LUCIAN
I stepped back as the twins wriggled out of my grip and barreled straight into Corinne. She caught them easily, both boys looping their arms around her neck like she was home. Her eyes closed, a soft smile settling on her face as she rubbed slow circles into their backs.
“I missed you,” Eli mumbled into her neck, voice quiet.
“Missed you more, big boys,” she said, slipping right into that gentle coddling tone.
They were still baby talking and catching up like they haven’t seen each other in years when I moved closer, hands shoved deep into my pockets. She straightened up when she noticed me and the smile on her face slipped instantly, replaced by that glare she reserved just for me as she nudged her glasses up her nose.
“Mr. Delacroix,” she greeted.
“I heard you were sick.” I
