Page 44 of SINS & Temptation

“What are their names?” I ask softly, my heart going out to them, still stunned and filled with empathy.

“The older one is Sofia,” he replies gently, pocketing a hand. “The younger one is called Lili, short for Eliana.”

And he’s taking them in. I melt like butter over toast. “It’s good of you to keep them,” I say softly, rubbing his hand.

“Temporarily,” he asserts firmly, his fingers intertwining with mine. “Until Father Marc can make other arrangements.”

“So, they’re at Camp Week-o’-Enzo, too?” I quip lightly.

“Hopefully less,” he grumbles.

“Harsh.” I shove him aside and open the door, eager to meet them.

I throw on my sweatshirt and swing open the doors. Two cherubs with big eyes and long black hair blow past me, each latching on to one of Enzo’s hands.

“I don’t want to play hide and seek anymore,” the youngest one complains, tugging at his hand for attention. “Play with us.”

I glance up at his face and stifle a laugh. With one botched escape plan and all exits chopped off, his expression resembles a doberman trying to figure out quantum physics.

Then, his eyes lock onto mine. He mouths, “Help me.” With two kids shackled to his sides, it’s more a command than a plea.

I kneel before them. Like Enzo, they both look like they just washed up, and their little dresses look brand new. I smile wide. “I’m Kennedy. How about I make us something to eat?”

“What?” Enzo asks, alarmed.

“Pizza?” Lili chirps.

“And what about you?” I ask Sofia cautiously. Her eyes, dark and hollow, remind me of a time long ago when I saw the same look in the mirror. She’s present, but not ready to fully engage just yet. “Do you like pizza too?”

She gives a silent shrug. A small response, but it’s something.

“My puppy likes pizza,” I say, hoping to lure them in. “Well, he likes the bread and cheese.”

I leave out the part about how the sauce gives him next-level gas. Seriously, the dog nearly killed me.

Sofia’s expression softens, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “What’s her name?”

“Truffles,” I reply with a smile. “But he’s a boy.”

Sofia looks up at Enzo, confusion etched on her face. “She named a boy dog Truffles?” she asks, childlike and unfiltered, as if I’m not a foot from her face.

“I know, right?” Enzo says, chuckling.

A pang of longing fills the empty space in my heart. I want this—the everyday happiness that comes with sassy kids and a strong, protective man.

I blink away the fantasy and quickly add, “And after we eat, you can both play with him as much as you want. He’s the sweetest little guy.”

Finally, a hint of a smile tugs at Sofia’s lips, a small victory that feels monumental.

Lili hops on both feet like I’ve just offered her a ride to the moon. I extend my hands to both girls, partly to pry them away from Enzo. “Ready?”

Both little faces frown, their hands clinging to Enzo as if he might float away if they let go.

His shoulders slump, and he lets out a sigh of defeat. “Fine. I’ll have lunch with you. It’s not as if I can trust any of you in the kitchen.” His eyes lock onto mine, a mix of exasperation and amusement. “Especially you.”

We all head out of the gym, and Sofia and Lili freeze the second they look down the hall, their eyes wide, their breaths held in.

Ruff-ruff!

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