Page 139 of The Devil of Downtown

“Ivy, I’m here,” I tell her. “I’m not going anywhere.”

I’m not sure how long I stay like that—long enough for my heart rate to slow to match hers.

I have to physically drag myself back when Sloane reappears with Elsie holding her hand, small and solemn, clutching a drawing she must have made for Ivy.

“Everything okay?” Sloane asks, shock and fear still knitted into her brow.

“Yeah. No changes,” I say, rising. “I’ll give you some time.”

“Who are you?” Elsie asks, eyes wide and curious. With her dark hair and big blue eyes, she looks so similar to Sloane and Ivy.

I crouch so we’re at eye level.

“I’m Dane.”

“Elsie, this is my boss, Mr. Black.”

Elsie looks me up and down with frank appraisal, her head tipping slightly to one side.

“Oh,” Elsie says, a shy smile curving her mouth.

“Are you here to see Auntie Ivy?”

“I am.”

“Is that because you’re a doctor?” She asks. “Ivy said you were a doctor.”

“No,” Sloane says quickly, smiling despite herself. “He’s not a doctor.”

Elsie frowns, clearly unconvinced. “Really? Because Ivy used to call you Dr. Ev..”

“Elsie!” Sloane cuts in, color flooding her cheeks.

For the first time today, a smile finds my face.

“She did, huh?” I say, amusement threading through the tension. “That sounds like something Ivy would say.”

Elsie brightens, pleased she hasn’t done anything wrong after all. She studies me again, more carefully, then leans in.

“You don’t look like a doctor,” she says, voice serious.

“No?” I ask.

She shakes her head. “You look like a prince.”

Sloane groans. “Oh, God.”

I feel something in my chest loosen.

“I’m not a prince,” I say, my mouth tilting. “But if anyone qualifies as royalty, I’d say that is you.”

That earns me an adorable smile, her cheeks pinking before Sloane ushers her away.

“Come on,” Sloane says. “Let’s see, Ivy.”

The door closes, leaving me in the waiting area. A few minutes later, the door creaks open, and Elsie’s face appears, eyes shining.

“She’s sleeping,” she whispers loudly.