“Hello, anyone home?” Atlas’s deep tenor was audible through the door.
Ryker grabbed a stack of colorful bowls from the cabinet that had been a housewarming gift from a teenage River when he first moved into the apartment.
“Come on in,” hehollered.
Moments later, the door opened. Atlas came in first, carrying a case of beer in each hand. The tall redheaded earth fae wore a T-shirt despite the cold weather, showing off his tattoos.
“I’ll put these on the balcony.” He lifted the cases in demonstration. “The temperature is dropping fast. The winter will be long—the land is preparing for a cold snap.”
When Ryker first met Atlas, he found it strange that the earth fae often spoke for the land. Now, it was just one of his friend’s amusing little quirks.
Despite looking like he should be part of a dangerous gang, Atlas had a gentle side that he hid from the world. Even his students would never guess their tattooed professor could be soft outside of the classroom.
Thanking Atlas, Ryker set the bowls down as Nikhail entered the kitchen. The air fae placed two wine bottles on the counter before leaning against the marble.
“Hey, River, nice to see you,” Nikhail said.
She turned from the fridge, smiling shyly at the air fae dressed in his signature suit.
“Hey, Nik. How are you?”
Something in River’s tone had Ryker narrowing his eyes. His gaze danced between the two, and he glowered.
Whateverthiswas, he wasn’t pleased about it. Nikhail was a good man, but he wasn’t suitable for River.
At. All.
She deserved someone perfect, and Nikhail, for all his good qualities, was not that.
Frowning, Ryker glared at his best friend. This had better not be what he thought it was. He already had enough going on without dealing with his sister and his…
No. He wouldn’t even entertain the thought.
Nikhail didn’t seem to notice Ryker’s displeasure as he dipped his head.
“I’m good. Glad to have a night off.”
River chewed on her lip, the ring glintingfrom the artificial light in the kitchen. “You deserve it. You army folk work too hard, which says a lot, coming from a medical student.”
The air fae shrugged and smiled.
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…