Page 53 of The Mafia's Quadruplets

I grab a quick sandwich from the deli down the street, barely tasting it as I eat. My mind keeps drifting to the future, imagining scenarios of telling Valerian about the pregnancy. In some, he’s overjoyed. In others, furious. The uncertainty gnaws at me.

Before I know it, it’s time for Daphne’s appointment. I head to my small, rented space in a nearby wellness center, grateful for the familiar routine of setting up the massage table and warming the oil.

She arrives right on time, her usual cheery self. “You’re a sight for sore eyes...and a sore back.”

I smile, gesturing to the table. “Hop on up and let’s see what we can do about that.”

As I work on Daphne’s tense muscles, she chatters about her upcoming vacation and her daughter’s dance recital. I make the appropriate noises of interest, but my focus keeps slipping.

“Claire?” Her voice breaks through my thoughts. “Did you hear what I said?”

“I’m sorry, what?”

She props herself up on her elbows, twisting to look at me. “I asked if you were feeling okay. You seem off today.”

I force a smile. “Just a little tired. Nothing to worry about.”

Sarah doesn’t look convinced, but she lies back down. “If you say so. I’m here if you need to talk.”

Her kindness nearly breaks me. For a moment, I consider spilling everything—the pregnancy, my fears, and the complicated situation with Valerian—but I hold back. It’s too soon, too raw, and we aren’t close enough. It’s a sudden and sharp reminder of the lack of close female friendships in my life. I’m usually fine with that, but what I wouldn’t give for a BFF in whom I can confide right now. “Thanks, Daphne. I appreciate that.”

The rest of the massage passes in relative silence. As she’s getting dressed, she pauses. “You know, my sister-in-law is a great therapist. If you ever want to talk to someone...”

I shake my head. “I’m fine, really, but thank you.”

After she leaves, I clean up the room on autopilot. My hand keeps drifting to my stomach, a gesture that’s quickly becoming a habit.

I see two more clients before my day ends. Sergei and Ivan are waiting for me, and the drive to the mansion is mostly silent, since I’m lost in thoughts, and neither of my guards are particularly loquacious.

As we approach the imposing gates, a wave of nausea hits me. Morning sickness, or just nerves? I inhale and exhale to prepare myself for whatever comes next.

The house is quiet when I enter from the garage a few minutes later. I make my way to the kitchen, craving something to settle my stomach. As I rummage through the fridge, a deep voice behind me makes me jump.

“There you are.”

I whirl around to find Valerian leaning against the doorframe. My heart races, and I instinctively press a hand to my abdomen before quickly dropping it. “I didn’t hear you come in,” I say, aiming for casual and missing by a mile.

His gaze narrows, taking in my flustered state. “Are you alright? You look...upset.”

For a moment, I consider telling him everything right then and there. The words rise in my throat, but I swallow them back down. Not yet. Not until I’m sure what I want to do. I can’t let him steamroll me into a decision when the topic is so important. “I’m fine,” I lie, forcing a smile. “Just a long day at the flower shop and with clients.”

Valerian studies me for a long moment, and I fight the urge to squirm under his scrutiny. Finally, he nods. “Get some rest. We’ll skip tonight’s massage.”

As he turns to leave, I ask, “Are you sure?”

He pauses, a ghost of a smile on his lips. “I’m sure. Take care of yourself so I don’t have to worry.”

With that, he’s gone, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the tiny secret growing inside me. I lean against the counter, my hand once again finding its way to my stomach.

“What am I going to do?” I whisper to the empty kitchen.

The silence offers no answers.

19

Valerian

Istand at the huge window of my penthouse office, hands clasped behind my back, my reflection a dark silhouette against the glass. My mind, usually laser-focused on business, keeps drifting to Claire.

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