Page 56 of Flawed

I softly state, "He'll never forgive me."

Massimo grunts. "He won't be too happy at first. But you know what? I've known your dad for a long time. One thing I can tell you is he's going to love this baby no matter what."

"How do you know that?"

Arrogance washes over his features then he grins. "Because I know everything."

I roll my eyes.

Massimo's face falls. His voice turns more serious. "It's his flesh and blood. He'll love your baby."

I ponder his words, hoping they're right.

"But who's the father? Why are you hiding this from him?" Massimo interrogates.

More shame crashes through me. I think about all the ways to answer that without telling the full truth, and I finally decide on, "He's not a good enough person to be in her life."

Massimo's eyes turn to slits. "Is there something I need to know about this guy?"

I slowly shake my head. "No, I took care of him."

Massimo's eyes widen. "You took care of him? How'd you do that?"

I take a few deep breaths. "I told him not to come see me anymore. And he agreed that he would stop."

Massimo's face darkens. "He's come to your place when you told him not to?"

"Yes," I admit.

Anger swirls across his dark features. He presses his fingers together. "Are you sure he doesn't know about the baby?"

"Yes."

Silence fills the air.

"Chanel."

"Hmm?"

He studies me. "Are you sure you don't want the father involved?"

The debate I always have resurfaces. Yet I know what I have to do. So I straighten my shoulders, declaring, "Yes, I'm positive."

Massimo keeps staring at me.

"I am," I insist.

He nods. "Then I trust you know what's best. But I'm worried if he's coming to see you. Do you need me to take care of him?"

My lips twitch. I shouldn't be surprised I can count on Massimo to act like an older brother if needed. And I'm sure he'd beat the hell out of Luca to protect me. Then again, he might fire me and never talk to me again if he knows I'm carrying an Abruzzo baby.

"No, you don't need to do anything. But thanks for the offer."

"What if he doesn't keep his promise to stay away?" Massimo questions.

I blurt out, "I just need to sort out my situation."

"Meaning?"

---