Page 53 of The Don's Secret Heir

“One more time, Mama, please,” Sonny pleads, sounding like he’s near tears, and I rub a hand across my face.

“Fine. One more time. And be careful with him, will you?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he drawls, and I roll my eyes but my cheeks heat up.

I cross my arms over my chest and watch Sonny climb out of the pool, running to Dario. Dario grins when he hefts him up, chucking him almost to the deep end.

My breath catches but Sonny comes up in just a moment, yelling and laughing.

By the time I get Sonny and my bags back into his room, Sonny’s falling asleep in my arms. I get him into a quick shower and lie him down on the bed.

“I like it here, Mama,” Sonny says as I kiss his forehead.

“I’m glad,” I mumble, not sure what else to say, and he closes his eyes.

God, he’s getting attached to this place. Maybe to Dario.

I have to get out as soon as I can.

14

DARIO

I can’t help being confused by Liana’s behavior. She acts like she hates me, but in bed, it’s like all she wants is my hands all over her.

But then again, she’s been avoiding me ever since we hooked up. Ever since she tried to kill me with a pocketknife.

I know she hates me, but does she really want me dead?

I knock softly on her bedroom door and she barks for me to come in.

She’s sitting on the edge of the bed, shaking out her dark curls, wearing nothing more than a little lace nightie. I draw in a sharp breath, trying not to let my eyes wander.

“What do you want?”

“Good morning to you, too,belissima,” I drawl, and she huffs and rolls her eyes.

“You don’t normally come in here to tell me good morning, so you want something.”

“Need is a better word, Li. You’re my wife now, and part of that benefit is that you come with me to events.”

She scoffs. “You could find any woman to do that.”

“Not any woman who would fight of all my aunts begging me to settle down. They’ll think it’s finally happened, ask you about us having babies. You’re to say we’re trying.”

“You want me to lie to your family?”

“Yes. Is that a problem?”

She stares at me, mouth agape for a moment before shaking her head. “Alright. I guess it’s part of the gig.”

“I’m so glad you agree. I’ll have a seamstress come for your measurements.”

“My measurements? I have evening gowns.”

“Not one splendid enough. I want to show you off.”

“You’re saying what? I’m... arm candy?”