Sexting the Don: An Age Gap, Mafia Romance (Silver Fox Daddies)

I stop pacing as Florence rushes through the hospital doors, her expression a mixture of relief and concern. I meet her halfway, and she barely pauses for a breath before pulling me into a tight embrace.

‘How is she?’ she asks, her voice shaky.

‘She’s still with the doctors,’ I reply. ‘They’re checking both her and the baby. We should hear something soon.’

“The baby?” she asks with disbelief in her voice.

The baby. God, what a way to find out I’m going to be a dad.

We both fall silent for a moment, the weight of everything that’s happened hanging heavily between us.

I know I have to break the news about Jimmy.

‘Florence,’ I start, making sure I have her full attention. ‘Jimmy’s gone. He’s dead.’

She covers her mouth with her hand, shock flickering across her face before it settles into a quiet acceptance. ‘Maybe it’s wrong to feel this way but I feel … free, finally free. And relieved.’

Her admission strikes a chord, a stark truth about finally being unburdened from years of living in fear.

‘Mandy …’ she whispers. ‘I had no idea she was pregnant.’

‘Me either,’ I confess, the memory of Mandy’s desperate declaration vivid in my mind. ‘Not until tonight.’

She narrows her eyes slightly, measuring me. “Are you happy about that?”

I let out a laugh and nod my head. “I’m over the fucking moon.”

She smiles in return. “Then I suppose this is as good a time as any to say congratulations.”

“Same to you, Grandma.”

We’re interrupted by a doctor approaching from down the hallway. Florence’s grip tightens on my arm.

‘She’s stable,’ the doctor states, and I feel a relief so profound it’s almost physical.

“And the baby?” Florence asks.

“All bloodwork looks good so far. Mandy’s hormone levels are where they should be.”

“Oh, thank God,” she replies.

Relief floods through me again.

He clears his throat, looking between Florence and me. ‘She was severely dehydrated, and the stress of what she went through took its toll. We’re treating her for those conditions, and she’s responding well. We’d like to keep her overnight for observation.’

“Of course,” I agree. “Can we see her now?”

The doctor turns and signals for us to follow him. We move quickly down the corridor, my steps brisk and determined, every second until I see Mandy for myself stretching out like hours.

As we walk, I’m already planning, figuring out how to better protect her and our child, knowing now there’s more at stake than ever before.

I step into Mandy’s hospital room. The sight of her, so fragile and hooked up to an IV, punches me in the gut harder than any physical blow I’ve ever taken.

Her pale face, the slight frown that creases her brow even in sleep—it’s more than I was prepared to handle. But it strengthens my resolve even more that I will be here for her, protect her, no matter what it takes.

I make my way to her side quickly, my footsteps silent on the sterile hospital floor. Taking her hand in mine, I feel a surge of something fierce and protective. Her hand is cool, her grip weak, but the contact sends a wave of relief through me. She stirs slightly, her eyelids fluttering, a sign she’s fighting through the fog of medication and exhaustion.

“Enzo?” she asks, her voice weak.

Florence positions herself on Mandy’s other side, her touch gentle, a mother’s touch. I watch her for a moment, admiring her strength and grace under such stress.

I’m about to speak, to tell Mandy everything that’s on my mind—my fears, my relief, my plans to ensure this never happens again—but we’re interrupted by a nurse.

‘Mr. Martelli, there’s someone here to see you,’ she announces, standing at the doorway. My first instinct is irritation. I don’t want to leave Mandy, not now, not when she’s just starting to wake.

Florence seems to sense my hesitation. She touches my arm, her voice soothing yet firm.

‘Go, Enzo. I’ll stay with her. We’ll be okay,’ she insists. Her reassurance, the strength I’ve come to expect from her, gives me the nudge I need.

Reluctantly, I squeeze Mandy’s hand once more, feeling a tiny pressure in return, a sign she’s still with us, still fighting.

‘I’ll be right back,’ I whisper, more a promise to myself than to her in her dazed state.

I cast one last look over my shoulder as I leave the room, the image of Mandy and her mother together, safe and sound for the moment, etching itself into my mind.

In the dimly lit hallway, confusion races through my mind. My steps slow as I spot Sean waiting, his posture rigid with urgency. He gives a quick nod as I approach, concern etching his features.

‘How’s Mandy?’

‘She’s stable,’ I reply shortly, my patience thin. ‘What’s going on?’

Sean shifts, his gaze serious. ‘It’s Garadino. He’s here, in the hospital. Says he wants to talk. Says it’s important.’

I raise an eyebrow. ‘Here? Now?’

‘Yeah,’ Sean confirms, his tone suggesting he’s as baffled as I am. ‘He’s upstairs on the roof. Said it had to be face-to-face. I can tell him now’s no good if you want.”

I think for a second, my curiosity piqued despite the situation. ‘No,’ I decide. ‘Let’s see what he has to say.’

We move silently through the hospital’s maze-like corridors toward the banks of elevators, heading to the roof. The hospital at night is a different beast, quiet and spectral.

We reach the rooftop door and open it, the cool night air hitting me like a slap. The city spreads out below us, a carpet of lights and shadows. Garadino stands by the ledge, his silhouette stark against the cityscape, a lone bodyguard hovering a few steps behind.

As we step out, Garadino nods subtly to his man, a silent command that sees the bodyguard retreating to a respectful distance. I signal Sean with a glance to do the same.

I walk toward him, the gravel crunching underfoot, my mind racing with possibilities. What could he possibly say now, after everything that’s happened? The night air feels charged, each step heavy with the weight of our recent dealings.

Garadino wastes no time. ‘How’s the girl?’

‘She’s holding up,’ I reply tersely, not inclined to share too much.

‘Good to hear,’ Garadino replies, then shifts gears with a slight smile. ‘Congratulations, by the way.’

I let out a dry chuckle. ‘Thanks, but I’m guessing you didn’t come all this way to give me a pat on the back or a cigar, did you?’

His responding laughter is just as dry, a brief acknowledgment of the absurdity. ‘No, though, it wouldn’t be the worst idea. But let’s get down to business.’

I raise an eyebrow, curious despite myself. ‘What business?’

Garadino’s gaze sharpens, all humor fading. ‘I want your territory, Enzo.’

The bluntness catches me off guard. ‘Is this a declaration of war?’ I ask, my voice low but warning.

He shakes his head, a serious look anchoring his features. ‘No, it’s a proposal.’ He gestures to his bodyguard, who steps forward and hands me a folded piece of paper.

I unfold it, eyes scanning the contents. It’s an offer—an obscene amount of money—enough to make even a man like me pause.

‘Why now?’ I ask, my eyes lifting from the paper to meet his.

Garadino’s expression is unreadable. ‘You and I both know you don’t need the money. You’ve already got enough legitimate ventures keeping your reserves full.’ His eyes look to the skyline, then back at me. ‘But with a baby on the way and a new family, I thought this might be the perfect time for you to consider a more peaceful lifestyle.’

I weigh his words, the offer in my hand feeling heavier than the paper it’s printed on. It’s a golden parachute, a way out of the life that’s defined me for so long.

‘And if I refuse?’ My tone is noncommittal, probing.

Garadino shrugs slightly. ‘Then you refuse. But consider the timing, Enzo. You’re about to be a father. Isn’t it time to think about what kind of world you want your child growing up in?’

The question hangs between us, loaded with implications. The night air suddenly feels cooler as I ponder the path he’s laying out for me. It’s tempting and becoming even more so every second I think about Mandy and our child.

‘The transition will be smooth and discreet. Most families in the city are looking for peace and unity. Bringing our forces together could usher in a new era, Enzo.’

He gives a thoughtful pause. ‘And I’ll even sweeten the deal for you. Should you ever miss the action, you’ll have a standing invitation to buy back in for a seat at the table.’

I allow his words to sink in, the gravity of the decision weighing on me, Mandy, and our unborn child at the top of my mind. I tuck the paper he handed me into my pocket, it’s weight signifying so many things.

‘I’ll need some time to think it over,’ I tell him.

Garadino nods, his expression understanding yet perceptive. ‘Of course. Take your time, but not too much,’ he says, his voice carrying a hint of urgency.

He extends his hand in a parting gesture. ‘Congratulations again, Enzo. I’ll be waiting for your answer.’ His handshake is firm, the undercurrent of power undeniable.

Crossing the rooftop, I make my way back down to Mandy, the proposal echoing in my mind.

I pause at the doorway when I reach her room, gathering my thoughts before I see her again. Inside, she’s resting, the sight of her pulling me back from the life-altering meeting I just had.

I step into the room quietly, my eyes settling on her peaceful form. The soft beep of her heart monitor fills the room.

‘Hey,’ I whisper, sitting beside her bed. She stirs slightly, her eyes fluttering open.

‘Enzo?’ Her voice is weak but filled with warmth.

‘Hey, beautiful. How are you feeling?’ I ask, squeezing her hand gently.

She manages a small smile. ‘Better, now that you’re here. What was that about? You rushed out.’

I sigh, deciding how much to tell her. ‘It was Garadino. He made an offer for peace and stability. Something that could change things for us for the better. It’s tempting, especially now with the baby.’

Mandy’s eyes widen slightly. ‘A big decision.’

‘Yeah, it is. But any decision I make from here on out is going to be with you and our future in mind. Nothing else matters.’