Twin Cupids at Work Daddy Come Home novel Chapter 9

Julian’s brow knit tighter. Something was definitely off with this kid today. “You’re only five. The front seat is off limits.” He tried to keep his tone patient. “Go sit in your car seat in the back, okay?”

Oliver grumbled, “Such a hassle,” and stomped off to the back seat.

Helene slid into the front, glanced back, and shot him a smug little grin.

Oliver rolled his eyes, making it as dramatic as possible.

...

Noah watched Madeline, noticing how tense she looked as she sped down the street. His voice was calm, almost cold. “Why are we running?”

“Because someone’s after us,” she said, her eyes flicking to the rearview mirror.

Noah pressed his lips together. He wanted to say, They’re after you because you’re with me. But he kept quiet. He needed to figure out if she really was his mom.

Madeline couldn’t tell if the people chasing them were sent by Julian because he recognized her, or if they were the same ones who tried to kidnap Oliver earlier. No matter who they were, her first priority was to keep the child safe. Julian seemed suspicious already. She needed to lay low.

“Oliver, Mommy needs to take care of something. Can I drop you at Uncle Casey’s for a while?” she asked gently.

“No.” The boy’s voice from the back was icy and firm.

Madeline blinked. When did her son become so distant? Oliver used to talk nonstop, always chattering about something.

“Why not? Don’t you like Uncle Casey anymore?” she asked.

“I don’t know him,” Noah blurted out, then quickly corrected himself. “I just… I don’t want to leave you.”

Madeline hesitated, then sighed. “Mommy’s in a bit of trouble right now. I need to make sure you’re safe, okay?”

Noah turned around, eyes wide with fear.

Madeline stopped, her smile fading. “Oliver, are you okay?”

Noah’s brows drew together. He crouched down, reaching for the broken glass. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to.”

Madeline moved quickly. “Don’t touch that. You’ll cut yourself. Let me handle it. Go sit down.”

Noah got up, stepping aside and watching as she cleaned up the mess. He bit his lip. “…Sorry…”

“It’s okay, sweetheart. But how many times have I told you, if you break something, don’t touch it. You could hurt yourself. Remember?”

Noah nodded, his voice still flat and distant. “Alright.”