Page 42 of Whispers in the Dark
Gold leaf sounds expensive…
“Yeah…” I hesitate. “But it’s Valentine’s Day. I don’t expect you guys to spend it with me.”
“Nonsense,” Scarlett says. “We’d love nothing more than to spend it with you!” She loops her arm through mine. “Plus, it will give us all an excuse to eat cake.”
“Don’t ever need an excuse for that,” Madeleine adds, making us laugh.
“Fine,” I begin. “If you’re sure that’s how you want to spend the most romantic night of the year…”
“We’re sure.” Madeleine bumps shoulders with me. “Also, can we talk about the fact that I’m an aunt?”
“Clara is too cute for words,” Scarlett responds, smiling. “Alex definitely got lucky with her. She’s adorable.”
“It’ll be a big change for him,” Madeleine says, brows knit. “I can’t believe her mother just dropped her off. Who does that?”
“I know,” I offer with a slight frown. “But at least that little girl is lucky to have you two as aunts.”
Scarlett’s eyes widen in surprise. “I didn’t even think about that.” Her mouth breaks into a broad grin. “I’m an aunt.” She looks at me, head tilted. “But what do you mean two… She’s got three.”
“Three?” I ask.
“Yeah.” Madeleine’s eyes bounce between Scarlett and me. “The three of us are officially sisters now, which means you’re her aunt too.”
I blink a few times, suddenly stunned by this revelation. “I’m an aunt…” A slight sheen blurs my vision.
“Oh my God, do not cry, or you’re going to make me cry!” Madeleine exclaims, her own eyes starting to shimmer as she waves her hands in front of her face, fighting back tears.
I lift my glasses and run my thumb under my eyes. “It’s always just been me and my dad and now…” My voice wavers as the truth settles in: even if it’s only temporary, I truly feel like I’ve gained so much in a matter of days. “I always wanted a big family, and now I have it.”
“Guys.” Scarlett’s bottom lip wobbles as she holds her arms out wide.
The three of us fall into a tight hug, warmth spreading in my chest.
“I love you two,” I whisper, clutching them harder, hoping this whole fake marriage won’t blow up in my face, causing them to hate me forever.
Chapter ten
Mauro
Exhaustion weighs heavily on my shoulders as I enter my house. It’s past midnight, so I quietly shut the door behind me, not wanting to startle Alina if she’s still awake.
Who would have ever thought I would be sharing my house with someone? And that someone would be my wife? Certainly not me.
I kick off my boots and hang up my jacket by the door before making my way through the entryway and up the stairs.
All I want to do is stand under scalding hot water and then climb into bed, not waking until my damn alarm goes off.
After spending the afternoon on a tedious virtual meeting with our newest allies in Montana, where Vin and Alex discussed costs and profits while Leo and I stood off to the side, presenting a united front for the camera, I had a lengthy training session with our recently recruited guards. I spent hours testing their coordination, speed, and strength to weed out the weakest in the group. Some impressed me while others were either senthome or given a second chance to try again at the next round of training later this week, where Vin will make the final say of who stays and who goes. He’s been recruiting more guards than usual, wanting us prepared at all times for whatever comes our way. Can’t say I blame him, knowing what’s occurred here over the years and how many hits are continually put out on us.
My fingers knead the back of my neck as I approach the end of the hallway, the guest room door on my right stopping me in my tracks.
Should I check in on her and make sure she’s okay?
I rub my jaw while staring at the door, half expecting to see through it.
Fuck it. I take a step toward the door and wrap my fingers around the handle, but then I hesitate.
I can’t just barge into her room like a goddamn caveman.
