It was a quiet Sunday morning when Kieran found himself at his parents’ house. Arielle had insisted on hosting brunch for the family, and though he hadn’t planned to stay long, somehow he was still there after the dishes had been cleared away.
Amelia had already left to meet a friend, and Arielle had disappeared into the garden with her tea. That left Kieran sitting on the back patio, nursing his coffee, when his father joined him.
Kairo Vescari rarely asked personal questions unless he thought they were necessary, so when he settled into the chair beside his son with a thoughtful expression, Kieran knew something was coming.
“You’ve been quiet lately,” Kairo began, leaning back slightly. “More than usual.”
Kieran glanced at him, surprised. “I didn’t think you noticed.”
Kairo raised a
