Page 47 of The Bratva King's Twins

Immediately, concern knitted itself within me, and I made an effort to soften my voice as I entered the room.

“Vivian?” I asked, approaching with careful steps.

Aware that I knew she was crying, Vivian didn’t bother to hide it. Instead, she put the scan in her lap and rubbed at her eyes. “I’m fine…”

“I can see otherwise,” I murmured, kneeling in front of her so that she had no choice but to face me. “What’s bothering you, sweetheart?”

At the question, those tears surged even harder, and she pulled in a shaky breath. “I’m scared, Ari…Having one baby was nerve-wracking enough, but two?”

Better understanding where she was coming from, I reached for both of her hands and collected them in mine, silently appreciating how much smaller hers looked in comparison.

“I know this is a lot, and neither of us were expecting to learn we’re having twins, but everything will work out,” I said, doing my best to soothe her worries. “They’ll be a handful, but I’m not going anywhere. If you need anything, I’ll drop everything else to help you. We’ll get as much help as we need, and I’ll do whatever is necessary for you and the babies. I’ll be by your side through all of it.”

Vivian met my gaze as her eyes softened, and despite her tears, I thought she looked beautiful. “You’re not worried about what it might do to us?”

I shook my head with resolve. “Not at all. The twins won’t tear us apart, Vivian. They’re a significant reason for us to work together and act like the partners we are. I want this family with you, and I know they’re going to be perfect.”

While she continued to cry, there was a notable shift from fear to relief, and she did her best to rein it in.

“Be as nervous as you need to be, but just know I’m here every step of the way,” I reminded her, giving her hands a loving squeeze before I got up and sat beside her instead. “Can you remember that for me?”

“Of course,” she murmured, leaning on me for support as she wiped her eyes.

Wrapping my arms around her, I held Vivian close and offered as much support as I possessed. I felt at ease as she returned the embrace, letting me know the words of encouragement helped.

“Sorry for crying so much,” she added with a small laugh. “The baby hormones aren’t helping.”

“There’s no need to apologize,” I hummed, gently rubbing her back as she calmed down again. “Your body is doing such an impressive thing. You deserve all the slack and grace you need.”

“Thanks, Ari,” she mumbled, pulling back just enough to look up at me through her lashes, dark from the dampness. “I’m glad this is happening with you. I feel so lucky.”

My heart swelled at her words, and I cupped her cheek with my free hand. “I’m the lucky one here.”

As she smiled at me, I couldn’t help the craving to kiss her. There was something so magnetic and alluring about her that was hard to resist.

Leaning in, I pressed my lips against hers and felt as we both melted at once, soaking in the mutual affection.

I didn’t feel any need to worry—not when things between us were better than they ever had been.

Chapter 22 - Vivian

Initially, I was afraid to have twins. I was scared it would pull us apart and fray that delicate relationship we were still working on. I was still intimidated by the idea for multiple reasons, but Ari was trying his hardest to show me it didn’t have to be a source of worry for me.

He had been excited because of the pregnancy before, but after the scan, it was like a switch flipped inside him.

Without needing to be asked at any point, he immediately started coddling me. He was there constantly, checking in on me and making sure I was feeling okay. If I even slightly complained about pain or nausea, he would swoop in without a word and do everything he could to make me feel better.

Ari made sure I always had something to eat first thing before he left for work, and he’d ask me throughout the day if I was comfortable enough.

There was no mistaking just how much he cared about me and the pregnancy, and it helped me to see even more of his sensitive side.

Even if he could be a bit suffocating from doting on me, even with the most minor of issues, it was endearing, and it helped put me at ease every time.

Before, I never imagined being happy with Ari. The thought of being married to him alone was bad enough, but if my future self were to tell me then I’d be having his children sooner rather than later, I never would’ve believed it.

I thought he was a brutal monster, but I was glad to see the opposite was true.

Ari was as caring as could be, and he made sure my every need was met. He seemed to get better at reading me and understanding what I needed, and that in itself was a great relief.

---