AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I was his nanny. His and his brothers. Until I got pregnant with Molly and decided to raise my own babies instead of the Capasso babies. He was such a loving child when he was small. He was affectionate and kind and absolutely the smartest kid I’ve ever met.”
“Gee, thanks.” Molly rolled her eyes with a smirk.
Isabella patted her shoulder as she passed her daughter on her way to me, “I will always hold a special spot in my heart for Nico.” She smiled and put her hand on my arm squeezing it lightly, “Deep down I know, he’s a good man, Ari. I also know sometimes he prefers to let everyone think he’s some scary monster, but deep down,” she smiled, “he’s good.”
“I believe you.” I admitted, “I saw small moments of that man before he left for the city.”
“Well,” she patted my arm and nodded like the matter was settled, “I hope he returns to Armarow soon so you both can continue to get to know each other and build something more than what your parents had.” She looked over her shoulder at her husband, “Something like what Davide and I have.”
“I honestly would like nothing more. Like it or not, this is my life now. And I’d like to make the most of it instead of spending my time stuck in denial and self-pity.”
“Good girl.” Isabella smirked, “You’re smart too, a match made perfectly for Nico. Though if I had to guess, one that will challenge him and make him change who he is as a man too.”
“One could hope.” I winked at her, and she tipped her head back and laughed.
“God help him.” Davide shook his head and smiled into his coffee cup.
“Youallhaveoutdoneyourselves,” I said in awe an hour later as the giant feast the Bussa family had prepared was set out on the large table, served family style. “Is it always this lavish?” I whispered to Molly who sat next to me.
She smirked, “Well the food is usually this nice, but I won’t lie and tell you that we eat on this nice china every week. That’s all for you.”
“This is more than I could have imagined, and I’m honored to be included.”
“Good, now eat,” Isabella instructed, passing a platter to me. “Once Davide gets ahold of a dish, there’s no guarantee that you’ll get any.”
Davide had walked outside on a phone call a few minutes before we sat down, and I would be lying if I said I hadn’t watched the front door the entire time he was gone, feeling an impending doom settling over my bones the longer he was missing.
I took the offered platters, scooping at least a small amount of every dish onto my plate, eager to try it all when the door opened and Davide walked back into the happy home.
And the doom I’d been feeling settled onto me fully when my brooding husband walked in behind him, instantly locking his piercing green eyes onto me across the room. He wore a pair of dark blue jeans that hugged his muscular thighs and a light grey sweater that matched the streaks of grey that started to color the hair around his temple.
He was a masterpiece, and even on his worst days, I was unable to deny how breathtaking he was to look at.
“Nico!” Isabella cheered excitedly, standing from her seat and hurrying towards him. “What a pleasant surprise!”
“Isabella,” He said warmly, leaning down to kiss her cheeks without ever taking his eyes off mine. “I’m sorry to interrupt your meal.”
The food I’d managed to taste turned to sawdust in my mouth as my peaceful outing came to a screeching halt.
“Nonsense!” Isabella patted his arm, turning them both towards the table, “Join us? We have plenty.”
“I couldn’t infringe on your family time.” He answered politely, finally looking away from me as I took a sip of wine to push the clump of food down my throat.
I expected his anger when I imagined how it would play out if he found me after my escape.
What I wasn’t expecting, was politeness to his former nanny. He was almost affectionate to the woman, something I hadn’t seen from him aimed at anyone.
Anyone but me anyway. I didn’t have any false expectations that his anger wouldn’t surface the moment we were alone though.
“Please,” She said emphatically, “We’re so enjoying our time with Ari. I’m assuming that’s why you’re here?” She questioned, “She managed to slip the estate and you’re here to bring her back aren’t you?”
My eyes rounded and I looked at Molly curiously, but she whispered, “She knows everything. I’ve never gotten away with a single thing in my life.”
I watched in horror as Davide pulled a chair up to the table and ushered Molly down the side of the table to it, opening up the chair next to me. “Please join us.”
Nico bowed his head and slid his jacket off his wide shoulders. “I will admit it all smells mouthwatering.” As he said the last word he looked up and stared right at me, causing my body to overheat under his intense gaze. He walked around the table and pulled out the chair that Molly had vacated. Before he sat down, he ran his fingertips along my jaw and pushed my hair over my shoulder, exposing my face and neck. I tipped my head back to look up at him in confusion, finding his mesmerizing eyes staring directly into mine. “Wife.” He said gently as he leaned down and kissed me.
The touch of his lips against mine was electric and I found myself disappointed when he pulled back all too quickly, taking his seat next to me.
