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.
A grin stretched across Ryker’s lips as Brynleigh curled up next to him. River stretched out on the floor, pointing out her favorite players as they ran across the screen. Atlas and Nikhail claimed the armchairs, and Marlowe dozed by the door. Ember arrived, joining River on the floor, and together, they laughed and screamed every time the Dragons got a point.
By the time the game was over—the Dragons won—Ryker’s cheeks hurt from grinning. Even the news that Jelisette had a job for Brynleigh tomorrow didn’t shake him from his happiness.
Thiswas where he was meant to be, the life he was meant to live, and it feltright.
CHAPTER 26
More than Just an Asset
Two days had passed since the laser game, and the relaxed air from that night was long gone.
Now, Brynleigh’s stomach was twisted up once again. That had been happening frequently, but it was worse tonight, thanks to Ryker’s pacing up and down the living room floor.
Brynleigh sat on the couch, her legs crossed beneath her, as he walked back and forth.
The laser game had been nice, although she still didn’t understand the purpose of the supposedly recreational activity. A bunch of grown men chasing each other with bright beams across a field for hours seemed silly to her, but everyone else had enjoyed it. She’d been happy to spend time with Ryker and get to know his friends.