Page 51 of The Godfather’s Christmas Twins

And when he moves away, I think it’s over until he rolls on a condom and plunges inside me. Immediately, my body pulses. Sparks fly, and I’m coming again. When he finally finishes, I’m completely spent.

“I don’t know that I can make it back to my room,” I say, wondering how I have the energy to speak.

“I’d invite you to stay, but I know you want to be near the kids.”

God, how I want to stay. Tonight. All nights.

We lie there a few more minutes, and then he tosses me his robe again and then picks me up.

“What are you doing?” I ask, looping my arms around his neck.

“Carrying you to your room. You said I fucked you so good, you can’t walk. God, Gia, words like that make my ego the size of Everest.”

I laugh. “Just what we need, Max with a big head.”

And so itgoes over the next week. I settle into a rhythm—breakfast with the kids and Max, schooling with the kids, working in the afternoon while Maria entertains the kids, dinner with Max and kids, spending time playing or watching TV, and then into Max’s bed, where he’s been showing me the wonders of sex. The only downside is leaving his bed.

The playground is in and the kids couldn’t be happier. Max is even talking about putting in a basketball court and a place for the kids to skate.

Thanksgiving is tomorrow, so I’ve given the kids a day off from schooling and right now, they’re making pies with Maria. I’m glad because I have work to finish before the office closes in New York at three, noon here.

But of course, best laid plans and all… I tap my fingers against the desk in frustration as I stare at my laptop screen. I’m having trouble accessing data I need to complete my report for today.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Cantore," Angela's voice crackles through the speaker of my phone. "Those files are only accessible through the secure server. I can't email them."

"There has to be a way." I lean back in my chair, running my hands through my hair. "Nic needs this analysis."

"Well…" Angela pauses. "Mr. Giraldi should have access. His office is connected to our network."

What are the odds that I can convince Marcus to take me to Max’s office? Less than nil.

"Thanks, Angela. I'll figure something out." I blow out a breath and then decide to call Max and see if I can convince him to let me come to his office to do my work.

“No.” Max’s answer is swift.

Many words come to my mind, but I hold them all back, leaving the line silent.

“Gia?”

I stay quiet. I hate not having any say in my life.

“Why don’t you tell me what you need? I’ll get it for you.”

“I need to do my job, Max. You know, there’s been nothing with my stalker for a long time. He’s probably given up. I should think about going home.” It’s petty.

“That’s Nic’s call.” Max’s voice is tight, though, letting me know I hit a nerve.

“I’ve got to go.”

“Gia… fucking hell.” He lets out a frustrated growl. “Fine. I’ll make arrangements with Marcus.”

I smile. I won. I can’t believe it. I won. “Thank you.”

I check on the kids and make sure Maria will be okay watching them. They barely acknowledge me, having too much fun rolling out pie dough.

Ten minutes later, I’m in the back of an SUV as Marcus drives me to Max’s office located in the casino.

We enter through a VIP entrance. The bells of slot machines echo through the area.