Page 16 of The Godfather’s Christmas Twins

She steps inside, running her fingers along the cream-colored duvet. "It's beautiful, Max."

I clear my throat, fighting the urge to linger. "There's more."

Down the hall, I show them a bright room filled with desks, computers, and educational materials. “For homeschooling. I wasn’t sure about your work situation, but there’s an area there.”

She looks up at me, and for a moment I think I see gratitude. I want to stay there, savor it, but there’s more to see.

The next room gets the biggest reaction. The converted den now houses everything two five-year-olds could want—gaming systems, art supplies, books, and enough toys to stock a small store. It was a major feat to pull off in the span of twenty-four hours.

"A dollhouse!" Daniella squeals, running to the large wood structure fully stocked with furniture.

"Look at these racecars!" Dario drops to his knees by a massive track set.

Gia's eyes widen. "You didn't have to do all this."

"I wanted them to feel at home."

“But I’m sure we won’t be here long,” Gia says, and it grates on my nerves. “Nic will find out who’s behind the notes and we’ll be leaving.”

I stuff my hands in my pockets. "However long you need to stay." Feeling like an idiot, I show them out to the main area of the house. “I don’t keep a large house staff.”

“You always liked your privacy,” Gia says.

I know I just mentioned that in the car, but her comment sounds like she remembers me from before. I feel like it means something.

“Normally, I do my own cooking, but if you’d like me to hire?—”

“That’s not necessary.”

I roll my shoulders to relieve the tension her snappy comments build in me.

“The grounds, however, are fully manned. Security is everywhere. I have four teams rotating shifts and a state-of-the-art surveillance system covering every inch of the property." I step closer, lowering my voice. "No one gets within a mile of this place without us knowing."

She wraps her arms around herself, and I wonder if she’s protecting herself from the stalker or me. "The grounds seem extensive."

"Twenty acres, all fenced and monitored. But…” I catch her eye, making sure she understands the gravity of my next words. "I need you to stay close to the main house. The pool and immediate gardens are fine, but don't wander the perimeter. Not until we know who's behind these threats."

"You sound just like Nic."

"Because we both want you safe." Again, I’m fighting the urge to touch her, to offer comfort. "The staff knows to report anything unusual. They're loyal, vetted, and well-paid for their discretion."

Daniella and Dario run around the open area, their laughter filling the space between us. The sound both warms and wounds me.

“Anything you need, let me or Maria—she’s the house manager—know,” I continue, desperate to maintain professional distance. "She’s here during the day but available all hours. She lives on the property out back.”

"Once Nic finds who's behind this, we'll be out of your hair."

My jaw clenches. "This isn't about being 'in my hair’." The words come out sharper than intended. "Your safety isn't some temporary inconvenience."

She turns those green eyes on me, the same ones that have haunted my dreams for years. "I know how busy you are, Max. Your work here, your… social obligations."

My eyes narrow. “Social obligations?” She remembered I liked my privacy. Surely, she remembers I’m not a social man.Oh, sure, I attend social events when needed, but I’d rather be home than schmoozing with society.

She shrugs and turns her attention to the kids. “I’m sure you have friends… girlfriends.”

For a moment, I wonder if she’s fishing, and the thought that she might feels better than it should.

"None of that matters." I step closer, close enough to catch the faint scent of her perfume. "You and the kids come first. Always."

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