Page 28

“I’m not fussed,” I said with a shrug before looking at the ring on my finger.

“Aye, that's some rock he bought you,” she said softly. “I’m happy for you, Mariya.”

“Thanks, Orla. You left everything to come with us,” I said, hugging her. “Thank you.”

“Not much to leave,” she said with a sigh but hugged me tightly. “You are my family.”

“Finally, an older sibling who wants me,” I said with a sigh of my own. It felt like years and years since I left my family, but it made me appreciate my freedom even with Rurik railroading me.

Orla patted my back before pulling away.

“Come on, we have Rurik’s credit card to use. Let’s do some damage,” I said with an evil smile, thinking of everything Rurik had done to me since he kidnapped us all.

I managed to secure most of our accessories, but we decided we would need to visit the two bridal shops for the dresses. Rurik sent so many snaps and videos of them all having fun on the beach. Alexei and Tatiana had a constant smile on their faces.

There was one with Rurik wearing swim shorts and holding both the twins. He stood tall and proud, looking at whoever took the picture. All three of them were smiling, and the twins looked adorable in their matching bathing outfits. My ovaries were exploding, and I glanced at Rurik’s dick, but the dark shorts did little for his usual bulge.

“Come on, just tell me already. What’s in the basement?” Orla said, looking at the picture over my shoulder.

I rolled my eyes at her.

“I will tell you once you bang Maksim out of your system,” I said with a snicker. At least we have narrowed the dresses down. I hope they can get them done in time for the wedding.”

“What's the rush? Are you pregnant?” Orla said with a chuckle.

When I didn't respond, she gawked at me.

“Noooo! He did it again?” she gasped.

“Well, I don't know for sure yet,” I said with a shrug.

“Mmm, actually, it will be a nice gap between the siblings,” she said with a smile. “God, they were so tiny when they were born.”

“I know I was terrified. I don't think I would have managed them both without you,” I said, squeezing her hand.

“All I did was give you some time to rest,” she said modestly. “He is a brilliant Da, though.”

“Aye, he is,” I said in an Irish accent before perving on the picture again.

Chapter 21

Rurik

Maksim was sweating as he wrestled with the stroller. The twins were getting impatient, and so was I. Artyom was busy trying to keep Alexei amused while Tatiana pointed out the water to me while squirming in my arms.

“Dada, watuh,” she said, slapping my cheek.

“Yes, princess. I know,” I said gently before kissing her tiny hand. She could slap me all she wanted when she called me Dada. I glared at Maksim. “Didn't Orla show you how to set it up?”

“She probably didn't do it right to show me up,” he muttered. “She has it in for me.”

Artyom snorted, and despite my tetchiness, I smirked at him.

“You hold Alexei and let me do it,” Artyom said.

“Knock yourself out,Loshad' mochi,” Maksim said before standing upright to take Alexei.

“Watch your mouth in front of the kids,” Artyom said, scowling at him.