Page 33 of Never Say Never

York opened and closed his mouth, staring at his pleading girls before glancing my way. I put my hands together like the twins and attempted the puppy dog eyes.

"Okay," York gave in.

The girls squealed and high-fived as they got out of the car.

"Damn, they’re good," I muttered under my breath.

"I feel like I got played."

"You did, but to be fair, you never had a chance against them." I patted York's shoulder in reassurance.

I got out, the girls giggling and talking amongst themselves as I waited for York. The way they leaned into each other and communicated without talking was everything I missed about being next to Gin. There had been plenty of times in our lives that we were able to get a point across to each other without opening our mouths.

York shook his head at the girls, but they bounced over to him with all the energy in the world. For a second, I thought about leaving. Integrating myself in York's life any further wasn't the best idea. I'd already learned the informant was a woman, meaning I had my work cut out for me. I could make up some excuse, leave, and save my family.

"Paul?" York glanced over his shoulder at me and the moment our eyes met, I knew I was a goner. The girl's innocent big brown eyes were no help.

I slipped my phone out and took a pic. "The three of you looked so adorable together." I jogged to catch up and showed York the picture I took on a whim. I'd probably delete it later.

York shook his head but he sported a broad smile that I was proud I helped put there. The elevator ride up to their floor was quick, and before I knew it, I was standing outside my boss's door. In all the years I'd worked for York, not once had I found out his home address. He kept everything a secret, and I understood why. His children were obviously very important to him.

"Do you have sisters or brothers, Paul?" Nyra asked.

I nodded, catching myself before I mentioned Gin, Benito, or Enzo. "A sister."

"Are you twins?"

I paused staring down at them. "Why do you ask?" Both girls gave me that feeling as if they analyzed anyone who came into their life.

Nyra shrugged, looking away as York unlocked the door and ushered them both in.

"You give off a twin vibe," Navy said.

I laughed. "Do I?"

"Yeah."

York looked between us as if he was trying to see what the girls saw. I waved it off.

"I think being a twin is awesome."

"It's the best," Navy said.

"Girls, there you are!" A shrill voice broke the moment of joy.

A woman came jogging over to us, her face red and her hair disheveled. Instantly, Navy and Nyra shrunk back.

"Have you lost your minds? Who told you that you could go outside?"

I stepped toward her, my smile dropping at the way she raised up against the girls. Sure, they were wrong, but York was standing right here. He was their parent, not her. I cracked my knuckles at my sides as I fought the urge to grab her by the skull and slam my knee into her face repeatedly. She was their nanny, but the girls flinched away from her.

She's dead.

York stepped toward them, placing his hands on their shoulders. "No harm done, Shelly. I'm sorry they didn't tell you they were leaving."

The nanny nodded. "Didn't tell me they intentionally ran away,” she corrected. “I was this close to calling the police."

"You should have called their father," I said.