Claimed By The Mafia Don (Ariella and Asher) novel Chapter 387

ARIELLA

Leon looked at Luca more carefully this time And for a second, I saw it.... The shift, the realisation that Uncle Luca wasn’t his usual self.

Leon then just nodded slowly.

“Okay, Dad,” he said. “I’ll go inside with Mom.”

Then, like nothing had changed, continued

“It’s bath time anyway. I don’t want to be late for our run tomorrow morning.”

Asher smiled.

“I won’t be.”

Luca shook his head lightly.

“This is a mini you,” he muttered. “ Watching the two of you like this.....It’s creepy.”

I gave him a look. He immediately raised his hands slightly.

“Can I crash here?” he asked. “I don't think I should be driving back.”

“You drove here like that?” I asked, already frowning.

“Please don’t start,” he muttered. “Not in front of Leon.”

I opened my mouth, but Asher stepped in.

“Take Leon upstairs,” he said calmly. “I’ll deal with Luca.”

I hesitated. Then nodded.

“Okay.”

Leon slipped his hand into mine easily And together we walked back inside. I took Leon inside, showered him, and helped him into bed.

“I want Dad to read me a story,” he said.

“Well…” I tried, keeping my voice soft, “Your dad said he’s kind of tired. How about I read you one tonight?”

“You’ve read me stories many times already,” he said immediately. “I want Dad to read me a story. Besides… I want to talk about the stump.”

Just like that, my smile slipped. Only for a second, then I forced it back.

“You already saw the stump, Leon.” I pointed out.

“I know,” he said, settling into his pillow, “but I promised Sia I would tell Dad the story at bedtime.”

A small headache began to form right behind my eyes.

“Okay,” I said finally. “I’ll read you a story first… and then I’ll check if Dad can come in, alright?”

“Okay,” he agreed easily.

So I started reading. My voice steadied and calmed, and somewhere in the middle of it... Asher walked in.

“You’re already reading without me?” he asked, leaning down to kiss my forehead.

Leon lit up immediately.

“Dad! You’re back!”

Asher smiled, sitting beside him and ruffling his hair.

“I am.”

He reached for the book in my hands, but Leon stopped him.

“Wait! I promised Sia I would tell you the story about the stump!”

I saw it immediately. The way Asher’s shoulders dropped just slightly. The way his expression shifted..... Tired, He was tired of hearing about the stump.

Honestly, So was I. But I didn’t say anything. This wasn’t about me. I stood and Leaning down, I kissed Leon’s head.

“I’ll leave you two to it.”

Asher caught my hand gently.

“You can't leave me all alone to deal with this,” he murmured.

Leon didn’t notice.

“I’ve read him enough stories, Leon said earlier” I said lightly. “It’s your turn.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify