Claimed By The Mafia Don (Ariella and Asher) novel Chapter 164

The kids got to decorate the cake, We had dinner. Yes, Alan really was a great cook. The food was delicious. After thanking him, I took Leon—Ryan—up to our house. I bathed him, tucked him into bed, and then went to my room. I was feeling tired, shaky, maybe a bit overwhelmed. So I took a quick bath, changed into something comfortable, and decided to lie down for a nap.

When I woke up, Leon was already up and in the living room with Maria. He was talking animatedly about the football game they’d played earlier. I joined them on the couch, watching him retell the game moment by moment, full of excitement.

We were still there when a knock came at the door.

Maria went to open it, and in walked Dana.

“Great, everyone’s here!” she said with a big smile.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“I’m here to invite everyone to dinner,” she said casually.

“Oh, no, no. We can’t possibly impose on your dinner,” I replied, shaking my head. “You already hosted us for lunch. We couldn’t....”

Dana waved it off. “No, it’s not my house. This is about the Dalia Lou restaurant. You remember it? Ryan told you his friend owns it, the chef?”

I blinked, trying to follow. “Yeah… but I’m not sure I’m following.”

She clapped her hands. “Well, it just happens to be Alan’s birthday today!”

“What?” My jaw dropped. “He didn’t say anything.”

“I know!” she laughed. “And to be honest, I didn’t prepare a gift either, I honestly didn't’t know he’d be around today. But anyway, he already made reservations for a birthday dinner, and you guys are coming. No excuses.”

I hesitated. “I don’t know. Maria already cooked...”

“They have a kids’ menu called Kid's Delight. Rose loves it. And I’m sure Leon will too right?” Her eyes darted to him, then back to me.

I looked at Maria. Her face was unreadable.

“It’s Uncle Alan’s birthday! I’m going to prepare him a gift!” Leon shouted as he stood up and dashed toward the stairs.

“Don’t run up the stairs!” Maria and I both yelled at the same time, our voices overlapping in perfect sync.

We turned to each other and smiled, that shared moment softening the air between us. From above, we heard the sound of his door creaking open.

I let out a slow breath, bracing myself.

“We still don’t have to go,” I said quietly.

Maria shrugged. “You already promised her you would, so we’re going.”

“You’re going too?” I asked, a small smile tugging at my lips.

“Yes. Just so I can keep an eye on you and that hunk of a man... and make sure neither of you does anything stupid,” she said with a teasing edge, though her eyes held something firmer underneath.