Maverick shakes his head and scoots closer. He leans one hand on the bed behind my back until both Livy and I are tucked against him.
“Then how did he save you?”
“Because he saved you,” he says. “And you and your mother are my life.”
My breath catches.
He says it so simply.
Like it’s true.
Like there’s no room left for argument.
“Now,” he says, brushing Livy’s hair back from her face, “let’s get you dressed. The doctor said you can leave, and we need to get your mother warm.”
Reality hits me hard enough to steal the little air I have left.
“Our home,” I whisper. “It’s gone.”
“I have people rounding up the animals,” Stefano says from near the door. “They’re being taken to another sanctuary for now.”
“But, Steffy.” Livy’s voice breaks. “Two of those horses are mine and Mama’s actual pets. You can’t take them away. What if someone hurts them?”
“I made sure they’re going to a very good sanctuary,” Maverick says. “They know which ones are yours. They will be cared for until we rebuild.”
“Oh.” She coughs again. “Okay then.”
She tries to sit up. “Come on, Mama. Let me help you get your shoes on. Your fingers won’t work right now.”
“But all our things?” I whisper.
Panic presses at the edges of my mind.
“We have nothing.”
“It’s just stuff, Mama,” Livy says softly. “We can get more stuff.”
I stare at her.
My brave girl.
My too-brave girl.
She looks at Maverick. “Mav, can we stay with you until Mama has someone fix our house?”
“That was the plan,piccola. I have a special room in my suite that is perfect for you.”
“And Mama?” Livy asks. “Do you have a special room for her?”
“I do, sweetheart.”
His eyes find mine.
“Right by my side.”
My heart gives one hard, painful beat.
Livy’s eyes narrow. “Does this mean you’re officially dating since we’re moving in?”
