Page 33 of Secret Bratva Twins

For a moment, everything else fades. The betrayal, the lies, the years apart. None of it matters when faced with this undeniable truth. My kids.Mine.

I step closer to the photo, my fingers itching to touch it, to hold this tangible proof of their existence. Hannah shifts uneasily behind me, and I hear her whisper something to the children. My focus snaps back, the moment shattered.

“What did you just say?” I demand, turning to her, my voice like ice.

Hannah pulls the children closer, her defiance flickering even as fear flashes in her eyes. “Nothing.”

“Don’t lie to me.” My voice drops, dangerously low. In two strides, I’m in front of her. I grab her by the arm, spinning her toward the wall and pinning her there. My hand tangles in her hair, yanking just enough to make her wince. “What. Did. You. Say?”

Her breath comes in shaky gasps as the children’s cries grow louder, filling the room with panicked wails. Leo clutches Alyssa’s hand, his small face streaked with tears. I see himwatching, trying to be brave, but the sight only fuels my frustration.

“I told them it would be okay!” Hannah blurts out, her voice cracking. “That’s all! I swear!”

Her words hang in the air as I study her, searching for any sign of deception. My grip tightens for a moment, my anger still simmering, but then I release her. She stumbles back, pressing her hand to her head where my fingers had tangled in her hair.

“You’re lucky I believe you,” I hiss. “Make no mistake, Hannah. If you tell anyone I was here, or if you so much as think about calling the authorities, I’ll make sure you regret it.”

Her face pales, but she nods quickly, her trembling hands resting on the children’s shoulders. “I won’t. Please… just leave them here. They’re safe with me.”

I scoff, shaking my head. “They’re not safe anywhere but with me. Pack their things. Now.”

Hannah hesitates, looking at the children, who are still crying softly. Her protective instincts flare, and I can see her debating whether to fight me further.

“I said,pack their stuff.” My voice cuts through the tension like a blade.

Slowly, she nods and moves toward a small closet. The kids watch her, their faces full of fear and confusion, and it makes my chest tighten in a way I don’t like. They’re too young to understand what’s happening, too innocent to be caught in the middle of this mess. Yet here we are. Chiara did this. She kept them from me, lied to me, and forced my hand.

While Hannah hurriedly gathers their belongings, I glance down at the kids. Alyssa’s tear-streaked face is buried in her brother’s shoulder, and Leo stares up at me, his blue eyes wide and searching. My heart stirs uncomfortably.

“Hey,” I say, crouching to their level. My voice softens, though the effort feels foreign. “It’s going to be okay. I promise.”

Leo doesn’t respond, but his small hand tightens around Alyssa’s. I don’t miss the way he steps in front of her slightly, as if to shield her. The gesture pulls at something deep inside me.Protective, just like me.

Hannah shoves a small duffel bag into my hands, her expression tense and wary. “That’s everything. Please don’t hurt them.”

“I don’t hurt what’s mine,” I say flatly, slinging the bag over my shoulder.

Her lips part as if to argue, but she snaps them shut, wisely staying silent. I motion for the children to follow me, but they hesitate, clinging to Hannah’s legs.

“It’s okay,” she murmurs, crouching down to their level. “Go with him. Your mommy will come back for you.”

Her reassurance does little to calm their fears, but after a long pause, Leo takes Alyssa’s hand and steps forward. I reach for them, my chest tightening again as their small hands slip into mine.

As we step out into the cool Montana air, the gravity of the situation settles fully on my shoulders.They’re mine.No matter what it takes, I’ll keep them safe. From Chiara. From the world. Even from myself, if I have to.

The air feels heavy as I open the car door and gesture for the children to climb in. Alyssa hesitates, her tiny frame trembling as she clings to Leo’s arm. He doesn’t move right away, his wide blue eyes darting between me and the car’s dark interior. Their fear is palpable, and it settles in my chest like a weight I can’t shake.

“Get in,” I say, my tone firm but not harsh. I crouch down slightly, trying to make myself seem less intimidating. “It’s just a car ride.”

Leo swallows hard, his jaw tightening in that way children do when they’re trying to be brave. Slowly, he leads Alyssa forward, helping her climb into the backseat before following her. She immediately presses herself into the corner, her small body curling up like she’s trying to make herself disappear. Leo stays close to her, his hand wrapped protectively around hers.

I belt them in and close the door gently, then move to the driver’s side and slide into the seat. As I start the engine, the sound makes Alyssa flinch. The silence between us is suffocating, broken only by their uneven breaths. I glance at them in the rearview mirror, their faces pale and full of fear.

“You don’t have to be scared,” I say, keeping my voice as calm as I can manage. It feels foreign, trying to soothe someone. “We’re going home. To yournewhome.”

They don’t respond. Alyssa stares out the window, while Leo watches me with round eyes.

I clear my throat, gripping the wheel tightly. “Do you want to see your mommy?”

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