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“Ahhh, a roht in for two,” Luca said in a fanciful tone as he started preparing her order

She didn’t want to burst his bubble and tell him that the table would most likely be set for one, not two, just as it had been last night But at least Maddux would have so for dinner, when and if he decided to eat it

Tenon the counter that was filled with the items she’d ordered, and Sofia joined her husband with a clear plastic to-go container of what looked like some kind of dessert that Arabella hadn’t asked for

Sofia smiled at her “This is for the two of you to enjoy after dinner Maddux loves my tiramisu and he hasn’t stopped by in a while, and I always like to spoil him when I can”

“I’m sure he’ll be happy to have your dessert,” Arabella said as she withdrew her credit card fro

Luca held up a hand and shook his head “Oh, no, this is our treat,” he insisted

Sofia nodded her agree “Madduxhe’s done a lot for us More than we can ever repay him for Please, enjoy your dinner and dessert on us”

They were so sincere that Arabella didn’t argue “Okay, thank you It was a pleasureyou both”

“You, as well,” Luca said, settling his arer, though he’s clearly found better ways to pass his ti out around here” The old man winked at her

Arabella laughed, while Milo stepped forward and took her to-go bags for her “I’ll be sure to let him know”

Fro to reach Maddux’s building, but it was enough ti co so much for them, and more than they could ever repay The couple clearly adored Maddux and thought highly of him, which meant her brusque and boorish beast had a charitable side to hiuy, she’d seen too limpses to the contrary

Right now, Maddux Wilder was an angryout, but at the core of who he was, Luca and Sofia had just revealed to her that there was a enerous He’d sorateful for whatever he’d done for them

Arabella wanted to know that compassionate man, and even more foolishly, she wanted to be the woman who took away his pain and hatred and replaced it with tenderness and affection

An i her father was his mortal enemy and she was merely the pawn between them

Chapter 15