Page 47 of Ruined By Protection
"Thanks for the taste test, Ettore," I call over my shoulder, already heading for the door. "Best cappellacci I've ever had."
I feel Hazel's eyes on my back as I walk away but I don't look back. Whatever game she's playing, I'll figure it out. Just not now. Not when seeing her smile at a text from some other man makes me want to put my fist through a wall.
As I push through the kitchen door I hear Lucrezia's voice behind me.
"Don't mind him. He's always like that."
I don't wait to hear Hazel's response.
CHAPTER 14
Hazel
Iwatch Lucrezia tap away on her phone as we walk down a long hallway I haven't explored yet. The Feretti mansion is like a maze—I've only seen a fraction of it since arriving yesterday.
"Evelyn had to run off with Noah for something," Lucrezia says, sliding her phone into her pocket. "So you're stuck with me for a bit."
"I don't mind." My fingers move instinctively to my ribs and I wince slightly.
"I want to show you something that might cheer you up," Lucrezia says, her face brightening. "We're heading to the nursery."
"Nursery?" I hadn't realized there were children in the house.
Lucrezia's lips curve into a smile. "Yes, to see Zoe and little Sofia. Did you know Zoe is pregnant?"
I blink in surprise. "I had no idea. When I met her at dinner last night, I couldn't tell."
"She's about three months along now," Lucrezia says with a laugh. "She's barely showing yet. Sofia is only four months old, so they'll be close in age."
We turn down another corridor and Lucrezia lowers her voice conspiratorially. "At this rate they're going to fill this whole house with little Damiano and Zoe babies. My brother acts all tough but you should see him with Sofia. Complete puddle."
The thought of the intimidating Damiano Feretti melting over a baby makes me smile.
"It's nice," I say quietly. "Seeing a family who actually love each other."
Lucrezia's expression softens and she squeezes my arm gently. "Hey, you're family now too. Evelyn's family is our family."
I don't know what to say to that. Family hasn't meant safety for me in a long time. My parents tried their best but they were always struggling. And Elliott... well, he was never family. He was a prison I built for myself.
We stop outside a door painted a soft cream color. I can hear a gentle melody playing inside—a lullaby.
"Ready to meet the littlest Feretti?" Lucrezia asks, her hand on the doorknob.
I follow Lucrezia into the nursery and my breath catches. The room is bathed in soft natural light from tall windows, with pale yellow walls and delicate cloud patterns painted across the ceiling. A beautiful wooden crib sits in the center and Zoe stands beside it, gently rocking a tiny bundle.
"Look who I brought to meet Sofia," Lucrezia announces softly.
Zoe turns, her face lighting up when she sees us. "Hazel, come in."
I step forward hesitantly, drawn by curiosity. I've never really been around babies—none of my friends have children and Iavoided the topic with Elliott after his demands became more aggressive.
"Would you like to see her?" Zoe asks, noticing my interest.
I nod, moving closer. Zoe shifts the bundle in her arms and I get my first glimpse of Sofia Feretti.
"She's so... tiny," I whisper, unable to restrain my awe.
The baby really is impossibly small, with delicate features that somehow hint at both Damiano and Zoe. Her eyelashes rest against chubby cheeks and one tiny hand has escaped her blanket, fingers curled into a perfect miniature fist.
