Page 33

Madison

CHAPTER THIRTY

Zeus just sent me a message saying he's parked, and I'm feeling really anxious because there's been an unexpected turn of events.

When he called me earlier to say he'd come to meet me, I thought I'd be free, but then Eleanor needed to visit a sick aunt and has left the twins with me. She called while I was still in the room with Brooklyn, and I got so flustered knowing the kids would be my responsibility that I forgot to let Zeus know. I'm sitting outside the hospital with the two strollers, their little feet swinging carefreely, and I'm feeling anxious as hell.

In the distance, I see him approaching surrounded by bodyguards, and even before he reaches me, his forehead furrows.

"There's been an unexpected turn of events," I say, very nervous.

He doesn't respond, but right there in front of everyone, he grabs the back of my neck and gives me a kiss on the lips.

"Hi, Madison. Good afternoon." He’s mimicking what I did to him the other day when, without greeting me, he complained about my lateness.

"Hi," I reply, breathless. "I won't be able to be with you today. My mother left the babies with me because her aunt got sick. I even have to call your brother and let him know I won't be at work."

He's looking at me, and I have no idea what's going on in his head, but I don't have time to guess, because Silas and Soraya start screaming at the same time, vying for attention. And if there's one thing to be said about my niece and nephew, they have been blessed with strong lungs.

"Hey, this behavior is unacceptable, little ones," I say, crouching down, but I can't hide my smile. "First impressions count a lot, and you're putting on a terrible show in front of Mr. Kostanidis."

As if they understand what I'm saying, they look up and stare at the intimidating Greek.

I hold my breath, tense about Zeus's reaction. What's happening right now has nothing to do with our relationship.

To my surprise, he extends his hand in greeting to my nephew. "You must be Silas."

There’s a squeal of pure happiness in response.

"And you must be Soraya," he says to my little girl, who, just like her aunt, melts for the authoritative Greek.

I'm not surprised that he remembered the children's names. Zeus is the type who doesn't let anything slip by.

"Now that we've introduced ourselves, let me talk to your aunt."

Even though I resist, my heart swells with affection at seeing how he treats my niece and nephew. It's obvious that he's not used to kids, but perhaps his instincts have made him gentler than usual.

"I'm sorry for not letting you know. I found out last minute, and I was a bit thrown."

"When does your stepmother come back?"

"Later today, I think, but I don't know the exact time. I was waiting for you to arrive so I could catch a taxi."

"Do you want to go home?"

"I don't have much of a choice."

"We need to talk, so maybe it's better if we go to my apartment."

I look at him as if a third eye has sprouted on his forehead.

"What's the matter?"

"You want to spend the afternoon with the kids?"

"I want to spend the afternoon with you, and if that means bringing them along, I don't mind." He sounds indifferent, but when he feels Soraya's little hand grabbing his pants, he crouches down again and talks to her. "Am I being rude by not giving you attention, Miss? It seems I need to improve my manners."

My niece laughs, all happy.

As for me, I pull back. I don't want Zeus around my family, nor do I want to get used to it. "I think it's better not to. Also, we don't even have baby seats for your car."

"How do you usually do it?"

"When Eleanor goes out with them, we always request the same taxi, which has two spare baby seats in the trunk."

He stands up and says something to one of the bodyguards.

"What are you doing?"

"I told them to buy two baby seats. They'll be back in half an hour, max."

"Why go to so much trouble?"

"I want to spend the rest of the day with you. You told me why it wasn't possible, and I removed the obstacle. End of story."

"You're—”

"Yes. Arrogant, conceited, and I don't give up on what I want."

"I'll agree only because, as you reminded me yesterday, I'm under contract."

He gives me a half-smile. "It's a good thing you're dreaming about fashion school, Madison, because if you tried to make a living as a poker player, you'd be lost. You're the worst liar in the world."

We're on our way to his place, with me sitting between the two baby seats in the back. My niece and nephew each have a teething toy within reach, and now and then, they lean forward to chat with each other. It's really funny.

Zeus looks at me in the rearview mirror while I call Eleanor to let her know where we're going.

After I hang up, I say to him, "I still think we should go back to my place. You have no idea what kind of mess these two can make."

"I have a nephew."

"You do?"

"Yes. A little older than your sister's kids, but I think around this age, it doesn't make that much of a difference."

"Do you spend time with him?"

"No. I didn't get along with my sister-in-law, to put it mildly. Only after she passed away a few months ago did I start going to my brother's house again."

"I didn't want to offend you or seem ungrateful when I said it would be better to go back home, but they're tireless, especially in a different environment."

"It's no problem. I can handle it."

I hide a smile.

He has no idea what he's getting himself into.