Page 175 of Ruthless God

“Enough about that. Tell me everything. Have you popped yet?”

I snort. “Any day now.”

“I can’t believe I’m going to be an uncle. And I really can’t believe that my bestie owns an island.”

“I can’t wait for you to get here.”

“You say that now. Just wait until Lili and all of her kids are there. You won’t get a moment of peace.”

I laugh. “I can’t wait.”

“Hey, I need to run. Tad is here. See you soon.”

“Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

I end the call, smiling. A shadow falls over me. I look up to find Claudius watching me, brow raised. I don’t even hesitate. I grab him by the shirt and pull him into me, kissing him hard.

When I pull away, breathless, he smirks. “Good news?”

I nod, tears slipping down my cheeks. “The best.”

Because for the first time in my life, there is no more waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Harvey is going to live.

And for the first time in a long time, so am I.

Claudius presses his lips against mine again. “Good. And how are the babies?”

Yet another surprise. Once everything settled down, Claudius flew in a doctor. To our joy, everything was fine. To our shock, we found out I was carrying twins. Two girls.

I guess it’s just not meant for there to be any other males on Isola Ombrafiore, except for Claudius. I mean, he and Gabriel are a handful as it is.

“Active. I think it’s getting crowded in there.”

He leans, speaking directly to my stomach. “Come on, girls. Be nice to mama and hurry up. There are a lot of people waiting to meet you.”

It’s true. All the women that Claudius saved are thrilled that the babies will be here any day. They’ve become family. Even Agnes.

“When are Bonnie and Alyssa arriving?”

I answer, “Tomorrow. They said Aimée is coming.”

His eyebrow lift. “I’m shocked.”

“So am I. They claim she’s a new woman since Blanc died.”

It’s strange that I’ve kept in contact with Aimée more than my mother. I think it’s mostly because of Bonnie and Alyssa, who are determined to make us family. The thing is? I think it’s working.

“So no guests and no babies.” His voice dips into something lower and rougher. “Whatever shall we do?”

Heat curls in my stomach.

“Oh?” I tease, tilting my head. “And what exactly do you have in mind?”

“Well, let’s see.” His hands skim down my arms, slow, deliberate. “We could read a book.”

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