At that moment, Luke Holloway looked every bit as tense and alert as a Doberman on a tight leash.
Selene slipped into the car, her voice gentle and sweet. “Star, can I carry you?”
Altair, still half–asleep, instinctively leaned toward her. He tumbled softly into Selene’s arms, and she lifted him out of the car with practiced ease.
Altair nestled on her shoulder, breathing in the soft, sweet scent that clung to her. His eyes were barely open, but he clung to the warmth of her embrace, tiny arms. wrapping around her neck without a second thought.
The house staff came out to greet the guests, but when they saw Selene holding Altair so naturally, every one of them stared in disbelief.
Altair was famously shy, a boy who never allowed anyone to touch him. Even Leo, who was closer to Altair than anyone else, sometimes got nothing but silence when he tried to engage him.
For Altair to let Selene carry him like this–could it mean he was finally making progress?
“Is young master asleep? Would you like me to take him?” a housekeeper offered tentatively.
Selene shook her head. “No, thank you. Star’s awake in his mind, but his body hasn’t quite caught up yet.”
She gently patted Altair’s back. “Let him rest with me a little longer.”
Meanwhile, Luke carried Daph into the living room. She yawned, blinked herself awake, and looked around, fully alert now.
Selene set Altair down on the couch and pulled out some moist wipes to clean his little face and hands. Bending over him, her dark hair spilled forward like a curtain of silk. Every motion was careful and tender, warmth radiating from her fingers.
Altair’s eyes were perfectly almond–shaped, and his irises were so dark and luminous they looked like polished black pearls, taking up nearly his entire eye.
He watched Selene intently, almost in awe, and absentmindedly reached out to touch her hair.
“Mr. Vaughn is here,” someone announced from the hall.
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Chapter 211
Startled, Altair quickly drew back his hand.
Selene turned and saw Leo approaching in his motorized wheelchair. He was dressed in a crisp beige suit, every line immaculate. Rimless glasses rested on his nose, their lenses catching the cold morning light.
Selene had always thought that white suited Leo best, as if nothing in this world could ever soil him. He reminded her of a distant, snow–capped mountain–pristine and unapproachable, inspiring awe and a touch of fear.
As Leo’s gaze met Luke Holloway’s, it was like a silent standoff–one man measuring an intruder on his territory.
Luke, in his black trench coat and fitted shirt stretched taut over powerful muscles, looked every inch the guardian at Selene’s side. His broad shoulders and long frame radiated an unmistakable authority, and the way he watched Leo was suspicious, almost predatory.
If you asked Luke to name his top three least favorite people, Leo would take the crown without question. Their first real falling out, after all, had been because of
Leo.
After leaving the service, Luke had traveled to the capital, where he’d met Selene–and the second man he’d ever truly despised.
“I’m Harrison,” the man had introduced himself. “My uncle asked me to look after Selene while she’s in the city.”
That so–called “looking after” had meant locking Selene away in a gilded cage.
A cold, mocking glint flashed in Luke’s eyes as he addressed Leo now. “I just came to mooch a meal, Mr. Vaughn. Surely you’ve got room for one more place at the table?
Chapter 212
