The Mafia Heir’s Runaway Mistress Chapter 01

The Mafia Heir’s Runaway Mistress Chapter 01

Elena’s POV

Five years in as the woman by notorious playboy Lorenzo De Luca’s side, a photo surfaced online that made it look like I was pregnant.

Rumors exploded overnight.

Everyone assumed I was trying to use a baby to force my way into the De Luca family and secure a marriage.

As soon as Sienna Ricci heard the news, she flew back right away. She was Lorenzo’s first love and one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

Everyone expected fireworks.

Lorenzo was tied up with family matters for several days.

By the time he got back to New York, people were already telling him that I’d ended the pregnancy and returned to Boston.

After all, smart girls left before they got thrown out.

—

Late that night, I had just hung up with my doctor when the doorbell rang.

I closed my suitcase and went to answer the door.

Lorenzo stood outside in a leather jacket that looked as cold and expensive as the man wearing it.

Without a word, he tossed a heavy set of sports car keys into my arms.

His expression darkened.

“Why’d you change the door code?”

I looked down and lowered my voice.

“I was worried some stalker fan might camp outside my door.”

He let out a dismissive snort.

“The security in this building is tighter than JFK. Not even a fly could get in.”

Actually, one had.

Your precious Sienna, that’s who.

She kicked my front door in.

I took his jacket and hung it up.

Beneath the familiar scent of fir and cedar lingered a trace of sweet women’s perfume.

The exact same scent that unexpected visitor had worn yesterday.

I pretended not to notice.

Suddenly, Lorenzo reached out. His knuckles brushed lightly against the corner of my eye.

“You’ve been crying?”

I froze for a second before casually making up an excuse.

“I watched a movie.”

His gaze dropped to my bare feet against the hardwood floor. A frown creased his brow.

Without warning, he scooped me into his arms and carried me toward the couch, one hand supporting my thighs.

“Those people have way too much time on their hands,” he said casually, but with that unmistakable authority of his.

“Do they seriously think popping out a kid gets you a ring from my family?”

“The women who want that could line up from here to the Brooklyn Bridge.”

“That child serves another purpose.”

“Behave yourself. Don’t go acting like those fools who think a baby is their ticket up the ladder.”

“Being Mrs. De Luca isn’t as easy as you think.”

The words were both a reminder and a warning.

Over the years, there had been plenty of women around him.

But when it came to matters involving family interests, Lorenzo never blurred the line.

He had made one thing clear.

If I ever tried to use a child to get something from him, the way those other women had, he would take everything away.

I’d be right back where I started. Just like before.

I was tired. I rested my head against his shoulder and gave a quiet nod. “Okay.”

Then his eyes paused on the suitcase lying open nearby.

“Going back to Boston again?”

A faint crease appeared between his brows.

“Yeah. My parents said they miss me.”

Over the years, whenever he broke my heart, I went home.

Every time, I’d swear I was never coming back.

Before long, I’d be booking a late-night flight to New York because I missed him too much.

Thanksgiving was coming up soon, so he didn’t think much of it.

“If you’re heading back, stay a few extra days. Stay away from people with bad intentions.”

“As for the baby… we’ll talk about it another time.”

He didn’t mention the woman who’d just flown back into the country.

And I knew better than to ask.