Smiled!
Nikhail never did that.
“Well, you know. Someone’s got to do it.”
The pair stared at each other as if both had forgotten Ryker was standing in the kitchen with them. It was… wrong. All of this was wrong.
Ryker wanted to punch something and tear his sister away from Nikhail, but he didn’t want to ruin the evening.
Thank the Blessed Black Sands, Atlas chose that moment to come back inside.
“Want a beer, River?” the professor called out. “The game’s about to start.”
“Yes, please.” River grabbed a couple of bowls of salty snacks and hurried into the living room.
Nikhail stared at her as she left, which was…
Upsetting.
Ryker cleared his throat and scrubbed a hand over his face.
“Hey, man. You’re not… with River…”
He couldn’t even say the words.
Nikhail’s gaze shot back to him, and he shook his head. “Gods, no. She’s your little sister. We’re just friends.”
Just friends.
If Nikhail had been staring at anyone else like that, Ryker would’ve pointed out that friends didn’t lock eyes the way the two of them just had. However, seeing as how Ryker would never, ever approve of his best friend and his sister in any sort of relationship, he didn’t.
“I see,” Ryker grumbled, unconvinced.
He would let it drop. For now.
“So, how are things with Brynleigh?” Nikhail asked, clearly trying to change the subject.
The water fae leaned his hip against the counter. “We’re… good. Or at least, we’re getting there.”
“Really?” Nikhail’s brows rose, surprise evident in his tone.
Ryker supposed that was fair. After all, he’d been a mess after finding his wife in the Pit.
“Yeah. I love her, Nik.” He stared at the front door as if he could summon her with his thoughts. “Even with everything that happened, I still love Brynleigh. And I… I need her.”
More and more with every passing day. He needed her like he needed air to breathe or water to drink. She had woven herself into the very fabric of his soul, and he couldn’t imagine living without her. Not anymore.
Nikhail’s gaze swept over his for a long moment before he dipped his head. “Good for you, Ryker. I’ll admit, I’ve had my doubts about her, but if you say you love her?—”
“I do,” he said gruffly. “She’s my whole world.”
Truth. He couldn’t lie about this, even if he wanted to.
“Then you have my support.” Nikhail clapped Ryker on the back. “No matter what. That’s what friends do.”
A few minutes later, Brynleigh and Marlowe came back.
Everyone was kind as they greeted her, and they settled on the couch as the game began.