by Nikki Ash
If Nico was surprised by my words, he didn't show it.
“My stalker is back. He killed...he killed my cousin. He's been leaving stuff on my doorstep and I'm worried he'll kill my daughter. Our daughter. I'm so fucking scared, Nico. I haven't slept in weeks. I'm sick with worry, with grief.” I stood up, still holding Viviana. “I know you don't trust me. I know I hid her from you. I am so sorry. I don't care what you do to me. You want to get rid of a witness? Fine. I just need to make sure Viviana is safe from that monster.”
Nico watched with apprehension as I marched over to him and put Viviana in his lap. His spine was rigid with tension and he looked like he was worried she'd drool on his suit. “Look at her, Nico. She's yours. Look at her eyes. Her hair. Look at the shape of her nose and chin. I wouldn't lie to you.”
Obeying my command, Nico stared at our daughter with softer eyes, taking in every inch of her expression. I stood and watched, forcing the warm feeling in my chest to go away. I wasn't disillusioned. Nico wouldn't be the father I wanted for our child, but he could be her hero, just like he was mine once upon a time.
“Where are you staying?” he finally asked, neither confirming nor denying my claim.
“We just drove here from LA. I was going to get a hotel—”
“You'll stay at my home.”
I nearly collapsed from relief. “Thank you, Nico.”
“When was the last time either of you ate? What does she even eat? How old is she?”
“Eighteen months,” I choked out. “I have baby food, but she ate earlier. Honestly, she just needs a quiet place to sleep.”
At my words, Viviana yawned and leaned on Nico's shoulder. She looked completely at ease, relaxed at Nico's embrace. The terrifying man softened more, holding her against his muscular chest like she was the most precious thing he'd ever seen. “And you? When was the last time you ate? Or slept? Or sat down, even?”
More tears filled my eyes. I hadn't relaxed since Dax died. Hell, I hadn't relaxed since I ran away from here. My life had been spent living in constant fear since seeing Nico kill that man.
Nico's nostrils flared, like my sadness greatly upset him. “Let's go home, Lydia.”
Chapter Ten
I woke up in the softest bed I'd ever lain in. The light was creeping through the thick, drawn shades, and I felt more well-rested than I had in months. When Nico brought me to his penthouse last night, I was too tired to take in the extravagance of it all, but I remembered the open floor plan. The extensive security guarding his building. And after I got Viviana ready for bed, I passed out in one of his guest rooms, finally feeling safe, despite being at Nico's house.
Viviana. Shit.
I shot out of bed and padded out of the guest room. She wasn't in the pack-n-play Nico had delivered to his house at midnight last night. Oh my God, where was my daughter?
I traveled down the long hallway, listening for the sounds of voices or baby noises, and paused at the kitchen. There, my daughter was sitting in a highchair and Nico was feeding her breakfast. I grabbed my chest in relief at the sight of her but seeing her father smile so tenderly as he tried to get her to eat made my heart warm.
I waited to make my presence known, enjoying the view far too much. Around me was box after box of baby gear. Car seats. A jogger. An unassembled crib. Diapers—so many diapers. Nico had been busy all night.
“Mama!” Viviana yelled, splattering rice cereal everywhere. Nico chuckled and spun to look at me.
“You're up earlier than I expected. I was trying to let you sleep in,” he noted casually before wiping at Viviana’s face. I almost felt bad that I slept through him coming to get our daughter. Ever since Dax died, I hadn’t had a support system when it came to taking care of my daughter. And truth be told, we were still virtual strangers. It was weird letting him into Vivian’s life. I wasn't sure what had changed overnight, but Nico seemed to be taking his new role as her father very seriously. I would have to adapt and learn how to let go of the reins and trust him, even though I was still scared. I couldn't wipe the image of what I'd seen from my mind. I struggled to believe that we were safe here, but the alternative wasn't any better.
“Thanks for feeding her breakfast,” I said with a genuine smile.
“Did you have help?” he asked.
“Help?”
“This whole time. Who helped you with her? Was anyone there in the delivery room? Did anyone help you with late night feedings? Hospital appointments? Milestones?” His tone was gruff, and I couldn’t figure out if he was angry with me.
“My cousin,” I whispered. “Dax. He was my best friend. I showed up with nothing but a suitcase. He helped me find a job. I got an apartment in his building and for the first three months he slept on my couch and helped with late night feedings and diaper changes. He called himself Uncle Dax. He always was more like a brother to me than anything else, so it fit that he was Viviana’s uncle.”
I felt tears stream down my cheeks and Nico carefully got up and walked over to me as our daughter played with her food. “I’m sorry for your loss. I remember you saying he was the most important person in your life,” Nico said softly. He reached out and wrapped me in a hug that probably should have felt awkward, but instead calmed me in ways I couldn’t articulate.
“I’m surprised you remember anything about that night,” I said jokingly before pulling away and bravely swatting at the tears on my cheeks.
Nico’s brow dipped. “I remember everything about that night, Lydia. I treasure those memories. I remember what you wore. The smell of perfume on your skin. The sound of your moans…”
My heart raced at his words, but more out of anger than lust. “Then why did you leave the next morning?” I snapped.
He let out a sigh. “Because I knew that if I allowed myself to spend any more time with you, I’d end up dragging you into my world. I’d completely own you, Lydia. And you’ve seen firsthand what my life is like. I don’t date. I can’t let anyone close to me.” He turned to look at Viviana and cursed. “It’s too risky to have people I care about. My empire is unforgiving, but I’m afraid it’s too late now.” He looked at me once more. “Coming here comes at a cost, Lydia. I’ll protect you. I’ll save you. But I’ll drag you to hell while I do it. I can’t let my daughter be out in the world without my protection. I have too many enemies. Word will get out and they’ll make your stalker look like a playground bully in comparison.”
I dipped my head and stared at the ground. I knew this. I knew that going to Nico could possibly change our lives forever, but I still felt in my gut that it was the right thing to do. “I know what being here means, Nico.”
He wrapped his arms around my body and pulled me flush with his. “Do you, Lydia? Because I don’t think you have the slightest clue what you’re in for. You’re the mother of my child. It was hard enough walking away from you the morning after we had sex. There’s no way in hell I can leave you now. Are you prepared to be pursued by the devil, baby? ’Cause I’m not just into petty crimes. I’m a leader in the Mariano family. We’re ruthless. Vicious. Evil. We deal drugs, guns, and counterfeit cash. You’re all in now. You saw what I did to that man.”
I bit my lip, a rush of lust hitting me full force. Why was what Nico was saying turning me on? “I don’t believe you,” I whispered.
“You don’t? What more proof do you need?” he asked incredulously.
“I know you’re involved in shady shit, Nico. But I don’t think you’re bad. I don’t think you’re evil. Why did you kill that man in the alley that day? I’ve always wanted to know.”
Nico pulled away from me and popped his knuckles. “He stole from me,” Nico gritted. “I didn’t know that while I was ending his life, he had his men attacking my brother. Both of them died that night.”
“I’m so sorry,” I said softly. It seemed both Nico and I had lost people we cared about. My eyes drifted over to Viviana and I smiled. We were both gifted with someone, too. All we had was one another. And that h
ad to be enough for now.
“It’s business. It’s what happens in my world. Kill or be killed, Lydia.”
“Why didn’t you kill my stalker?” I asked. “You obviously let him go. He wouldn’t still be following me otherwise.”
I didn’t mean for my words to sound so accusatory, but Nico didn’t seem fazed. “I didn’t see him as a threat. Contrary to popular belief, we don’t kill unless we have to. I don’t want the feds breathing down my neck any more than the next guy. I guess I just thought he’d back off if my guys roughed him up a little. I never expected him to kill your cousin, Lydia. And if I had known he would threaten my daughter, I would have ripped every bone from his body and burned what was left of him.”
A shiver traveled down my spine at his words. Nico clenched his fist.
He’d said his daughter. He truly had fully accepted that she was his.
“We’ll find him,” I whispered. “And we’ll make him pay.”
When I walked over to Viviana, she smiled and lifted her messy hands up in the air, indicating for me to pick her up.
“What’s her full name?” Nico asked.
I chewed on the inside of my cheek and blushed.
“Viviana Nicole Mariano,” I replied. I wasn’t sure why I gave her his name. It just felt right in the moment. He was still her father. He still gave me the greatest gift of my life. He gave me a family. A purpose. He gave me my pride and joy.
I picked up my baby and turned to look at him. Nico had his eyes closed, the twitch of a smile gracing his lips. “I love her name,” he whispered.
“Me too.”
“Now we just need to change yours,” he added before spinning on his heels and walking out of the kitchen.
Chapter Eleven
A few days passed and Nico got to know his daughter. I was surprised when he canceled all his business for the week. Not a single person was allowed to disturb us, and aside from a couple of housekeepers and his round-the-clock guard, he spent every single day with us.
And oh, did she love the attention he gave her. She was giggling nonstop and spent every waking second laughing at him. Nico was surprisingly attentive and patient. He didn’t get frustrated when she cried. He stared at her like she was a miracle, and he was lucky enough to look at her.
“She wears me out,” Nico said while closing the guest room door. It took him four bedtime stories to get her to fall asleep. We were both working on a nursery for her, but it wouldn’t be ready for a couple of weeks. I didn’t mind. I liked sharing a room with her. Despite all the change, being with my daughter was still the same.
“You’re good with her,” I said with a smile while walking down the hallway and to the living room. I wanted a nice glass of wine and a relaxing evening. It had been so long since I relaxed. I knew that we were in our own little bubble, and this temporary reprieve from all the stress in my life wouldn't last forever. But still, I enjoyed it. I liked feeling like a family, even though Nico hadn't pressured me for anything other than parental partnership. I would catch him staring at me, though. His eyes followed me around the room. He was always watching me.
“Sir?” one of his guards said while entering the room. “I found this outside.” I peered at what was in his hand and gasped. A baby blanket with blood on it. What the fuck?
“I’m going to get Viviana,” I said quickly before running down the hallway to her crib. I opened the door and swallowed a scream when I saw a shadow standing over her.
“Don’t say a word, or I’ll hurt her,” Bradley said. He had a knife in his hand and was staring at me.
I held my breath. How did Bradley get inside? What was he doing?
“I thought you were done with these games, Lydia. You ran from me. You let someone fuck what was mine. You made a baby with someone else, Lydia.”
I itched to get closer and take Viviana far away from him, but I couldn’t risk angering him. “I’m sorry, Bradley,” I whispered, trying to appeal to his insanity. “You know I only love you.”
His shoulders relaxed some, but he was still clutching a long knife, the threatening blade glaring at me in the dark room. Viviana stirred some and I winced. “I’m sorry I killed your cousin, Lydia. I didn’t like him hugging you. Why did you let him into your life but not me? I’m the only person you need.”
Bradley took a step closer to me, away from Viviana. I needed him to get as far away from her as possible. “I’m sorry,” I croaked. Bradley stepped into the light, illuminating his terrifying face. He had a full beard now and scratches on his face. The whites of his eyes were large, and he cocked his head to the side while looking me up and down.
“He tried to take me away from you. But he can never take me away. We’re meant to be, Lydia. God made us perfect for one another. I am yours.”
Another step away from Viviana. Fuck. Nico, come in here, please.
My daughter stirred and let out a whimper. Bradley turned to look at her. No, fuck. Look at me, Bradley. “She’ll always get in the way between us. You’ll always love her more. I can’t have that, Lydia.”
No. No, no, no. “I’ll leave with you right now. She can stay here, and we can go. How did you get in here? Why don’t we leave?”
Bradley turned to look at me. “I can’t have you loving someone more than me, Lydia,” he said, his voice terrifying.
I knew what I had to do. I had to rush him while screaming and tackle him to the ground. I could only hope I could fight him until someone came to help. Nico was just down the hallway.
“Billy. Let’s go. I love you so much. I don’t want to be here anymore,” I said, desperately trying to put more space between him and Viviana.
I heard movement down the hall. I prayed Nico was coming to save us, but I didn’t dare look. Bradley raised the knife in his palm, and I took a step closer to him, prepared to save my baby at all costs. I love you, Viviana.
A loud bang pierced through the air. He collapsed on the ground. Viviana started sobbing uncontrollably, startled from being woken up with such a loud sound. Bradley jerked on the ground as I ran to my baby and pulled her out of the crib. In the doorway stood Nico, surrounded by his men. The gun in his hand was trained on Bradley.
“Thank you,” I sobbed. I had been so scared, but it was finally over. I ran from the room, desperate to keep Viviana as far away from the scene as possible. How could this happen? How did he break in?
“Is she okay?” Nico asked while following after us. Viviana let out a wail.
“She’s startled but will be okay,” I whispered.
“Are you okay?” Nico asked.
“No,” I cried out before spinning around and running into his open arms. The three of us held one another until Viviana calmed down. I was so thankful to Nico in that moment. We had truly made the right decision in coming here.
He rubbed my back. “You’re safe. You’re both safe. He’ll never bother you again.”
I let his words soothe me, and I spent the next few hours in the arms of my hero.
Chapter Twelve
“She’s finally asleep,” I said while walking onto the patio where Nico was standing. His team had everything cleaned up so efficiently, that I wondered how often Nico Mariano had dead bodies in his home. The thought made me shiver. The sun was rising outside, and we looked out over the city. People were just now waking up, as if last night my entire world didn’t almost end.
We moved into Nico’s bedroom because I didn’t want to be away from him. Even with Bradley dead and gone, I felt safer at Nico’s side.
Nico was clutching a drink in his hand and I stared at the amber liquid.
“What’s your poison?” I asked while nudging him.
He looked down at his drink and smiled at me. “Glenfiddich Grand Cru, twenty-three-year-old luxury scotch.” I was suddenly drawn back to two years ago, with Nico saving me and me telling him what drink matched his personality. “I’ve had a glass of this every night since I met you, Lydia. I’ve sat on this porch, thinking about the
girl I pushed away trying to save, and what this drink is supposed to mean.”
I moved until I was poised at his back. Carefully, I rested my cheek against his spine and wrapped my arms around his middle. He used his free hand to pat my intertwined fingers at his stomach. “Now that Bradley is gone, are you going to run away from me again?”
“No,” I whispered. “We still have a lot to learn about one another. But I want to try, Nico. I want to be a family.”
He sighed in relief, then set down his glass on a nearby table, spun around, and wrapped me in a hug. “I’ll always protect you and our daughter. Seeing you today with that maniac terrified me. I’d burn the world down to save you, Lydia.”
I licked my lips, drawing his eyes to the movement. “You’re my hero,” I said.
He slammed his lips to mine. I melted. Fucking melted in his arms—in the safety of his embrace. Nico nipped at my lips with his teeth and roamed the expanse of my back with his strong fingers. It felt like finally coming home. All the pain, all the uncertainty and fear. It was washed away, and I knew with complete certainty that Nico would never hurt me. It might be difficult to navigate. We had so much to learn about one another, but I had a feeling the two of us were stubborn enough to make it work.
“I’ve been thinking about these lips for way too long,” he murmured before lifting his thumb to drag it along my bottom lip. I closed my eyes. “I’ve dreamed about your skin. About your tight cunt. About feeling you again.”
Heat pooled between my legs at his words and I lifted up on my toes to kiss him again. Moaning into his mouth, he pulled at my shirt as the sun started to rise. Like a God, he didn’t care who was watching. He wanted me. Only me.
We stripped out of our clothes and he shredded my panties in a frantic effort to remove all the barriers between us. We collapsed onto his lounge chair on the patio and I straddled his hips. We were clawing at each other, moaning, frantically arching to be closer.
