Aveen rubbed her stomach and nodded. “Immensely.”
“Shall we head back to the castle?”
More than anything, I wished to be going with them. To climb those long, winding stairs and huddle beneath the covers next to Tadhg’s warm body. Fill my lungs with the sweet, almondy scent of his magic.
Not only did I miss Tadhg, I missed Brogan as well. The way he would hold my finger as he angrily slurped at his bottle. The thick sweep of his lashes against his cheek when he finally succumbed to sleep.
Aveen shot me a sidelong glance. “I’d like to stay with my sister tonight. For old time’s sake.”
Rían’s mouth flattened. Hell, his entire expression did. “You’re not staying here on your own.”
“Ruairi will be here. It is his house, after all.”
I nodded my agreement. I liked Ruairi and appreciated his calming presence. And he wasn’t hard on the eyes either. We’d technically been living together for two days, but I barely saw him. I wasn’t sure if that was on purpose or if he was usually this absent. Seemed a shame to have such a fine house so empty.
“Why does he get to stay and not me?” Rían grumbled.
“Because he is a gentleman and won’t try to invade my bed.”
Ruairi pressed back into his worn wingback, his fingers drumming against the scrolled arms. “Hear that, Little Rían? I am a gentleman.”
Rían snorted. “If you’re a gentleman, then I’m a feckin’ swan.”
Aveen patted Rían’s waistcoat. “Go home. I’ll be back first thing in the morning.”
His teeth ground together, but he got up and started for the door with only a few mild curses.
“I love you,” Aveen shouted with her hands cupping her mouth to project her voice.
“Love you too,” Rían grumbled back before slipping out the door.
Ruairi took one glance at my sister and me and pushed to his feet. “Right, so. I’ll be heading upstairs. Help yerself to whatever’s in the kitchen, but maybe leave the baking to Eava.” He smoothed his hands down his leather-clad thighs, straightening his breeches.
“Oh no you don’t.” Aveen clicked her fingers and pointed back to his chair. “You’re going to sit right there and tell us news from the castle. How is Tadhg?”
The pooka dropped back down with a huff. “Managing.” Ruairi’s eyes darted to me. “Missing ye.”
“And the drink?” Aveen asked.
“Not a drop as far as I can tell. Hasn’t had the time. With Millie gone as well, he’s been the only one around to take care of the little lad.”
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. Tadhg was doing better, thank heavens for that. Would he continue to improve, or was this only a temporary fix, like a tiny bandage over a gaping, festering wound?
“Thank you, Ruairi.”
“Yer welcome, human.”
Aveen laced her fingers with mine, once again tugging me to my feet. “Come, sister. It’s time for bed.” To Ruairi, she said, “Thank you for letting us stay here.”
The pooka’s expression softened into something almost whimsical as he watched Aveen direct me toward the staircase. “It’s not a bother at all. Kinda nice having a bit of life about the place. Sleep well.”
She followed me up and into the room I’d been staying in since arriving. The crackling fire cast the space in a warm, orange glow. “Are you staying here as well?” I assumed so since she’d started stripping down to her shift.
She flipped the sheets down. “If that’s all right.”
It was more than all right. The nights were too bloody long and lonely. If I wasn’t so determined to help Tadhg face his demons, I would’ve caved that first night and begged Ruairi to bring me back to the castle.
I slid in next to Aveen, and she patted her chest, whispering, “Head here,” as I knew she would. I couldn’t help my tearful smile as I eased my head down and snuggled into her soft, comforting embrace. Her heart beat a steady rhythm beneath my ear.