Leo's attention span lasted exactly three seconds after receiving praise.
The drawing, which had just reduced two adults to silence, was immediately forgotten as a new idea seized his imagination.
His eyes widened.
A grin spread across his face.
Then he grabbed Roman's hand.
“Come on!”
Roman blinked.
“Where?”
“The pool.”
The answer arrived as though no other destination could possibly exist.
“You promised you'd teach me how to swim underwater.”
Tessa watched Leo practically bounce in place while waiting for a response.
For the first time in days, he looked entirely like a child instead of a frightened little boy forced to navigate a world filled with predators and secrets.
Roman glanced toward Tessa.
She expected him to refuse.
Expected him to mention meetings, security conc
