Adam's expression eased, relief slipping in like air after a storm. "Always," he replied, voice warm. "He doesn't negotiate. He declares."
Max beamed as if he'd been praised for breeding. "He gets that from me. It's hereditary."
Adam didn't even look at him. "He gets it from your inability to accept the concept of waiting."
Max put a hand to his chest, wounded. "I wait all the time."
"You waited five seconds before walking over here," Adam said, calm and unyielding.
"That's growth," Max insisted.
Gregoris made a sound that could have been a laugh if it had been anyone else.
Noah, apparently satisfied that his intentions had been noticed, tugged at Adam's hand harder, nearly pulling himself off balance. His gaze didn't leave Natalie. A child saw another child and decided it was now his business.
Rafael's tone stayed light, but his eyes were sharp. "May he greet her?"
Adam looked at Rafael in the quiet, direct way that asked permission without performing it. "If you allow it."
