Tegan couldn’t respond, and Lorian didn’t press her. Instead, he quietly stayed with her and Lola. After Tegan finished feeding the baby, he thoughtfully helped her button her clothes.

Lorian changed Lola’s diaper once more, and gently settled her into her crib. He looked at her face while soothing the baby, but he spoke to Tegan, “I don’t trust anyone else to take care of you.”

I don’t trust anyone else, he said. It was a simple statement, but it carried deep meaning and an undeniable intim