Page 67 of Mafia and Gold Digger

“Hey! No running!” I call out, knowing that my words are going in one ear and out the other. With a shake of my head, I let my gaze move around the entire place again, taking in the light wood paneling that line the walls, and I make my way into the other rooms. Standing in a dining room, I admire the big windows, the modern looking light fixture above my head, and the polished hardwood floors. It’s modern and yet elegant and traditional. And so very Saint.

“You coming on the tour?” Through the open doorway, I can just about see Saint as he leans his forearms against the railing, looking down at me with that smirk of his.

“Uh, yeah, I guess.”

I climb the staircase slowly, still looking around myself, and when I get to the landing, Saint falls into step beside me, the warmth of his hand heating my lower back. “I figured you guys would want to be near each other. Emerald and I are on the other side. This floor is mainly bedrooms, so if you don’t want the ones I’ve picked out, you can pick out another.”

“Which is mine?” Milena asks in an eager tone.

“Yours is the last on the left, Giulietta’s is the one right before that, and Jaspar’s is the last on the right.”

They all take off toward their rooms, leaving me and Saint in the hallway.

“This is a lot,” I murmur.

“Is it? It’s just a house.” He shrugs.

“A house with how many bedrooms and bathrooms exactly?”

“Not sure. But enough that they can each have their own.”

“It’s gigantic!” Milena’s voice calls in a squeal, and I take a peek at it.

“I had them decorated and furnished for you,” Saint adds. “I didn’t have much time, but money makes things happen fast. If you want to do anything else to the rooms, just let me know, and I’ll arrange it.”

She squeals again, lifting her phone to take pictures. “You’re the best!”

“What’s this door?” Giulietta pipes up.

“That’s the bathroom,” Saint answers as we fill the doorway of Giulietta’s room.

“Look, Em!” Giulietta tugs at my hand, bringing me into the room more. “A real play table! And a tea set!”

Sure enough, there’s a pink table with a lacy tablecloth, plus four matching chairs. I can’t help myself from flashing a radiant smile at Saint. “That was nice of you.”

“It was the least I could do for them—for all of you...”

“This is a room fit for a princess,” I say, suddenly feeling a little uncomfortable at the undertone in his voice. I just don’t get this man.

“Thanks for all this!” Milena trills as she joins us. Giulietta nods before rushing at us to hug Saint’s leg. “Thanks Mr. Saint!”

“Just Saint, kiddo.” He pats her head. “I’m glad you like it.”

“You trying to get two Fiorelli girls smitten with you?” I ask in a dry tone.

“Three.”

“Three?”

“Yeah, you as well.” His voice brushes my ear, and I shiver.

Remember, Em, this is all just fake…

“How about you, Jaspar? Let’s see your room?” I say. I push open the door and see a room which is a six-year-old kid’s dream. Especially one who likes puzzles and dinosaurs as much as Jaspar does. I can tell he’s still a little suspicious of Saint after the Lucky Charms incident, and he’s trying not to be excited, but the way his little body is vibrating tells me that he is.

“I hope it’s okay,” Saint tells him. “I know you like this stuff, so I had the decorators do something special.” They even got him a giant stuffed dinosaur which I know he’s going to love. “Settle in, and we’ll come get you in a bit.”

“What? What are we doing?” I ask Saint.

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