Page 99 of Broken & Bound

Some days he seemed present. Others, he looked a million miles away. That was part of my hesitation. The last thing I wanted was to add more weight to whatever he was already carrying.

My hand drifted unconsciously to my stomach. The girls had made that decision for me. Every day, they became a little harder to hide.

The other part of my hesitation was that he seemed to be slowly coming out of his funk. The last three days he’d been better. I didn’t want the burden of being the one to ruin it.

But despite the anxiety of it all, another emotion refused to leave. Happiness. Pure, uncomplicated happiness. Just thinking about Pasha made me smile. My heart was so full.

He’d helped me imagine things I never thought I’d want. Tiny ballet shoes. First birthdays. Dance recitals. Two little girls with his eyes, my smile.

“Arianna and Anastacia,” I murmured.

Kinsley’s eyes widened. “Wait! We’ve got names?”

“Potentially. What do you think? One Italian, one Russian?”

“Oh, my God. They’re beautiful. You’re beautiful, Izzy. I mean it.”

Not surprisingly, tears filled her eyes. I smiled despite myself.

“Thank you. You’re the first to hear them. Don’t share yet though because I’m not one hundred percent.”

“My lips are sealed. Look, we all know Sebastian is super protective of you. But I have a feeling he’ll come around. And faster than you think.”

“I’m not so sure.”

“Once he sees those sweet little babies in the pictures you guys brought home, he’ll melt like chocolate sauce.”

“God, I hope you’re right. If ever I needed you to be, this would be the time. I’m terrified,” I whispered, feeling a knot of anxiety tighten in my stomach.

“I know. But, Izzy, you’re stronger than you think.”

I nodded. She was right. I was stronger. Stronger than I’d ever been in my life. And more importantly, I wasn’t alone. They all would have my back. Every last member of the family.

“Yeah, well, maybe you should bring your blade tonight.”

“I can.”

The seriousness lasted approximately two seconds.

“Oh, I know…if your brother acts up, I’ll poke him in the shoulder. You know the spot Ivan taught us? It will hurt like hell, but won’t kill him.”

I chuckled as she shimmied her shoulders. She looked entirely too pleased with herself. Crazy girl.

“You could try,” I said with a smirk. “You’ll need a step stool first.”

“Yes! Or I can surprise attack him while he is sitting,” she said, leaning forward.

I could practically see the wheels spinning in her head. Silly girl was probably seeing it play out frame by frame in her head. It was too fun to let it go.

“Think Tori would mind helping? She can either be a distraction or we can equip her with one of your extras.”

“Oh my God, I love this idea.”

And as if she knew we were speaking about her, Kinsley’s phone rang. “See You Again” blared in the confined office. Our eyes met. Then we dissolved into laughter, only quieting down when she answered and put Tori on speaker.

“Hey Tori. What’s up?”

“Got a question about positions for my novel. You got a minute?”