“They really should. I’m full of great quotes like that. Should I try another one?”
“Please don’t. I already have a headache.”
Emma chuckles. “He seems legit, Kinz. Can you really afford to make this decision for Isla? She’s old enough now to get a say.”
“She’s still only nine,” I protest feebly.
There’s a part of my little girl I’m just not willing to give up yet. But it feels like Daniil and Emma and the whole damn world are conspiring to rip it away from me.
“Physically, maybe,” Emma says. “But mentally and emotionally, she’s way older. Time to give her a little credit, Kinz. Trying to protect her might backfire on you.”
“I just don’t want him to hurt her,” I breathe into the silent kitchen. “Fuck.”
The word sounds pitifully insufficient in the silent room. I eye the toaster. Eve
