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The Mafia's Nanny 179
179Emilia’s POVThe maid, Rosetta, moved around the room like a ghost, her steps light and deliberate. She set down a tray on the table near the bed—a steaming bowl of soup, a glass of water, and a neatly folded napkin. I stayed perched on the edge of the armchair by the window, as far from her and the bed as I could manage without leaving the room entirely.“You should eat something,” she said gently, her voice thick with an accent I couldn’t place.“I’m not hungry,” I muttered, keeping my arms crossed over my chest.She hesitated, her dark eyes flicking to me with a mixture of pity and concern. “You’ve been through a lot, signorina. It will help.”I didn’t respond, staring out at the sprawling villa grounds instead. Perfectly trimmed hedges, a fountain bubbling softly in the center of the courtyard, and beyond that, a stone wall that loomed like a fortress. It was beautiful in a way that made my skin crawl.The maid left without another word, and the silence in the room settled ove
Last Updated : 2025-02-10The Mafia's Nanny 180
180Emilia’s POVThe heavy, ornate doors of Alonso Cruz’s villa loomed ahead as I marched toward them, every step fueled by a mix of defiance and desperation. My chest heaved, not from exertion, but from the rage simmering beneath my skin. Alonso’s words still rang in my ears: “You’re not going anywhere, Emilia. This is your home now.” Home? The absurdity of it made me want to scream.I wasn’t staying here.“Open the door!” I yelled, my voice reverberating through the marble hall. Two guards exchanged a look but didn’t budge.“Let me out!” My fists pounded against the wood, the sound echoing like a gavel in a courtroom. The verdict was clear: I was trapped.When it became apparent they weren’t going to comply, I turned, pacing like a caged animal. My thoughts spiraled. How could I have let this happen? One moment, I was enduring hell in a dank hideout, and the next, Alonso Cruz was calling me his daughter and dragging me into a gilded prison.My real father.A bitter laugh bubbled up,
Last Updated : 2025-02-10The Mafia's Nanny 181
181Alaric’s POVThe office was eerily quiet, save for the soft hum of the monitors and the occasional shuffle of papers as Allesio sorted through reports. I stood by the window, staring out at the dark city. Its usual pulse of life felt muted tonight, like it was holding its breath alongside me.Emilia was out there. Alone. Possibly hurt.My grip on the glass of whiskey in my hand tightened until my knuckles went white. I hadn’t slept more than three days—not since she was taken. Every lead had been a dead end, every second wasted felt like an eternity, and every beat of my heart reminded me of what was missing.Her.“Alaric.” Allesio’s voice broke through my thoughts. He stood near the door, holding a stack of papers. His face was drawn, the lines of stress deepening. “We might have something.”I turned, placing the glass on the desk. “What is it?”He hesitated, a telltale sign that whatever he had to say wasn’t good. “Our men tracked a vehicle matching the kidnappers’ description.
Last Updated : 2025-02-11The Mafia's Nanny 182
18Emilia’s POVThe door to my room swung open, and Alonso stepped in, his presence as commanding as ever. I stood near the window, arms crossed, glaring at him. My heart hammered in my chest, but I refused to let him see how much he intimidated me.“Alessandra,” he started, his tone too calm for my liking, “we need to talk.”“Oh, now we need to talk?” I snapped, spinning to face him fully. “You’ve kept me locked up like a prisoner for days, and suddenly you’re interested in having a conversation?”His jaw tightened, but he didn’t raise his voice. “I’m protecting you. This is for your own safety.”I scoffed, the sound bitter even to my own ears. “Safety? You call this safety? Trapping me here, refusing to let me leave, keeping me in the dark about everything?” I took a step closer, my voice rising with every word. “You’re no better than the men who kidnapped me!”The flash of anger in his eyes was immediate, but he masked it quickly, folding his arms across his chest. “That’s a dangero
Last Updated : 2025-02-11The Mafia's Nanny 183
183Emilia’s POVAlonso sat across from me in the small study, a room filled with old, leather-bound books and the lingering scent of cigars. The air was tense, but there was something different about his demeanor tonight—less authoritative, more… human. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, hands clasped as if searching for the right words.“I owe you an explanation,” he began, his voice uncharacteristically soft.I crossed my arms, not ready to let my guard down. “You owe me more than that.”His lips pressed into a thin line, but he nodded. “You’re right. I’ve kept too much from you, and I see now that it was a mistake. But I need you to understand… everything I’ve done has been to protect you.”“Protect me from what?” I asked, my tone sharper than I intended. “From Alaric? From the world? From yourself?”He didn’t flinch at my accusation, which somehow irritated me more. “From the same people that took your mother from me,” he said quietly.The room fell silent, the w
Last Updated : 2025-02-12The Mafia's Nanny 184
184Emilia’s POVThe villa was unnervingly quiet as I cracked the door open and peered into the hallway. The steady hum of distant conversation and the occasional shuffle of feet were the only indicators that the guards were still in position. My heart pounded in my chest, every thud echoing in my ears as if trying to betray me.I had spent the past few days carefully observing the guards’ movements, piecing together their patrol schedule and noting the blind spots in the villa’s security. It wasn’t perfect, but it was enough. If I didn’t take this chance tonight, I might never get another. Alonso had softened slightly toward me, but his determination to keep me under his watch was unwavering.Barefoot, I stepped into the hall, the cold marble floor sending a chill up my spine. My dress, loose and plain, clung to me as I crouched low and moved toward the staircase. The grand chandelier above cast sprawling enough brightness in some parts of the room, and I pressed myself into the dark
Last Updated : 2025-02-12The Mafia's Nanny 185
185Alaric’s POVThe room buzzed with tension as my men gathered around the long oak table. Maps and documents were scattered across the surface, lit by the dim overhead lights. Everything was laid out—routes, contacts, even a vague plan to storm Cruz’s villa. But none of it felt like enough. I already felt like I was too late to save her.“Where the hell is Allesio?” I barked, pacing at the head of the table. The knot in my chest tightened with every second that ticked by. My body was heavy with exhaustion, but my mind wouldn’t stop racing.“He’s pulling together more intel on Cruz’s men,” Marcus replied, his voice steady but low. “The informant said there’s been heightened activity near the port.”“Which means nothing,” I snapped, slamming my hand down on the table. “That bastard could’ve moved her anywhere by now.”The room fell silent. I knew my men were trying their best, but it wasn’t enough. Not when Emilia was out there, vulnerable and alone. Every second she spent in Cruz’s g
Last Updated : 2025-02-13The Mafia's Nanny 186
186Alaric’s POVThe second Emilia stumbled into the meeting room, disheveled and bruised, I knew I wouldn’t rest until every last person responsible for her pain paid the ultimate price. But before I could even think about revenge, I had to get her to safety. To me, that meant one thing: the hospital.Now, we were in the car, the engine humming as I gripped the steering wheel tightly, my eyes flicking between the road and her pale, dirt-streaked face. She sat beside me, bundled in my coat, though she kept trying to shrug it off as if the discomfort of wearing it was worse than her obvious exhaustion.“I don’t want to go,” she muttered flatly, breaking the silence that had settled between us since we left the meeting.“You’re going to the hospital,” I answered her in an equally flat tone.“No,” she said just as firmly, her voice raspy but unyielding. “I’m fine, Alaric. I just need to clean up and rest. That’s all.”My knuckles whitened as I tightened my grip on the wheel. “Fine isn’t
Last Updated : 2025-02-13
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The Mafia's Nanny 290
290Rosa’s POVI hated overthinking.It was exhausting, annoying, and worst of all—it was usually right.I told myself lately I wouldn’t do it with Allesio. I wouldn’t pick apart his words, analyze his tone, or decode his every blink like some detective looking for clues to a crime that hadn’t happened yet.But tonight?Tonight, my instincts were screaming.And the worst part? I couldn’t even pinpoint why.I sat on the kitchen stool, watching him move around like nothing was wrong. His back was to me, broad shoulders flexing under his black shirt as he flipped something in the pan. Chicken, I thought vaguely.“You’ve been quiet all evening,” Allesio said without turning around. His voice was casual, too casual. “Did I do something?”My stomach twisted, but I forced a small smile. “No. Just tired.”It wasn’t a lie, technically. I was tired. Tired of this nagging feeling I had been pushing down all week.Something was off.It wasn’t anything obvious—not enough for someone else to notice
The Mafia's Nanny 289
289Emilia’s POV.*Two weeks later*I stared at my reflection in the mirror, barely recognizing the woman staring back.The lace of my wedding dress hugged my body perfectly, intricate floral patterns trailing down to the long, flowing train. The veil was pinned neatly into my hair, soft curls cascading down my shoulders. My makeup was flawless, but my eyes—my eyes gave me away. They were filled with unshed tears. I felt so fucking overwhelmed.I was getting married today.I was about to walk down the aisle and promise forever to a man who had completely, irrevocably changed my life.“You’re thinking too much,” Rosa’s voice broke through my thoughts.I turned to her, blinking. “Huh?”She smirked, hands on her hips. “I know that look. You’re overthinking, probably panicking a little. Don’t.”“I’m not panicking.”“You’re literally gripping the dresser like you’re about to run.”I glanced down at my hands, fingers curled tightly around the wooden surface. Okay, maybe she had a point.“It
The Mafia's Nanny 288
288Emilia’s POV*TWO MONRHS LATER*I groaned, flopping back onto the couch in frustration. “Why did I think this was a good idea?”Rosa smirked, tossing a handful of tiny white pearls into my lap. “Because you love Alaric, and apparently, that means torturing yourself with a wedding.”“Right?” I grabbed one of the pearls and flicked it at her. “Seriously, why is this so hard? It’s just a dress.”“Just a dress?” She gasped, clutching her chest dramatically. “Excuse me? It is the dress, Emilia. The one you’ll remember forever. The one you’ll look back on in pictures and either sob in happiness or cringe in regret.”“Okay, thanks for the pressure,” I muttered, rubbing my temples.Rosa grabbed my arm, yanking me up. “Enough whining. We’re finding your dress today. Period.”“Fine,” I grumbled. “But if I die in a pile of lace, tell Alaric I love him.”She dragged me toward the changing rooms, rolling her eyes. “You’re so dramatic.”Two hours later, I was so close to setting an entire brida
The Mafia's Nanny 287
287Alaric’s POVEmilia had been on my case all morning.“You need to talk to Allesio,” she said for the tenth time, arms crossed as she leaned against the kitchen counter. “I don’t know what happened between you two, but this sulking thing you’re doing? It’s getting old.”I didn’t look up from the file in front of me. “I’m not sulking.”“You’re brooding,” she corrected. “And being dramatic.”I exhaled sharply, flipping a page just to look busy. “I don’t need to do anything, Emilia.”“Alaric.”“Emilia,” I mimicked, still not looking up.She smacked the back of my head.“Ow—”“Go talk to him,” she ordered. “You’re going to forgive him eventually, so just do it now and save me the headache.”I tossed the pen onto the table, rubbing my temples. “You don’t get it.”“I would if you actually told me what the hell happened,” she shot back. “But no, you just want to stomp around and glare at him like a five-year-old who had his toy stolen.”I narrowed my eyes at her. “This is bigger than that
The Mafia's Nanny 286
286Emilia’s POVI didn’t speak to him.Not when we left Alonso’s house. Not in the car. Not when we got home.I walked straight past him, up the stairs, and into our bedroom, slamming the door shut behind me. I wasn’t even sure why I was so angry. Maybe it was the betrayal. Maybe it was the exhaustion. Maybe it was the fact that every time I thought I finally knew everything about the man I loved, another secret came crawling out of the dark.I paced the room, my thoughts tangled in knots.Francesca.Not his daughter. Not biologically, at least.Dominic’s.And I had saved her. Me. Three years ago, without even realizing it.A knock sounded at the door. “Emilia.”I ignored him.The handle turned, and he stepped inside cautiously, as if he thought I might throw something at his head. A tempting idea.“Emilia, please.” His voice was quiet, tired. “Can we talk?”I folded my arms. “Oh, now you want to talk?”His jaw tensed. “I always wanted to tell you.”“Then why didn’t you?” I shot back.
The Mafia's Nanny 285
285Alaric’s POVI was going to kill Emilia.Slowly. Painfully. And with great satisfaction.“You’re overreacting,” she said, not even looking at me as she fixed her earrings in the mirror.I let out a humorless laugh, crossing my arms. “You’re dragging me to have dinner with Alonso. That’s not overreacting. That’s a death wish.”Emilia sighed, finally turning to face me. “He agreed to the wedding, didn’t he?”I scowled. “Begrudgingly. There’s a difference.”She gave me a pointed look. “Alaric, he’s trying. And if you don’t at least pretend to try too, I swear to God—”I held up a hand. “Yeah, yeah. You’ll cut me out of your life, blah blah.” I let my head fall back. “Jesus. You’re really enjoying making me suffer, aren’t you?”Emilia smirked. “You have no idea.”I regretted everything the second we stepped into Alonso’s house.He barely spared me a glance as he gestured for us to sit at the long dining table, his expression set in that usual unreadable scowl of his. The man had two m
The Mafia's Nanny 284
284Emilia’s POVI exhaled, slow and steady, forcing my heartbeat to settle. My hands were still curled into fists at my sides, but the sharp edges of my anger had dulled, leaving me very exhausted.Alonso had gone quiet. Alaric, too.They were both thinking of the ultimatum, I was sure of it.I wasn’t going to repeat myself. I had laid it all out—either they figured out a way to tolerate each other, or they lost me. I meant every word.I wrapped my arms around my stomach, my body still thrumming from the adrenaline. My child’s future was at stake. I refused to let them grow up trapped between two men who refused to let go of the past.Finally, Alonso inhaled sharply, rubbing a hand over his face. “So that’s it? You’re threatening to cut me out of your life unless I… what? Accept this marriage? Accept him?” His voice was rough, tinged with something I couldn’t quite place.I held his gaze, unwavering. “Yes.”Alonso let out a bitter, humorless laugh. “You expect me to suddenly be okay
The Mafia's Nanny 283
283Emilia’s POV“Well,” I said, exhaling slowly, “at least now the marriage can finally go through without worrying about all this hatred between you and Alaric.” I looked at Alonso, expecting—no, hoping—for some sign that he agreed. That this war, this endless, exhausting war, has really ended.But he just sat there, stiff as a statue, arms crossed over his chest, his expression unreadable.Then he said, “I still don’t support this marriage.”I blinked. Laughed, even. Because surely, after everything, he was joking.“You’re serious?” I asked, the laughter dying in my throat.I thought we were finally past this.For the first time in what felt like forever, I allowed myself to breathe, to believe that maybe I could live normally without worrying that they hated each other.But apparently, I had been a little too optimistic.“You’re joking,” I said flatly, staring at my father. “Tell me you’re joking.”Alonso met my gaze, unmoved. “I’m not.”I blinked. “You just spent hours unraveling
The Mafia's Nanny 282
282Emilia’s POV The drive to Alonso’s house was tense. Alaric sat beside me, silent and brooding, his fingers tapping against his thigh. I knew he didn’t want to be here. He thought this was pointless. But I didn’t care.We needed answers. All the puzzle pieces were scattered, and I was tired of trying to put them together blindly.When we arrived, Alonso was already waiting for us outside, arms crossed, expression unreadable.“This is unexpected,” he said, glancing between us. “What’s going on?”I didn’t waste time. “We need to talk. Inside.”He studied me for a moment, then nodded, stepping aside to let us in.Alaric followed reluctantly, his entire body radiating frustration. He had made it clear that he didn’t trust Alonso, even after everything. And honestly, I couldn’t blame him. Their history was drenched in too much blood.We sat in the living room, the tension a little bit too thick between us. I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees.“We know Jonas was the one who
