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Gianna looked a little overwhelmed, and I knew the gallant thing to do would have been to suffer through it with her. Alas, I was no one’s white knight and I escaped to the den with a beer and a baseball game. I felt her glare burning into my back as I left and knew I’d pay for it later.
In the morning, I headed to one of my downtown offices for meetings. Shortly after I arrived, Don called to inform me that no matter whose pockets I lined, they couldn’t complete the process without the “mother” (granting her that term was bullshit) giving permission or having her parental rights severed. I could have petitioned for the separation years ago, but I’d never really thought about it because she didn’t factor into our lives. I never expected my sweet Gianna to drop into my world and change everything. She lit up every dark space, and seeing her with Sophia, those moments made me love her even more.
They deserved to be mother and daughter in the eyes of everyone, not just in their hearts. I’d be damned if I couldn’t make it happen.
“Put Thomas on it. I don’t care what you have to do, who you have to break. Find her. Or you’ll be out on your ass,” I threatened, before launching the phone at the wall. The sound of it shattering didn’t make me feel any better. I didn’t have time for this shit. I had work piling up and I was a man down with Brandon on the hunt. Luckily, Antonio had been picking up some of the extra slack.
“Nic?”
Gianna’s soft voice came from the doorway to the office, and I looked up to see her staring, wide-eyed, at my broken phone.
Fuck. She had never seen me lose my temper, and I wasn’t happy she was witnessing it now. I couldn’t say I was sorry she’d arrived, though. As usual, her presence calmed me, filling me with happiness and contentment.
“Come here, mia dolce,” I encouraged, holding out a hand to her. I was relieved to see there was no hesitancy in her step as she walked over to me. I pulled her down, so she was sitting sideways on my lap, and kissed her soundly. When I lifted my head, she had a dreamy look on her face, and I couldn’t help grinning arrogantly. The incident with the phone was apparently forgotten.
“I’m always happy to see you my beautiful girl, but what brings you down to this area?” I asked, burying my face in her neck and nuzzling, breathing in her fresh, sweet scent. I would never get enough of mia dolce, her love was an intoxicating drug and I grew more and more addicted every day.
“I’m wedding dress shopping,” she said with a hint of pink on her cheeks.
I brushed a finger over her blushing skin. “You’re so fucking beautiful, Gianna,” I whispered with awe. Sometimes, I couldn’t believe she was mine. And yet, I shouldn’t be surprised, because I would never, ever let her go.
“I love how you can be such a little temptress in the bedroom, then blush innocently at the simplest things.” I grinned and kissed her lips, before whispering, “It gets me hot.”
The bit of color suddenly flushed red as she glanced at the open door to my office. It wasn’t like when we were at home. Anyone could walk in, at any moment.
“Allegra and my mom are bringing Sophia downtown so we can look for their dresses. Then we’re going to get dinner, do you want to join us?” she asked nonchalantly.
I eyed her suspiciously and asked, “Will your father be there?”
“Um, no,” she admitted. “But—”
“No buts, bellissima.” I grimaced at the thought of dinner with four women in wedding mode. “You can give me a fashion show when you get home. I’m particularly interested in what you’ll be wearing underneath your gown.” I wiggled my eyes suggestively.
Her chin went up and she sniffed haughtily. “You don’t get to see anything until the wedding day, mister.” She narrowed her eyes and scowled at me, “And don’t try and use my daughter to talk me into it. I’ve already bribed her to keep you in the dark.”
I wanted to laugh, she was so fucking cute. But, her words reminded me of why I’d been so angry when she arrived. I debated not telling her, but she knew what kind of connections I had. If it took too long, I’d have to tell her anyway, and at that point, I’d risk her wrath for not coming clean in the first place.
“Bellissima,” I started cautiously, “We need to talk.”
Her lips dropped into a frown, and I nearly groaned in agitation. It was my job to make her smile, always. Not to be the reason for her sadness.
“Is everything okay?” she asked, cupping my face in her hands and staring into my eyes with her own worried ones.
