As Jay and Leo returned home, the evening light softly filtered through the windows, casting extended shadows across the floor. Jace was still at the office, engrossed in the demanding tasks of paperwork, background checks, and the ceaseless grind of investigations.
Bella was waiting in the living room.
She was curled up on the couch, her legs tucked under her, her phone in her hands. She looked up when they walked in, her brown eyes bright.
"Jay! Leo!" She set her phone down and bounced to her feet.
Jay flopped onto the couch, groaning dramatically. "I'm exhausted. Don't make me think. Don't make me talk. Just feed me."
Bella laughed. "There's food in the kitchen."
Jay clutched his chest. "I love you, Bella Bell!"
Bella waved a hand. "I know."
Leo sat down beside Jay, loosening his tie. He looked tired too. Shadows under his eyes. His shoulders tense. His bandaged arm held carefully at his side. But his gray eyes were soft when he looked at Bella.
