Beneath Her Bastard Boss

Chapter 144

Chapter 144

“Papa.”

She turned to face Luca when she heard his voice.

She had expected to see Luca with his father, sort of bracing herself to meet the man who hadn’t wanted her in his son’s life. What she hadn’t expected was that he’d be alone and staring directly at the man beside her.

The man with the cane.

The man she’d just spent the last few minutes chatting with.

Her breath caught as realization finally settled in.

“Oh, you’re Luca’s father.”

Nick arched one amused brow at her. “You didn’t know? Does my son not take after his old man?”

Sutton’s face flushed.

“No. I didn’t know.”

She turned fully toward him now, awkwardly rising from the bench. “I… I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to-”

Nick waved a hand easily, still seated. “Don’t be silly. You were kind, and you should never be embarrassed about being kind.”

He reached for his cane and used it to leverage himself upright. Luca stepped forward quickly, automatically steadying him with a light touch, one hand on his father’s elbow.

Nick shook his head but allowed it.

“I told her I’d had surgery. Didn’t say who I was,” Nick said, glancing toward his son. “Your woman is bossy, Luca. I would watch that.”

“She scolded you,” Luca said, shooting Sutton a teasing glance.

Nick chuckled. “She did. Little fire in her, this one.”

Sutton tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. “You were reaching for your cane. I wasn’t going to just stand around and let you fall on your face.” She hadn’t even known Luca’s father was in the hospital. When the hell had that happened? Wait until she got Luca alone.

back a smile.

about people, and it didn’t matter to you that you didn’t know me. That is

for her hand

very good to people,”

at

I judged you without knowing. Or rather, I judged what I thought you were. And caused both

skin tingled at the words. She hadn’t expected this

after a heartbeat, That means

1/3

Chapter 144

stood quietly nearby, watching the moment unfold between them. She could see he was happy with the outcome of their first meeting as

just tolerated Sutton. He respected her. He saw her kindness without pedigree or titles, without her last name

than Luca

short walks, and if I keep standing here, someone will come wagging a clipboard

back,” Luca

raised an eyebrow. “Now you’re acting like a

be in shock,” Luca

father begin making his way down the hall. She walked with them

older nurse at the nurse’s station spotted them and came

buzz to let us know, Mr. De

party.”

under his breath, but he

your own. I

the week,” Luca muttered as he crouched

daughter–in–law had me under control,” Nick murmured jokingly. “I was worried she was going to crack the whip. A

Sutton chuckled. “Behave yourself.”

to meet

Nick was settled back in his room and under the nurse’s watchful eye,

the door to her room and helped her lower onto the bed. He set her water

close, turned it toward her, and

whispered into the quiet:

“He’s lucky. Very.

her again. She wouldn’t say it out loud, but today had taken more out

realized.