Page 44 of Nanny for the Demon's Twins

Her laugh vibrates against my chest. "Of course they do."

I trace another pattern of stars with her finger. "And that's the Dragon's Crown. Though Luna insists it's actually a princess hat."

"They see the world so differently." She turns her head slightly, looking up at me. "You've given them that freedom. To dream, to imagine."

My throat tightens. Because that's what family does - what she does for them too, though she might not see it yet.

18

MIRA

The night air wraps around us as we walk down the cobbled street toward Mrs. Blackwood's bakery after taking the carriage back. Karn's massive frame towers beside me, his violet eyes catching the moonlight. The scent of fresh bread still lingers in the air despite the late hour.

Mrs. Blackwood meets us at the door, her flour-dusted apron and bright smile a welcoming sight. "Oh, they were absolute angels." She leads us inside where Nova and Luna are curled together on the settee, copper curls tangled. "They helped me decorate cookies all afternoon. Even cleaned up after themselves."

Karn's eyebrow raises, the scar there catching in the floating lights. "Are you sure these are my girls?"

"Hush." I elbow him gently. "Thank you for watching them."

"Anytime, dear. They're a joy."

Karn scoops both girls up with practiced ease, their tiny bodies fitting perfectly against his broad chest. I gather their shoes and stuffed animals, following him out into the night.

The walk home is quiet, peaceful. The twins don't stir once, even when we climb the stairs to the second floor. Their room glows softly from the magical stars on the ceiling as we lay them in their shared bed. I brush Nova's freckled nose with a gentle kiss while Karn tucks the blanket around Luna.

As we slip out, Karn's calloused hand catches mine. He pulls me down the hall, and a giggle escapes before I can stop it.

"What?" His fanged grin gleams in the darkness. "You think you were going somewhere else?"

"I should just move my things to your room." The words tumble out before I can catch them. My heart skips when his steps falter.

He turns, those violet eyes intense. "I'm not opposed to that."

My breath catches. The brand on my wrist seems to tingle as I process his words. "You're serious?"

"When am I not?" His thumb traces circles on my palm. "I want you there, Mira. Have for a while now."

The simple honesty in his voice makes my chest tight. This isn't just about convenience or passion – this is Karn, the demon who dropped everything to raise his nieces, making space for me in his life.

Maybe this is more serious than I let myself think. Maybe…Maybe I can hope. Just this once.

Karn pulls me into his room, the door clicking shut behind us. Before I can draw breath, he's on me. His hands, rough and calloused from years at the forge, grip my waist, pulling me against him. His kiss is fierce, demanding, and I melt into it, a moan escaping my lips.

"Karn," I whisper, my voice barely audible between kisses.

His mouth moves down my throat, hot and hungry. It feels so good, and I cling to him as I try to stay upright. His fingers find the laces of my dress, working them loose with an urgency that sends a thrill through me.

"This fucking dress," he growls, his lips trailing down my collarbone, following the path his hands make as they push the fabric aside. I shiver, not from cold, but from the intensity in his movements

"Karn. Can the twins—" I start, a flicker of worry cutting through the haze of need. I didn't even think about it last time.

He pauses, his breath hot on my skin. "Soundshield. Around their room." His voice is low, gravelly. "I can hear them. They can't hear us."

Relief washes over me, and I relax into his touch. His hands, confident and sure, slide the dress down my body, leaving me bare before him. But when he moves us toward the bed, I hesitate.

"Wait," I breathe, a hand on his chest. His heart beats strong and steady under my palm. He stops immediately, concern etched in the lines of his face.

"What's wrong?" His voice is soft, a stark contrast to the heat in his gaze.

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