Page 142 of Auctioned to the Mafia Don
A baby.
Stefano’s baby.
The thought is so enormous because it changes everything: what I owe this baby, what I owe the twins, and what I am willing torisk to keep them all safe. It isn't merely a baby. It is Stefano’s child, and the size of that truth makes my hands go numb.
A knock sounds at the door.
“Maya?” Erin’s voice comes through the wood. “Are you okay?”
I wipe my face quickly. “Yeah.”
“You sound weird.”
“I am fine.”
The silence outside the door lasts two seconds.
Then Heath says, “She is lying.”
“Thank you, Heath.”
“You’re welcome.”
I almost smile.
Almost.
I unlock the door before they can decide to break it down. Erin stands there with Mr. Buttons clutched beneath one arm. Heath is behind her, watching me with the same cautious focus he givesany adult who says they are okay too quickly. Alex hangs back near the hall, his expression careful.
“You look sick,” Erin says.
“I am not sick.”
“Then why are you crying?”
My hand goes to my cheek. Damp.
Damn it.
“I was thinking,” I say.
“That makes you cry?”
“Sometimes.”
She steps into the bathroom and wraps both arms around my waist without asking. I freeze for half a second, then hold her back. Heath stays near the doorway, pretending he does not want to come closer.
I look at him over Erin’s head.
“You okay?” he asks.
The question is awkward in his mouth. Earnest enough to hurt.
“No,” I say.
His eyes widen slightly.
I force myself to keep going. “But I will be.”
