His bottom lip curled outward, and he looked at me, his eyes pleading. “But, Mom, I’m a big boy,” he said, sticking out his leg from under the table. “Look how long my legs are.”
“I know you are. But not big enough for knives.”
I left Luca to pout while hopefully finishing his breakfast and sat back down in my chair. Lena was still busy climbing all over Grim, and I seized the child-free moment to take a bite of my eggs.
Sebastian, who was sitting next to me, leaned forward, looking at Talon. “He won’t need to learn how to throw knives. Once he’s old enough, I’ll show him how to shoot a gun. Less messy.”
Talon saluted him, his face splitting into a big grin.
I stopped chewing, staring at Sebastian’s profile.
There would be no shooting guns. Or wielding knives. They were delusional if they thought my child needed to learn any of those skills.
And did he say what I think he just said? Would he be around long enough? I didn’t want my son to know how to throw a knife or shoot a gun, but the thought of Sebastian still being around in a few years filled me with warmth.
A familiar hand settled on my thigh, wrapping my body in a warm blanket. Sebastian kissed my head, then looked across the table.
“Hey, Grim, you mind watching the kids for an hour?” he asked.
“Of course not,” Grim said between pretending to bite Lena’s fingers.
“Why didn’t you ask me? I’m a great babysitter,” Talon said, sticking out his bottom lip much like Luca had earlier.
Sebastian raised his brows at him. “You tried teaching Luca how to throw knives.”
“And? I wouldn’t have just left him to it. I’d have been there the whole time.”
I giggled, causing Sebastian to lean in, his lips brushing my ear. “Don’t encourage him.”
“I would never,” I said, turning so our lips were only inches apart. “Are you sure the kids are okay? I don’t like leaving them with strangers.”
Sebastian put his hand on my cheek and I leaned in. “I know this situation is unusual. But these guys are my brothers. I’d lay down my life for them and they’d do the same for me. The kids will be safe with them.”
I took in the sincerity in his gaze and nodded. I trusted him. As crazy as it seemed after such a short amount of time.
“I’m helping Grim, and there’s nothing you can do about it,” Talon said, then picked up Luca and flipped him upside down, holding on to his ankles.
Luca shrieked in delight, and I was worried his breakfast would make a reappearance.
“Let’s go. I’m teaching you how to ride a motorcycle,” Sebastian said, pulling me out of my chair.
“Bye, babies,” I called out, waving at Luca and Lena, who couldn’t have cared less that I was leaving.
Talon blew me exaggerated kisses. “Bye, Momma.”
I took in the scene in front of me, my kids giggling, the guys laughing, before Sebastian dragged me out of the kitchen.
***
“Ease off instead of just letting go,” Sebastian explained when I released the clutch too fast and stalled the bike again.
Despite my apparent lack of skills, I had the time of my life. The kids were cheering me on from their position near the warehouse, and I grinned at them.
I started the bike up again and released the clutch slower. It was picking up speed, and I cheered.
“Look where you’re going,” Sebastian called out when I drove off the side of the driveway because I was too busy watching him.
He was by my side as soon as the bike stalled again, holding me upright, placing one hand over mine on the handle, the other on my leg.
