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I lift Leo onto one of the high stools, hovering nearby in case he needs help. But he attacks the sundae with the single-minded focus only kids can manage, and soon his face is smeared with chocolate sauce.

While he eats, Seb shoots me a questioning look. “Everything go according to plan?”

I nod and motion for him to step out of earshot of Leo. “Alessandro’s taken care of. His top guys too. Left enough evidence for the cops to build their case.”For Eve to build her case. “The rest will scatter once word gets out.”

“And Nicolo?”

“Won’t be happy, but he can’t move against us directly. Not without starting a war he’s not ready for.” I run a hand through my hair, trying to ease some of the tension in my shoulders. “For now, we’re clear.”

Seb studies me for a moment. “You’re worried about Eve.”

It’s not a question. My brother knows me well.

“She should have contacted us by now,” I mutter, checking my phone again. Still nothing.

“She’s got to play this careful,” Seb reminds me. “Make it look good for the brass. You know how it works.”

I do know. Doesn’t make the waiting any easier.

“Uncle Zeke?” Leo’s voice pulls me from my dark thoughts. “Can we watch a movie?”

He’s finished most of the sundae, though a good portion seems to have ended up on his face. I grab a napkin and clean him up, surprised again by how natural it feels.

“Sure thing, buddy. What do you want to watch?”

Before he can answer, Seb swoops in. “Oh man, have you seen the new Spider-Man? It’s awesome. Come on, I’ll show you.”

He scoops Leo off the stool with his good arm, making the kid giggle, and carries him toward the media room. I follow behind, pausing to send a quick text to Eli to tighten security around the house. Just in case.

Seb gets him settled in one of the oversized recliners while I hover by the door, unable to fully relax. The movie starts but I barely register it, too focused on my phone and the deafening silence from Eve.

Minutes tick by like molasses. On screen, some kid gets bitten by a spider. Leo curls up in his chair, already looking sleepy despite the sugar rush. Seb provides running commentary that gradually draws actual laughs from our nephew.

Our nephew. When did that happen? When did this scared kid become family instead of just Eve’s responsibility?

But I know the answer. It happened the moment I met him. It happened when he wrapped his arms around my neck andtrusted me to keep him safe. It happened slowly and all at once, the same way falling in love with Eve did.

Love. The word no longer scares me like it used to. Maybe because I’m starting to understand it’s not a weakness—it’s what gives us the strength to do whatever needs to be done. To protect what’s ours. To build something worth fighting for.

I check my phone again. Nothing.

On screen, the action picks up. Leo’s eyes droop despite his best efforts to stay awake. Seb’s commentary gets increasingly ridiculous until even I have to crack a smile.

This is my family now. Messy and complicated and absolutely worth dying for.

I just need Eve to come home so it can be complete.

The movie plays on while I pace, unable to settle. Every distant siren makes my heart jump. Every minute that passes without word from Eve adds another layer of tension to my shoulders.

But I force myself to stay put, to be present for Leo who needs stability right now more than ever. To trust Eve can handle herself, that she knows what she’s doing.

To believe that sometimes, just sometimes, love is enough to see us through the dark.

Leo’s eyes finally close completely, his breathing evening out into the peaceful rhythm of sleep. On screen, the hero saves the day. Outside, sirens wail in the distance.

And I wait for my wife to come home.

The steady riseand fall of Leo’s chest against my thigh reminds me of simpler times—times when I still believed in fairy tales and happy endings. But that didn’t last long. When myparents were killed, Seb’s and my life changed forever. And for the good.