10. Gia

10

GIA

M y breath stalls in my chest as Max's lips crush mine. This kiss is different from our night together six years ago. That had been gentle, almost reverent. This is raw need, years of pent-up desire finally breaking free. I match his intensity, pouring all my frustration and longing into the kiss. His dick presses against my core, and need floods my body with liquid heat.

Yes, yes, yes. I want this and more. But that doesn’t stop the warning bells from blaring in my head. This is dangerous territory. Nothing has really changed. All the reasons Max believes this is wrong still exist. He’d fallen for temptation before. Perhaps that’s all this is as well. I’m not sure I could take it if he had regrets.

But my body betrays me. My fingers curl into his shirt, drawing him nearer instead of shoving him back. My lips part beneath his, inviting him deeper. A small whimper escapes my throat as his tongue slides against mine.

“Max,” I breathe against his mouth, not sure whether I’m going to tell him this isn’t a good idea or beg him to fuck me on his desk.

His answer is to grind his dick against me, sending all thought scattering to the wind.

"Mommy? Where are you?" Daniella's voice pierces through the haze of desire. Max and I spring apart, his hands dropping from my waist as if burned. My chest heaves as I try to catch my breath, lips still tingling from his kiss.

When I meet his eyes, I find them clouded with the same mix of desire and uncertainty churning in my gut. His jaw works as if he wants to say something, but he just gives a short nod.

"Mommy?" Daniella calls again, closer now. Her footsteps patter down the hallway toward Max's office.

I take several more steps back, smoothing my hair with trembling fingers, my legs unsteady beneath me.

"I should…" I gesture vaguely toward the door, my voice hoarse.

Max runs a hand through his dark hair, leaving it disheveled. His chest rises and falls with quick breaths. "Yes. Of course."

"Mommy!" Daniella's voice grows more insistent.

I turn toward the door, pausing with my hand on the handle. The guilt of my secret, the twins' paternity, presses down on me. But Daniella needs me, and right now, that's simpler than untangling whatever just happened with Max.

"Coming, Dani!" I call out, proud that my voice sounds almost normal. I slip through the door without looking back.

I hurry down the dimly lit hallway, my heart still hammering against my ribs. My lips burn from Max's kiss as I round the corner to find Daniella in her pink pajamas, clutching her stuffed elephant.

"What's wrong, baby?"

"I had a bad dream." Her bottom lip trembles.

I scoop her into my arms, breathing in the sweet scent of her shampoo. Her small arms wrap around my neck as I carry her back to her room. In the soft glow of her nightlight, I catch glimpses of Max in her features, the shape of her eyes, the curve of her mouth. My chest tightens.

"There we go." I tuck her back under her unicorn comforter, smoothing her dark hair away from her face. "Want to tell me about your dream?"

She shakes her head, already burrowing deeper into her pillow. I stretch out beside her, running my fingers through her hair the way she likes. As her breathing evens out, I glance to the other bed where Dario is sound asleep, his thumb in his mouth.

Sitting in the quiet darkness, my mind drifts back to Max's office, the heat of his body pressing me against the wall, his hands tangled in my hair. The kiss had been everything I'd dreamed about for the past six years, and now…

Daniella shifts in her sleep, curling closer. My throat constricts as I watch her peaceful face. How can I let myself fall for Max again when all the reasons I shouldn’t fall for him are still present? And yet, how can I keep the knowledge of his kids from him? These precious children are his, and he has no idea.

The reality is that the two are separate issues. Whether I fall or not doesn’t change the truth of his being their father. I’d planned to tell him last year. Now that Aldo and my father were gone, I felt safe to reveal the truth. So why am I hesitating now?

When Daniella is asleep, I make my way to my room, my mind whirling. I lie awake in bed, my fingers tracing my lips for the hundredth time. The kiss revealed everything I tried to deny. My feelings for Max never truly died. They just lay dormant, waiting for the smallest spark to ignite them again.

But what happens now? In the morning, will Max retreat behind his walls of duty and obligation? Will he avoid me like he did last year, treating our kiss as another mistake? The thought makes my chest ache.

Sleep eludes me as scenarios play through my mind. Max finding out about the twins and hating me for keeping them from him. Max pushing me away again, breaking my heart all over again. Max wanting more and finally having the fairy tale I’d hoped for six years ago.

I wake the next morning and pad into the kitchen, steeling myself for what will happen. Will it be awkward?

As usual, Max and the kids are at the island, spreading peanut butter on toast.

"Mommy!" Dario waves his peanut-buttered-covered fingers. "We're making faces with fruit on our toast, see?” I look at his toast with two slices of banana for eyes and blueberries for a mouth. A single strawberry is the nose.

“My. How creative and tasty.”

Max glances up, his expression carefully neutral. "Coffee's fresh."

I move to the coffee maker, hyper-aware of his presence. The air feels charged, crackling with tension. But maybe it’s just me.

"Look, at mine, Mommy.” Daniella holds up her plate, her toast almost sliding off, but Max is there with the quick save.

"Very creative, sweetheart." I force my voice to stay steady as I pour coffee into a mug.

He clears his throat. "I have meetings this morning, so I need to rush out now.”

I check the clock. He’s normally here for another half hour before he leaves. Is he telling the truth, or is he trying to escape being around me? I have an incredible sense of déjà vu.

Or maybe he forgot. He’d been drinking, although I wouldn’t have said he was drunk.

“I’ve got this covered,” I say, hoping I sound normal.

Max slides a plate with more toast toward me, maintaining the facade of normalcy, and yet, it feels off. "I’m heading out." He ruffles the twins' hair. “Be good.”

"Thanks for breakfast, Uncle Max!" they say in a chorus.

Uncle Max. God. If only he knew.

He nods, still not meeting my gaze, and walks out. I spread peanut butter on my toast, thinking maybe this is better. Safer. If Max wants to pretend last night never happened, I should be grateful. It's not like I can pursue anything with him while keeping such a massive secret.

But as I listen to the front door close behind him, my heart aches at how easily he can dismiss what felt so earth-shattering to me.

We move through the morning as usual, school for them, a little work for me. But by afternoon, they’re bouncing off the walls.

“I wish Uncle Max had a swing,” Daniella says.

The kids have been incredible about this sudden upheaval in their lives, but their energy needs a proper outlet. The playroom can only entertain them for so long and it’s too cold for the pool.

I glance outside, noting that while it’s cool, it’s not cold like at home. It feels like fall, not winter. It’s the perfect day for a trip to the park. I check my computer, looking for parks in the area.

"Hey, you, my little gremlins, get your shoes on."

“Are we going out?” Dario’s eyes light up with hope.

“We’re going to try.” I have to convince Max’s security.

I find Marcus, Max's head of security, in his office near the front gate. His stern expression doesn't waver as I explain my request.

"Mrs. Cantore, Mr. Giraldi's instructions were clear. You and the children are to remain on the grounds."

"I understand the concerns, Marcus." I lean against his desk, keeping my voice gentle but firm. "But the kids need more than just a pool and a playroom. They're used to parks, activities, friends."

He shakes his head. "Security would be compromised?—”

“Oh, come on. I know my brother and Max. You and your men are the best of the best. Surely, you can protect me and my children at a local park.”

“We’re the best because we follow orders and don’t take unnecessary risks.”

Ugh. I smile wider. “There’s been no threat here. Besides, you’ve seen the kids. They’re going stir-crazy."

"Mr. Giraldi?—"

"Would want the children to be happy and well-adjusted." I soften my tone. "You know my brother Nic personally, right? He wouldn't want his niece and nephew feeling trapped."

Marcus shifts in his chair, his resolve wavering. "The Don Nardone did say to keep you comfortable?—”

“See?”

“But safe too.”

I feel like I’m going to lose this battle. How will I break it to the kids? “Nic sent us here to be safe, not imprisoned." I press my advantage. "We could go now when kids are in school and it's quieter. Your team can sweep the area first, maintain a perimeter. The kids just need a chance to run and play normally."

He studies me for a long moment, then sighs. "One hour. We choose the location, and you follow our protocols exactly."

"Of course." I resist the urge to hug him. "Thank you, Marcus. The kids will be thrilled."

"If Mr. Giraldi objects?—”

"I'll take full responsibility." I straighten up, already planning how to break the news to the twins. "We both know happy kids make for a more peaceful household."

Marcus's mouth twitches in what might be a smile. "I'll make the arrangements."

The kids and I sit in the SUV as Marcus's team performs another sweep of the small neighborhood park. Three black SUVs circle the perimeter while men in suits and earpieces take strategic positions around the playground equipment. It seems like overkill, but then again, nothing is too much for my children’s safety.

"All clear, Mrs. Cantore." Marcus nods.

"Can we go now, Mama?" Daniella bounces on her seat beside me.

"Yes, but stay where I can see you both."

The twins bolt for the playground, their excited squeals drawing curious glances from the few other parents. I settle onto a bench, trying to look natural despite our security detail doing their best impression of Secret Service agents.

“Look how high I can go,” Dario calls as he pumps his legs on the swing.

Daniella conquers the monkey bars, her face glowing with triumph. "Watch me, Mom!"

After an hour of climbing, swinging, and running, Marcus gives me the five-minute warning. The kids protest but brighten when I suggest stopping for burgers on the way home.

At the drive-through, our convoy of black SUVs must look ridiculous. The teenage worker's eyes go wide as she hands over our bag of food. Marcus insists on checking the contents before passing it back.

“Can I have a fry?” Dario asks from the backseat, already digging in.

"Wait until we get home, sweetheart."

We pull through Max's gates just as the sun is dipping low. The twins clutch their paper bags, chattering about their playground adventures as we head inside. For a moment, watching them skip up the steps, I can almost pretend we're just a normal family enjoying a casual evening out.

“Who’s that?” Daniella asks.

I glance up to see a tall blonde in nothing but a bra, panties, and garters lying back on the dining table.

"Oh!" She startles at the sight of us. “Who are you?”

I quickly pull my kids close and look around for Marcus or Maria or anyone on Max’s staff.

“Kids, go to your room.”

“What about dinner?” Daniella asks.

“You can eat at your play table. Have your dolls and stuffed animals join you. Here, take mine and Max’s with you. Go.” I give them both a gentle push to get them moving. They do as I ask, their eyes turning over their shoulders to look at the woman who is still nearly naked.

Once they're gone, the woman gives me an appraising look as she straightens and stands but still doesn’t get dressed.

"I'm Whitley."

“Why are you here?”

She frowns. “You must be new. I’m a friend of Max’s.” She glances down the hall. “I didn’t know Max took in staff and their children in his home.”

Jealousy flares hot. But also anger. God, I’m a fool to think anything had changed. Did Max invite her over because he didn’t get to finish what we started? Did his guilt get the best of him and he’s going to get his rocks off with this woman instead? What is he thinking to have her here parading around half-naked when he knows the twins are here? Clearly, he knows nothing about being around children.

"I'm Gia. Max is letting us stay here for a while."

Whitley's perfectly shaped eyebrows rise. "Oh, you're visiting."

"We're not exactly visiting." I don’t know what she knows about Max’s business, so I’m not going to reveal that I’m the sister of a Mafia Don needing Max’s protection. Instead, I glance toward the stairs, making sure the kids aren't within earshot. "Look, I don't care what arrangements you and Max have, but while my children are here, I'd appreciate it if you'd keep bedroom games in the bedroom."

A flush creeps up her neck. "Of course. Max didn’t tell me children were here.”

“Yes, well, they are for now.”

I hear the front door open and Max's footsteps in the foyer. “Where’s my welcoming committee?”

“In here,” I call out.

He walks into the living room, stopping short at the sight of me and his scantily-clad companion.

"What's going on?" His eyes dart between us, lingering on Whitley's revealing attire.

"I was just explaining to your friend Whitley that with children in the house, you two should keep your adult activities confined to the bedroom.”

He frowns at me. “Where are the kids?”

“In their room.”

He turns to Whitley and his jaw tightens. "Whitley, what are you doing here?"

“I came by to surprise you.”

I don’t need to be here for this. “I’m going to check on the kids. I’ll also contact Nic and arrange for us to go home so we don’t get in the way?—”

"Don't you fucking dare."

I freeze at Max's harsh tone. His eyes bore into mine, dark with an intensity I saw last night.

"You're not going anywhere," he says, his voice low and controlled.

"Clearly, I'm interrupting something." I gesture toward Whitley, who is finally looking uncertain.

“Gia—”

“You have a guest, Max. I’ll be with the kids.” I brush past him, escaping the awkward scene.

I find the twins in the playroom, sitting at the table with their burgers and toys.

"Who was that lady, Mommy?" Daniella asks again.

"Just someone visiting Max." I sit on one of the little chairs and open my bag to pull out a burger.

"Why didn't she have clothes on?" Dario asks with a mouthful of French fries.

"She had clothes on, silly." I force a laugh.

“Grown up underwear,” Daniella says.

“Right.”

Dario makes a face. “You’re supposed to wear clothes over your underwear.”

“Yes, well…” What can I say to that?

“Is she Max’s girlfriend?” Dario asks.

“Mommy is Max’s girlfriend,” Daniella says.

“What?” God, did she see me with Max?

“You’re a girl and a friend.”

“Right. Of course.” Wanting to change the subject, I ask, “Tell me your favorite part of today.”

The kids launch into the fun they had at the park. All the while, I can’t stop wondering if Max has taken Whitley to his bed.