Chapter 32

Alyssa POV

Zuri’s loud cry jolts me out of my sleep, my heart racing as I groggily look around for her. I find Niko standing over me, holding my screaming baby. Her face is red, and she’s reaching out desperately for me.

I sit up so fast it’s like I’m the Undertaker coming back to life. “Oh my god. Is she okay?” I ask, my voice thick with sleep as I pull her into my arms, trying to soothe her.

“Yeah, I think she just wanted her mama,” Niko replies, his tone calm and reassuring.

He’s right. The moment she feels my warmth, her cries cease, and she settles against me. It feels so fucking good to know that she still misses me, even when she’s with her new favorite person.

“I fed her dinner already and gave her a night bottle,” Niko continues, watching me carefully. “Wiped her gums and two little teeth clean too, like I’ve seen you do every night. So, she should be ready to sleep soon.”

I blink, surprised. “Wow...thank you.”

Niko really is