Page 64 of Arranged with Twins
Leo
Two weeks later, I watch Sienna move around my estate’s kitchen. She’s been staying here most nights since our shopping expedition, claiming my bed is more comfortable than hers.
The truth is simpler.
We both sleep better when we’re together.
At fourteen weeks pregnant, she’s started showing just enough that her regular clothes fit differently. She wears one of my dress shirts over leggings, the fabric draped loosely around her growing belly. The sight of her carrying my children while wearing my clothes fills me with primal possessiveness. “I have something to show you,” I say, setting down my coffee cup.
She looks up from the eggs she’s scrambling. “What kind of something?”
“A surprise.” I move behind her, pressing a kiss to her neck. “Come with me.”
“Can it wait until after breakfast?” She leans back against me. “I’m starving, and these smell amazing.”
“Breakfast can wait.” I turn off the stove burner and take her hand. “This is more important.”
I lead her through the east wing of the estate, past rooms she’s never seen, until we reach a door I’ve kept locked for the past month. When I turn the key and push it open, soft morning light floods the newly finished nursery.
Two cribs sit side by side in the center of the room, one dressed in soft blues and grays, and the other in whites and pale pink. A comfortable rocking chair occupies the corner near tall windows, and built-in shelving lines one wall, already stocked with books and toys.
Sienna stops in the doorway, her mouth opening in surprise. “Leo...”
“One for each baby.” I watch her face carefully. “Everything they’ll need is already here, but we can change anything you don’t like.”
She steps inside slowly, running her hand along one of the crib rails. The wood is smooth, expensive, and completely safe. I made sure of that.
“When did you do all this?”
“The past few weeks.” I move to adjust a mobile hanging over the blue crib.
“It’s beautiful.” Her voice carries emotion I’m having trouble reading. “Really beautiful.”
“I want you to move in permanently.” The words come out more abruptly than I intended. “Your penthouse isn’t secure enough anymore, and the babies will need?—”
“The babies aren’t here yet.” She turns to face me, and I see the familiar spark of independence in her eyes. “I don’t need to move anywhere for another six months.”
“Things are different now.” I choose my words carefully. “My world is dangerous, and you’re more visible than before. Living here means better protection.”
“Better control, you mean.” She crosses her arms. “Another decision made for me.”
“This isn’t about control. It’s about keeping you alive.” The harshness in my voice makes her flinch, but I don’t soften it. “Do you think I built this nursery as some kind of manipulation? I did it because I want a future with you and our children.”
She studies my face, and for a moment, I think she might understand. Then her expression shutters. “I need to think about it.”
Before I can respond, I hear footsteps in the hallway. Ilya appears in the doorway, his face grim. “We need to talk.”
“Give us a minute,” I say to Sienna. “This is business.”
“I’ll wait here.” She settles into the rocking chair, running her hand over the armrest. “Take your time.”
I hesitate, but Ilya’s expression tells me this news won’t wait. We head to my office, where he’s already spread documents across my desk. There are bank statements, communication intercepts, and surveillance photos that a quick glance tells me create a damning timeline.
“Vincent’s debt to Adrian is worse than we thought.” Ilya keeps his voice low. “I have confirmation the terms include operational intelligence as collateral.” He slides another folder across the desk. “According to a few associates of both Vincent and Adrian, who appreciate cash more than loyalty, Vincent’s been feeding Adrian detailed intelligence for months.”
“Son of a bitch.” I’m not surprised exactly, but I still feel a sting of treachery, not able to reconcile how the man who offered me shelter as a teenager has changed so much in the ensuing years that he can casually betray me. “How long has this been going on?”
“Phone intercepts suggest since April and escalating after your engagement.” Ilya points to a transcript. “This is from one of Adrian’s men. It’s a transcript of Adrian and Vincent discussing your visit to the Ritz the day before the attack.”
