Chapter 27

Alyssa

"Where is my Zuri?" Niko's voice fills the room as he strides through the front door, his eyes immediately seeking out the kitchen. I'm feeding Zuri her breakfast, and the sound of his arrival makes her tiny face light up.

Sebastian insisted on making sure Zuri had a full meal before everyone arrived. He said it would keep her content while I deal with the mess of reconciling with my brother. My heart pounds as I think about seeing Gray again. It's been too long, and the distance has only made everything between us more complicated. But it's time to tell him what happened with Isaac and introduce him to his niece.

When Zuri spots Niko, her little arms stretch out toward him, her smile making my heart warm. Niko looks at me, silently asking permission to pick her up. I force a smile. "Go ahead. She's done eating anyway."

Niko's grin widens as he carefully removes the tray from her chair, unbuckles her, and picks her up. Unlike the first time he held her, he seems confident, the