Mafia Queen

Chapter Fifty Six

Luca

I couldn't help but smile as I stared down at Charlotte, still sound asleep in bed. The corner of her lips were turned up in a small smile as she dreamt, and was so adorable that I almost didn't even want to disturb her. I had to get to the warehouse, though, and she hated when I didn't wake her up to say goodbye. I had been home for a month and had had a lot of time to think about things.

Today was the culmination of that and I couldn't be late. I knew Charlotte would be completely shocked when I told her, and I couldn't wait to see her face. I was taking her to see Phantom of the Opera tonight and then would break the news. I was already writhing with excitement.

Everything about the last month had been like a dream. My nightmares vanished completely, and Charlotte's were slowly getting better. The kids were adjusting well and getting back into the swing of things, aside from Layla having a little trouble sleeping at night. More often than not, she would either sleep with us or come in the middle of the night. It was taking her a little longer to adjust to everything and, even though I wanted my bed back, I knew Layla just needed to know we weren't going anywhere.

Angelo asked Julia to marry him a few weeks ago, and they were both over the moon. That meant we were losing her as our nanny, but thankfully, not losing her entirely. She would just be Aunt Julia now, instead of Nanny Julia. Marco and Hailey were working things out, and were so perfect together that I couldn't believe I didn't see it sooner. Marco was a fucking wreck thinking about becoming a father, and it was honestly so fun to watch. He was reading nearly every book in print about parenthood and pregnancy and literally anything he could get his hands on. Angelo and I teased him instantly about it because it was really futile. He was a magician with my kids, and I knew he would be the same with his own.

I waved the cup of coffee I was holding under Charlotte's nose, letting her inhale the scent with each breath. It was only a few seconds before she woke up—coffee was certainly her love language.

"Is that for me?" She asked, smiling without opening her eyes.

"Of course it is." I chuckled, setting the steaming cup on the bedside table next to her. "I have to get going, but I wanted to say goodbye. Go back to sleep if you can."

"Where are you going?" She frowned, sitting up in our bed.

"I have to go to the warehouse. Don't worry, I'll be home in time to pick you up for our date."

She reached out, fumbling with the top button on my shirt. "Are you sure you have to go in today?" Her lips curled into a seductive smile.

"Don't tease me like that." I fixed the button. I had a mission today, and if everything went according to plan, she would be ecstatic by the end of it. Not even her temptation could keep me from what I had to do, although she was sure making it difficult. "I've hardly worked since I've been home. Aren't you sick of me yet?"

"Never." She tried to untuck my shirt, doing everything she could to get me to stay home.

"Well," I stood up, moving out of her reach and text my shirt. If I didn't get out of here soon, it wouldn't take much more convincing. I stood up, moving out of her reach and fixed my shirt. If I didn't get out of here soon, I wouldn't be able to resist her. "You're just going to have to wait." I bent down and gave her a quick kiss. "I'll pick you up at 7PM, I'm having a dress sent over."

"You don't need to do that." She insisted.

I grinned, rolling my eyes slightly. "Are you ever going to realize that I enjoy spoiling you? Besides, tonight's a big night."

She scrunched her nose up. "Why is it a big night? We've seen this play five times."

I shrugged, knowing she had no clue what I had in store for her. It would make the surprise that much sweeter. "You're right, it's not that big of a deal. Be ready at seven."