Page 19 of All My Broken Pieces

Maybe he was right to invite me tonight. I really needed this.

As we grow closer, I can hear the sounds of bickering. Turning the corner, I take in the sight before me. Most of Andrew’s siblings are seated around the table, except for two who are currently rolling on the floor, one with his head locked in the other brother’s chokehold.

“Take it back.” Noah growls, refusing to give in to Luca’s desperate attempts to free himself.

I laugh watching the baby of the family be choked out by Andrew’s second youngest sibling. The boys are so close in age they could almost be twins. My eyes drift over to find Mila and Beau distracted on their phones, the family’sactualtwins and oldest of the seven siblings.

I can’t imagine giving birth to one child, let alone seven. Squeezing my thighs, I shudder at the thought.

Yeah, that’s gonna be a big ol’ nope for me and my vagina.

Looking around, I spot Rylee and Izabella, Andrew’s other sisters, playing with his nieces and nephews. I take a deep breath, soaking in the love in the room, despite the aggressive showing between the two youngest.

“Let your brother go.” A deep voice sighs. All eyes shoot up to watch Isaak Mikhailov walk into the room, a disappointed scowl on his face. Not many people intimidate me, but Andrew’s father is one of those few.

The old Russian man is one scary dude.

He used to be a general in the military before meeting Andrew’s mom and he’s never lost the hard edge from war. Despite his gruffness, though, the man loves his family.

Rolling his eyes at the boys as they continue wrestling on the floor, he bends over to scoop up one of his grandchildren into his arms. “Zaychik.” He croons, nuzzling her head with his.

I smile, my heart melting at the display of such a gruff man showing such sweet emotions.

Not that I’d ever admit thatthat’swhy I’m smiling.

Quickly schooling my features, I saunter over and flop down into a seat beside Mila. Andrew follows behind, taking the open spot next to me. Nudging my shoulder with his, Andrew smirks. “See? Aren’t you happy you came?”

I roll my eyes, muttering under my breath and crossing my arms. A small hint of my earlier grin breaks on my face despite my efforts.

Of course Andrew notices.

Laughing, he slaps my shoulder and reaches for the bottle of wine on the center of the table. I hold up a glass, nearly downing the whole thing when he fills it. He quirks an eyebrow at me, but doesn’t say anything as he refills the glass. His focus is pulled away as Noah and Luca finally come take their seats and begin babbling about some sports game.

Taking the moment of distraction, I pull up my phone to check and see if there are any new messages.

One new message

My body freezes as I see the notification.

With numb fingers, I unlock my phone and open the text.

Mi Vida

I need you

I leap to my feet, startling everyone around me, but I don’t care.

She needs me.

The thought sends me into overdrive as I sprint from the room, the sound of Andrew’s voice following me.

Running as quickly as I can, I dive behind the wheel of my car. The vehicle I learned to drive for my baby. Throwing it into reverse, I speed down the street, my fingers strumming on the steering wheel.

She needs me.

Chapter 7

Fallon

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