Leo pulls me against his chest, and in a move so unexpected I can hardly believe myself, I wrap an arm around his waist and let the first tears fall. “We can make this so believable, you won’t feel like you’re lying, Adelaide.” His words are quiet and confident. Powerful. “I promise.” Lennox smacks my cheek with her chubby palm and plants a wet, open-mouth kiss on my nose. “That’s what I’m scared of, Leo,” I breathe out, trying to sound stronger than I feel. “I won’t hurt you or the girls. I’ll protect you.” he promises, and I wish I could believe him, but experience has taught me otherwise.
