Page 44 of Secret Bratva Twins

I faked a frown. “You know I would have preferred if they looked like you instead, right? You’re beautiful.”

“Are you trying to get me to say you’re the most handsome man I’ve ever seen?” She raised a brow at me. “If so, then yes, you’re the most handsome man to have ever walked the earth.”

My heart fluttered at her compliment. When we dated six years ago, Gianna was obsessed with my looks. She was crazy jealous, too. When she put Camilla in her place at the bar, she looked like her old self—so strong and territorial. I liked that part of her. I liked every part of her.

“I think I’m blushing.”

She placed the back of her hand on my cheeks to feel the temperature. “I think not.”

She tried to move her hand, but I placed mine on top. I loved her touch and how comforting it was. “Check again, I’m sure you’ll find I’m blushing.”

“You’re a father of two little boys, Max. Stop being such a naughty flirt.” Her tongue darted out, and she licked her lips. They were so pink and plump that I ached to kiss them again.

“Speaking of being a naughty flirt, how about we make one more baby.” My hand explored her back, feeling every inch of her smooth, soft skin. “Maybe a little girl. One that looks just like you.”

Gianna's eyes widened in surprise. Her laughter was like music to my ears, a sound I could never tire of hearing. “Max, we already have our hands full with two rambunctious boys. Do you really think adding a little girl to the mix is a good idea?” she teased, her fingers tracing light patterns on my chest.

I couldn't help but chuckle at her response, her playful demeanor warming my heart even more. “Who said it has to be now? Maybe in the future, when things settle down and the boys are safe,” I replied, a hint of hope lacing my words.

She huffed. “There is no running from this, Max. We were born into this and as long as we’re part of the mafia, things like this may repeats itself.”

“It won’t. I promise.”

Her smile softened, a hint of sadness flashing across her features before she quickly masked it. “I would love for that to happen though. A little girl who might inherit your charm and my stubbornness,” she mused, her voice tinged with longing.

I pushed a lock of auburn hair from her face. “What should we call her?”

She giggled and slapped my arm softly. “She doesn’t even exist yet.”

I nodded. “I know. I just want to be ready for when we have her.”

Gianna's laughter filled the room, a sound that made my heart swell with happiness. Moments like these, when we could talk about a future beyond the chaos of our current lives, gave me hope and strength to keep fighting.

“Alright, let's see... How about Mariya?” I suggested, a smile playing on my lips as I imagined a little girl running around our home with her brothers, bringing even more joy into our lives.

“Mariya...” Gianna repeated, testing out the name on her tongue. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, mirroring my own. “I love it. Mariya Vadim has a nice ring to it."

I pulled her closer, feeling the warmth of her body against mine. “Mariya Vadim it is then. Our little princess.”

We both chuckled.

Gianna and I spent most of the time discussing our sons and future daughter before we drifted off to sleep, wrapped in each other's arms, with dreams of a future where our family was complete, and our children were safe and happy.

Chapter 17 - Gianna

The next day arrived with a sense of urgency that seemed to permeate the air around us. As Nikolai and Sergey said, we couldn't afford to waste more time. The longer we waited, the easier it was for my father to take my children away.

The mansion was very busy this morning. The men were discussing their strategies and getting their weapons ready in Maxim's study.

I sat in the living room with Lilianna, Giselle, and Mariana, but my mind was somewhere far away—in the room with the guys or maybe with my kids. I just knew I was distracted.

“Gia,” Giselle said, squeezing my shoulder reassuringly. “You’re the strongest woman I know, honestly. I can’t begin to imagine how hard it must’ve been for you to know that your kids were in danger and there was nothing you could do about it.”

“And to think we didn’t notice.” Lilianna sighed angrily. “I don’t mean any offense, but your father deserves whatever is coming to him. Even animals don’t harm their young ones.” Her gaze flickered to her son, Oleg. He was playing with his little twin cousins on the floor. “I’d kill anyone who harms him, no matter who they are. Trust me, Gia, your sons will come back to you. Sergey has never gone back on his word, and he won’t start now.”

Lilianna's words hung in the air, and despite the pain slithering my chest, I felt a surge of gratitude for the love and support they’d shown me. They hadn’t even met my sons yet and already loved them unconditionally.

“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. “Your support means more to me than you'll ever know.”

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