Fall For My Ex's Mafia Dad novel Chapter 74

She nods, understanding. “I’m sure that you’re right.”

He stares off into space for a minute, brooding, but Fay bites her lip, unable to help herself from asking her next question. She’s in a strange mood today, feeling a little impulsive and powerful, having come out of that basement unscathed. So, she doesn’t hold back.

“So are you like…seeing anyone?” she asks quietly.

“What!?” he says, surprised, and then scowls. “No, Fay,” he murmurs. “I’m not.”

“What about Colin?” she asks, surprised. “The baristo at the book shop?”

“That was…nothing,” he murmurs, embarrassed. “We were never dating – we just hook up sometimes.”

“Oh,” Fay says, resting her chin in her palm and taking another bite of donut. “That’s disappointing. He was cute.”

Daniel sends her another little glare and then looks away. Realizing that he won’t hold her gaze, Fay gasps a little.

“Nooo, wait,” she says, giggling. “You’re lying! You are seeing someone!” She sits up straight then, thrilled. “Daniel! Tell me!”

“Keep your voice down,” he says, bossy, unable to keep the little smile from the corners of his mouth as he flings a tiny decorative pillow at her.

“Oh my god,” she says, leaning forward and whispering. “Come on, you’re my fiancé. We have no secrets. You have to tell me everything.”

“Seriously?” he says, raising an eyebrow. “You’re not…mad at me?”

“Daniel,” she says, leaning forward and putting a hand on his cheek. “We’re not together. And we’ve been through a lot. Whatever happens with us, I’m rooting for you. And I hope that you are for me. I hope that we both find people who love us, under whatever circumstances.”

Daniel traces the rim of his wine glass, considering this. Then, after a moment, he responds. “Thank you, Fay,” he murmurs. “That might be the kindest thing anyone’s ever said to me.”

She leans forward and presses a kiss to his brow, not pushing him any further. He’s confessed enough today, she thinks. He’ll tell her when she’s ready.

“Come on,” Fay says, leaning off the edge of the bed to grab the bottle of wine on the floor. “Drink up. We’ve got nothing else to do today. And I’m not going downstairs again until we’re sure your dad has cooled off.”

Daniel toasts her refilled glass and then takes another sip, looking at her closely. “And,” he hesitates for a moment. “You’re not mad at me…otherwise?”

Daniel just frowns at her, so she continues.

“Well,” Fay says, looking down into her glass. “I think he’s expressed that he wants you to…learn the business. Take control. This could have been an opportunity to show him that of what happens to me, at least, you are in charge.”

Daniel nods contemplatively and Fay is grateful to see that she hasn’t hurt his feelings.

“That’s…an interesting point,” he says, taking a big gulp of his wine. “That’s definitely some food for thought.” He looks at her then. “I could start with you,” he says, “to show him that I’m in control.”

Fay smiles and nods happily at him, agreeing.

But deep down, she’s starting to figure out the truth:

That secretly? At the heart of it?

She had the control. Every bit of it.