Page 63 of Stolen Bride for the Don

“That’s never been in question. The question is, what is he going to do about it?” Isaac raises a brow at me.

“Nothing,” I grit out. “Now get out of my study, both of you.”

“Now!” I shout, needing a moment alone to gather my thoughts. Thankfully, they get up and leave on their own before I resort to drastic measures.

Love? How is that possible? I don’t know how to love anyone. Hell, I’ve never been in a real relationship until Andrea and even that started with a kidnapping. Does she even consider us to be in a relationship?

Fuck. I tap my mouse to bring my computer to life; it opens immediately into the direct feed I have inside Ezra’s home since that’s where Andrea has been spending most of her time. Sure enough, she’s in the nursery cuddling one of the twins while Charlie feeds the other one.

Should I give her space? Probably. But old habits die hard, and I need to have eyes on her like I need air to breathe. It’s non-negotiable. For all she knows, I am giving her space. I’m here, she’s…not.

Watching her these past few weeks with the kids reminds me of our first night together in our room, in our bed. What if I hadn’t called Killian in? Would she now be carrying my baby? My gaze drops to her belly, imagining it swollen with my child. She would never leave me if she was pregnant.

Fuck, I love her.

My plan had been to leave her alone and let her come back to me on her own. I hoped my absence in her life would make her miss and even crave me. I’m yet to see evidence of that. Now that I know why I have this obsession to always have her in my sight, it changes everything.

I open my desk drawer and stare at the purple hair band I had confiscated the morning before she left me. I take it out and put it on my wrist: Andrea’s mine. She should be right here, beside me.

I hope she’s enjoying her time with her family because I’m only giving her until the end of the week. If she doesn’t come back on her own, well then, I’ll just have to go remind her who she belongs to.

CHAPTER 39

ANDREA

Charlie and the babies spent almost three weeks at the hospital because the boys needed extra attention. They were taken off feeding tubes and introduced to bottles after twelve days in the specialized care unit. They joined Charlie in her room on the fourteenth day because they were able to maintain their body temperature without help.

Being able to watch every step of their growth has been really amazing, and, damn it, I need to stop thinking of them as the babies. They’re Niles and Noah. Yep, Charlie and Ezra went the route of alliteration names. Classic twin move, but I love it. It’s almost as adorable as the boys with their black hair and blue eyes that have only lightened with the passage of time. I’m convinced that their eyes will eventually settle into the same crystal blue as Ezra’s.

Despite how much I try to occupy myself with all things related to Charlie and the boys–I’ve practically moved in with Ezra and Charlie at this point–I can’t deny the chasm in my heart that just keeps getting wider with every passing day. I miss Hudson. How could he not have reached out to me, even once? Doesn’t he even miss me too?

“What are you thinking about so seriously, Andie?” Ezra’s question jolts me out of my musings. I glance at him in surprise. When did he get here?

Charlie jabs her elbow into his ribs, and he lets out a little oomph. “Isn’t it obvious? She misses Massimo. They even had to postpone their wedding.” She casts me a sympathetic glance.

“I don’t see that bastard knocking on our door, begging to see her,” Ezra argues. “This is a good thing. Maybe some time away from him will make her realize what a mistake she’ll be making by marrying him and ugh!” He groans when Charlie jabs him again.

“She said they talk on the phone,” she states.

That’s right. I made up excuse after excuse over the past weeks for why Hudson couldn’t be here, despite how much he wants to. I give them his regards every morning like we talk on the phone every night. Pathetic.

I tell myself it’s to protect Ezra. If I don’t keep up our “in love” ruse and go ahead and get married, it will raise a lot of suspicion from my family. A pathetic excuse. He’s obviously done with me. Why else wouldn’t he have gotten in touch? After fucking me for a few weeks, he got bored, saw his chance to get out, and took it. I should be happy. I’m free, but I feel like shit. Brokenhearted, lonely shit.

“Yes, well…” Whatever Ezra was about to say is interrupted by the sound of a car pulling up outside. I quickly jump out of my chair.

“That must be Mom with the supplies. I’ll go help her. You two, stay here.” I don’t wait for them to argue before scurrying out. All that talk about Hudson is only making me sadder. I inhale deeply, blinking rapidly as I approach the front door.

Sure enough, Mom’s sedan is parked in the driveway; she’s getting out of it just as I walk outside.

Mom’s bright smile slowly dims when she sees me. “Andrea? What’s wrong?”

“What? What do you mean? There’s nothing wrong, I’m fine. I’m fine,” I repeat when she gives me a disbelieving look.

“No, you’re not. Honey, what is going on? Does this have anything to do with Massimo’s absence? Are you two having a fight? It’s normal, believe me, when your father and I were…. ”

I sniff deeply and try to hold it in, but the tears spill down my cheeks, anyway, making Mom trail off, her lips parting in surprise. “Andrea.”

“Oh, Mom.” I tuck my face into her neck and cry quietly. “I’m in such a mess.”

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