Not A Chip Off The Old Block

Austyn fell silent. Kira was sitting sideways on his lap. She tried to get a look at his downcast face. ‘What’s wrong?’ Austyn buried his head on her shoulder. ‘I’m sorry.’ ‘For what?’ ‘I should have protected you and the kids better.’ His voice was laden with guilt. Kira paused. Then she reached out a hand to stroke his back. ‘It’s not your fault. It’s your fa—it’s Henry’s fault. He’s the bad guy here.’ Austyn hid his face from her. How could he not blame himself? Kira would be safe and sound if she wasn’t involved with him. If she hadn’t met him five years ago, she would have gone on to lead an uneventful but secure life. Maybe she would be married to Gideon. They would have a family. Maybe they would move to Ourhlana, out of harm’s way. Austyn knew he was being selfish, but he refused to let go of Kira. He would still propose marriage to her five years ago, even if he had foreknowledge of everything that would happen later. He would still want her by his side. He just needed to do a