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“Mhm.” The sound rumbled deep in his chest as he claimed her mouth again, this kiss slower and more thorough than the last.

When they parted, she was breathless. “Your touches,” she managed to say.

The soft pitter-patter of bare feet echoed from the corridor outside their door, growing steadily closer. Lavinia sighed against his shoulder. “Well, perhaps the fourth reason.”

Sebastian chuckled, recognizing the familiar sound of their daughter’s midnight wanderings. “Is Amelia the third?”

Lavinia’s laugh was warm. “You are my world, dear Sebastian Devis. And the extension of that world is about to barge in.”

Sebastian rolled away from his wife and padded to the door. He opened it to reveal their three-year-old daughter, her golden curls mussed from sleep and her nightgown twisted around her small frame.

“Why aren’t you sleeping, mon ange?” he asked softly, scooping her up into his arms. She was warm and soft against his chest, her thumb finding its way to her mouth.

“Mommy,” she whispered around her thumb, the word muffled but unmistakable.

Sebastian’s heart melted, as it did every time she sought comfort. “Of course, I understand. I would rather sleep with Mommy than alone, too.”

From the bed, Lavinia’s laughter was like music in the quiet room. She lifted the covers invitingly, making space for both her loves. “Come here, my darlings.”

Sebastian carried Amelia back to bed, settling her between them, where she immediately curled against her mother’s warmth. The child’s breathing began to even out almost immediately, soothed by familiar scents and the security of being surrounded by her parents.

“Do you think Payne will be all right?” Lavinia asked quietly. “After finding out that the man he trusted is possibly the one responsible for so much hardship in his life?”

Sebastian’s arm tightened around both his girls. “Not right away, I assume. But eventually, yes. He’ll move past it. He has Annalise, and their love is the kind that will conquer all.”

Lavinia made a soft sound of agreement, nestling deeper into his embrace. “I know the type.”

Sebastian pressed his lips to Lavinia’s forehead, breathing in the familiar scent of her hair, then placed a gentle kiss on Amelia’s crown.

“Sleep,” he murmured into the darkness, his voice heavy with contentment despite the day’s troubles. “We will check on them in the morning. Because though they have each other, they have us, too.”

Chapter 25

They arrived back at the Payne townhouse soon after.

St. John had collected his wife and daughter and returned to his own home, promising to come back in the morning.

Gideon, on the other hand, had more tasks to complete.

Payne had generously offered to host them for the night, which was the most logical decision.

While Lady Payne showed Leila to her quarters, Gideon settled into the Payne’s study once more.

He requested a few pieces of paper to send two dozen notes to every member of The Shadows he knew.

The task was simple: To find Townsend.

To find Emir.

Then Gunning’s network of street boys would quickly distribute the notes.

If anyone could track down Townsend and Emir, it would be The Shadows.

Gideon finished the notes, then scribbled a letter to his solicitor before ambling upstairs.

Gideon and Leila had been given separate chambers, so he was surprised to find her pacing the length of his room like a caged panther when he entered.

She looked up, worry, nervousness, and fear etched into her features.