Seraphina's POV
Adrian carried me carefully down the stairs. When he finally placed me on my feet, I barely had time to balance before a small, excited voice echoed through the hall.
"Sera!"
That bright, cheerful tone was enough to make my heart lift. I turned toward the sound and immediately spotted Alicia running toward me, her little arms open wide, her face glowing with joy.
My smile stretched across my face before I could even think. I opened my arms, ready to scoop her up into a hug, only for Adrian to ruin the moment.
He caught her mid-run, lifting her off the floor before she could reach me like a security guard intercepting a trespasser.
"Daddy?" Alicia blinked, confusion replacing her smile.
"What were you doing?" Adrian's voice was calm but cold, his tone carrying that familiar edge of authority.
Oh, for heaven's sake.
