“He’s fast asleep,” Sloane confirms when she appears in the living room. “He could barely keep his eyes open while I was reading to him.”
I mute the TV and swivel on the couch so I’m looking at her. “It never takes him long to fall asleep,” I explain. “As soon as his head hits the pillow at night, he conks. I never get to read him more than a page or two of his book. We’ve been reading The Cosmic Diary of a Future Space Explorer for months, and we’re still only halfway through it.”
“It’s an interesting book, and he was fascinated, smiling in between yawns.” Sloane hovers in the doorway, running a hand through her golden-blonde hair.
“He’s determined to be an astronaut when he grows up.”
“He mentioned that.” She smiles. “He’s an amazing kid, sir. Uh, Cristian.”
“He’s definitely taken a liking to you.” I lift one shoulder. “Come sit. We have some things to discuss.”
I turn around, purposely not watching her walk across the room toward the couch. She’s only wearing leggings under an oversized sweater with slides on her feet, but she still looks utterly gorgeous. Living with her will really be a test of my self-control. I can’t remember the last time I was this strongly attracted to a woman. I’m already constantly reminding myself she’s Elio’s nanny and way too young for me.
Sloane sinks onto the couch a few feet away from me, smiling shyly. Tucking her hands between her knees, she gives me her undivided attention. There isn’t a scrap of makeup on her face, and she’s absolutely flawless. Almost too perfect to be real.
I clear my throat and cross my leg over my knee as I settle back into the couch. “While we have covered most things already, there are a few key items we need to talk about. You’ve signed an NDA, but it’s worth repeating that anything you are privy to during the course of your work for me is highly confidential and must never be discussed with anyone, ever, at any time.”
“I understand. My previous employer was a diplomat, and he had similar concerns. I would never breach confidentiality, and I understand the importance of signing an NDA. Contrary to what a lot of people assume, I know it’s a legally binding document and there are significant consequences if I break it. You don’t have to worry, Cristian.” Her big blue eyes remain fixed on mine as she speaks. I’d like to trust her fully, but that trust must be earned. For now, I need to be circumspect in how I word things.
“The business I run is a lucrative business that’s been in the DiPietro family for generations. Like all successful families, we have our fair share of competitors, enemies, and people who would like to take us down. Security is of the utmost concern, especially when it comes to my son. Two armed bodyguards will shadow you and Elio at all times, as I previously mentioned, but I’d also like to request you take a security detail with you anytime you go out during your free time. You could be targeted because of your association with me.”
Sloane nibbles on her lip, looking deep in thought.
“I can’t force you to have a personal bodyguard,” I add, “but it’s in your best interests. To keep you safe.”
“Am I in danger?” Her eyes widen.
“Not directly, but I won’t lie and say you aren’t in danger when it’s possible you could be. But my men will keep you safe, so you shouldn’t worry. My son is my world, and you’ll be way safer as his nanny than any ordinary person walking the streets of New York.”
“I don’t mind taking a bodyguard with me during my downtime. If it helps to put your mind at ease, then go for it.” She shrugs as if it’s no biggie. I wonder if she has heard anything on the street. There is little on the internet these days about any of our mafioso ties, thanks to Caltimore Holdings’ IT efforts.
Caltimore Holdings is the organization headed up by Bennett Mazzone. Mazzone was the first president in the newly reformed Commission, and he has almost single-handedly transformed La Cosa Nostra. Ben is a shrewd player, and he recognized years ago that investing in technology was the way forward. The tech we have at our disposal these days is next level, and it’s saved our asses more times than I can count. Part of the work the IT division does, on behalf of all mafia in the US, is removing all mention of our illegal activities from the internet. So, if Sloane has learned something, it’s come from word of mouth. That’s harder to control, but most people are fearful of crossing us and usually keep their mouths shut.
“Okay, good. I’ll introduce you to the three men tomorrow.” I swivel on the couch, angling my body in her direction. “You should know there are cameras in the penthouse.” Her brows climb to her hairline. “Don’t worry, there are none in the bedrooms or bathrooms, but all the main living spaces have audio and visual cameras.”
I had most of them installed just before the adoption went through, and Elio moved in with me. I didn’t trust any of the Da Rosas, and I wanted to watch Isa with Elio to ensure he wasn’t being harmed in any way. I also wanted the added security in case anyone should breach the sanctity of our home. Two birds, one stone.
Her eyes instantly lift to the ceiling and the tops of the walls. “You won’t find them. They’re the latest technology and almost invisible to the naked eye.”
“That’s kind of creepy, but I get it, and I’m sure I’ll adjust.”
“I take security very seriously. No one gets past the front desk downstairs without prior approval, and all visitors must sign in and produce identification. Armed guards man the reception area and building twenty-four-seven. You need a code to get into the elevator, and the code is changed weekly. Same with the code to the penthouse alarm. The penthouse has a comprehensive security system with an impenetrable panic room. I’ll show you where it is and how to access it tomorrow.”
“It sounds like I’m definitely in danger.” Her voice pitches a little higher, and she knots her hands on her lap.
“It’s precautionary. Surely, your previous boss had security measures in place?”
“He did, but it was nothing like this.”
“You have nothing to be scared about. Like I said, you’re safer working for me than anyone else, and I’ll keep you well protected.” I alluded to some of this during the interview and hiring process, but I hadn’t spelled it out because I couldn’t. Not until she’d signed on the dotted line and her confidentiality was assured.
Guilt prods at me because she currently looks like a deer trapped in headlights. She’s only twenty-one, and it’s a lot to take in, especially when she doesn’t know the half of it yet. Maybe I should’ve said nothing, but I don’t want her blind to the dangers either. “I’m mentioning this so you aren’t blindsided. You need to be very aware of your surroundings. Trust your instincts. If you think anything is off, tell your bodyguards immediately. Give me your cell, and I’ll plug my numbers into it.” I hold out my hand for her phone. “My secretary is aware you have unfettered access to me, no matter what. Call me anytime if you need me. Nothing is more important than Elio’s safety, and that provision now extends to you.”
Red spots appear on her cheeks. “I dropped my cell this morning, and I haven’t had the time to replace it.”
My hand lowers to my thigh. “I’ll organize a phone for you. Do you need anything else?”
“Do I have access to a tablet or a laptop while I’m here? It would be good to research excursions for Elio, and I’d like to sign up on a few arts and crafts apps to get ideas for things we can do together.”
“I’ll organize a device for you. Anything else?”
She shakes her head, sending waves of blonde hair cascading over her shoulders. “I can’t think of anything. Thanks, Cristian.”
“Give Mrs. Peake a list of foods you like and any toiletries you need. She’ll include it with the weekly grocery order. Isa has a list of meals she cooks on set days, and my housekeeper knows what to order, but if you want to change anything, just inform her in advance.”
Sloane slips off her slides and tucks her legs up onto the couch. “I don’t want to change anything at first. Routine and familiarity are important during the transition period, but gradually, I might like to introduce a few different things, if that’d be okay?”
“Of course. Nothing is set in stone, and Elio is adaptable.”
Her nose scrunches. “I don’t want to tread on Isotta’s toes. I’m guessing she’ll still be around a lot?”
“Isa has been amazing with Elio, and she was a lifesaver for me when I first adopted him, but she’s no longer Elio’s nanny. You are.”
“She’s still his aunt.”
“Yes, but as his aunt, she doesn’t get to dictate how he’s brought up. That is my job as his father. I don’t want you to feel like you can’t change things. Do whatever is in Elio’s best interests, and don’t worry about Isa. She’ll be a newlywed soon, and she’ll be busy with her own family. She takes Elio to spend time with his cousins on Saturdays, and that will continue, but I doubt we’ll see her more often than that.”
“Okay.” She smiles, but it seems a little uncertain.
Internally, I sigh. It’s not surprising Sloane has picked up on the animosity radiating from Isa because she’s as subtle as a tornado. Elio loves Isa, and I don’t want to deprive him of his aunt, but new boundaries will need to be established. I won’t have Isa undermining Sloane or sticking her nose in where it’s not wanted. The next few weeks should be fun.
“Talk to me if you encounter any issues, and I’ll smooth it over.” I slide my arm around the back of the couch.
“I will.” Untucking her feet, she slips them back into her slides. “Was there anything else?”
“Just one more thing. We’ll be moving out of the city in due course. I’m building a house in a small, quiet town a few hours away. The plan is to move there before Elio starts pre-K in September. You’ll have a self-contained apartment within the house, and I’ll supply you with a car. It’s a secure property close to a couple of my friends. You’ll meet them in due course. They have kids a little younger than Elio, and it’ll be good for him to grow up with playmates on his doorstep and his own yard to run around in. I trust this won’t be an issue?”
Again, I hadn’t mentioned this during the hiring process because I’m keeping this intel on the down-low for good reason. From her file, I know she doesn’t have any living relatives, but I don’t know if there is someone she’ll miss in the city.
“That won’t be an issue. It sounds nice and perfect for Elio.”
“You’ll have your weekends free, of course, and should you wish to come back to the city to see friends or your boyfriend, you can stay here.”
She opens her mouth but promptly snaps it shut again. Her tongue darts out, wetting her lips, before she clears her throat. “There, ugh, isn’t anyone serious, but I might want to return to the city some weekends.”
An uncomfortable feeling churns in the pit of my stomach at her insinuation. It shouldn’t matter if there is someone in her life, so why do I suddenly feel like some other kid has stolen my lunch money?
“Do you…” She chews on one corner of her mouth as her words trail off. “Is there a girlfriend I should expect to meet?”
“Not currently.”
“Oh, okay.” Her cheeks pinken before she averts her gaze, glancing at the floor.
A tense undercurrent charges the space between us.
“Do you have any other questions for me?” I ask, attempting to put things back on a professional footing.
“Not at this time.” She smothers a yawn as she stands. “If it’s okay with you, I’m going to grab a shower and an early night.”
“Of course. Your nights are your own after Elio is asleep unless I’m out late.” I try to get home for dinner every night, but occasionally, meetings run over, and there are some nights I meet friends or head to Club H to fuck a random stranger. It’s in her contract that she’s required to babysit on nights when I’m not home. I never abused it with Isa, and I won’t abuse it with her either.
“’Kay. Goodnight then, sir. I mean Cristian.” Her blue eyes spear mine, and I’m glad she’s focused on my face and not on the growing bulge in my pants. I swear, every time she calls me sir, it stirs my dick to life.
“Goodnight, Sloane. Sleep well.”
