MARRIAGE TO SECURE HIS HEIRS

Sage put the last of their stuff in the car and faced her adoptive brother."I'm gonna miss you sis."He said giving her a hug.Sean is three years older than her Kristin and her husband Ben Palmer had adopted Sage and Sean,Sage had been five years old and Sean eight,first Sean then her,she and Sean are pretty close and since both their parents had passed on the two of them has become even more closer they might not share the same blood but their relationship is strong."Mom and dad asked me to take care of you and here you are leaving me."

Sage's heart sank,their parents have left them their three bedroom home and she and Sean have been staying in it.Sage is twenty-two years old since the birth of her adorable baby boys six months ago she had to drop out of college to find a job and look after them.In that time she has been living with Sean and he's been a great help."I'm only moving down to Miami Sean.It's a four hour drive you can come and visit anytime."

"I don't understand why you have to move."He said.

The cleaning company she's been working for has relocated to Miami because they got a huge contract with a Spanish firm Romero Corporations and due to that Sage has to move too,it's not like she can quit her job she needs it especially to take care of Liam and Logan and herself and her job as a cleaner pays her enough she knows it's not the best of jobs but work is work and right now she cannot be picky without a college degree it's hard to find something proper.

After all she's only been working there three months she can't just go and say she cannot move.Work is work and she needed this job,she can't depend on Sean even he was struggling to make ends meet the job he has pays him next to nothing she was also helping him to pay the mortgage every month they cannot afford to lose the only house they grew up in and called home they owe it to Kristin and Ben who took care of them like they were their own kids."The company relocated Sean and I've only been working there for three months.You know I need this job.I have the boys to think about."

He sighed."I know.Those cheeky rascals of yours they always give me a hard time.I'm gonna miss them the most but at least now I'll have my sleep back."

"I'm sorry.I know you didn't sign up for having two babies-..."

"Don't apologise."He cut over her."You my sister and I'll do anything for you.I was with you throughout your whole pregnancy and I was there when the twins were born and if I have to do it all over again I would.I'm their uncle and father so don't feel bad about anything.This is our home Sage and you'll always be welcome here no matter what happens."

"Thanks Sean,I'm gonna miss you too."She gave him another hug.

"Any luck in finding their father."She shook her head,how will she find a man who's name she doesn't know,a man she had a one night stand with the next morning when she had woke up he'd been gone.How can she tell Sean she has no idea who their father was because she doesn't know his name or anything about him all she does remember is his handsome face,a face she'll never forget because he had given her a night to remember and each time she looks at her boys she gets a glimpse of her mystery man.That's what she calls him. Her mystery man."I never did ask questions Sage but if I ask would you tell me the truth."

"I would.You my brother Sean."He nodded.

"You better get going.It's a long drive.Call me once you get there."

"I will.Tell Gina to call me."Gina is Sean's girlfriend the one who had gotten Sage this job as a cleaner the two of them have been friends for four years Gina is a personal assistant and Sean wants to ask her to marry him,Sage hopes he does it soon because they make a great duo.

"She'll be mad you left without saying goodbye."

"I know but I have to leave now if I want to settle in and put the boys to bed. You know how restless Liam gets."She got into her car,an old Volkswagen her father had left them but Sean had said she can take the car because he won't need it,he had also surprised Sage with two second hand car seats for the twins he truly is an amazing brother and she has no idea what she would've done without his help during this past couple of months.She waved goodbye.

The drive was long indeed Sage thought later that night when she prepared Liam and Logan's bedtime bottles,she had to stop at least three times to feed them on their way over to West lake Village and Liam had refused to stay in his car seat all he wanted was to be held,the second she did that then he was calm then Logan would began to fuss.She's surprised they even made it,she's so exhausted and drained out but cannot sleep yet she still has to off load the rest of their stuff now that the boys are asleep.

The one bedroom apartment was small but for her and the boys it's enough and the only thing she can afford with her salary at the moment,she had a small kitchen that overlooked the living room,a bathroom and the room she shares with the twins,all in all there wasn't much room but she can't complain it's not like she has a fancy job that pays the big bucks,taking a deep breath she went to sit down and rest for a minute.

When they had been told they moving Sage had made a plan to come down here without the boys to check the place out and see what accommodations she can find,when she'd come across West-lake Village immediately she had felt at ease here the place was safe and quiet most amenities is just around here,she and the boys can walk to the mall to do shopping and other stuff,restaurants and bars can be found at every corner the place itself was affordable that's why she hadn't hesitated to put down a deposit on this apartment it had been the only one cheap enough that she could afford,there was parking too which was a bonus she can choose if she wanted to take the car to work or public transport she'll have to figure out which will be cheaper and cost less a month.

Her manager Kim had given her a week to settle in because she knows Sage has two boys,it would give her time to find a baby sitter for the boys when she goes to work at night,at first Sage had work during the day when the company had been in Tampa Florida but when they got transferred here she had learned she's one of the twenty girls that would be doing night shifts,she wonders how that will work out.Her days she'll be spending with the boys then come night she'll have to go to work.

She only hopes her body will be ready for all the new changes that was coming,but Liam and Logan will get to see and spend time with her all morning and afternoon,she absently touched the silver necklace around her neck.This is a reminder of her night with her sexy mystery man she'd found the necklace the following morning when she'd gone to take a shower,she'd seen him wearing it when they'd made love that whole night it probably came off when he had been busy taking a shower,she had thought he would come back to fetch it once he realises it was gone but he hadn't so she had taken it as a souvenir of their special night together.

A night she would forever treasure because never before has she experienced such passionate lovemaking than with him,his gorgeous face sometimes haunts her dreams and sleep.Who he was she doesn't know.Where he could be she has no idea.All she does know is he had given her two precious gifts and that's her boys Liam and Logan and although they will never know their father she'll always be here for them and give them a life her biological mother couldn't no matter what happens she won't turn out and be like her real mother.

Sage mother had been an escort,that had been her job she would please and pleasure different men every night,Sage doesn't know her biological father because her mother didn't know who it was she'd slept with countless of men without using protection until she had fallen pregnant with Sage.When she had been born her mother had continued with her lifestyle as Sage got older she'd seen the different men coming and going at the time she'd been too young to understand but now she does.

Eventually someone had called social services and Sage had been taken away and put in an orphanage until she'd been adopted by Kristin and Ben,they had loved and treated her as their own daughter the pair never could have children that's why they'd adopted instead.Sage was happy that they were her parents and she misses them dearly they passed away two years ago in a car accident since then it's been only her and Sean.Apart from her cute boys he's the only family she has left,she was about to head out to her car when her cell rang it was Gina.

"I'm angry at you."She said,when Sage answered.

"I miss you too Gina."

"Why didn't you wait,I wanted to say goodbye to my dark haired little boys."

Sage smile the boys has jet black hair just like their father,her hair is auburn that's why Gina calls them dark haired boys."I'm sorry but it was getting late and we had to leave you know how fussy Liam is if he isn't put to bed on time."

"Yeah.I know how cheeky he is.Have you settled in."

"Almost.I was about to fetch the last three boxes before you called hopefully I'll get most of the stuff organised before tomorrow morning."

"You'll be fine.Don't exert yourself Sage,take rest when Liam and Logan are asleep.Your body needs it."

"I will,once they wake up I'll be on my toes again I hope I'll manage I don't have you or Sean to help.I'm alone."

"You're a great mother Sage and those boys are blessed to have you don't doubt yourself.You've done an amazing job in taking care of them and you'll continue to do so."

"Thanks friend for the vote of confidence."

"You welcome."She said."Let me not keep you.I love you and the minute you settled in I'm gonna come and visit."

"I'm expecting you to."Sage answered."Goodnight and I love you too."After the call Sage went to fetch the last of their bags and boxes.She arranged everything come tomorrow she won't have time because the boys will keep her busy.Thankfully she doesn't have to clean again,the place was still spotless the way she left it,the twins are allergic to dust every time they breathe it in they sneeze and cough alot not to mention the red rashes they get on their skin every corner of the place has to be clean,the boys has been diagnosed with diabetes Sage had learned that when she'd taken them for their six month appointment that's when the doctors told her Liam and Logan are diabetic.

Sage had been baffled by the news she couldn't understand how that was possible but the doctors told her it was genetic or hereditary if one parent has it the chances are high it could be passed on to the kids,she wasn't a diabetic no one in her family was not that she knows of so that left only their father,it's the only explanation.The boys have type one diabetes and will probably have it throughout their entire lives now her boys are getting several insulin injections daily,she's always on her toes when it comes to them she takes extra care in everything she does with them.

They just started eating solid food the doctor gave Sage a whole menu of what they can and cannot eat,her poor babies.As long as they are healthy she doesn't care she'll do anything for them to ensure they are safe and sound.Later that night in bed she couldn't sleep her mind keeps on going back to the last time she'd been in Maimi and that's when she'd met the twins father,her very own mystery man.He's unknown.

Bruno checked the clock on his office wall it was past midnight and he was still busy with work.For the last couple of months he's been avoiding his uncle who wants him to marry the daughter of a business friend,he has nothing against Lana but he never pictured himself getting married after he found his twin brother and fiancee in bed together till date he cannot get the picture of them out of his head,the betrayal cuts deep,he can't bring himself to forgive both of them even if it has been over a year.

He had thought Maya was the perfect woman for him that's why he'd wanted to make her his wife and probably have kids with her in future little did he know his own brother and fiancee has been having an affair behind his back.Just thinking about it makes him angry at thirty two he should be settled down instead he has a different women in his bed every other week,after Maya he made a vow never to get personally involved with any women and so far he hasn't,he only sates his needs as a man and moves on.

It was for the best now his uncle is pressurising him to marry Maya's sister Lana,he had slept with her once and that had been it,he doesn't feel that chemistry with her,not the way he had with one certain fair skinned beauty with auburn hair and chocolate brown eyes.A woman who's name he doesn't even know,a woman who with just a glance had captured his attention who had come alive in his arms and gave him the best night ever.A woman he'll never ever forget that night he'd lost his necklace it had a cross on it the only reminder he had of his late mother,his mother had given it to him on the night of her passing.

By the time he'd realise it was gone it had been too late neither she or the necklace had been there when he had gone back to the hotel later that night.How could he search for someone he doesn't know. Where would he begin so he'd let it go,after that he never did find someone who compares to her.Brown eyes he'd called her that night during their lovemaking eyes that glowed brightly with passion and need.In her arms he forgot everything including Maya she made him forget.

His cell rang it was his uncle he let it go straight to voicemail he knows what he will say and Bruno wasn't in the mood to listen to him.He stood and walked over to the window he gazed out at the city Miami really was busy it doesn't matter what time of day people drink and party like there's no tomorrow,and that's exactly what he's gonna do right now go out and have fun,it's been a while since he got laid. Since he's had a woman in his bed he'll face tomorrow when it comes, taking his jacket he left his office,he'll go talk to his uncle tomorrow morning early.

Sage has just given Liam and Logan their early morning shots,when her cell rang it was her boss Kim every morning before they wake she does yoga exercise to get her day going."Sage.Morning."

"Morning Kim.How can I help?"

"I know I said I'll give you time to settle in but unfortunately I need someone to fill in for Sammy she called in sick yesterday it's only for three days."

Sage has four days left of her week she was suppose to meet the new sitter for the boys today and she'll only be able to meet Sage tonight on the other hand she doesn't want to let Kim down."Kim I don't have anyone to watch the boys Jesse who'll be their new sitter is only coming to meet me tonight so we can finalise everything."

"I'll find someone for you and pay her too."She must be desperate Sage thought if she wants to do this."All I need is you here.We cannot afford to mess this up the last company got fired for slacking this is our biggest contract ever if we mess this up I don't think we'll ever work anywhere again.Romero Corporations is a big company worldwide having them on our resume will open doors for our business.Please Sage."

Sage know Kim's cleaning business is just picking up and when she had gotten this contract she had been so happy it's a big break for her and the business because Sage had heard the company will benefit hugely from this she can understand the stress Kim must be in not to blow this."Okay.What time should I be there."

"Five.You know where the company is."

She sure does Romero Corporations is a forty story building and stood out from the buildings surroundings it on her visit here she had taken the time to familiarise herself with the place."I do.Should I pass by your office."

"No.Head straight over I'll come there I want to brief you on a few things and don't worry I'll send someone I trust to look after the twins.Thanks Sage."

"Don't mention it."She said,dropping the call after she put the boys in their cribs and went to pick up her yoga equipment in the livingroom.She called Jesse and moved their appointment to tomorrow morning,she agreed,next she took a quick shower before the boys had to eat and drink their bottles.She made the most of her day with the twins around midday a knock sounded on her door she was surprised to see Kim's younger sister on her doorstep. "Casey?"She said."What are you doing here."

"I volunteered to watch the boys for you.May I."

Sage stepped aside for her to come in."Volunteered."

"Kim knows you won't trust anyone with them.I was with her when she called you.I don't have class tomorrow so I told her I would do it."

"Casey you didn't have to."Sage told her.

"I need the money,there's this stunning new dress I saw and you know my sister she won't just give me the money."

"I know,you have to work for what you want."

"Exactly."Casey said."Is that them."She asked going over to where Liam and Logan were sitting in their feeding chairs."They so adorable,I can't tell who's who.How do you do it,I'd get confused.How do you tell them apart."

Sage smiled."With this birth mark."She said showing Casey on Liam's left hand."Their eyes too.Logan's eyes are darker than Liam's."Casey bent down to look at them.

"They have beautiful eyes,it's so grey."She stood to look at Sage."You've got brown eyes so-..."

"Their father."Sage said,he has stormy grey eyes just like Logan's and he also has a dark mark on his left hand like Liam,there's nothing she doesn't remember about her handsome mystery man.Especially his beautiful eyes.

"Well you better give me a list of do's and don't's before you leave."Casey glanced at her wrist watch."We have an hour and a half."Sage spend the next hour showing Casey about the boys including how to give them their insulin injections tonight."They get it thirty minutes before dinner."Sage nodded. "Okay I got it.Anything else?"

"No,we covered everything I have to warn you though Liam gets very cranky before bedtime only way he quiets down if you rock him to sleep.Logan is no trouble at all but when he senses Liam's restlessness then he'll began to cry too."

"I'll keep that in mind.Would you mind if I call over a friend to keep me company."Casey asked.

"No but as you can see there's hardly any space to move around."

Casey shrugged."We'll be fine."

"Okay,let me go and get ready."Sage took a bath by the time she was done Casey was playing with the boys she kissed both of them before leaving luckily they didn't cry for her,the drive over was about thirty minutes and at five exactly she reached Kim still wasn't there when she arrived taking her access card she went inside most of the employees has already left for the day the place was quiet beautiful black and white marble tiles was laid out the entire lobby Sage saw the receptionist desk was empty,above it was the name of the company a seating area was not far from reception,two black couches and a wooden table in the middle,a plush grey carpet was under it fresh flowers decorated the center,there was also a fireplace with an italian marble mantel.

There was an elevator that goes up to the other floors eighty percent of the building consist of glass even the elevator too,one can see outside but cannot see from the outside in.Sage went to sit on the couches while she waited for Kim,she poured herself a cup of coffee that's on the drinks cabinet. Everything in here was of the best money could buy,one cannot even come inside without having an access card security was tight even using the elevator requires a password before it takes you to whichever floor you need to go.

Ten minutes later Kim arrived and so did the rest of the staff that would clean out the entire building.Sage noticed they were short staffed and if so they gonna take longer than usual to finish up,this building is massive.

"Sorry for making you wait."Kim said joining Sage on the couches the rest followed."Well let me debrief you all about who's taking which floor."

Kim talked to them for the next fifteen minutes about their posts Sage just heard she got the last floor and the boardrooms Kim gave them each new cards that go to their floors along with the passwords to use the lift.After the meeting she pulled Sage aside."The executive floor uses two codes the other is private because it's the big boss's floor after the last company they changed all the passwords no one other than us should know about it and if you punch the code in wrong twice the alarm will go off.I'm giving you this job because I trust you and I know you'll do a good job in cleaning and organising everything,a little birdie told me Mr Romero is allergic to dust."Just like her boys Sage thought."He loves his space spotless and clean,I know you'll do a good job with all the corners plus you can relate to his allergy,I understand Liam and Logan is allergic to dust too."Sage nodded."Let me not keep you."

Sage immediately went to go and change into her uniform,afterwards she took her cleaning equipment,supplies and headed upstairs to the boardrooms her first task,she'll clean Mr Romero's office last,she'll have to be extra vigilant when it comes to cleaning his office,actually the entire floor Sage thought as she began her work of sweeping,mopping and dusting the area.

Bruno can hear from his office that the cleaning staff are here,he hadn't expect for them to be here so early it was only six,but he's glad he likes efficiency people who take their job seriously unlike the last company he'd fired for not doing their job properly,he's allergic to dust the second he breathes it in he'll sneeze and cough none stop he loves his office to be spotless from top to bottom and he hopes the new cleaning company his HR department has hired will do a better job than the last.

He walked over to his bar fridge and took out his insulin shot both him and his brother had been diagnosed with diabetes when they'd been seven months old,it was genetic and with their genes they can pass it down to their kids,something he doesn't want that's why he's decided not to have kids anymore he wouldn't want any baby of his to live off injections their whole lives it wouldn't be fair.

And this has been passed down from his father's generation for decades a illness that can't be cured.He never ever forgets to use protection with any women he doesn't want to risk a pregnancy just like diabetes even twins runs in their family,he has heard that

Maya is pregnant and it's twins him and Hugo's relationship isn't so good despite Hugo's attempt to reach out and mend their relationship,he needs time alot more time before he'll forgive them.At family gatherings they are civil with each other and it ends there,nothing more.He can hear the vacuum machine was nearing his office he better finish up and leave cause all the noise will drive him crazy.

Sage shut the door to the boardroom as she turned she saw someone going into the lift it shut before she could see who it was.A shiver rushed through her she had this distant feeling of knowing the person shrugging it off she made her way over to the boss's office upon entering she caught a familiar scent in the air it made her froze as it washed over her.A scent she remembers very well,that her body knows too.

Her mystery man.It's like he was here close to her around her,could it be...No she shook her head she must be imagining it she stepped further inside and saw the table lamp was on,they must've forgotten to switch it off.She glanced around her it has a masculinity about it one can tell who ever's office this is loves to be in charge a man who dominates and was always in control of everything,the whole office had floor to ceiling glass windows, it was bigger than the boardroom dark wooden furniture surrounded her a leather chair was behind a huge desk,two chairs was before the desk,everything on the desk was neat and nicely organised not a pencil was out of place.

On her left side was three flat screens that shows the latest market figures,four clocks with different time of other countries,on the other side of the room was a whole coffee machine with a bar fridge and other refreshments you might need.A fireplace with a whole seating area was there too,black couches,glass table in the middle with magazines and newspapers on it she went about cleaning the place,next came the bathroom in the office a closet was in there aswell Sage saw a few clean shirts,pants and dinner jackets a man who loves himself and is prepared for anything.

When she was done scrubbing and disinfecting the restroom dusting and polishing the woodwork followed,Sage made sure not a surface was missed,as short as she was she made sure to reach every corner when she was done she switched off the lamp and left all the girls must be downstairs in the cafeteria drinking coffee.She'll go and join them before continuing her work there was still alot to do before it was time to go home and she's missing her boys terribly.Her cute sons.

"Your aunt has organised a get together to celebrate Maya's pregnancy."Bruno looked at his uncle when he spoke,he's been avoiding going there for a month now because he knows where the conversation will lead now his uncle came to see him at his office."She expects you there."

"I can't come.Pass on my apologies."His father and uncle had been twin brothers.

"When will forgive your brother.He and Maya love each other I don't think they meant to hurt you on purpose."

"Then they should've told me unlike sneaking and sleeping together behind my back two people whom I trusted the most stabbed me in the back."

"Bruno..?"

"No uncle I don't want to discuss this further and I'm sure neither you or my father would've betrayed each other like that."

"Please come."His uncle pleaded."Do it for your aunt she misses you,so does Camilla and Camille."Those were his twin cousins.His uncle stood."An hour or two won't kill you it's this Saturday.Plus Lana is coming too the two of you can announce your engagement."He only nodded.

Bruno walked his uncle to the door."Thank you for stopping by and send my regards to aunt."When his uncle left he got ready for the meeting he was about to go into in fifteen minutes.His uncle is right about one thing Hugo and Maya do love each other,he's seen that never before has he seen his brother so happy than with Maya,maybe he should let go of the past and forgive his brother it's been long,so long that they'll be having their first kids.

He'll be an uncle himself in a few months and his parents wouldn't want them to continue this way he was the oldest,when their father had passed away a few years back Bruno had to take over the company at age twenty-four,Hugo didn't want anything to do with the business his brother loves music it's his passion and all these years he's been making a living out of it.

Despite every thing that transpired between them he's proud of his brother and loves him, Hugo is all he has it's time he sits down and talk to him.Maybe marrying Lana is a good idea,she'll make a good trophy wife besides he will never fall inlove.

Kim looked at her friend from across the table."Thank you again Kim."Sage said."For giving me this weekend off."

"No problem.You put in alot of over time this whole month."Kim sipped on her latte."Not to mention Mr Romero is very impressed with our work,especially in his office their HR team called and said they'll be giving us a permanent contract after three months."

"Kim!"Sage exclaimed."That's great news.Now I know why you invited me for lunch."

"It's to say thank you for all the hard work you've put in.I know it must be hard to work full time and look after these two cuties,being a single parent is hard I saw how my mom worked three jobs to keep us afloat,it's tough and yet you doing it as if it's nothing."