Chapter 13: A Day, A Promise, and a Storm Brewing 

Kimberly POV

Enzo soon called to tell me it was time to leave. I was glad I came. It had been a good day already.

Luciana clung to my cargo pants as I tried to go.

“It’s okay, she’ll come visit another time,” Emily said, trying to coax her daughter.

Lucy reluctantly let go, but the tears in her eyes nearly undid me.

“Babies—they’re so sweet,” I murmured, bending down to hug her.

“You’ll come again, huh?” she whispered, her lip trembling.

“Pinky promise,” she said, thrusting her tiny finger toward me.

I laughed softly and hooked my pinky around hers. “Pinky promise,” I whispered, meaning it. I already saw family here, even if they weren’t supposed to be mine.

Behind me, Enzo cleared his throat. I shot him to look sharp enough to cut glass. I understood their rules—emotions weren’t encouraged. But was he really this heartless? I hissed under my breath and gave Emily a final hug before following him out the door.

In the car, I noticed the food flask beside me.

Emily had