Austin held Eliot tight as he nestled against her.
"I came over to discuss some business," she explained softly, her hand gently smoothing his hair, fingers twining through the soft strands.
She'd checked the time earlier, realizing Eliot would be out of school soon.
Something had compelled her to stay.She owed him that much.
If her presence meant this much to him, then staying a little longer felt like the least she could do.
Eliot's face fell. "So you didn't come just to see me?"
"Well, everything was already settled, and I was actually preparing to leave, but..." Austin began.
"But she stayed because she wanted to be here when you got home," Kaius finished for her.
"Really?" Eliot's eyes lit up.
Austin nodded, her smile soft as she brushed a thumb across his
