Page 118 of Seasons of War
“Again!” Ainsley pumped a fist in the air.
“There's someone for you to meet first,” Luke said.
Zayne's smile dropped, and he settled Ainsley on the floor before turning to see Kira. The little girl peeked at the woman down the hall.
“That's our cousin, Kira,” Luke said.
Lying to his daughter felt wrong, but he couldn't explain the situation to her.
“Hi,” Kira said softly.
“Whoa.” Never shy, Ainsley skipped down the hallway. “Your hair is just like one of my dollies. So pretty! I want red hair!”
“But your hair is pretty like it is.”
“Really?” Ainsley grabbed two handfuls and tugged to look at it.
“Really. It's nice to meet you.”
“Gram is looking for you, Ainsley,” Luke said. “She's in the courtyard.”
She raced past Kira, even while Luke reminded her not to run. Little feet pattered for a short while longer, and then a door slammed.
Quiet.
Luke strode down the hall to Kira, and Zayne matched his steps, not allowing him near the prisoner without him.
“You'll never be alone with my children.” Luke glared down at her. “Watch what you say to them.”
Kira nodded. “Of course.”
“One wrong word,” Luke shot his hand out, pretending to grab her. “And—”
A palm slammed into the crook of his arm, knocking him away. Zayne shoved himself between Luke and Kira, his chest pushing him back.
“What was that?” Zayne asked, voice low.
“Easy,” Luke said. “We don't need another broken collarbone.”
Zayne closed his eyes in the same way as when he was a boy and missed a target while shooting.
Confusion furrowed Kira's brows, as expected.
“Right. You don't know.” Luke held Zayne's stare even though he talked to her. “My brother broke Dr. Cooper's collarbone for you after the incident with the tank.”
Now Luke watched Kira, appreciating how his brother's care affected her, widening her eyes, deepening the shock into an emotion that must have struck her core. In real time, Luke witnessed Kira falling into a spell, unable to resist Zayne's raw fury and indignation on her behalf.
“Leave,” Zayne said.
Only hesitating for a moment, Kira looked at the back of Zayne's head and then left without any comment. It looked like she wanted to say a great deal but held back.
“I just handed you so many wins,” Luke said. “Use them and get to her.”
“I told you I don't need your help. Back off.”
“You do. You're too prideful to admit it. The Phaedra is moving you around his chessboard without telling you a thing. Why do you think he sent you to Caspador right when Kira moved in here? So, she and Mom could bond without you getting in the way.”
Zayne didn't take his bait. “You used your daughter. I haven't seen her in a year.”
