Page 214 of BounBound By Scars

Inside, the house was buzzing with familiar comfort. Kaylan and Leora were deep in conversation in one corner, while Zarek was locked in battle with Raven—who was holding his phone hostage and absolutely refusing to eat her breakfast.

She was three and already negotiating like a seasoned criminal lawyer.

My heart swelled painfully.

I missed Dylan.

Every day.

I wished he hadn’t made the choice he did.

A sigh escaped me before I could hide it.

Kabir shifted Eli in his arms, catching the change in me immediately. He reached out, brushing my cheek.

“You okay?”

I nodded. “Yeah… I’m okay.”

His smile was soft. Knowing. He leaned in and kissed my forehead.

We made our way in, just as Kaylan spotted us. “There she is!”

She all but sprinted to her husband, stealing Dahlia from Logan’s arms without a second thought.

“Guess Aunty Kay-Kay is second favorite,” Leora called out with mock offense.

Eli began to fuss in Kabir’s arms, kicking a little, so Leora stepped in smoothly.

“I got you, baby boy,” she cooed, taking him into her arms. “You still love Aunty Leo best, huh?”

As she walked away with him, I looked over at Kabir—both our arms empty.

He looked confused for a beat.

“We just got kid-jacked,” he muttered.

I grinned.

Just then, Raven came running with all the grace of a mini diplomat. She stood between us and placed her hands behind her back.

“Hello Annie Lia. Hello Unc-Kabir,” she said.

I crouched down. “Hello, my wise little Raven.”

She beamed. “I—I ate all my toasss. Cuss evil.”

“Can’t argue with that,” Kabir nodded solemnly. “Cussisevil.”

Then Zarek appeared, walking over while rubbing his eyes like he hadn’t slept in years.

“Crust war again?” Kabir asked, glancing at the battlefield of toast crumbs and toddler tears on the kitchen counter.

Zarek let out a sigh from deep in his soul. “Every morning. She negotiates like she’s trying to close a billion-dollar arms deal.”

Kabir chuckled. “Sheisyourkid, Zar.”

Zarek gave him a look. “Exactly.”

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