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“They're practicing their kickboxing,” I mutter, placing my hand over his. “I swear they're more active when they hear your voice.”

Z's phone buzzes, interrupting the moment. His expression shifts as he reads the message, all traces of humor vanishing. “Talon said the jet is ready. Wheels up in ninety minutes.”

My throat tightens as reality sets in. They're leaving, again, while I stay behind. I nod, pushing aside the instinctive protest rising in my chest.

“Ninety minutes, you say?” I repeat.

“Absolutely not,” Oscar says firmly, his hand still resting on my belly.

Z shakes his head, a mixture of amusement and exasperation crossing his features. “We're not having a quickie before wheels up, Vesper.”

"I wasn't—" I start to protest.

“Yes, you were,” Z counters. “I know that look. It's the same one you gave me in the weapons room last week before you asked me to bend you over the?—”

“That's enough,” I cut him off, though I can't help the smile tugging at my lips. “Fine. You caught me. But can you blame me? You're both leaving, and these pregnancy hormones are driving me insane.” It’s hard enough to find alone time while running our empire and raising Matteo. The twins will make it that much harder. If they think I am bad now, they’ll be in for a rude awakening after the birth of our twins. Alone time will be a slam, bam, thank you ma’am in between diaper changes and feedings.

Oscar's thumb traces small circles on my neck, his touch both soothing and maddening. “We'll be back before you know it, solnishko. And then you can have your wicked way with both of us.”

“Promise?" I ask, hating the vulnerability that creeps into my voice.

“Have we ever broken a promise to you?”

“Only when you promised to let me come with you on missions while pregnant,” I remind them, arching an eyebrow.

Z's laugh is low and warm as he leans down, pressing his lips to mine in a kiss that's both tender and possessive. I taste Oscar on his tongue and smile against his mouth, loving how they share everything, including me.

“That wasn't a promise. That was a negotiation tactic.”

“One that failed spectacularly,” Oscar adds, his fingers still tracing patterns on my neck. “Some battles even you can't win, solnishko.”

I sigh, leaning back in my chair. “I hate being left behind.”

“We know." Z's expression softens as he drops to one knee beside me, his hand joining Oscar's on my rounded belly. "But these little warriors need their mother to be safe. And we need to know you're protected."

As if responding to their father's voice, one of the twins delivers a sharp kick against Z's palm. His face lights up with wonder. rare, unguarded moment from a man who wears his reputation like armor.

“See? Even they agree,” he says, grinning up at me.

“Traitors.” My hand covers his, holding it against the place where our children grow. “Just...be careful. Both of you. I need you to come back.”

Oscar leans down, pressing his lips to my forehead. "Always, solnishko. We have too much to live for now."

“The children need their fathers,” I say, my voice catching slightly. “All of them.”

Z rises to his feet. “Talon will keep you busy while we're gone. You both could use a little alone time. And we'll be back before these little ones can miss us.”

I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. This is our life now, the delicate balance between the family we've built and the mission we've undertaken to dismantle my grandfather's legacy of pain. Each facility we shut down brings us closer to the peace we've fought so hard to achieve.

“Go,” I tell them, summoning the strength that's carried me through worse than this. “Go free those people. Bring them home.”

Oscar's hand squeezes my shoulder one last time before he straightens, already shifting into mission mode. "I'll download the latest intel to your secure tablet. You'll have eyes on everything except the ground operation."

“I want comms access, too,” I insist. “I need to hear your voices.”

Z's expression softens. “Done. But no backseat driving when we're in the field.”

“I make no promises,” I reply, the ghost of a smile touching my lips.