’re free to be with each other. What did he tell you about Serenity?”
I know what she’s getting at. She wants to know if he told me she’s pregnant.
“That you’d meet with me,” I answer.
She cocks her head to the side. “That’s all?”
“Yes. I have assigned men to watch over her. So I know she’s pregnant with my child. I’ve got tons of pictures of her growing belly.”
I retrieve a photo from my inner jacket pocket and place it on the table between us.
She glances at it and nods.
“I figure she’s about twenty-four weeks along,” I say.
Mrs. Cichello’s face remains unreadable, unmoved. She’s a tough one.
“I hired a hacker to breach the clinic’s files this morning. I already know she’s twenty-seven weeks,” I say picking up the picture and sliding it back into my inner jacket pocket.
“Serenity said she slept with more than one man. Claims she doesn’t know who the father is.”
My upper lip twitches as I grit my teeth. I’m sure Mrs. Cichello can sense the anger radiating off me. “Here’s the truth. Serenity and I agreed years ago to only have unprotected sex with each other. Not that I’d let another man get close to her. And when they did… let’s just say some didn’t make it.” I lifted the tiny cup to my lips.
“You’re obsessed with her?” she states with a hint of delight in her tone.
“I was obsessed until she ran away. I’m here for my child.”
“What time should I come over?” I ask, brushing past her words.
“Eleven.”
This time, I rest my hand over hers. “I’ll never be able to thank you enough.”
“I’m cheering for you, Nico. I know you’ll burn down this world for my granddaughter and the baby.”
“Already happening,” I reply candidly.
Her eyes fill with tears. “Then consider me your ally.”
Isettle on the bed beside the woman who shattered my heart into a million pieces. Wearing cologne is out of the question because she’d know I was here. She lies peacefully on her side, her wavy hair piled into a messy bun. My fingers ache to undo it and thread through the strands. She wears a soft pink tank top and matching shorts. Her full lips remind me they were pressed against mine not long ago. Though I long to meet her stormy gray eyes, my time here has to remain a secret.
Gently, I lift her shirt and let my rough palm glide over her belly. It’s firm beneath my touch.
“My baby is growing inside you,” I whisper.
I lean closer. “Hello, little one. I’ve come all this way just to talk to you. Daddy can’t wait to meet you. I’m doing everything I can to protect you both.” I press a tender kiss to her belly.
I sense Mrs. Cichello’s eyes fixed on me. I don’t blame her. I know Serenity means everything to her.
“I’ll return soon. Next time, I’ll read to you.” I smile, stroking her belly once more. Pride swells within me.
