Page 25 of Surprise Quadruplets for the Mob

“Abby? What’s wrong?” Maggie’s voice is laced with concern, and I hate that I have to involve her in this mess.

“Listen, Maggie, I need you to do something for me. Don’t ask any questions, just trust me, okay?” I plead, my voice shaking slightly.

“Okay, what’s going on?” she asks, her tone shifting to seriousness.

“Bring my kids to this address,” I say, glancing at Maks, who nods his approval, and then I recite the address of the safehouse. “Please, Maggie, no police. I’ll explain everything when you get here.”

“Abby, are you in trouble? What’s happening?” Her voice is frantic now, and I wish I could reassure her.

“I’ll explain when you get here,” I repeat, instead of giving her an answer. “Bring your kids too, bring enough clothes andnappies and whatever you think you’ll need for… for a week-long holiday. Think of it like a holiday.”

“Abby, you’re scaring me,” she practically whispers, and I bite my lip.

“I promise everything will be okay. Just… Hurry.”

“Okay,” she says hesitantly. “We’ll be there as soon as we can. Stay safe.”

“Thank you.” I end the call and look at Maks, my eyes filled with unspoken rage. “You better keep your end of the bargain,” I warn him.

Later, as her silver Mercedes pulls up to the curb, the knot in my stomach tightens. Maggie steps out first in jeans and a pair of sneakers—good for running, I note with approval—and she surveys the scene, clearly worried and nervous. Two large men follow closely behind her, their eyes scanning the area for any sign of danger. Behind them are three nannies, our six babies—my quadruplets and Maggie’s twins—nestled safely in their arms.

“Abby, thank God you’re okay,” Maggie calls when she sees me come out to her, her voice trembling with anxiety. She knows how much is riding on this moment.

Maksim steps cautiously towards the group and looks from person to person, his eyes locking onto each precious bundle in turn. Everyone is completely silent as we all watch him, waiting for his reaction. As the nannies approach him, Maks hesitates for just a moment before extending his arms to receive the babies.

“Let me hold them,” he commands softly, his voice devoid of its usual harsh edge. “Just one at a time, though.”

The sight of Maks holding the tiny infants is almost surreal. He gently cradles them, one after another. His large hands supporting their small, fragile heads while his fingers barely graze their soft skin. It’s as if he’s afraid that any sudden movement might break them.

“Hello, little ones,” Maks whispers with a tenderness that makes my heart melt. He leans down to press a kiss to each baby’s forehead. “I’m your papa.”

I can’t help but feel a flicker of surprise and tenderness at the sight before me. The man who commands fear and respect from countless mobsters all over the city is now completely captivated by four tiny, helpless beings. As he gazes down at them, his icy exterior seems to melt away, revealing a vulnerability I never thought possible.

Chapter 14

Maksim

Istand in the doorway, watching Abby and the nannies fuss over our four beautiful babies. My heart swells with a love I never knew existed. How did I get so lucky? Four perfect little versions of us, all bundled up in soft blankets. Two boys and two girls—Alexander and Owen, and Sofia and Olga.

I’d asked Abby about their names—Owen was clearly named after her brother, but his siblings have names that could be Russian. She told me that she wanted them to have some link to my heritage. When we first met I used the name Alec. I could never use my real name, and doing charitable work under my childhood friend Sasha’s name seems an appropriate way to keep him alive. It warms my heart that his memory will live on through my son Alexander, my own little Sasha.

“Careful with Sofia’s head,” I remind one of the nannies gently, my voice barely above a whisper. They’re fragile, these tiny beings, and I can’t help but worry for their safety.

“Of course, Mr. Maks,” she replies, adjusting her hold on the baby.

I nod, satisfied.

Maggie and the nannies will be gone soon, and then it’ll be up to Abby, me, and my housekeeper to look after the four perfect little bundles. “Need a hand?” I ask Abby as she struggles to swaddle little Owen.

“Please,” she says with a tired smile. I carefully take him from her as she wraps the blanket around him. “Thanks. I should be a pro by now, but it’s easier with an extra set of hands.”

“No problem. I guess I’d better start learning how to do some of this stuff, too,” I say, placing a gentle kiss on Owen’s forehead before handing him back to her.

Abby smiles up at me, cradling Owen against her chest. She moves on to tending to the other babies while I watch quietly. Our children are the perfect mix of her and me—they have her beautiful blue eyes, but there’s no denying the resemblance to me and my family.

“Hey, Maks?” Abby’s voice is soft, almost hesitant.

“Yeah?” I turn to face her, trying to read the emotions behind her words.

---