It didn't cross Hiraya's mind that Kendrick would be so foolish and audacious as to invade her son's safe space or approach her right before his eyes.
Completely ignoring him, she walked on like the name he'd called wasn't hers.
But Kendrick wasn't one to be ignored. His smooth, honey-dipped voice grew louder, more urgent, as he quickened his pace behind her.
Griffin's head turned slowly, his face shadowed with fury far beyond his years. His mother had taught him grace, but whoever this man was, he had just crossed the line. The fire in his young eyes grew colder and calculating, its message clear as water, saying– back off.
However, before Griffin could speak or act, an excited squeal cut through the tension.
"Griffin!" A small voice called out. It was the bubbly little girl from his class, the one with sunshine-blonde hair and eyes like the sky after rain.
She was waving wildly while holding tightly onto the very man who had dared to upset his mother.
