Dumping The Ice King His Mini-Tyrant novel Chapter 541

Adrian's gaze was so intense that Selene had to look away. "How much longer are you planning on staying with Daph?" she asked, quickly changing the subject.

"I'd rather stay with you, as long as you don't kick me out." The man's voice was like velvet, tickling her ear.

She didn't dare look at him. Her eyes darted toward the kitchen, where Luke was emerging. He had just finished putting the dishes away and was taking off a black apron that looked strangely out of place on his formidable frame. Selene had bought it for him, thinking the color would suit him, but it just made him look like a powerful, well-dressed butcher.

"Why did you push them together?" Luke asked. He had stayed in the kitchen but had heard everything.

"Brother-in-law, you don't get it?" Adrian's voice was lazy and amused. "You have to give them something to do. When two cats are busy fighting each other, they don't have time to bother anyone else."

"Who's your brother-in-law?" Luke shot back, his tone curt. "Why are you still here? You've eaten. Now you can get the hell out."

Adrian lowered his head, his dark lashes fluttering. "Right. I know you've never liked me. If I'm such an eyesore, I'll just go." He set his mug down on the coffee table with a thud and stood up, looking like an abandoned puppy.

"Mr. Shaw!" Daph pushed open her bedroom door. "Can you come in here for a second? I don't know how to do this one problem!"

Adrian froze. He turned back, his expression one of helpless resignation. "You should ask your uncle. He doesn't want me playing with you."

For a five-year-old, goodbyes were tragic. Hearing Adrian say "farewell" was too much. The thought of never seeing him again made Daph's eyes well up.

"Waaah! Mr. Shaw! Don't go!" she wailed.

Daph was usually so resilient and tough that even Luke sometimes forgot she was only five. Her heartbroken cry startled him.

Adrian's face paled. *Oops,* he thought. *Went too far.*