Page 67 of Secret Bratva Twins

His lips twitch as if he’s fighting a smirk, but he shrugs and takes the sandwich from me anyway, biting into it without further argument.

“You’re impossible,” I mutter, brushing crumbs from my fingers.

“I’m thorough,” he counters, his smirk breaking through this time.

We sit in comfortable silence for a moment, the remnants of the sandwich disappearing between us. It’s strange how easy it feels, sitting here with him, no tension or pretense. Just… us.

I glance over at him, studying his profile as he finishes the last bite. “So,” I say carefully, leaning back against the pillows. “Are you going to tell me where you were tonight?”

His head tilts slightly, his gaze flicking to me with faint amusement. “Why do you ask?”

I shrug, trying to keep my tone casual, though my stomach twists with an unfamiliar emotion. “It’s late. You’re not usually gone this long. I figured you’d want to be home with the twins.”

His smirk deepens, and he sets the plate on the nightstand before turning fully toward me. “You figured,” he repeats, his tone teasing. “Or you were worried.”

“I wasn’t worried,” I snap, though the heat rushing to my cheeks gives me away.

“No?” He leans closer, his eyes glittering with mischief. “Then why are you asking?”

“Because I….” I pause, flustered under his sharp gaze. “Because I’m curious, that’s all.”

“Curious,” he echoes, his voice low and smooth. “Or jealous?”

The word catches me off guard, and I stiffen slightly, my blush deepening. “Don’t flatter yourself,” I say, trying to sound nonchalant.

His chuckle is deep and rich, the sound wrapping around me like warm silk. “You’re terrible at lying, Chiara.”

I huff, crossing my arms over my chest. “Fine. Maybe I was wondering if you were with someone else. Happy now?”

His smirk softens into something almost affectionate. “I was working,” he says, his tone sincere now. “Not with anyone else. Just handling business.”

I glance away, embarrassed by my outburst. “Good,” I mumble, focusing on a spot on the wall.

His hand brushes mine lightly, drawing my attention back to him. “Good?” he repeats, arching a brow.

“Yes, good,” I say firmly, though my voice lacks the bite I want it to have. “The twins deserve a father who prioritizes them.”

He watches me for a long moment, his expression unreadable, before nodding. “I always will,” he says quietly.

Before I can respond, the door creaks open, and a small voice cuts through the quiet.

“Papa? Mama?”

We both turn to see Alyssa standing in the doorway, her stuffed rabbit clutched tightly in her arms. Her wide eyes are filled with worry, and her lip trembles slightly as she steps inside.

“What is it, sweetheart?” I ask, sitting up straighter.

“It’s Leo,” she says, her voice wavering. “He… he fell.”

Serge is on his feet instantly, his expression darkening. “Fell, what do you mean? From where?”

“The bunk bed,” Alyssa says, her voice cracking as tears well up in her eyes. “I told him not to climb up in the dark, but he didn’t listen!”

I’m already moving, rushing to scoop Alyssa into my arms as Serge strides toward the door. “Is he awake?” I ask, trying to keep my voice calm for her sake.

Alyssa nods against my shoulder, sniffling. “He’s crying. He says his arm hurts.”

Serge glances back at me, his jaw tight. “Let’s go.”