Giggling, pulling away from his dramatic attempts to smother him, Lucien shoved his shoulder but kept his hands where they were. "I'm glad you're here too. It's silly, but I was scared to come, but I always feel better when you're around." Lucein gave one of his sweetie-pie smiles. "You give me confidence. I don't feel so scared. Probably because I know you'll look after me no matter what."

"Your Daddy doesn't do that?"

Lucien's eyes jumped behind them at the closed red door. Deeming it safe, a dopey grin cascaded across his expression, his eyes softening like melting snow. "Oh, he's great at that, but it's different. He makes...