Page 1 of Raphael
Chapter 1 - Raphael
I hate interviews.
But not when I'm the one doing them, when I'm asking the questions, deciding who lives and who dies, or in this case, who gets to watch my son. Then I'm in control. Then I can read every micro-expression, catch every lie.
But this situation has me on edge. I'm desperate, which means I'm vulnerable, and I fucking hate being vulnerable.
"Daddy, when is the new lady coming?" Marco's little voice pipes up from the living room where he's surrounded by Legos. His dark curls fall across his forehead as he concentrates on building some complicated structure.
"Soon, buddy." I check my Rolex. Two minutes until the agency's candidate is supposed to arrive. "Remember what we talked about?"
Marco sighs dramatically, the way only a five-year-old can. "No talking about your work. No telling her about Uncle Dante or Uncle Franco. And no saying bad words like f—"
"Exactly." I cut him off with a smile. "You're the smartest kid in the world, you know that?"
His chest puffs up with pride, and for the millionth time since he was born, I feel that fierce, overwhelming protectiveness surge through me. I'd burn the world down for this kid. Already have, in some ways.
The doorbell rings, and Marco jumps up, but I motion for him to stay put. I move to the security panel by the door first, checking the camera feed.
The woman standing on my doorstep is not what I expected.
When the agency said they had someone perfect for my "unusual situation", code for someone who wouldn't freak out about my late hours and occasional bloodstained clothes, I pictured someone older. Sturdier. Not this girl who looks barely old enough to drink, shifting nervously from foot to foot.
She's small, probably a foot shorter than my 6'6" frame, with curves that her modest dress can't hide. Her hair is cut short, framing a heart-shaped face, and even through the security feed, I can see unusual amber-colored eyes darting around nervously.
"Fuck," I mutter under my breath, then catch myself. I need to stop swearing before Marco picks up even more colorful language from me.
I open the door, and those amber eyes widen as she takes me in. I'm used to this reaction. My size tends to be intimidating even when I'm trying not to be. Today I'm in simple dark jeans and a black henley with the sleeves pushed up, showing the tattoos that snake up my forearms. Professional enough for a parent but not hiding who I am either.
"Mr. Conti?" Her voice is surprisingly steady despite her obvious nervousness.
"Call me Raphael." I extend my hand, engulfing her much smaller one. "You must be Annie."
"Yes, Annie Harper." Her handshake is firm despite her size. Points for that. "Thank you for considering me. The agency said you needed someone urgently."
I step back, gesturing for her to enter. "My last nanny quit without notice." No need to mention that she quit after seeing me stumble home at 3 AM with blood on my shirt that wasn't mine. "I have unusual hours, and I need someone who's flexible."
She nods, stepping into my foyer. I watch her take in my home—the high ceilings, the sleek modern furniture mixed with child-friendly elements, the security system that's a bit more extensive than what you'd find in typical suburban homes.
"It's a beautiful home," she says, but her eyes linger on the security panel longer than necessary. Smart girl.
"Daddy, can I come say hi now?" Marco calls out, still obediently waiting where I left him.
"Come on over, buddy."
Marco races around the corner, skidding to a stop in his sock feet. His eyes light up when he sees Annie, and I can't blame him. She's stunning.
"Are you going to be my new nanny?" Marco asks bluntly.
Annie crouches down to his level, another point in her favor, and smiles. "Well, that depends on if your dad thinks I'm the right person for the job. But I hope so. I'm Annie."
"I'm Marco. I'm five and a half." He holds up his hand with fingers splayed to emphasize. "Do you know how to make dinosaur-shaped pancakes? Mrs. Petrov did, but she left."
"I can't say I've made dinosaur pancakes before, but I'm a quick learner. Maybe you could teach me your favorite shape?"
Marco beams at her, and just like that, he's charmed. Not surprising. What is surprising is the way something tightens in my chest watching them. I clear my throat.
"Marco, why don't you show Annie your Lego creation while I grab her resume from my office? Then we can all talk."
