Page 92 of Bratva King's Secret Twins

I wipe at my tears quickly, forcing a smile. “Hey, baby.” I open my arms, and they rush to me. As soon as they crash into me, I finally feel like I can breathe again. I pull them close, kissing the tops of their heads. “I’ve missed you both so much.”

“We missed you too,” Gio murmurs, sounding quieter than usual, his arms looping around me tightly. Mia presses her face into my side, her grip onMr. Floppy firm.

Gio pulls back slightly, inspecting me, darting between myself and Nikolai. His face is calm, but his eyes are sharp, and I can tell he’s piecing things together. “Mama…what happened to you?”

“I’m okay,” I say softly, brushing hair out of his face. But his eyes remain fixed on me, unconvinced.

Mia, still clinging to my side, turns her worried gaze to Nik, who lies pale and weak on the bed. “Is Daddy okay?” Her voice is a whisper, trembling.

I freeze. Daddy. My heart pounds. Nik’s eyes flick from Mia to me, a small, pained smile tugging at his lips despite his exhaustion.

“Yeah, Daddy’s going to be okay,” Nik says, his voice gentle and hoarse.

Gio, still watching me, frowns deeply. “You’re hurt too, Mama. How do I know you’re okay?” His voice isn’t demanding, just practical, like he needs proof before he can relax.

I sigh, holding his gaze. “I’ll explain everything to you, I promise, but right now…I’m just so happy to see you both.”

He doesn’t look satisfied, but before he can press more, Nadia steps in, her voice gentle but firm. “Why don’t I take these two for some ice cream?”

Gio doesn't move at first, still focused on me. “I don’t want to leave yet. You haven’t told me anything.”

I swallow, reaching out to touch his cheek. “I will, Gio. I’ll talk to you about everything. Just give me a little more time.”

His eyes search mine before he finally nods. “Promise?”

“Promise.”

Nadia gives me a soft look, then turns to Gio and Mia. “Come on, you two. Ice cream sounds pretty good right now, right?”

“Ice cream!” Mia’s face lights up, and despite himself, Gio gives a small nod, letting Nadia take his hand.

They rush to Nik, kissing his cheek. “Get better soon, Daddy,” Mia whispers.

Nik smiles, ruffling Gio’s hair. “I will.”

I stand frozen, watching them leave. Nadia glances back before stepping out with the kids. “You two talk,” she says quietly, leaving me and Nik in the quiet aftermath.

As soon as the door closes behind them, I turn to Nik, my breath coming fast. “What…what was that?”

“What?” Nik asks, his voice tired, as he tries to sit up. His body protests, and he winces.

“They called you—Nik, they called you dad.” My voice cracks, my hands trembling as I stare at him. “H-how do they know? How do you know?”

Nik watches me for a moment, his face unreadable. Then he lets out a sigh.

I feel like the floor drops beneath me. “But you didn’t know?—”

“I know now,” he cuts me off, his voice soft but firm. He shifts slightly, groaning at the movement, but his gaze never leaves mine. “I’ve known for weeks now.”

I open my mouth to protest, to explain, to justify the secrets I’ve been keeping, but Nik shakes his head, struggling to get out of bed. “Nik—wait?—”

“I don’t want to hear it right now,” hesays, his tone final.

He stands, slowly, wincing as he moves toward the bathroom. I follow, my pulse racing, but he doesn't turn around. He’s moving stiffly, clearly in pain, but I can’t let this go. “Nik, please?—”

He pulls his shirt over his head, tossing it aside before stepping into the bathroom. I linger by the door, watching as he turns on the shower. The steam begins to rise, filling the small space with heat and humidity. I know I should leave him alone, give him space to process, but I can’t. I can’t let him walk away from this without understanding what’s going through his mind.

He steps under the water, and before I realize what I’m doing, I follow him in, fully clothed. The warm water hits me, soaking my hoodie, but I don’t care. I stand there, watching him through the mist, my heart pounding in my chest.

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