Page 20 of The Billionaire's Secret Twins

After all, Dom lives in a historic area of the city where the roads are narrow because they were created prior to the invention of cars.But I adore the old-world charm of the neighborhood, and the gelato shops on every corner are irresistible.Not to mention the pasta!I swear, there’s so much excellent pasta here that I could eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as the occasional snack and even dessert.

But the best part of Rome is the Tiber River.I love sauntering along its winding banks at sunset, knowing that legions of Roman citizens have walked these same paths, not knowing what comes next.What will tomorrow bring?War?Famine?Poverty?Or a Roman bacchanal to end all others?Only time will tell.

After all, I’m also in a state of unknowing.I’m not sure how long my set-up is going to last, or what comes next after this beautiful European jaunt.I know I should be happy because I’m basically on an all-expenses paid vacation to Rome, but it’s strange to be pregnant and alone.I’m in my third trimester now, and near bursting.My belly is the size of a beach ball, and it’s tight around the middle.Sometimes, even the skin of my stomach hurts because it’s stretching to accommodate the babies within.

Yes, I’m having twins.The doctor confirmed it at my last appointment, and while I was elated, I was also sad because the boys aren’t wanted by their father.We haven’t heard a peep from Dominic since being flown to Rome, and my heart aches whenever I think of the billionaire.

Dominic Masters is just a man, the voice in my head says in a frigid tone.You were never dating.You were his employee, so don’t forget that.

It’s true.My bi-weekly paychecks continued while I was in New York, and in fact, I’m still getting paid now.Whenever I log into my bank account, I can see a string of hefty deposits from Regeneron AI.Then, I close the browser, my heart thumping with a mixture of pain, regret, and ...I don’t know.Wishing things could be different?Thinking about alternate universes where I made different decisions?

But what could you have done?the voice in my head speaks in a kinder tone.He overwhelmed you with his dominance and charisma.Dominic Masters has charmed a thousand woman in the past, and you were the thousand and first.Don’t blame yourself because you were drawn in by a pro.

I smile sadly while watering the plants.It’s true.Somehow, I got caught up in a fairy tale where I thought I was Cinderella, swept off her feet by a handsome, charming prince.But in the end, the prince was no prince.He was a cad, and now I’m having his twin sons.

We’ll be okay, I silently tell the babies in my belly, resting my palm on the bulge for a moment.Mommy loves you, and I’ll always be here for you no matter what happens.

Suddenly, a miniature van pulls up the narrow alley, interrupting my thoughts as a delivery man hops out in a bright blue vest.

“Signorina White?”he asks.

“Sì,” I say, which is about the extent of my Italian.But it’s all that’s needed because he pops open the trunk to his van and pulls out a large cardboard box.“Consegna per te.”

Then, he thrusts the box in my arms and hops back into his vehicle, disappearing down the cobbled street with a rattle of the engine.I stagger a bit, but not because the box is heavy.Rather, it’s just large and cumbersome, and I’m a little off balance all the time because of my pregnancy.Grimacing a bit, I step backwards and turn to enter the townhouse when my toe catches on a cobblestone.Oh no, I’m going to fall!

The babies!I immediately think.My children!

But a large hand grasps my waist out of nowhere, pulling me upright as the box tumbles to the ground.Suddenly, I’m pressed against a huge, masculine form and the scent of a familiar woodsy cologne surrounds me.

“What the hell are you thinking?”Dominic hisses, his blue eyes shooting sparks.“You’re expecting!You shouldn’t be carrying huge boxes around.What the fuck!”

My heart races as I stare up into his azure gaze, but I force myself to calm down and pull away.Just because he looks insanely handsome with his black hair brushed back, and his harsh features the very definition of an angry Roman god, doesn’t mean that he cares about me.He doesn’t even care about hischildren, and that makes the blood freeze in my veins.

“I’m fine,” I say in a stiff voice.“The box wasn’t heavy.It’s just some diapers I ordered to get ready for the birth so it looked big, but was actually very light.”

Dominic stares at me, two harsh streaks on his high cheekbones.

“Yeah, but you almostfell,” he hisses.“Get back in the house.I’m going to talk to Maria about why you were handling the deliveries.”

I’m starting to get angry now, and put my fists on my hips.

“It’s not your housekeeper’s fault,” I say in a huffy tone, glaring at him.“I happened to be watering the plants when the delivery guy came around, and so he gave me the package.Next time, I’ll be sure to ask him to set it on the ground, and I’ll ask Roberto to bring it in.Trust me, it’s not a big deal.”

“Itisa big deal!”Dominic explodes.“These are my sons you’re putting in danger!”

I pause for a moment.

“So you know that I’m having twins.Boys too.”

“I do,” he bites out.“Now get inside and let’s have this conversation in private because there are things that need to be said.”

Seething, I glare at the alpha male.How dare this man order me around within thirty seconds of coming back into my life!I wish I could wring that handsome neck before pressing a desperate kiss to his sensual mouth.But instead, I nod and enter the townhouse because Dominic is right.Our babies are coming, and we need to talk.

* * *

Unfortunately,entering the townhouse has no discernible effect on his temper, nor mine.We stand in the darkened foyer, staring at each other while bristling with anger.

“So how do you know I’m having twins?”I demand.“My medical records are private.”

---