CHAPTER 106: NEED FOR A PASS

His head cocked slightly as he stared down at me like some odd specimen sitting atop two wheels rather than feet or legs. He wasn’t smiling anymore but still managed somehow not to frown either, even though he clearly looked annoyed by whatever expression I mustered.

He gently pulled Mia closer to him as he stood upright, reaching two heads taller than me, standing perfectly straight and more intimidating every second spent looking into his deep blue irises.

No longer did he seem amused; instead, I sensed a warring battle raging behind those mesmerizing pools. There was light there somewhere. A soft spot hiding deep below the surface... unless I misread things entirely.

"Who the hell are you?" The low growl came from his mouth, directed towards me.

"That’s my ch—"

"Mommy!!!" Mia squealed before running towards me with those two little legs of hers flying across the grassy field faster than humanly possible.

She practically tackled me, wrapping both arms tightly around my legs, squeezing tight until I thought she might break something else besides my bones. My eyes widened, trying hard not to laugh, knowing full well where such behavior got us in previous instances.

My eyes darted away quickly when I saw Leonardo eyeing us curiously. For someone who supposedly shouldn’t know anything about raising kids, he seemed remarkably familiar with interacting with toddlers, judging by the concerned expression etched onto his handsome features.

"So... You’re the irresponsible mother. For a second I had wondered who was a lot more cruel than I gave them credit for," he said flatly, making no effort whatsoever to hide his disdain. It felt like being hit square between the eyes.

It sounded accusatory, which meant he had an idea of what might have happened.

My stomach twisted uncomfortably because, despite his handsome features and taking care of my little girl while I was searching for her, I knew better than to think he was a kindhearted soul underneath all that swaggering attitude. Which reminded me why I never wanted to get involved with another mobster ever since leaving my ex-husband years ago.

It took everything I had left to keep breathing through gritted teeth and avoid turning crimson altogether.

"I had made a mistake, and I thank you for keeping my daughter company," I started slowly. "But that doesn’t give you any right to talk to me like..."

Before I could finish talking, Leonardo stepped forward, grabbing hold of my upper arm, pulling so close our faces were only inches apart. His intense gaze held mine captive. Even now, staring up at him through tearful lashes, I didn’t feel afraid nor intimidated, although the tingle traveling along my skin told me otherwise.

Not wanting to show how much we affected each other physically, if nothing else, I kept my face neutral except to smile at my daughter to reassure her she hadn’t done wrong.

He leaned closer and whispered in my ear, causing goosebumps to rise over my flesh. "If you don’t want anyone finding your body anywhere nearby, I’d suggest you mind the tone coming from your mouth next time. It would be a pity if your beauty is wasted on a silly mistake." Before releasing me completely without waiting for a reply. In fact, he turned abruptly, walking back the same direction he sat earlier.

His words weren’t spoken angrily but still stung nonetheless. He looked far too pleased with himself after saying whatever he said.

What a two-faced bastard. One moment I witnessed him playing with Mia as though they shared some special bond and then moments later, he acted offended when I dared to call the attention of my daughter.

What exactly went down between him and my daughter during a few hours I wasn’t there to see?

Mia pulled away from me, walking back to Leonardo.

What could she possibly be up to?

"Uncle Leo?" She asked excitedly, tugging on his jacket sleeve. When she noticed the disapproving look on his face directed toward me, her bottom lip quivered slightly.

Mia must’ve picked up on something I had not properly hidden behind fake smiles whenever she caught sight of me speaking sternly to this mysterious Mafia asshole.

Her pretty hazel eyes met mine briefly, wondering whether I approved of her actions even before looking past me to where Leonardo sat, watching her every move.

Not knowing what to say or do anymore, I decided against interrupting again. Instead, I just nodded my head, letting her know I understood and hoped she wouldn’t regret anything today by endangering both her safety and ours.

Her face brightened immediately, bringing tears to my own eyes.

Mia gestured with her little hands that suggested she wanted to whisper something only they could hear. And judging by the wide grin across her beautiful little nose, I guessed it probably had something to do with her ’Uncle Leo’...

"Is that so?" Leonardo muttered as he listened to what she whispered.

She gave a nod followed by another secret sign suggesting more was being communicated than first appeared.

"Mia, it’s time we go home!" I called loudly, trying hard to hide the hurt spreading throughout my chest.

"Yes, mommy!" My sweet angel exclaimed, turning around and skipping back into my arms, smiling happily. Her happiness helped ease the sting inside, making enough room left open to breathe.

Leonardo narrowed his eyes once again, glaring daggers straight at me, signaling disapproval while I tried unsuccessfully to keep any hint of emotion off my expression.

"Thank you once again, Sir," I began with a slight bow, "and I hope we don’t run into one another ever again."

Then I hurried along with Mia in my arms, hoping I didn’t try to get us killed because my temper got the better part of me yet again.

"Bye byeeeee!!" Mia cried out, waving frantically to her beloved friend as soon as our backs were finally turned.

*****

We hadn’t taken five steps further down the street until she started bawling, inconsolably screaming about how much fun she thought ’Uncle Leo’ would have had at dinner tonight.

Even through all her crying, I couldn’t help laughing hysterically imagining them eating spaghetti together now instead of hot dogs like last night.

With my work incomplete and barely finished, I will apply for my paycheck tomorrow morning. What could we possibly eat tomorrow morning...?

Heavens, please give me strength!!