Page 15 of Reckless Games

I gave him a single nod, contemplating the situation as the door creaked open. A bundle of joy bound into the room, her energy contagious as she bounced across the floor and around the desk. "Daddy!" the little girl squealed, her small legs propelling her into Leonardo's lap with an infectious delight.

"Sophia, didn't you go to bed?" Leonardo's demeanor shifted to a playful yet firm parent.

"No, Uncle Mario didn't get me ice cream even though I cleaned my room," she complained, her face forming a pout.

At that moment, Mario, a trusted member of Leonardo's gang, rushed in, his breath coming in heavy from chasing the energetic child. His wide-eyed gaze landed on Sophia, who glared back at him defiantly. "Sophia, what are you doing?" Mario's voice was filled with concern, but Sophia's displeased expression told him he had no choice.

"I want ice cream," she insisted, crossing her arms and pouting in a manner only a child could master.

"Just get her some ice cream, Mario. But not too much." Leonardo sighed, his tone a blend of resignation and amusement.

Sophia's face lit up with joy as she bounced off Leonardo's lap and ran out of the office. As she left, I turned my attention back to Leonardo. "So," I smirked knowingly, "ever thought of getting yourself intotroublefor her?"

Leonardo chuckled heartily, shaking his head. "Trust me, I would if I had the opportunity."

His response carried a mix of sincerity and fondness, his gaze following Sophia's retreating figure. It was clear she was his world, and while he navigated a dangerous world himself, he drew the line at exposing her to it. The brief interaction with Sophia brought out a softer side of him, a side that few ever got to witness.

***

Chapter 7

Angela

“I guess you are right, but do you really have to move?” Emily's voice held a hint of disappointment as she continued her wishful thinking. “Did Lorenzo say anything about you needing to find a new place? I mean, I'd do anything to keep living in a mansion like his. Even if it means I have to mop the floors myself.” She sighed, clearly enjoying the thought of the lavish lifestyle that came with living in such a grand estate.

“It is what it is, Emily,” I replied, still scrolling through house rental listings on my phone. “I can’t live here forever.” And I have to get back to work starting next week. I had taken off for a few days to recover from the not-so-little house-shocker. But I had to get back on track.

“Yeah, what a pity,” she lamented, taking a bite of the chocolate cake we had baked earlier. “But one can hope. By the way—” She turned to face me, capturing my attention. “Can’t you just move in with me?”

It was a generous offer from Emily, and I appreciated it, but I knew her apartment was small, barely accommodating her own belongings. Adding another person to the space would be impractical.

“Yeah, and kick out the rest of your stuff to fit in mine. No thanks. Regardless, thank you for offer. It's the thought that counts.”

“Come-on, I'm pretty sure we could share the bed,” she retorted, playfully slapping my arm.

“And have you fallen on the floor in the middle of the night? Now that would be a sight to witness. You cramping up and then being all bitchy in the morning because of your crappy nights,” I shook my head.

Before Emily could respond, Lorenzo entered the living room, Giovanni trailing behind him. Lorenzo's usual composed demeanor seemed more intense, his face tight and focused.

“Welcome back,” I greeted, trying to break the awkward silence. His presence made my throat dry. Disheveled hair, strong arms visible under the rolled-up sleeves of his crisp white shirt, and the loosened jacket hanging in one hand all painted a picture of a man who had been extremely busy. Regardless, he was walking perfection.

His gaze softened as it met mine, but perhaps it was just my imagination. Lorenzo stopped in front of us, assessing both me and Emily before addressing her directly. “Gio will take you home,” he stated firmly, leaving no room for negotiation. Clearly, it was an indirect way of saying that our time was up.

Emily glanced between us, her expression showing that she would rather not debate with the man who stood tall at six feet and three inches. Not that I see it, I might look tiny next to him for just being six inches over five feet. “Loved catching up. See you soon,” she whispered, hugging me briefly.

I nodded, giving her a reassuring smile before watching Giovanni lead her out of the room. The atmosphere immediately shifted, becoming even more charged and intense. Lorenzo seemed exhausted, maybe from a long day at work, and I could sense the weight of whatever was on his mine.

He settled down beside me on the couch, positioning himself closer than necessary. His thigh brushed against mine, sending a current through me. He leaned back against the couchand let out a deep, weary sigh, closing his eyes and spreading his arms across the backrest. His arm brushed against my back, making me feel cocooned in his presence.

I wanted to ask him what had made him so tired and exhausted, but I was wary of possibly angering him. Still, it felt like a safe enough question to check on his well-being.

“Um…” I murmured hesitantly. Lorenzo's eyes snapped open, focusing intently on me.

“What is it, angel?” he asked softly, surprising me with the tenderness in his voice.

“Are you okay?”

His gaze locked with mine, a hint of warmth and intrigue in his eyes. “I am now,” he replied.

---