Page 39 of Secret Bratva Twins

I smirk, stepping closer until there’s only a breath of space between us. “Oh, I know,” I reply. “It’s only just beginning.”

Alyssa tugs on her mother’s sleeve. “Are we staying in that big shiny city, Mommy?”

Chiara’s voice softens for her daughter, the first trace of warmth I’ve heard in hours. “For a little while, sweetheart.”

Alyssa frowns. “What about the animals?”

“You don’t need pets,” I cut in before Chiara can respond. “You’ll like it here better,” I say. Alyssa glances at me, wide-eyed, unsure how to respond. I offer her a rare smile. “There’s plenty to explore.”

Chiara shoots me a look, her eyes narrowing in warning. I ignore it.

Roman appears to assist. I stretch, then walk over to where Chiara is struggling to untangle herself from Leo’s sleepy grip. She’s careful not to let our hands touch as she shifts him into a more comfortable position. Alyssa hops down from her seat, brimming with energy.

“Come on, let’s go,” I say, placing a hand on Chiara’s lower back as she moves toward the exit. She tenses but doesn’t pull away, likely mindful of the kids’ watchful eyes. I lean in, letting my voice drop low. “Welcome home.”

She doesn’t respond, but her jaw tightens.

***

The sleek black SUV waits in the parking lot after we go through security. Roman is already behind the wheel, and I guide Chiara and the children inside. Alyssa climbs in eagerly, but Leo clings to his mother, still groggy.

“Do we get to see your house now?” Alyssa asks as I settle into the seat across from her.

“You do,” I reply. “It’s big. You’ll like it.”

She beams, and Chiara’s shoulders tighten. She knows this isn’t a vacation, but the children are blissfully ignorant. It’s better this way. Let them adjust without fear while I sort out everything else.

As the car moves through Chicago’s bustling streets, Alyssa peppers me with questions. “Do you have a dog? Mommy said no dogs.”

“Not yet,” I admit. “But maybe we’ll get one.”

Her eyes light up, and Chiara’s mouth twitches like she’s suppressing a retort.

Leo stirs in her lap, blinking up at her. “Where are we going, Mommy?”

“Somewhere new, sweetheart,” she says softly, stroking his hair. “You’ll see.”

I study her as she speaks to him. For all her fury and rebellion, her love for these children is disarmingly genuine. It’s the one weakness I know I can exploit—and the one I hate myself for wanting to.

When we reach the mansion, the gates open silently, and Alyssa gasps. “It’s so big!” she exclaims, pressing her hands to the glass.

“Bigger than a castle!” Leo adds, now wide awake.

The car pulls up to the grand entrance, where staff are already waiting. Roman parks, and I step out first, holding a hand out for Alyssa. She takes it without hesitation, hopping onto the driveway with excitement. Chiara exits carefully, still cradling Leo, her eyes darting around warily.

Inside, the kids’ awe grows. The vaulted ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and sweeping staircase elicit wide-eyed stares from both of them. Alyssa runs ahead, her laughter echoing through the expansive space, while Leo clings to Chiara, shyly taking it all in.

“Where’s our room, Mommy?” Alyssa calls out, spinning in circles beneath the chandelier.

“I’ll show you,” I say, cutting in before Chiara can respond. “Come with me.”

Alyssa immediately skips toward me, and I lead her and Leo to the grand staircase. Chiara follows reluctantly, her steps heavy. I glance over my shoulder at her. “You’ll all have everything you need here. I’ll make sure of it.”

Her silence speaks volumes. She knows what I mean—that her life, and their lives, are mine now. She doesn’t have to like it. She just has to accept it.

The children’s room is at the end of the second-floor hallway, its door painted a soft cream that stands out against the dark wood paneling. I push it open, stepping aside to let Alyssa dart inside. She gasps the moment she sees it, her excitement spilling over like water breaking through a dam.

“It’s huge!” she squeals, spinning in the middle of the room. The hardwood floor gleams beneath her feet, and the soft blue walls are bathed in sunlight streaming through oversized windows. A canopy bed, draped with delicate gauze, dominates one side of the room, while a bunk bed with dark wood andnavy comforters sits tucked against the far wall for Leo. Shelves already lined with books and toys fill the space, carefully curated to appear welcoming but not overbearing.

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