Page 16 of The Mobster’s Present

“Does she always sweep in and out like that?”

Dove giggles and nods while Salvatore looks at me with amusement dancing in his eyes. This man seems to be offering me everything.

Part of me desperately wants to let myself fall.

I’m also terrified of what happens if it all falls apart. I’m risking more than my heart; a lot more.

I don’t realize what is happening until the sound of a call connecting has my eyes snapping toward Angelo. “What can I do for you Don Amato?”

“Don Moretti,” Angelo’s voice is smooth, “I’m calling in regards to a delicate family matter.”

The small bit of background noise fades and then stops. Something serious lines Dario’s voice, “Is this a matter you need help from the organization with?”

“I have a niece who is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in LA,” he says, not answering his question directly. “When she is discharged in a week or so, she will be coming back to Seattle along with her mother. Until then, I would appreciate you allowing Salvatore to accompany them and bring them home.”

Angelo pauses and looks toward Salvatore who nods.

“Salvatore has claimed them both.”

A touch of amusement enters Dario’s voice, “Tell Salvatore that his daughter and woman will be added to the family prayer list by the elders. If he needs anything while he is in town, he is to call me directly. He is, of course, welcome to accompany his woman and daughter for as long as necessary.”

“Well,” Dove brushes her hands together like she’s the one who did the heavy lifting.

Salvatore stands and offers me his hand. I look at it for a long moment before peeking up at him.

“We have a plane to catch,” he reminds me.

I let him whisk me away to a private plane while Dove’s giggles echo behind us. There’s no reason not to enjoy the ride, even if I’m not sure I can trust it yet.

CHAPTER 6

SALVATORE

I use my woman’s tablet as we sit in the plane. She’s been absently making decisions and shopping for Oriana’s room. It’s almost funny that she has no idea it’s happening.

She could. If she was paying attention.

By the time we get off this plane, I hope to be one step closer to giving my family the house it deserves. It’s only right to start in the princess’ room.

“Why do you keep asking me to choose things?” She finally asks, her voice a mix of frustration and confusion.

“It’s for Oriana’s room.” I say it simply, as if the answer is obvious.

Ashleigh’s blue eyes narrow into slits. She’s been catching on to how things work. Maybe it was seeing Dove and Angelo along with Oaklynn and her men.

She saw the way the women are cherished. How they’re catered to. And, sometimes, managed.

Though no one would say such a thing out loud. I’m almost afraid to think about it.

“Where is this room, Salvatore?”

“At my place.”

“The penthouse?” She sounds even more confused. Which makes sense, that place wouldn’t be right for a little one.

It’s too sharp. Too sterile. Too cold.

That’s not the kind of home I want for my girls.