Page 57 (2/2)

His cousin’s eyes widened "I--"

"Do you understand me? And you better think about that question before you answer, because this is the only warning you’re going to get"

Daniel’s nostrils flared "I understand"

"For real?"

The o of the front of his shirt, and Daniel stumbled back "Close the door behind you"

Daniel did just that After he closed the door, he caught up with Lucian in the main hall "Are Devlin and Gabe around?"

Lucian snorted "Why? You worried?"

Walking beside hihtened his shirt "Just want to be prepared in case I get snatched up again"

He chuckled "I prefer you to be in a constant state of fear"

Daniel didn’t respond until they reached the steps "I didn’t mean to scare the nurse I didn’t know she would be here"

"Doesn’t e to turn and push Daniel down the stairs "Your entire life is causing things you didn’t mean to"

"That’s a little harsh"

"Truth isn’t always nice"

There was a gap of silence before Daniel replied, "That is true"

They didn’t speak the rest of the way up to the third floor, but Lucian stopped him before they rounded the short hallway to Maddie’s rooets anxious or appears stressed out, you will leave immediately"

Daniel faced him "You know that I would never want to hurt Maddie or stress her out You don’t have to tellin deeply, Lucian’s jaw locked down as he looked away Daniel wasn’t bullshitting As much as he disliked the little son of a bitch, he cared for Maddie Always had And Maddie cared for hirowled

The door to Maddie’s roo away Today it appeared to be a part of a child’s face Possibly? And his sister was clothed prettily in what appeared to be some kind of dress-and-sweater combo

But it hadn’t been his sister he’d noticed first It had been Julia How , thick wavy locks of hair falling free around her face God, she didn’t wear her hair down nearly enough for his liking He wanted to sink his hands into her hair, fist the strands--

Shit, he needed to focus and not on that or he would go back on what he told her last night quicker than a strike of lightning

Julia looked over as they entered, her gaze lingering on Lucian beforeonto Daniel "Good afternoon"

Daniel started forward, but stopped and looked in Lucian’s direction first Lucian shes How are you?"

"I’ood" She turned to his sister "Madeline’s already eaten, but lunch has been bought up" She gestured at the covered plates Livie must’ve just sent up

"Do you mind if I sit with Maddie for a little bit and talk first?" Daniel asked

Julia shook her head "I don’t have a problem with that" She turned to him "Lucian?"

Of course, he did He had problem when Daniel breathed, but he shook his head no His cousin sloalked over to where Maddie sat Every movement was cautious as he sat in the seat Julia usually occupied

"Hey, sweet girl," Daniel spoke, voice light "What are you working on?"

There was no response Maddie kept on painting, but Daniel kept on talking to her like she was responding The same way Lucian talked to her He watched his cousin and sister for a few aze crept to where Julia was

The cream-colored shirt she wore hinted at the soft swells beneath as she bent at the waist, picking up one of the brushes that Maddie ry as he watched her place it on the tray beside Maddie

As Julia ive thelanced up at him, but quickly looked away