Leo’s POV

The second Poppy disappears up the stairs to get dressed, Jake exhales as if he’s been holding his breath for an hour. I don’t move. Jake watches the staircase for another few seconds before finally dragging a hand through his hair.

“She’s staying,” he says quietly.

It’s not a question, it’s a statement he needs to hear out loud again, and I suspect not for the last time.

“Looks that way,” I reply.

Jake lets out a low laugh under his breath, equal parts relief and ...