Page 147 of Hidden Empire

Well, this went better than I expected. I think.

As soon as we park at home, I grab Ivan’s hand and rush him inside, dying to see Martha and squeeze her again. She’s the closest thing to a grandma I’ve ever had, and I adore her. I hope she’s missed me as much as I’ve missed her.

I find her short gray hair first as she’s leaning over the kitchen counter, sorting a plate of pastries.

“Martha,” I call out, jogging toward her with a huge smile. “I’m home.”

“Darling girl,” she greets, her eyes lighting up with joy. I wrap her in a gentle hug, letting go of Ivan to do it.

“I missed you,” I tell her, pulling back so she can look at my face like I know she likes. “Did you miss me, too?”

“Of course,” she replies immediately. Martha eyes me up, smiling at what she sees. “Look how much you’ve grown, Jade. You’re in love, aren’t you? With the man who gave you this?” she asks, gesturing to my small bump.

“I am,” I admit, blushing. “I can’t wait for you to meet him.”

“This is not him?” she asks, curiously looking over my shoulder at Ivan.

Chuckling, I reach back for his hand and pull him to my side.

“Martha, this is Ivan, he’s my friend,” I introduce them. “He’s Dmitri’s brother and my guard. He’ll be staying with us for a while.”

“It’s good to meet you, signora,” Ivan greets, using a respectful Italian name for her. I didn’t tell him to do that, which makes it even more meaningful.

“And you, look how handsome you are,” she compliments, smiling at him. “What do you like to eat, Ivan?”

“Oh, I can eat whatever—” he starts, but Martha isn’t having it.

“What are his favorites?” she asks me instead.

“He’s like Matteo but less messy,” I tell her. “He really does like everything.”

She hums, pleased with the answer.

Knowing she likes to go above and beyond, I add, “But if you ever want to make him something special, he has a big thing for strawberries.”

“You like strawberry shortcake?” she asks him, not waiting for an answer. “We’ll have it for dessert.”

“You don’t have to?—”

“Let her,” I cut him off, pinching his side. “Making food for us is how Martha shows her love.”

“Alright then,” he says carefully, blinking. “Thank you, that’d be nice.”

“And you,” she addresses me again. “Your father texted me that you’re having twins! These little babies you have, do they have favorites?”

“Not sure yet,” I admit. “I think anything is good for now, but they might get more specific soon. Being home means more options. I’m expecting to make Apollo pick me up late-night cravings at least a few times.”

I cover my lips with my finger, and we share a conspiratorial laugh.

Martha approves. “Good, that boy needs to learn how to take care of a woman. His time is coming, I can feel it.”

“Fingers crossed,” I agree, full of hope.

“Leon is texting you,” Elio announces, suddenly appearing at my side with my phone in hand. “We kept it charged for you.”

“Thank you,” I respond softly, reaching for it. “How have you been?”

He shrugs. “Same old, same old.”

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