Fall For My Ex’s Mafia Father

Chapter 84

1/4

I smile down into my cup of tea, enjoying the fresh herbal scent. My belly is full of scone, and I’m listening passively as Daniel explains the ins and outs of some new philosophical theory that he’s learning about for his class.

I don’t really care about it, but it’s nice to hear him think through something about which he’s passionate. It’s really a gorgeous day – the sun is shining in little pieces through the grape leaves that wrap around the pergola, and I lean my face back to enjoy the warmth on the soft skin on my cheeks.

Next to me, I hear Daniel laugh a little. “Are you even listening to me anymore?” he says.

“No,” I reply, smiling. “But that’s okay, it’s good to hear you talk.”

He laughs again, a soft thing, and then takes my hand.

“It’s nice, Fay,” he says, and I open my eyes to look at him, seeing him smile at me. “That you enjoy listening to me, even when you’re not hearing my words.”

I squeeze his hand and return his smile, considering him.

It’s funny – I was so in love with him for the few months that we were dating. Or, at least, I thought I was. Maybe “obsessed” was a

Chapter 84

2/4

more appropriate term, but either way, I couldn’t stop thinking

about how handsome he was or how much I wanted to kiss him.

Just to kiss him, small, chaste things. But I had wanted so badly

treat me gently, love me, be kind to me.

his treasure.

learned about his life–our life? It’s all just… gone. All of

completely as my best friend, my ally in this crazy world. I want the absolute best for him and know that he feels the same

away.

wonder, passively, when the next time I’ll have a crush again, feel that delicious buzzing of

my stomach.

back against the first thought that comes to my mind, ignoring it.

Daniel helps to disrupt

you all right,

lightly over his fingers, thinking about what my father said to me

at me, slightly curious. “What

Chapter 84

3/4

such a mismatch for this world, most of the time. I guess I wonder why

Never just… bailed on it.”

my home, Fay. My family, my world. I guess I don’t really

world,” I say, leaning forward. “Honestly, aren’t you ever tempted to just steal, like, one of

mouth falls open

keep my mouth shut the day we broke up – if you have access to that kind of

Riviera, change our names, spend

wine

we want!”

softly and gives my hand a squeeze before pulling his back to reach

he says

do it,” I say, my face