Page 150 of Obsessed by My Ex's Mafia Uncle

“What about chickens?” She presses.

“Probably chickens,” I answer.

“What about…”

“Blue.” My voice strains as I bend to wrestle the second suitcase upright.

She stares at me for a second longer than usual.

Children know, maybe not specifics, but they know when the air feels wrong.

“Momy.” She shuffles closer instead of leaving, her little brows pulling together. “Why are you talking like that?” She asks quietly.

“I…” I stutter, because I don’t know how to answer that. “I…” The truth sounds insane out loud and I’m terrified.

“Are you mad at me?”

“No.” My fingers slip on the suitcase handle. “No…” I clear my throat, gripping it harder. “Mommy’s just in a hurry.”

“Why?”

“Because we have to leave early.”

“Why?”

The question hits deeper this time, relentless in the way only children can be.

“Blue, go finish your breakfast and meet me outside,” I inhale too quickly.

“But I wanna know why...”

“Baby, just do what I asked.”

“But…”

“Blue.” I lash out before I can stop it. “Go finish your breakfast.”

Her little face changes so fast it feels like watching glass fracture.

“Okay.” She lowers the spoon in her hand and guilt hits me so hard I almost stagger under it.

“Hey.” Aisha moves instantly, stepping between us before I can even fix it. “None of that.”

I shut my eyes briefly but Blue’s mouth wobbles slightly.

“She was just asking questions,” Aisha warns, glaring at me.

“I know.” My voice comes out thin.

“You’re scaring her.”

I nod, her words slicing through me. Because that’s the one thing I was trying not to do.

Blue looks down at the spoon in her hand, then back at me carefully, like she’s checking whether I’m still safe to approach.

I crouch immediately, reaching for her before she can retreat into herself.

“Baby.” I reach for her arms gently. “I’m sorry.”