Page 35 of Curse of Ancients

When Bayu got downstairs, Kat was slathering a squirming Juni in sunscreen. She glanced at Bayu. “We don’t have any pool toys for little ones, so Juniper is running out to get some things.”

“Let me give you some—”

“If you say money, I’m going to punch you.” Juniper stood with her hands on her hips, tapping a toe.

Bayu held up his hands in defense. “No punching necessary.”

Juniper’s smile fell. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Well, everything, but nothing I can take care of. Let’s go, Juni.” Bayu took his brother’s hand and led him outside. The pool sat well back from the house down a paved path that was lined with solar lights. Someone had placed towels on the lounge chairs for them. Before he could stop him, Juni jerked his hand out of Bayu’s and took off running.

“Juni!”

The boy did a belly flop into the pool and began doggy-paddling back to the side.

When Bayu’s heart was no longer in his throat, he strolled across the deck and walked down the steps into the water. It was not cold like he thought it would be. Juni swam over to Bayu and grabbed onto his arm, climbing until he wrapped his little arms around Bayu’s neck. “You shouldn’t run off like that. You scared me.”

“I sowwy.” Juni stuck his face in Bayu’s neck.

“I’m not mad. I was worried.”

Juni raised his head, his eyes earnest. “You fwim?”

Bayu smiled and twirled in the water. “Yes, I can swim.” He didn’t know whether to tell Juni their mother had taught him. Did Juni know who his parents were? Or had been? He didn’t want to upset the boy, so he kept that information to himself. The back door opened, and everyone except Major, Carleigh, her dad, and Juniper joined them. Kat, Elle, and Tabitha sat on the side of the pool with their feet in the water. Anthony strolled over to the pool house and entered the small building. After a few seconds, rock music played from speakers surrounding the deck. When he returned, he stripped down to his shorts and jumped in the deep end, and soon, Juni was swimming back and forth between the two of them.

Juni proved to be an excellent swimmer under water, holding his breath longer than Bayu thought possible for a three-year-old. Bayu tossed Juni to Anthony who caught him just as he went under, and Juni begged, “Again!” over and over.

Juniper returned with beach balls, noodles, and floats. She and Tabitha blew up the inflatables and tossed them all in the water. While Bayu and Anthony played with Juni, the females brought out drinks and snacks, placing them on one of the tables covered by an umbrella. There were several on one side of the pool, while the other contained lounge chairs. The end closest the house was open, and the opposite side was where the pool house sat. Juni stopped long enough to eat, then he was right back in the water.

Carleigh and Julian joined them, bringing a newcomer. Juni was safe with Anthony, so Bayu exited the pool, grabbing a towel and wrapping it around his waist. “Bayu, this is Cailín Jenkins. She’s one of my best friends, and she works at Steele Securities.”

Bayu bowed slightly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Cailín.”

“Likewise.” Cailín shielded her eyes and looked toward the pool when Juni giggled. “Oh, C, you weren’t kidding. He’s the cutest thing ever.”

Carleigh stepped up beside Bayu and wrapped her arm through his. “Right? Never thought I’d be a mom so young, but here we are.” Carleigh snapped her eyes to Bayu’s. “I mean—”

“No. Do not take it back. We are his parents now.” Bayu pressed his lips to Carleigh’s temple, inhaling. “I’m glad he has you and your family. I do not know what he remembers, and I am afraid to ask. I do not want to upset him by speaking of my parents and Kiki.”

“Juniper said when he woke up during the night, he didn’t ask for them or Gemi. He wanted me.”

“Carwee! Wook!” Juni was sitting on a noodle, bouncing up and down.

“Oh, wow! Are you having fun?”

“Yep!” He bounced too hard and fell off. Carleigh gasped, taking a step toward the pool, but Bayu stopped her. Juni swam to the surface and grabbed hold of the noodle once again.

“He is a good swimmer. I’m not sure who taught him, but I’m glad they did. My mom taught both Kiki and me when we were small.”

Cailín walked over to sit on the side of the pool, and Juni flopped off the noodle, swimming toward her so he could hang off her feet. The female bounced him up and down.

“Everyone is so good with him,” Bayu mused.

Carleigh snaked her arm around Bayu’s waist and laid her head on his bicep. “All little ones are precious, but there is something about Juni that steals hearts quickly.”

Bayu couldn’t disagree. If Juni weren’t his brother, he would still love the little cub immensely.

“Did Major leave?”