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Neither seemed to know what to make of the other. Jack’s attention flicked to his trains. Achille’s stance softened as he watched him play. He handed me the tube, and I swabbed the inside of Jack’s cheek. I stuck the cotton swab in the tube and sealed it.
“Is that it?” I asked.
“Yeah.” He took it from me and slipped it into his pocket.
I expected him to head toward the door, but he wandered around the apartment. He frowned at Jack’s basket of toys. He tightened his fists and strode into the kitchen.
I followed him, bristling. “That’s the opposite direction of the exit.”
He opened the fridge. The light inside washed over his scowling face as he scanned the sparse contents. He closed the door, his expression hardening. A giant photo of my sister smiled from the fridge.
“Is he getting enough to eat?”
“Of course he is,” I snapped. “I haven’t gone grocery shopping yet. What are you doing?”
He thumbed through the bills on the table. “Some of these are overdue. You managing alright?”
“We’re fine.”
His deep frown suggested that we weren’t, according to his standards. Every glance felt like a critique, an unspoken commentary on how I was raising Jack. It boiled my blood. I wanted to tell him that love couldn’t be measured by things. But the words stuck in my throat. Truthfully, we needed help or I’d have to find another home soon.
Achille pulled a wad of cash from his wallet. I gaped at the sight of the crisp hundred-dollar notes. He dropped it on the stack of bills.
My heart skipped a beat. “What are you doing?”
“Donating to the charity case.”
My cheeks flushed. “You are such a rude, obnoxious human being.”
“Yeah, yeah. Just take my money and buy some food. Get him Pop-Tarts. Kids love those.”
I glowered at him. “What’s the catch?”
“Nothing,” he purred. “I’m in a generous mood.”
“I wasn’t aware the mob had a philanthropic branch.”
He smirked. “We’re full of surprises. But don’t worry, this branch only deals in making sure my kid doesn’t miss out on anything, including a father.”
I bristled. “Elise didn’t want you in Jack’s life.”
“And look how that worked out for her,” he replied with a shrug, his careless tone slicing open my chest. “Elise made her choice. I am, too. Jack’s safety and well-being are my priorities.”
“Throwing money around won’t fix everything.”
“Will your pride keep food stocked in that fridge?” he mocked. “Surviving isn’t living. That boy deserves more.”
“And you think you can waltz in and play hero?”
His lips twitched into a half-smile. “I don’t play. I do what needs to be done.”
“Get the hell out of my house.”
“With pleasure,” he drawled.
He headed toward the door. He paused when he passed Jack, but continued to the foyer.
He caught my eye and winked. “I’ll be back soon. I’m looking forward to hearing the rest of that song.”
