Page 57 of The Mafia’s Fiancee

Perhaps I felt dizzy and lightheaded because I nearly suffocated.

But as I waited for my stomach to settle and my breaths to even out, I realized this wasn’t the first instance of telling myself that I’d feel better in another moment. I’d been giving myself mini versions of that pep talk lately. If I stood too fast. After I toughed out a dirty spot of cleaning at the Rossini residence and used too much of the disinfectant spray. When I sat up from bed in the morning...

This was far from the first time that I felt like I had to puke.

It might have been a reaction to killing someone. Or almost dying.

But maybe... I cringed. Maybe it’s because I’ve missed my period. I was past due for my shot, but I didn’t realize I could be this fertile with a delay in my shot.

“Honey?” Nina frowned at me. “Are you okay?”

I shook my head.

“Don’t feel guilty about killing that man.” She sighed. “I’m not one to talk, but there was no other option.”

I nodded, staring absently at the road. Now that the idea had gotten into my head, I couldn’t shake it off.

I wasn’t okay because I worried I might be pregnant.

That now—of all times—I could be carrying her son’s baby.

“That man was evil. They all are. Kidnapping me. Threatening you...” She huffed out an angry breath. “This was why I wanted to hide Luke. You know who he is, don’t you? You must. He found out that he’s Rossini’s son. He asked me why I lied about who his father was.”

I narrowed my eyes, distracted a bit. “Did you ever tell him that someone else was his dad?”

“No. I mean lying by omission. He’s told you, right?”

“Yes. I’m aware that Luke is Marlo Rossini’s son.”

“And to find out you’re a Giordino girl!” She slapped her hand to her thigh. It was just a tap, but to her, it must have felt like a hard slap done out of frustration. “You have to know so much more about that world than he does. How these twisted mafia families reign.”

Oh, I knew. I was living the life in the thick of all the possible drama that could fall on my shoulders.

Before, I would have to face it all alone. No more. I could count on Luke to help me navigate it. Or I could help him figure it out with his pending new role.

I swallowed hard, determined to reunite with Luke right this minute and let myself relax with his comforting presence.