Page 53 of Ruthless Secrets
Is it worth risking our lives just for the sake of family?
“Why didn’t you make me pancakes?”
I jump at the sound of Marco’s voice. I glance over my shoulder and try not to balk at the sight of him in a fresh black shirt and slacks.
His face is freshly shaved, and his dark hair is neatly styled except for a few loose strands. It’s times like this when I realize why I ended up taking him back to my hotel room all those months ago.
But then Zoe starts to whine, and I remember my priorities. It doesn’t matter how attractive Marco is, I cannot afford to get involved with him. Not that there’s much chance of that happening after last night.
“I think it’s time for your morning nap, baby.” I get to my feet and cradle Zoe against my chest.
She buries her face in my blouse and starts to whimper.
I didn’t realize how long Lila and I have been chatting for, and I need to get Zoe up to bed, otherwise she’s going to be grumpy for the rest of the day.
Marco stares at us. “Can I put her down?”
“Uh…” I tighten my hold on Zoe as I look at Marco.
He’s watching my daughter with such awe in his eyes that I start to soften. How can I say no when he’s looking at Zoe like she’s his entire world?
“We can do it together,” I suggest.
Marco dips his chin, and I exhale at the fact he didn’t put up a fight.
I turn to Lila. “Thank you for a lovely breakfast.”
“You’re welcome. It was nice to have another adult to talk to for once.”
Marco huffs. “Hey! I talk to you.”
“My point exactly.”
I try to hold back my laughter out of politeness but when I catch sight of Marco’s expression, I laugh so loudly that Zoe starts to cry.
“Shh. I’m sorry, baby girl.”
Lila grimaces as Holly starts to cry too. “And we’re back to normal. Well, Holly and I will be in the playroom if you fancy hanging out with us later.”
“Definitely.” I follow Marco out of the kitchen.
We walk in silence as we head back upstairs to the guest room where I quickly change Zoe. When she’s all ready, I hand her over to Marco and go to sit on the bed so I can give them some space.
I’m not quite ready to leave him alone with her just yet. It’s been only the two of us from the start, and it’s going to take some time for me to get used to us being a three.
If that’s even what Marco wants.
From the way he’s gently singing to her in Italian, it seems he’s quite taken with the idea of fatherhood. His body language is completely relaxed, and Zoe doesn’t even whimper at the fact that I’m not the one holding her.
I should be offended, but all I can seem to focus on is how sexy he looks as he rocks our daughter to sleep.
What the….
That isnotthe sort of thought I should be having right now. I must just be hormonal or something because there’s no other explanation.
After everything that Marco has put me and Zoe through in the past twenty-four hours, the last thing I should be feeling toward him is attraction.
Marco gently lies Zoe down in the crib and turns to face me, and I have to cover my mouth to try and stifle my giggles at the sight of him.
