Chapter 19

**Lucas POV**

"How are things going with Stewart so far?" Gio asked me.

"Stewart?" I asked a bit confused.

"Amy? The girl you have confined to your apartment." Gio responded.

"You said that like it’s such a bad thing. If you want me to, I can let her back out if you just say so." I said to him.

"I did not say that. I was only stating facts." Gio replied. "Besides, I think it’s the most fitting option right now. That way you could keep an eye on her. It’s either this or taking care of her permanently. And I don't think that would be much appreciated. Plus, it'd cost more trouble than it’s worth."

" She seems to be doing fine now- considering how she traumatized she was after the whole 'her boyfriend being killed in front of her and almost getting kidnapped saga' that went down." I said to him. "I think she just really wants to get out now. She even came to me Sunday afternoon asking for a job."

"Really?" He asked in an amused tone. "Then maybe she's getting really desperate now. This should be good. Maybe this will be a minor lesson to her for the future and she'll keep her mouth shut."

"I don't think she's going to go running her mouth to anyone else after the warnings she has gotten and seeing what we're capable of." I said to him. "But I'm not willing to take the risk just yet."

"Are you going to give her a job?" Gio asked me.

"I told her that I'd think about it and get back to her." I replied. "After all, maybe she could be an asset to one of the businesses. Instead of her being there and not doing anything, if I offer her a job she’d be under my constant watch if she tries anything."

"I think you should give her a job. I'm sure she could be valuable as one of the waiters at the family club or even the new casino." Gio responded. "After all, she's already aware of our world and I'm sure she knows her way around serving drinks. If she slips, she'll be surrounded by a club full of our men who could keep her in line."

"I'm not sure she'll be able to function in a scene like that. You know how some of the guys can get. It would probably traumatize her more and send her into another meltdown." I said to him.

"Well then, I'd have to warn them to be cautious with her and that she's off limits." Gio responded.

"I'll have to give her a heads up first." I said to him.

"You should. She's willing to work, then make use of her labor." Gio respond.

“Sure.”

"By the way, you are planning to attend this year's Corporate executive business gala and charity event this Saturday aren't you?" Gio asked me as he took a drink of his scotch.

"It’s this Saturday?" I asked nonchalantly. "I guess I don't have much of a choice like the other times do I?"

"Have you decided who you're going to take this time?" Gio asked.

"I might as well come alone by my damn self. Can't stand another annoying clingy gold-digger running behind me for months and wanting to move in with me after thinking that me taking them to an event of such meant something more." I scoffed. "I think I've had enough of the Tiffany, the Lisa and the Georgettes. I'm not taking any more of those gold thirsty girls anywhere else."

"How about Amy?"

"What about her?" I asked him.

"Well she's a beautiful girl. Presumably follow orders, won't speak unless spoken to-that’s the type you like right?" Gio said with a raised brow. "And you already have her living with you. I doubt she's going to see it as anything more."

"No, that's not a good idea." I said shaking my head.

"I don't see why not. I think it'll do good for the both of you." Gio responded. "People don't expect you to show up at such an event without a date. She'll make you look good and it'll give her an opportunity to be somewhere else besides inside your apartment."

"That really isn't a suggestion is it? You're telling me straight up to take her aren't you?" I asked him though I already know the answer.

"Precisely." Gio smirked knowing he got me right where he wanted me now. "And I think Lexi would like the idea. For some reason she seems taken to her. Guess she has a special liking for social misfits."

"No doubt about that." I replied rolling my eyes. "No wonder I'm not exactly in her corner."

"That may change." Gio chuckled. "Or probably get worst— especially now."

"What is that supposed to mean?" I asked feeling annoyed with his comment.

"Well I've been meaning to tell you. With a new heir to the Cavelli empire on the way, there's a possibility that Lexi will be a bit more lenient towards you now or she might actually eventually kill you." Gio replied surprising me. “It could go either way.”

"Wait, she's pregnant?" I asked him.

"Yes. It’s official I'm going to be a father now." Gio smiled excitedly.

"Wow, that's...that's great." I said as I started smiling. I was happy for him that he's gotten a second chance after what happened the first time. "Dude, congratulations man!"

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**Amy's POV**

"Wow, Greta I have to tell you that I've never tried doing chicken Parmesan lasagna before." I said as I removed the dish from the oven. "But thanks to you, I'll have to give myself a tap on the back—this looks great."

"It sure does dear." Greta laugh after taking out the second one. "You're a pro now."

"I guess I am." I laughed as I removed the oven mitts from my hand and admired our work.

Greta had been showing me how to do various dishes. She was making chicken Parmesan lasagna and I had followed her instructions and tried doing one of my own. I was surprised when it turned out perfect-well in terms of how it looks. I wasn't sure in terms of taste as yet since I didn’t get to sample it as yet. I was getting better at this whole cooking thing.

"I think it looks too good to eat." I chuckled. "I may actually consider saving mine for a long time—just so that I can peek at it every now and then and tell myself I'm a great cook.”

" Maybe you should mostly definitely do that Amy." Greta laughed at my silliness. "I think it'll be a great encouragement and ego boost."

"Then I'll save it. Just hoping Lucas won't decide to eat it off too." I chuckled.

"I'll warn him about it." Greta smiled. "It is good seeing you like this again."

"What do you mean?" I asked her.

"Laughing, joking around, seemingly happy." Greta replied. "It’s nice. I like seeing you this way."

" I don't want to be sad and depress for the test of my life Greta." I told her honestly. "I have to try to be happy."

"I'm glad to hear that." Greta replied before hearing the door. "I'll go get it."

"Okay, I'll just watch these." I said pointing at the dishes on the counter.

Greta left to go see who was at the door and when she returned I was really surprise to see who was here.

"Hi Amy,"

"Lexi?" I said in surprised. "Hey, uh...what are you doing here?"

"Well I was in the neighborhood and thought why not stop by and say hi." she smiled at me. "Nice face mask."

"Huh?" I asked as I wiped hand over my cheek only for it to come back with flour. “Oh, I didn't know it got there. I was trying out cooking. It’s such a surprise seeing you here... Thank you for stopping by. "

"No problem," Lexi smiled. "Actually, I wanted to tell you that you and your mom were right."

"Oh my God we were?" I asked smiling excitedly.

"Yeah you were. I myself had no idea until you both mentioned it and I had to find out for myself." Lexi chuckled. "Turns out I'm almost two months along."

"Omg Lexi, that's great. I'm so happy for you. Congratulations!"