The Billionaire's Twins Play Matchmaker novel Chapter 56

“Wow! Check this place out! It’s huge!” Theo declared as they paused inside the foyer.

A step behind him Sean whistled. Their father called it a villa but the brownstone was more like a mansion. Who would have thought such a place existed even on the Upper West Side? Behind them came their security guards now acting as porters carrying in the duffels the kids packed during their brief return to their apartment. Their mother followed guiding Alexis though the latter now possessed her cane. Still it helped having a sighted person guide her during initial visits.

“Let me take your coat,” Silas gently urged helping Ava out of her threadbare jacket.

The more he looked at it the more faults he found. It wasn’t just frayed. It actually had several holes. It was faded making its original color difficult to ascertain: perhaps camouflage green? There were also mud and salt stains from years of use and wearing it in inclement weather. The first chance he got he would take them out for new wardrobes and toss the jacket out.

“Hey look! It even comes with a butler. Hey Jeeves! How’s it hanging?” Theo asked.

“Hello,” the butler said giving the boy an odd stare before looking to his employer. “Sir.”

“Duncan,” Silas acknowledged. “This is Ava. The kids are Alexis, Sean and Theo. They’ll be in your care so I expect nothing but the best.”

“Of course,” Duncan nodded his gaze taking in the young, petite woman, her reserved daughter and rather boisterous sons. He had a lot of questions to which he didn’t expect to get answers but he had a few guesses. “Madam, it is my honor to serve.”

“…Th-thank you,” Ava nodded. It had been a long time since she stayed anywhere with servants at her beck and call. Even the ones her parents employed were not nearly so personable usually dismissing her. She didn’t want to be a bother.

“You can ask Duncan for anything,” Silas assured her gently rubbing her shoulder. He wanted to comfort her but the physical contact only seemed to make her tenser. “The bedrooms are upstairs. Would you like to freshen up before dinner?”

“Y-yes. That sounds fine,” Ava agreed. With an arm around Alexis she guided her to the stairs. “Sean. Theo.”

“Coming!” Theo called reappearing from another room where he had wandered.

Duncan claimed the girl and boys’ duffels from the security detail leaving them with Thomas for their new instructions. Silas took Ava’s bag himself without a word guiding her up the stairs and down the hall. He wanted nothing more than to take her to his own bedroom but knew it was too soon. Instead he guided her to a room a few doors down.

This one was lavishly decorated with rich, warm tones. The curtains were heavily brocaded with thick embroidery. A Monet hung over the mantel with an antique vase full of flowers that were changed weekly regardless of whether the room was occupied. All the furniture was well-oiled, antique wood and carefully restored fabric. Ava slowly turned taking it all in mentally calculating the value.

Silas set her bag on the bed watching her. He hoped comfortable surroundings would help her relax but it seemed she was only becoming more anxious as she stood in her uniform hugging herself and rubbing her arms. Silas quietly approached covering her nervous hands with his own. She stiffened as he leaned close kissing her temple.

“…S-silas?”

“I can’t believe I finally found you,” he said.

“…Found me? Why would you…”

“I’ve been looking for you for ten years,” Silas said slowly turning her to face him. “I’m so sorry I didn’t find you sooner.”

Ava opened her mouth but closed it not sure what she should say. She wanted to laugh or call him a liar but his gaze held her silent. His eyes were so gentle and expression earnest. Had he really looked for her? But why after he told her to disappear from his sight?

“Ava, I didn’t…I didn’t know it was you that day,” Silas finally spoke the words he wanted to say.

“You…didn’t know?”

“No. My friends thought…They wanted me to loosen up so they slipped something in my drink and…When I woke up and saw you I thought…God I thought you were a maid they paid or…I never saw your face. You never looked at me. I never dreamed it would be you…”

Silas hung his head unable to continue. If only he had controlled his temper. He didn’t dare meet her gaze expecting her to be upset or disgusted with him. When she remained silent he clenched his jaw and slowly raised his head bracing himself. Her eyes were wide, questioning, uncertain.

“…You were drugged too?” Ava asked. Yes, her sister had said something about college boys bragging about the trick they played on their friend. “And you didn’t know it was me.”

“I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have said those things to you. If I knew it was you I…I never would…It’s my fault for venting my anger at my friends on you. I’m so sorry.”

“…It’s fine.”

“No it’s not,” Silas said startling her with his firm voice. “Don’t forgive me that easily, Ava. Not after ten years. I owe you ten years and I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you.”

Hesitantly he reached up to gently stroke her cheek with his fingertips before tucking a stray hair behind her ear. He wanted to hold her but her fear was too great. She wasn’t ready but she would be. He would win back her heart no matter how long it took.

“…Silas…”

“Shh…You don’t have to say it,” Silas leaned forward kissing her forehead. “I promise I’ll take care of you. I’ll take care of our children. I won’t let anyone hurt you or them. You aren’t alone anymore, Ava. I’m here.”

Ava’s shoulders shook as she trembled trying to contain her sobs. His arms wrapped around her pulling her against his chest as the tears she had been holding back burst forth. He held her silently stroking her hair and back letting her release her pent up emotions as she clung to him. She needed this release so he let her tears fall but he swore he would never let her cry again.