His mouth twitches, but he fights the smile like a man at war.
Then his gaze slides to Stefano.
My poor Steffy straightens.
“Really, Stefano?”
“What? I was making a point about language.”
Maverick stares at him, exhales, and walks farther into the kitchen. He comes straight to me, bends, and kisses the top of my head.
My chest warms instantly.
Then he turns to the girls.
“You are not brides. You are not mafia. You are children.”
Livy opens her mouth.
Maverick points at her.
“Dangerous children, perhaps. Clever children. Occasionally dramatic children. But children.”
Livy taps her finger against the table. “Can I still learn Italian?”
“Of course.”
“With snacks?”
Maverick looks at Stefano.
Stefano smiles. “Knowledge and snacks.”
“Fine,” Maverick says. “Italian class may proceed.”
Livy beams.
“But,” he adds, “no more videos about daughters being given as brides. It will never happen,piccola.”
Livy sighs. “Fine. But I had questions.”
“I know. That’s what concerns me. Always curious.”
“Girls, time for breakfast,” Rosa calls from the doorway. “Please join the other children in the garden.”
“Yes!” Sabrina jumps off her stool. “Outside breakfasts are my favorite.”
Without so much as a goodbye, the girls grab hands and hurry from the kitchen.
I stare after them. “Apparently I’ve been dismissed.”
“You were never in control,” Maverick says.
“Thank you for that reminder.”
His mouth twitches before he turns to Stefano.
“We’ll be meeting at Patch’s place in two hours,” Maverick tells his brother. “I sent the twins out to find someone. I hate to ask you again.”
