Page 23 of The Mobster’s Present

“This is Carlotta,” I explain. She shoots me a droll look and I smirk. “Carlotta is here as a night nurse or she can sit with Oriana during the day, however this works out best for you and makes you comfortable.”

“Okay.” I nod slowly, clearly still confused.

“She’s from Seattle,” I explain even though it explains absolutely nothing.

I was shocked when I got a message from Oaklynn that she was sending me a woman named Carlotta. Even though part of me wanted to bristle at anyone else taking care of my woman, I know Oaklynn was only acting from the heart.

“She’s here to sit with Oriana at night, but only if you’re comfortable with it.”

Carlotta’s smile is gentle as she stands with her hand folded in front of her. “I’ve been a nurse for over thirty years,” she explains gently. “The last few years, I decided to get out of the hospital; I do a lot of contract work for home health, especially working with children.”

“And you’re from Seattle?” Ashleigh is clearly confused and a little suspicious.

“Oaklynn hired her.” The moment I say the words, understanding dawns on my woman’s beautiful face. “Not only is she here for us while we’re in LA, but when we go home as well.”

“It’s not easy transitioning from a long hospital stay to being back at home and with what Mrs. Volkov told me, that change will be even bigger. It’ll be a chance for a fresh start, but it will still add stress to the situation. My role can be as simple as helping make the move as smooth as possible and giving everyone a little breathing room as you navigate everything.”

Ashleigh’s shoulders drop slightly and when I tuck her against my side, she melts into me. “That was incredibly thoughtful of Oaklynn.” She looks up at me with glistening eyes. “I don’t know how I’ll ever thank her.”

“You don’t need to thank her, la mia piccola leonessa. She’s doing it because she thinks of you as family.” I chuckle and shake my head thinking about the message Angelo sent me. “Dove has ordered clothes for you and Oriana for every occasion and every season. She’ll have the closets organized and moved in before we even have a discharge date.”

Ashley laughs even as a few tears slip past her lash line. My first instinct is to panic, but they’re happy tears. I simply kiss her forehead and peek back in to check on Oriana.

When I see she’s awake, I turn back toward Ashleigh. “She’s awake, what do you think about introducing Carlotta and seeing how they do together? I’d like you to sleep in a bed tonight, even if only for a few hours.”

She wants to argue with me; I can tell by the look on her face. Then she moves slightly and the muscle that’s been bothering her in her back pulls wrong. I can see it happen in real time, the grimace on her face evidence enough.

I pull her closer and tip my voice low, just for her. “Using Carlotta isn’t a failure. She is a knowledgeable tool that can help you and Oriana navigate the next step. She’s a set of hands when you might need one and peace of mind that comes with her credentials.” I hold her gaze and see all the fears she tries to hide brimming there. “It does not make you less of a mother in any way and will allow you to also take care of yourself.”

“Okay,” her agreement is small, but it’s sure.

After studying her face for a moment, I give a nod toward Carlotta who steps away and stands across the hall while we go into the room. We don’t bombard Oriana but ask if she’d like to make a new friend who is a nurse, and who may be helping as she gets out of the hospital.

“Does she like to color?” Oriana’s sweet voice turns suspicious, like the answer is the pinnacle of character, “What’s her favorite color?”

“How about you ask her yourself?”

“I will,” she says it more like a warning than a promise.

The introduction goes better than I was hoping. Oriana and Carlotta put their heads together like they’ve been playing bridge together for years. It’s adorable and I can feel some of the tension drain from my woman’s body as she watches them together.

“Are you comfortable heading to the hotel? Carlotta will stay with Oriana all night and she already has both of our contact information.” I try not to push, just coax.

“Yes,” she breathes out. “I’d like a shower with real water pressure.” It’s the first time I’ve heard her complain about anything and she makes sure to do it quietly.

Oriana isn’t bothered by the idea of Carlotta staying the night. She happily waves us off while the two of them giggle.

“Should I be worried that they’re too comfortable with each other?” There’s a tease in Ashleigh’s voice as she glances back over her shoulder.

I keep her moving, my hand on the small of her back and straight to the car already waiting for us. It was going to wait however long it took for Ashleigh to feel comfortable leaving Oriana for another night.

The first one was hard enough for her to manage. Tonight, the night is all for her. She needs this and Oriana will be fine; she’ll be sleeping most of the time.

She’s quiet as we ride the short distance to a hotel with Moretti connections. I let her stay in her head, watching over her and taking her directly up to the top floor suite. The gasp that comes out of her when we step inside, makes my cock throb.

“Woah.” She looks around with wonder written all over her face and walks directly toward the floor to ceiling windows. “That is quite a view.”

I stalk closer to her, my steps silent until I’m standing right behind her. Her body stills as if she knows I’m there, as if she can feel me.