Beckett’s POV
"No, he doesn't," Elodie clips curtly. Her voice is sharper now, the polite mask slipping just enough to reveal a protective edge. She doesn't look away from me as she speaks to the child; her eyes remain fixed on my face, warning me off. "And I’m sorry, Mr... Hayes did you say? but I am in the middle of talking to my challenge partner. So, if you’ll excuse us..."
She makes a definitive movement to turn her back on me again, clearly eager to break the connection and escape. But her daughter doesn’t move. The little girl keeps staring up at me, her wide eyes absolutely locked on mine, clearly intrigued by the giant, brooding man who just interrupted her mother.
I study the child in return, ignoring Elodie's dismissal entirely. A strange, heavy sensation begins to bloom in t
