Page 45 of Arranged with Twins
“We could also get hurt hiding away from life.” I interrupt gently. “I’d rather be with you regardless of the risks than spend my pregnancy locked in a cage, no matter how comfortable.”
He’s quiet for a long moment, considering my words. When he finally speaks, his voice carries resignation and something that might be admiration. “If you’re sure, but only with increased security and safety protocols that are non-negotiable.”
“Agreed.” I squeeze his hand. “As long as you remember I’m your partner in this, not just someone you’re protecting.”
“Partner.” He repeats the word like he’s testing its weight. “I’m still learning what that means.”
“We both are.”
After dinner, I draw a hot bath in Leo’s massive marble tub, needing time to absorb everything that’s happened in the past twenty-four hours. The warm water soothes muscles I didn’t realize were tense, and the lavender bath salts I found in his cabinet create a cloud of relaxing scent.
I sink deeper into the water, letting my head fall back against the tub’s edge as I replay the day’s events. This morning’s breakfast conversation, the glimpse into his business world, and his confession about not wanting me at risk all point toward something I’ve been afraid to acknowledge.
I’m falling in love with him.
The realization is crystal clear, but it’s still surprising. Four months ago, Leo Denisov was nothing more than a name from my childhood, a distant memory of tragedy and loss. Less than three months ago, he was a stranger I was supposed to marry formy family’s benefit. Now, he’s become the center of everything that matters.
This morning, he cooked and shared memories. He showed me his shipping operation and included me as a partner in the process. He expressed concern about the possibility of losing me. This isn’t the cold, calculating man my parents described when they announced our engagement. This is someone who’s been shaped by loss and betrayal but still has the capacity for tenderness. I dare hope he’s learning to trust again and open himself to possibilities beyond survival and control.
The dangerous aspects of his world still frighten me. The violence, the constant threats, and the knowledge that people want to hurt him—and, by extension, me—simply because of who he is are all deeply unsettling. However, I have also witnessed his strength, his intelligence, and his commitment to protecting what matters to him.
More importantly, I’ve seen how he looks at me when he thinks I’m not paying attention, like I’m something precious, unexpected, and worth cherishing. It’s been so long since anyone looked at me that way that I’d almost forgotten what it felt like.
The water is growing cool when I finally climb out of the tub and wrap myself in one of Leo’s plush robes. While brushing my hair, the thought creeps back into my mind. I’m falling in love with Leo, and despite my fear, it feels like the first completely honest emotion I’ve experienced in years. For the first time since returning from London, I’m choosing something for myself rather than accepting what others have decided for me.
16
Leo
Isit behind my office desk, fingers steepled as I wait for Vincent Cooper to arrive. The polished conference table displays financial reports and shipping manifests like a parade of damning accusations Everything about this meeting is designed to put Vincent at a disadvantage and remind him that he’s entering my territory.
Sienna returned to her apartment three days ago with a doubled security detail, though I’ve seen her every day since. The transition back to her own space was necessary for maintaining some semblance of her routine, but I miss having her close enough to touch whenever I want. Loving her makes it difficult to endure the separation, but I can’t lock her up or force her to stay at my penthouse.
My assistant announces Vincent’s arrival precisely at nine o’clock. When he enters my office, I study his appearance carefully. He looks older than his fifty-eight years, with deeplines around his eyes and a tension in his shoulders that speaks to sleepless nights and mounting pressure.
“Leo.” Vincent extends his hand with forced confidence. “I didn’t expect to hear from you so soon.” It appears to be a veiled criticism that I called him yesterday afternoon and politely demanded a meeting this morning.
I don’t acknowledge that, having chosen to handle it that way to keep him off-balance. “Vincent.” I stand to shake his hand, noting the slight tremor in his grip. “Please, have a seat.” I direct him to the conference table instead, taking a seat first.
He settles into the chair across from me, taking in the carefully arranged documents spread before me. His gaze lingers on the shipping manifests and financial statements longer than necessary, confirming my suspicion that he recognizes what he’s looking at.
“Coffee?” I gesture toward the service cart my assistant prepared.
“Please.” Vincent accepts the cup I pour for him, and his hands are definitely shaking.
I return to my chair and lean back, letting silence stretch between us until he shifts uncomfortably. “I wanted to discuss the shipping arrangements for your European imports.”
“Uh, I see.” Vincent takes a sip of coffee, buying himself time. “I understand there have been some delays in recent weeks.”
“Delays suggest scheduling issues or mechanical problems.” I keep my voice neutral. “What you’re experiencing are systematic disruptions to your supply chain.”
“Systematic disruptions?” He sets down his cup with studied casualness. “That sounds rather dramatic.”
“Does it?” I slide a manifest across the desk toward him. “You’ve had three missing containers in the past month. They were all properly loaded at European ports but all disappeared somewhere between departure and arrival in New York.”
Vincent glances at the document, and recognition flickers across his features before he masks it. “Shipping can be unpredictable. Weather delays, port congestion, or paperwork issues could all be to blame.”
“Paperwork doesn’t make containers vanish from manifest systems.” I lean forward slightly. “Someone with inside access to your shipping schedules is targeting your cargo.”
