Page 30 of Hidden Heir, Italian Wife

CHAPTER SEVEN

The ring wason the inventory list for the box at the bank, Romeo reported, but he returned with photos of Eve to show Sofia how much she resembled her aunt. Nostalgic tales ensued.

By the time Bree saw an opportunity to rise and leave without making a scene, they were being called in to dinner.

Of all the times for Sofia to be on her best behavior! Everyone had the gall to be nice to her, too. Nico brought her books to sit on since they didn’t have a booster seat, acting like a doting uncle despite the remark he’d made to Jax.

You have no choice but to acknowledge your child and marry her mother. Then you’ll take them to Italy? Good.

Get them out of our sight, he meant. It was her childhood all over again.

“What of your family, Bree?” Ginny asked her. “Are they here in New York?”

As if this test couldn’t get any more grueling.

“My mother is here, yes. My father is in DC. He’s a heart surgeon.” It was a pathetically predictable way to earn a murmur of admiration, as though she had anything to do with his ability to save lives. As though he cared aboutherlife one way or another.

When Sofia yawned as coffee was being offered, Bree leaped on the excuse of an approaching bedtime. She’d had the forethought to bring a toothbrush and pajamas so she could change her before they left, anticipating she would fall asleep on the way home.

She emerged from the powder room to see Jax accept an overnight bag from the butler, saying to Nico, “We’re staying in the suite at the Signature.”

“I booked the Donatellis into that,” Nico said with a scowl. “Haven’t you done enough? You have to evict our bankers and get them on our bad side?”

“I texted him. He said they were visiting family while they were in town and didn’t need it anyway.”

Bree was on her last nerve, but she waited until they were in the elevator before she said, “This has already been a big day for Sofia. She’ll sleep better in her own bed.”

Jax gave her a flinty look, but he directed the driver to her apartment. When they arrived, he carried the sleeping Sofia from the car. As he tucked her into her bed, Bree had the fleeting thought that he had proved himself to be a more doting, affectionate father inside of twelve hours than her own had been in her entire lifetime.

But she kept hearing Nico’s voice.You have no choice…

She snuggled Sofia’s favorite stuffie under the blanket with her, kissed her cheek, then drew the door closed as she came out.

Jax was in the middle of her living room, overcoat gone, imposing presence taking up all the space. He had changed before dinner into brown wool trousers and a knitted pullover with a shawl collar. She didn’t know how he made everything he wore look like a photo shoot from a fashion magazine, but he did.

“You didn’t have to bring us home. Now you’ll have to backtrack to the hotel.”

He snorted. “Subtle.”

“What did you expect? An invitation to stay over? It’s been a long day.” She was emotionally and physically exhausted, but also keyed up. “I don’t want to go to this party, Jax. I don’t want to shop with your mother and I don’t want to wear a family heirloom! Did you see how they looked at me when you brought up marriage?No.”

She absolutely would not subject herself to being unwanted again.

“See?” He ran his hand down his jaw as he stretched it out. “We have things to talk about. The party is unavoidable.” He dropped his arm to his side. “I can’t go alone, then reveal I have a daughter. The first question would beWhen did you learn about her?That would bring far more attention—negative attention—than announcing it amidst the party news. If you’re worried about the cost of the gown, don’t. It’s covered.” He waved his hand to dismiss such trifling things.

She hated that he made a good point about burying the revelation in the excitement of the party. Eventually, the world would know he was Sofia’s father. Her coworkers weren’t blind. She had already received a few texts asking why she hadn’t come back to work this afternoon. They knew something was up. Bree dreaded having to make explanations, but if the truth was announced formally, it would save her from stumbling through it.

“Fine,” she huffed, pacing into the living room. “I’ll go. And I’ll wear whatever your mother picks out for me.” The better to win her approval and blend in. “But I’m not wearing your grandmother’s ring. Why would you even suggest that?” She spun back to face him.

“Because Nonna gave it to me for my bride.”

“Then you should keep it for her, shouldn’t you?” she said tartly.

“Our marrying is also unavoidable,” he said in that same dispassionate tone. “And best accomplished as quickly as possible. Sunday afternoon, before we leave for Italy.”

The floor disintegrated beneath her feet again. She kept flailing, thinking she had hold of a branch only for it to snap and plummet her deeper into a dark chasm.

“Your mother hates me.” She leaned into that statement, crossing her arms defensively. “In case you didn’t notice. So does your brother.”

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