Take Me With You

THERE was nothing for Alex to doubt anymore. These two were fine, and it didn't seem like Stella was bothered anymore. She had never spoken to him about Vincent or running away recently, so he was sure of it. She had grown accustomed to the man and living in the house. And he was glad—glad that she was doing fine. 

A slight smile of relief pickled his lips, and he turned to walk away. The man even seems to take good care of her, more than Vincent probably would.

…

Valeric pushed the door open and sat Stella down on the couch. He stared at her and squatted down to be at the same eye level as her. "Were you that bored?" 

"What do you think?" 

"It looks like it."

He shoved his hand into the pocket of his coat and pulled out a packet of strawberry cookies. 

"What is this?" Stella arched her brow at the item. 

"Strawberry cookies. You eat it a lot, so I thought you liked it. Am I mistaken?"