Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 95049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
I glance at Bri, Peyton, and Dani, who all came along with Nicole to see me. When she texted me again, asking if we could talk after Dani had told Bri and Peyton what happened and Bri filled Nicole in, I agreed and asked for them to come along.
“I owe you an apology,” I say to Bri. “What I did during your wedding … it’s unforgivable and not who I am.”
“There’s absolutely nothing to apologize to me for,” Bri insists, giving me a hug. “Your back was against the wall, and you did what you had to do. I wish you had felt like you could come to us, but what’s done is done, and Lorenzo will make sure you’re safe here.”
“Just know that we have your back,” Peyton adds, giving me a hug. “Dominick and Matteo are doing everything they can to catch Leysa, and once they do, we’ll all be safe to go back to our lives.”
“I hope it’s soon.” I sigh and sit on the couch. “My scholarship covers my tuition, but I use the money I make at the pub to pay for my books, dorm, and food, and after I paid for everything this semester, my account is groaning in pain, and I have no job to replenish it.”
Peyton and Dani give me a sympathetic look that makes me regret saying anything. The last thing I want is for anyone to pity me.
“I wish I could offer you a job,” Nicole says, “but the coffee shop isn’t busy enough to add someone to the payroll, and with Leysa coming after you, it’s probably not the safest place for you to be.”
“I was just venting,” I tell her. “I’m not asking for—”
“No, no, Leonardo. You can’t touch that.”
The five of us glance at the new nanny Lorenzo hired, and I glare her way. Apparently, there was a nanny available through the agency Lorenzo uses, and they sent her over yesterday. Lorenzo spent the day with her and Leo, and then today, he left for work, feeling that she was capable of watching his son. And while I wouldn’t go against him, I’ve listened to her tell Leo no a thousand times throughout the day, and it’s getting on my nerves.
He’s a little boy who should be playing and exploring, not being reprimanded every time he makes a mess.
“She seems like fun,” Dani deadpans.
“She’s like a baby drill sergeant,” I mutter.
I offered to continue to watch Leo for Lorenzo, but he insisted that his son needed someone who knew what they were doing to look after him, and since we both knew I had no idea what I was doing—as a nanny or, hell, in life—I couldn’t argue.
Instinctually, I pick up the playing cards on the coffee table and begin shuffling them—something I do when I need to calm myself down.
“You play?” Peyton asks, nodding toward the cards.
“Yeah. My mom used to work at the casino on the reservation, and when I was forced to accompany her, I learned to play. It’s actually where she met Eric. He was gambling thousands, and she latched right on.”
Nicole groans. “He’s always had a gambling problem, but I didn’t know it was that bad. Apparently, Leysa gave him millions to pay off his debt in exchange for him agreeing to push the Antonovs out of Harbor Point.” She rolls her eyes. “My father has made a lot of shitty decisions over the years, but this one takes the cake.”
“If you need anything, we’re here,” Dani says with a soft smile.
“I’m good. I’m taking my classes online and—oh!” I glance at Bri. “I started your maternity dress. While you’re here, I need to take a few more measurements.”
“You didn’t need to do that,” Bri says. “You have enough going on.”
“It’s all good. I’m used to going to school, interning, and working full-time. Lorenzo had my stuff delivered from my dorm, so I ordered the material, and it’s been helping to keep me busy.”
Sewing is my escape, my passion, and learning how to make Bri’s maternity dress has been the best distraction. Since the day my mom showed up and Lorenzo came to my rescue again, he’s been avoiding me, so making her dress has given me something to do.
“If you’re looking for a job, I might have one for you,” Peyton says, her face lighting up in excitement. “Dominick was just saying they’re hiring cocktail servers at their casino. It would be perfect since the place is locked down, so you would be safe and—”
“No, Leonardo. Don’t touch,” the nanny chides, making Leo sniffle.
I tighten my hold on the playing cards, trying like hell not to interfere, but when he reaches for the pasta that she made him and she smacks his hand, I’m done.
Leo’s sniffles turn into a full-blown cry, and I cut across the room, gently taking him out of his high chair and into my arms so she can’t get anywhere near him.