Page 78 of Arranged with Twins
“How many of these places do you have?” I ask as we climb a narrow staircase.
“Enough.” He keeps one hand on my back, steady and reassuring. “This one’s completely off the books. Only Ilya and three trusted men know it exists.”
The apartment on the fourth floor is sleek but minimalist, with hard wood floors, blackout curtains, and furniture that looks expensive but temporary. I notice the reinforced door frame, the discreet security cameras, and what might be weapons storage built into the walls. I don’t actually see any indication of that, but my imagination supplies the image of an armory surrounding us, which is comforting after today’s events.
“It’s not much,” Leo says, watching me take in the space, “But it’s safe.”
“It’s perfect.” I walk to the window, though the blackout curtains prevent me from seeing outside. “How long do we stay here?”
“As long as necessary.” He moves behind me, settling his hands on my shoulders. “Until we’re sure there are no more threats, and no loose ends that could put you in danger. The good news is, Adrian wasn’t one to inspire loyalty, so I doubt there’s anyone out there wanting revenge for his death.”
The reality of what happened crashes over me again. My parents sold me to a man who threatened to cut off my fingers. Mother provided my location, my security details, and even suggestions for how to break my will. Father enabled everything through his desperate greed. “They really did it.” The words come out hollow. “They really traded me for money.”
Leo turns me to face him, his expression fierce and protective. “We’re severing all ties with Vincent and Katherine. Completely. They’ll handle their own debts from now on.”
“That’s it?” Heat flares in my chest. “They hand me over to be tortured, and you’re just going to cut them off financially?”
“What would you have me do?” His voice is careful and controlled. “They’re your parents.”
“They stopped being my parents the moment they decided I was disposable.” I step away from him, pacing toward the kitchen. “Adrian had knives laid out, Leo. He was going to send you pieces of me. Mother knew that when she gave him my information.”
“Sienna—”
“She provided my security detail’s routine. She told him about my emotional vulnerabilities.” My voice rises despite my efforts to stay calm. “She helped him plan how to break me most effectively.”
Leo’s jaw is rigid with contained fury. “What do you want me to do to them?”
The question stops me cold. What do I want? Justice? Revenge? For them to understand the magnitude of their betrayal?
“I want them to face consequences.” I cross my arms, suddenly exhausted. “I want them to pay for what they’ve done.” I just don’t know how I want that to happen yet.
“They will.” Leo’s voice carries lethal certainty. “Vincent’s debts don’t disappear just because Adrian’s dead. Other creditors will come calling, and without my protection, he’ll have to face them alone.”
“And Mother?”
“Katherine’s reputation was the only thing she valued more than money. When news of Vincent’s shady deals and financial ruin gets out—and we’ll ensure it will—she’ll be finished in Manhattan society. No one will trust her again.”
The prospect should satisfy me, but mostly, I just feel empty. These people raised me, shaped me, and claimed to love me.Now, I have to rebuild my entire understanding of family and loyalty. “That might be enough, but… I want them to suffer more.”
“You don’t have to decide tonight.” He crosses the room embraces me. “I won’t let them hurt you again. I promise.”
“I know.” I lean into his touch, drawing strength from his steadiness. “I just need time to work through all of this.”
“You have all the time you need.” He strokes my cheek with his thumb. “First, you should shower.”
The idea of getting Adrian’s touch off my skin is appealing. I can still feel the memory of his hands in my hair, his knife against my throat, and the casual way he discussed cutting me apart. I need to wash away every trace of his presence.
The bathroom is as minimalist as the rest of the apartment but well-appointed. Hot water cascades from a rainfall shower head, and I stand under the spray until steam fogs the mirrors. I scrub my skin until it’s pink and wash my hair twice, trying to cleanse away the violation of being handled like merchandise.
When I finally emerge wrapped in a towel, Leo is sitting on the edge of the bed, still fully dressed. He looks up when I enter the bedroom, and something raw and vulnerable flashes across his features. “How do you feel?” His voice is quieter than usual.
“Finally clean.” I sit beside him on the bed. “Thank you for coming for me.”
“You don’t need to thank me for that.” He reaches out to brush a damp strand of hair off my cheek. “I would have torn the city apart to find you.”
“I know.” I turn to face him fully. “Adrian was right about one thing. You do care too much, but that’s not weakness, Leo. That’s what makes you different from men like him.”
His expression doesn’t soften, as though he’s still angry with himself. “It nearly got you killed.”
