The Mafia nanny [✓complete]

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Leah's POV

We sat in the quiet aftermath of his meal, the crackling fire casting a warm glow across the room.

The moment seemed suspended in time, and I felt his gaze on me, intense and searching.

"Leah," he finally spoke, his voice low and probing, "I appreciate what you did, but I have to ask - why do you care so much? Your job is to take care of the kids, not me."

I looked up, meeting his gaze head-on.

My heart raced, but I couldn't allow my true feelings to surface. Not now.

"The kids need a healthy father, Luca," I answered, my tone steady.

"Their well-being depends on you, and I can't just stand by and watch you neglect yourself."

He studied me for a moment, his gaze unwavering. "It's more than that, isn't it?"

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, suddenly aware of the intensity of his scrutiny.

"What do you mean?"

"I've noticed, Leah," he said, his voice softer now, almost tender.

"You're there for me, even when it's not about the kids. You care about my well-being, my health, and you've done so for a while now."

I felt a flush creeping up my neck, and I quickly averted my gaze.

"It's part of my job," I replied, trying to sound casual.

"Leah," he said, his voice firm, "I've seen the way you look at me, the concern in your eyes. It's more than just a job."

I took a deep breath, my heart racing. I couldn't let him see the truth.

"Luca, you're a part of this family. And I care about the kids a lot, therefore I care about you too, only because the kids need you. It's as simple as that" I snapped.

He leaned back in his chair, his expression inscrutable.

"Is it really that simple, Leah?"

I struggled to maintain my composure, my mind racing for a plausible explanation. "Yes, Zach. You matter to me. Your health matters, because of the kids"

He seemed to weigh my words, his gaze never leaving mine.

I could sense that he wasn't entirely convinced, but he didn't press further.

"Fine," he finally said, his voice soft but he stood up and went upstairs.

I nodded, relieved that the conversation seemed to have reached a resolution.

I sat in silence once again, the crackling fire the only sound in the room.

But as the minutes ticked by, I couldn't escape the turmoil within me.

Luca's words echoed in my mind, his perceptive observation about my feelings.

I had hidden my emotions well, or so I thought.

But he had seen through my facade, leaving me to grapple with the truth - that my concern for him ran deeper than I had dared to admit.

As I stared into the fire, I couldn't help but wonder what would happen if I allowed myself to confront those feelings.

Yet, fear held me back, its grip strong and unyielding. And so, I buried my emotions once more, determined to focus on the kids and their well being.

Luca's POV

The weight of our conversation lingered in the air, a tension that I couldn't shake off.

I was typically formed to eat.