Adrian stared at the child standing confidently before him, utterly unafraid.

The boys small, unblemished hand was extended in midair, his round face beaming with the kind of radiance only children could conjure. But the word that escaped his lips"stepdad"left Adrian momentarily stunned.

It wasnt what he had expected, and yet, it pierced him with surprising sharpness.

Adrians expression iced over. He ignored the childs innocent enthusiasm and let his ...