Page 77 of Mafia Billionaire's Surprise Baby

There are people in the alleyways. People between the buildings. People everywhere, as a matter of fact.

I have no doubt that knives are definitely the tamest weapons they hold.

“Gia,” I hiss. “Do you know these people?”

Gabriel, if his name is right, tilts his head. “Gia. Darling. Did you bring a boyfriend to town?”

“No,” she answers swiftly. “He’s my bodyguard.”

I know that the lie is important. I know that it’s not true.

Her easy dismissal of our relationship isn’t personal, not by any means.

I am her bodyguard.

I am not her boyfriend.

But still, somewhere in my heart, my chest zings with pain.

“A bodyguard. Who walks you through the streets of Marseille. He didn’t hire a car?”

At the time, I hadn’t wanted to attract attention.

Gia sighs. “We know you would have crashed the car too, Gabriel.”

I shoot her a surprised glance.

Had she known this would be a problem?

Gabriel takes a step closer, and some of his crew emerge from the shadows. “Ah well. You know me well enough then, Gia my love.”

My love.

Who the fuck was this?

“Gia?” I hiss.

She turns back and smirks at me, and I know that right now, she’s playing a part. Gia the spymaster.

“Gabriel, I’d love to introduce you to Sal De Luca. Sal, this is Gabriel.”

I don’t say anything.

Gabriel chuckles. “Sal De Luca? I thought you were dead. The news has all reported it, you know. Two bodies. A man and a woman in Amsterdam, and the Russians? Well. No bodies to speak of.” He shakes his head sadly.

Gia shrugs. “You should know better than to count me out, Gabriel.”

“Oh, I definitely should. Now, Gia. Since you are in Marseille, maybe I can show you around. You finally come to visit, I’d say it’s about high time you see the city from my eyes, no?”

His eyebrows raise, and I know for sure that’s not a good sign.

“We’re just headed to leave,” I grumble, stepping forward. I speak in English, so I can see if he understands me. “No trouble intended.”

“And yet, you are here with Gia Rossi. Trouble personified,” he responds.

In flawless, unaccented English.

I look at Gia. She stares at Gabriel. “Let us through, Gabriel.”