Page 34 of Surprise Quadruplets for the Mob

“Nothing is going to happen,” she says. “Maksim has security at his safehouse, and at least two men with me at all times. He says he’ll have some guys watching our office, too. He’s been a big help, honestly. Surprisingly.”

“Yeah.”

“Do you trust him?” she asks, her tone hopeful. “Is he treating you well?”

“I do trust him,” I answer hesitantly, even though I’m still trying to convince myself. “And yes, he is treating me well. The babies, too.”

“Good, because I need you to stay calm and do whatever he says,” she continues, her voice firm. “We’re not taking any chances.”

“Okay.”

“I mean it, Abby.” Her tone is serious now, and I know she means business.

“I understand,” I say, feeling a little better now that I’ve heard her voice and we’ve had a chance to talk.

“Call me anytime, okay?” she reminds me. “And if you need anything, let Maksim know.”

“I will,” I promise, glancing at the closed door. “I’ll let him know.”

“Good. Keep me posted, sweetie. Love you.”

“Love you too, Maggie.”

We hang up, and I sit back, taking a deep breath. Hearing my sister’s voice has calmed me down a bit, and I’m glad she’s safe and doing well.

But the nagging questions are still there, circling around my brain.

What happened? Who did this? And why would they target us?

***

I never thought it would be so nice to have a man helping me with the babies, but there’s something special about seeing Maksim with his kids.

He shoots me an exhausted look as we put the last two down for the night in their cribs. “Is it always so chaotic at bedtime? And dinnertime?”

I laugh, nodding. “And lunchtime, and when they wake up in the morning. Pretty much anytime two or more of them are awake, so always.”

He shoves a hand back through his hair and grins, shaking his head. “Crazy to think they’re all going to be talking soon, and walking, and getting into trouble.”

Just the thought almost gives me a panic attack. I want my babies to grow up and experience all the wonderful things in the world, of course. But the thought of the four of them running around where I can’t always keep an eye on them? Getting into trouble? Dating, for God’s sake?

I can’t deal with all that. They need to all stay tiny and precious and right here within reach.

“Hey, you okay?” he asks softly, his brow furrowing with concern as he leans against the wall by the window, looking at me. “You look like you’re thinking something heavy.”

“I’m okay,” I promise him, offering a smile. “Just… I don’t know, I guess it’s hard not to think about the future and wonder what it’s going to be like.”

“Yeah,” he sighs, nodding slowly. “I get it.”

I can tell by his expression that he’s not just saying that. He means it. He understands the stress and fear of the unknown. He’s right there with me.

“Can I ask you something, Abby?” His eyes are suddenly serious, his jaw clenched as if he’s working up the courage to say whatever’s on his mind.

“Of course.” I try to sound nonchalant, but I’m already nervous about what he might say.

“How long are we going to keep dancing around this?” He pushes off from the wall and takes a step closer, his eyes locked on mine. “I know things are crazy right now, but…”

I bite my lip, feeling the electricity between us as he moves closer. His words echo the thoughts that have been running through my own head for weeks.

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