cended over Et

His voice was a low growl, vibr

eared on his fingers and cheek. His eyes widened

nting the marker at the hel

ked into the room, his hands cl

marker and the helmet clattered to the floor. Th

ok of mild concern on his face that quickl

" Ricky said, scooping Leo into his arms

haking finger at the defaced helmet

d into Ricky' s shoulder, then peek

m sure Leo didn' t mean any harm. Kids wil

than felt the rage spik

e still smooth, but with an underlying edge.

icky' s face. He took a step forward. "He needs

ending to pull him down

seemed to jerk. Leo let out a sharp cry of pain and twi

eo shrieked, genuine tears

d so fast.

ue, Chloe burs

t' s wrong?" She rushed to Ricky'

a trembling finger at Ethan. "H

er face, moments ago soft with concern

er voice sharp with disbelief and anger. She didn' t

of it, stole his breath. He felt a profound sense of despair.

pset about an old hat. Leo accidentally bumped his hand when Ethan... well, when

ice rose. "He hurt a child, Ricky! Et

er' s memory being desecrated? Fo

rm. "That helmet was my father' s. It' s

You are an adult! You don' t lay a hand on a child! And you cal

rd was

from Chloe to Ricky, whose face n

ing jealous and petty ever since Ricky came into my life. You' re just an orphan, Ethan.

an or

n the small room,

nd from now on, this room is yours and Leo' s. Ethan can stay in the gues

om, Ricky and a still-s

the defaced helmet at his fee