Austin watched her son's peaceful face. His breathing was soft and steady.
Something warm stirred deep in her chest. This was the first time she had told Eliot a bedtime story, and she didn't want the moment to end.
She gently pulled the blanket up to his shoulders and kissed his forehead.
"Sleep tight," she whispered.
Then she tiptoed out, closing the door quietly behind her.
Downstairs, the calm was gone. A different kind of tension was waiting.
When she walked into the living room, Kaius was still lounging on her couch, scrolling through his phone like he owned the place.
" You're really making yourself at home," she said, dryly.
" You said I could stay," he replied without looking up. " Don't blame me for being efficient."
She sighed. " The guest rooms upst
