Page 51 of The Don's Secret Heir

I nod. “Yeah. Definitely, but there’s something about the train wreck that I feel oddly comforted by.”

“You used to be in love with him. It’s hard to just switch that off.”

I sigh in relief. “Thank you for understanding.”

She side eyes me. “Just because I understand doesn’t mean I agree with what you’re doing, Liana. You know you and Sonny could come stay with me?—”

“I don’t want to put you out like that,” I say firmly. “Now, what are you going to get at the diner?”

She huffs, knowing I’m changing the subject.

But I can’t help it. I don’t want her to go into her savings to help us when Dario has offered in exchange for a quickie marriage and a tax break.

Besides, I have to stay close so that I can get some proof of what he did to my father.

I order myself a mimosa and some sausage gravy and biscuits when we arrive at the diner. It’s still early, so they’re serving breakfast and brunch.

Beth orders a pot roast sandwich from their brunch menu and a white wine spritzer.

I have to admit, it’s nice to be able to go out and eat. I’m hopeless in the kitchen. We always had cooks and I was spoiled.

I wonder where Dario learned to cook. Surely, he grew up with the same amenities as me.

I blink, looking down at my food. I havegotto stop thinking about Dario.

“How was it?” Beth asks, and my eyes shoot to hers.

“How was what?”

She groans. “The sex, you ditz. I mean, was it as good as it was before?”

“Better,” I mumble. It really was, especially when I pulled a knife on him—but I can’ t tell Beth that part. Even though she hates him, she’s loyal to her family.

“Abscence makes the heart grow fonder?”

“My heart doesn’t have anything to do with it.”

I hate that it sounds like a lie even to my own ears.

“And what about Sonny? Aren’t you worried that Dario will put it together?”

I swallow hard. I worry about it every day.

“I try to keep them apart. He hired me a nanny.”

“Of course he did. He wants you back, Liana.”

I gape at her. “Don’t be ridiculous. This is all so he can fuck me and get a tax break. It has nothing to do with him wanting to get back together for real.”

She raises an eyebrow. “Doesn’t it? If that’s the case, why can’t you see anyone else?”

I tilt my chin up. “He’s just... territorial. It doesn’t mean anything.”

“If you say so.”

“Is there something you know that I don’t know?”

Beth shrugs. “Just that Dario never was the jealous type before you.”