The world spun in a slow circle. My chest throbbed. Chilly sweat formed on my back.
“Mama has to go now, little man, but I’ll stop by your new house tomorrow.”
His lip trembled, and he ducked under the table to crawl back to me.
My heart hurt, independent of my ribs.
“Wait.” Walker drew Silver to the refreshment table on the side of the room.
Elise walked over to me, produced Dmitri’s favorite minipup from her purse, and knelt by my chair. The little toy moved and sounded like a poodle when activated; it was warm to the touch and wriggled like a puppy.
Joan shifted as well, her presence soothing. She projected calm, and I didn’t call her on it, since Dmitri’s threatening tears dried up. He took the toy and cradled it as he climbed into my lap. I caught Chance’s eye, tilting my head in Joan’s direction. He nodded in answer, indicating that he was aware of what she was doing.
Stabbing pains when Dimitri leaned on my chest made me flinch, but I wouldn’t refuse him. Subdued, he didn’t move much once he’d found his place.
Silver and Walker conducted a low-voiced consultation. Robert joined them, to annoyed glances from both. Dmitri drooped in my lap, head tucked against my shoulder. The scents of lavender and baby powder, the trusting weight of him, counterbalanced the pain the pressure of his weight provoked. I could hold him like this forever.
Walker returned to the table. “You can stay at my place until the Ball. The security’s tight enough for Silver,” he said, eyes on Elise.
My heart thumped. As a thank you, I’d happily do him any way he wanted. I’d need to tell him later so he could think about it.
Elise’s brows rose, then she smiled. “I’d like that.” She extended her hand.
He returned her smile, brushing the air above her hands with his lips in the new fashionable greeting. “I and my house are honored.”
Startled, I identified the following twinge as jealousy and not my ribs.
“Good,” said Robert. “I’m headed to the Capitol building; Shang’s been keeping me posted, but I need to be there for a vote.”
Change nodded to them all. “I have a place to be and things to do, admittedly less important than the legislature. I’ll see you later, Joan.”
