Leo didn't read. He didn't talk much, either. He sat beside the bassinet, his whale tucked under his arm, and watched.
When Lexx cried, Leo didn't flinch or pull away. He stayed right where he was, his dark eyes fixed on his brother's face, and waited for the crying to stop. Once, when Lexx's blanket had slipped loose, Leo reached out and tucked it back around him. No one asked him to. No one praised him for it. He did it because that was what big brothers did.
On the third evening, after Amanda and Vincent had taken the twins home and the room had settled, only Aunt Estella and Gio remained. Gio had visited every day, but he'd kept his distance from the baby. He stood near the door or sat in the corner with his tablet, giving his updates about Rochefort Group in the same calm, professional tone he always used. He didn't approach the bassinet. He didn't ask to hold the baby.
Franz had noticed. He didn't say anything. Some things took time.
