Chapter 5

That single glance triggered a surge of violent rage inside me.

I instinctively tightened my arms around Leo, tucking him completely into my embrace to block out Elliot’s malicious gaze.

He was only ten years old, yet his mind was wicked enough to make anyone’s skin crawl.

Seeing my silence, Bryan’s expression relaxed slightly. Assuming I had thrown my scene and was done, he adopted a condescending, persuasive tone.

"Alright, that’s enough. Let’s drop it. You boys get along, and from now on..."

Before he could finish, I cut him off icy cold.

"Hold on."

Holding Leo, I stepped forward…