Chapter 35

• Alaric’s POV
• Francesca was bouncing around with excitement, her little voice full of determination as she clutched Emilia’s hand. I hadn’t planned on anyone else joining us for this trip to the park, but once Francesca had her mind set, it was near impossible to talk her out of it. She’d insisted that Emilia come along, pulling on her hand with wide, pleading eyes that somehow even I wasn’t immune to. I didn’t love it, but I wasn’t about to turn the day into an argument. If Francesca wanted Emilia there, then that was the way it was going to be.
• Emilia stayed quiet, seeming to be just as uncomfortable as I was. It was as if we had both came to an agreement to keep our distance from each other, but we tried as much as we can to act normal in front of Francesca. And while our distance bothered me at first, it didn’t anymore. She was Francesca’s nanny, nothing more, and it was about time I set some boundaries with myself. Distractions will only cost me more than necessary.