Page 14 of Pregnant By the Mafia Boss

Like my father.

Sure, he’s the best I’ve ever had, but life isn’t just about sex. It’s about being rational. Being with him would be a recipe for disaster.

I feel a sudden wave of nausea and sink to my knees, throwing up very little, which is not surprising given that we didn’t eat last night.

It takes a while to pass, but eventually, I get to my feet, thinking no more of it. I walk out, grab the phone and call Caroline.

“Morning, boss,” she says when she answers, yawning loudly. “Problem?”

“Can you get in early today?”

“No can do. I’d love to, but the kids are off sick. I’m stuck home with them.”

“What about Jonathan? Is he free?”

“He’s on that fishing trip.”

“Shit.”

“What’s up? You sound stressed.”

“I just need someone to cover for me for a couple of days. Got something important I need to do.”

“When Terry gets off work, I can go in.”

“What time would that be?”

“About six.”

“Dammit.”

“Look, he’s off for the next few days, so I can take as many of your shifts as you like. I just can’t do it today. They’re both throwing up all over the place.”

“Join the club. All right, thanks, Caroline. That’s going to be a big help. I’ll do my best to keep you updated.”

I hear a child calling her in the background.

“Got to go,” she says. “Hope you get it sorted, whatever it is.”

“Thanks.”

I hang up and turn to face Salvatore as he’s heading for the bathroom. “I need to go back to work.”

He shakes his head. “Do you have a death wish?”

“The animals need letting out. I can’t leave them locked up all day. It’d be cruel.”

“Nope. Not happening. They’ll survive. You might not.”

“We’re talking about innocent dogs and cats here.”

“AndI’mtalking aboutyounot getting killed. It’s not happening, so get used to the idea. Now, I’m gonna take a leak, and then we’re leaving.”

A moment later, he’s in the bathroom, the door closed.

I make an instant decision and grab his keys, sneaking out quietly before sprinting down the steps toward his car.

I’m climbing into it when I hear him yelling. I start the engine, giving him the finger as I race past and out onto the road.

---