Page 26 of Surprise Quadruplets for the Mob

“Could you grab that stuffed bear Maggie brought over? Olga wants it.”

Her request seems simple, but as I reach for the bear, a rush of nostalgia washes over me. The fluffy toy feels familiar in my hands, and suddenly, I’m transported back in time, to a dusty carnival where a younger version of myself won a similar stuffed bear for my little sister. The memories flood in, and for a moment, I’m back there, reliving that cherished moment.

“Sure thing,” I manage to reply, trying to hide the wave of emotions that threatens to overwhelm me. I pass the bear to her, trying to focus on the present moment, but the past clings to me like a shadow.

As Abby takes the bear and gives it to Olga, who clutches it tightly in her tiny hands, I watch them and hold back a wistful sigh for days that are long gone. Days that won’t be coming back.The sight tugs at my heartstrings, reminding me of a time when family and love meant everything. Abby seems oblivious to the sudden shift in my demeanor, and I force a smile, not wanting to dampen the joyous atmosphere.

It’s funny how a simple stuffed bear can evoke such strong feelings, making me realize just how much I cherish these moments with my newfound family. The years have passed, and I’ve come a long way since that teenage boy at the carnival, but the joy on my sister’s face when I gifted her that bear remains etched in my memory.

As I watch our little family, a mix of emotions swirl within me. Gratitude for having found them, protectiveness over Abby and the babies, and a tinge of sadness for the time I’ve already missed.

Chapter 15

Abby

The first light of dawn creeps through the heavy curtains, barely lighting up the room. For a brief moment, I forget where I am, but as my eyes adjust to the unfamiliar surroundings, the events of last night come rushing back. The safehouse, Maksim, the mafia. It’s all so surreal.

I sit up in bed and take a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering remnants of my nightmares. It’s been an exhausting night, but at least it went smoothly. My gaze flicks to the row of cribs nestled along the wall, their gentle rocking motion soothing my frayed nerves. Despite the chaos surrounding us, I’m determined to keep my babies calm and safe.

As I swing my legs over the side of the bed and plant my feet on the plush carpet, there’s a sudden knock on the bedroom door. My heart skips a beat, my pulse quickening with fear. I glance back at the cribs, half expecting the babies to start crying, but they’re still peacefully sleeping, blissfully unaware of all the danger lurking just outside.

“Who is it?” I call out hesitantly, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Good morning, Miss Abby. It’s Nadia, Maksim’s housekeeper,” comes the soft reply from behind the door.

Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I cautiously crack open the door and peer out. An older woman with kind eyes stands in the hallway, an inviting smile on her face. She holds atray laden with breakfast—eggs, bacon, toast, fruit, and coffee—the rich aroma wafting through the small gap between the door and its frame.

“Good morning, Nadia.” I force a weak smile, trying to hide my anxiety. “What’s all this?”

“I thought you might be hungry after such an eventful night,” she says warmly. “May I come in?”

“Of course.” I step aside to let Nadia enter, feeling an odd mix of gratitude and unease. As she sets the tray on the small table near the window, I can’t help but eye the food hungrily. My stomach growls softly, betraying my hunger.

“Thank you, Nadia. This looks delicious.” I take a seat at the table and start picking at the fruit, not quite ready to dive into the more substantial fare just yet.

“Miss Abby, if you don’t mind me asking, how are you holding up?” Nadia asks gently as she takes a seat across from me.

I hesitate for a moment before answering. “I’m managing,” I admit, finally taking a bite of toast. “It’s been difficult, but I know I have to stay strong for the babies.”

“Of course,” Nadia agrees. “And Mr. Maksim? Do you trust him to keep you safe?”

Trust is a loaded word when it comes to Maksim Pavlov. But somehow, I find myself nodding. “I think so,” I say quietly, avoiding Nadia’s eyes. “He seems to genuinely want to help us.”

Nadia smiles softly, a knowing glint in her eyes. “He can be difficult at times. But he has a good heart. He always looks out for those he cares about.”

“Tell me more about him,” I request, my curiosity piqued. “I want to understand the man who’s turned my life upside down.”

Nadia hesitates for a moment before answering. “Maksim is a complex man,” she begins slowly, picking her words with care. “His family is very important to him. He would do anything for them.” She hesitates a moment before continuing, “I’ve been with Maksim’s family for his entire life, and most of mine.”

“Really?” I ask, intrigued.

“Da,” she nods, a nostalgic glint in her eyes. “I was his dear friend’s mother.”

My fork clatters onto my plate, the surprise evident on my face, and I ask on a hunch. “Sasha?”

“Da,” Nadia repeats softly, her smile tinged with sadness. “Maksim and Sasha were like brothers. They grew up together and always had each other’s backs. When Sasha died…” Her voice trails off, as if the pain of the memory was still fresh.

“I’m so sorry,” I murmur, swallowing the lump in my throat. Hearing the story of Maksim’s bond with Sasha humanizes him for me, makes him seem less like a cold mobster and more like a loving, loyal friend.

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