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“Same,” Vincenzo agreed, sounding bored. His gaze zeroed in on Paige. He looked more like Matteo than Rafael did, though he was shorter and stockier. “So. You’re Matty’s nanny, hmm?”
“Um, yes.” She nodded, clutching her hands together in her lap. Fear slithered down her spine and she told herself to grow the hell up. She could handle his questioning. “I’ve taken care of Matty for almost six months.”
“Taking care of my brother now as well, I hear.” Vincenzo’s brows rose, as if defying her to deny it.
Paige’s mouth dropped open. She didn’t know how to answer. Luckily enough, she didn’t have to.
“Shut the hell up,” Matteo growled. “Leave her alone.”
“What?” Vince shrugged. “You said basically the same thing when we talked about her earlier.”
They talked about her? What did they say? What did Matteo say? Her cheeks burned with embarrassment and she ducked her head, wishing she were anywhere else but here.
“You boys need to leave Paige alone, and I mean it,” Claudia chastised. It was almost amusing, how she called her three grown sons “boys”. “This is the first time we’re all together in months and you instantly start fighting, picking on this poor, innocent girl who does nothing but take good care of my grandson and your nephew. You should be ashamed of yourselves.”
“We’re sorry, but we’re worried about Matteo, Mama,” Rafe said. Paige glanced up, confused by the meaningful glance Rafe shot in her direction. “We discussed it earlier in the meeting, but I thought it best if I bring it up in front of you. We want Matteo to come home, to live in Italy, where he belongs. The business needs him here.”
Paige’s heart fell into her toes. She couldn’t imagine Matteo leaving her, though she’d been just as eager to escape him not even two weeks ago. But she wasn’t planning to now, was she? No. Now that they’d spent the last few romantic evenings together, she knew his heart—and his mind—was finally in the right place. He acted as if he really wanted her. And she didn’t want to leave him—or Matty—ever, if she could help it. In fact, she was now more convinced than ever to fight for what she wanted. And she wanted them both.
But if he remained here in Italy, she certainly couldn’t assume he’d bring her with him. Did she? That would be a major move. She had no real place here. She didn’t quite know what her place was with Matteo’s family.
Or his heart.
She might want to fight, but how much ammunition was really at her disposal? If he didn’t really care for her, nothing she did would ever hold weight with him or sway him in any way, shape or form.
“Well, I would love to have you back home again, but what do you want?” Claudia asked her eldest son.
Matteo’s smoldering gaze never strayed from Paige. “I’m not quite sure what I want.”
“You’d be most welcome here,” Claudia continued. “Though we cannot ignore how you’ve actually grown the business within the global market and made it bigger than ever. Your father would be so proud, Matteo.”
“It was the prudent thing to do, me relocating to New York.” He jerked his gaze away from Paige and she wanted to sigh with relief. All that intensity locked on her rendered her breathless. “And after this meeting today, I realize just how smart of a move it really was. Profits are up by a considerable margin.”
“I am not surprised.” Claudia smiled. “You’ve always been an innovator.”
The pride in Matteo’s mother’s voice was unmistakable. How Paige wished her parents were proud of her accomplishments, not that they were any match for Matteo’s, but still. She always felt as if she were a giant disappointment.
“I’m just not sure if I want to leave.” His gaze locked with hers again. “There are many things keeping me in New York.”
“Give me a break,” Vince muttered under his breath.
“Yay, Renzo has food!” Matty suddenly exclaimed, breaking the tension. Everyone laughed as Renzo swept in, delivered two platters filled with pasta.
“Dig in, dig in,” he encouraged as he exited the room. “I’m bringing plenty more.”
The table grew quiet, everyone eagerly digging in as they served themselves. The rich, fragrant scent of spices lingered in the air, making Paige ravenous and she filled her plate with a variety of dishes, excited to try them all. Her first bite was like a little piece of heaven and she hummed with pleasure, catching sight of Matteo watching her yet again, his direct gaze upon her dark and sexy.
