Page 48 of Arranged with Twins
“I think so. I hope so.” I turn back to face Ilya. “She’s stronger than anyone realizes, including her parents. When she finds out what Vincent has done, she’ll make her own choices about where her loyalties lie.”
“What if those choices don’t align with your plans for keeping her safe?”
The question strikes at the heart of my fears. Sienna values independence and agency above almost everything else. Whenshe learns that both her father and I have been making decisions about her safety without her input, she may reject all of us.
“I’ll try to respect her choices and find other ways to protect her.” The words come out more confident than I feel. “I won’t lie to her indefinitely. She deserves the truth, even if it destroys everything we’re building, but I’d prefer to wait until she’s out of the first trimester in four weeks. The risk of miscarriage drops then.”
Ilya still doesn’t look convinced, but he nods. “Which truth then? The truth about Vincent, or the truth about your feelings for her?”
“Both.” I return to my desk and begin gathering the financial reports Ilya brought. “Vincent’s choices have put everyone at risk. Adrian’s patience is running out, and when he moves, Sienna could be caught in the crossfire unless we act first.”
“What’s the plan?”
“I want constant surveillance on Vincent’s movements and communications. Get details of every meeting, every phone call, and every transaction.” I stack the documents in precise order. “I’ve already increased security around Sienna, but if there’s a way to add more, do it.”
“She won’t like it.” Ilya’s smile is grim. “From what I’ve observed, she values her independence highly.”
“She values her independence, but she’s not stupid. When I explain the increased threat level without revealing Vincent’s involvement, she’ll accept the protection.” I hope the words are true even as I say them.
“What if Adrian makes a move on you, or on her to get to you?”
“We’ll be ready.” I meet Ilya’s stare directly. “Whatever Vincent owes Adrian, I won’t let him use Sienna to pay his debts.”
“Even if it means going to war with Adrian directly?”
“Yes.” The word comes out harshly. “Adrian broke faith with me once before. I won’t give him the opportunity to do it again.”
Ilya nods, understanding the finality in my tone. “I’ll coordinate the surveillance and security upgrades. What about Vincent?”
“Let him think his lies are working for now. The more comfortable he feels, the more likely he is to reveal his true position.” I lock the financial reports in my desk safe. “But…”
“Yes?”
“If Vincent makes any move that puts Sienna at risk, family loyalty or not, I’ll end him myself.” The promise hangs between us, heavy with certainty. I’ve spent years building an empire on dispassionate thinking and disconnecting from my emotions. Now, for the first time since my parents died, I’m prepared to abandon strategy in favor of pure protection.
Vincent Cooper saved my life once, but if his choices threaten Sienna or our children, I’ll destroy him completely.
17
Sienna
Two weeks later, the morning air in Central Park is crisp and clean as Nadia and I walk along the tree-lined path. She insisted on this early walk, claiming she needed to escape the chaos of Fashion Week preparations, though I suspect she really wanted to check on me. The doubled security detail follows at a discreet distance, close enough to intervene but far enough away to maintain the illusion of privacy.
“You’re glowing.” Nadia links her arm through mine as we navigate around a jogger. “Pregnancy suits you, even if you’re still in the early stages.”
“I feel different.” I adjust my oversized sweater, grateful for the way it conceals any changes to my body, though none are really that noticeable at only twelve weeks along. “Not just physically. Everything feels more intense and more meaningful. My emotions are a yo-yo. I cried over a laundry detergent commercial yesterday because the dog had to wait for his stuffed toy to come out of the dryer.”
She giggles, clearly amused by my sensitivity. “You’re feeling everything more deeply now? Does that include your feelings for Leo?” She steers us toward a quieter section of the path, away from the morning rush of commuters cutting through the park. “You haven’t said much about how things are developing between you two.”
The question I’ve been avoiding settles between us like a challenge. “I think I’m falling in love with him.”
“You think?” She stops walking and turns to face me directly. “Sienna, either you’re in love or you’re not. There’s no middle ground with something that fundamental.”
“Fine. I’m in love with him.” The admission comes out firmly, carrying a certainty that surprises me but feels right. “I never expected it to happen, especially not like this, but there it is.”
“What changed?” She resumes walking, but slower now, giving us time to talk without interruption. “A few weeks ago, you were convinced this was just a business arrangement.”
“He sees me.” I struggle to find words for something that feels too complex for simple explanation. “Not as Katherine’s daughter who needs to be managed, not as a pawn in some social chess game, and not as an asset to be displayed. He sees me as myself, and he likes what he sees.”
