Page 52 of Secret Bratva Twins

I don’t want to lose you stayed on the tip of my tongue.

“If I had to choose between doing what I did last night and having it any other way, I would do what I did a thousand times again.” He grunted, lifting his back to the headboard. “To protect you and our sons, I’d do the craziest shit if I had to, Gianna. And that includes losing my life.”

My chest threatened to burst with so much emotion that I couldn’t hold it in anymore. “And that’s the problem!”

“That’s the problem?” His eyes narrowed.

How could I say it?

The words were formed in my mind but refused to come out of my mouth. I’d stayed by his side all night after the boys fell asleep, waiting patiently for him to wake up, to see the light in his eyes again or that stupid smile he gave whenever he was excited.

I wanted him—all of him. And I knew I wanted him for a long time. But I’d seen firsthand what living in a world like ours could do to a person.

We’d always have to live with our eyes behind our backs: caution, precaution, and threats of violence everywhere.

Last night was proof, and it didn’t matter that he proved to do everything he could for his children, it still left us back where we started—Uncertainty.

He could walk out that door and never come back. And there’d be nothing I could do about it except mourn a life that could have been.

“Gianna,” he took my hand in his and must not have noticed the distress in my eyes. “I promised to bring them back, didn’t I? And I did.”

“And I’m thankful.”

“Then, that’s it. You don’t need to say anymore.” He touched my cheeks, and a flutter erupted in my stomach. “I got shot, yes. But I’m here now. I promise I’m not going anywhere. Although, I won’t say I’m not flattered to see you worry this much about me.”

I laughed, swiping his hands away.

Maybe I could let my thoughts be and focus on enjoying every moment with him.

But deep down, I knew the truth.

Happy endings were not scripted for souls like ours.

Chapter 20 - Maxim

My eyes peeled open with a start, and I jolted from the bed. My side hurt like a bitch, and my head swam like I was fucking levitating or, better yet, floating in the clouds. I squinted—glared—at the tiny flecks dancing in the flood of sunlight from the curtains. The banging had returned again. My head pounded like a fucking jackhammer on a tree, but I was going to ignore them like I’d done for the past three days.

With a grunt, I kicked my feet off the bed, swaying slightly as I headed to the bathroom. I was about to enter when the door opened.

Her soft footsteps and sweet-smelling essence filled up the room. She chuckled. “Sometimes, I’m not exactly sure what part of you I like seeing more. Sweet or stubborn?”

My lips quirked to the side in the smallest smile she couldn’t see. “Without a doubt, I’m sure you secretly like seeing me stubborn and irrational. Like now...”

I didn’t need to turn around; I could feel her smile warm my back before her small arms went around my waist. When her cheeks pressed against my shoulder, I turned around. The light in her eyes dulled the banging and side throbs with an instant effect.

“Why would you think that?” A mischievous smirk settled on her face, and her hands slid up my arms.

I nuzzled my head to her neck and brushed my lips over her nape. The whiff of sunflower and vanilla tickled my nose. “It gives you an excuse to touch me. You know, the false idea that you’re trying to keep me from falling and breaking my head or something.”

“Oh, really?” The bubbly sound of her laughter traveled like ripples on my skin in ways I didn’t know were possible. My arms brought her closer; her breasts pressed against the hardness of my chest, and her lips no more than an inch away from mine. I wanted to bask in the heat her body offered, bury myself in all of her, and fucking forget the rest of the world.

She leaned into me, clearly desiring this moment as much as I did. But a sliver of restraint held me back.

I raised my head, trailing a finger down her cheek. She was so fucking irresistible. So beautiful. Like an angel, I did nothing to deserve it. The mere thought that something could hurt her or our family brought the headaches back with a force stronger than I prepared for.

“Shit.” My hand went to my forehead. I didn’t even realize I’d swayed until I felt her holding me still.

“Max?”

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