“Of course,” was Nikhail’s reply. River twisted out of Ryker’s grip, turning in time to see the air fae smile. “It was my honor,” he added.
And it was clear he meant it. Not only because Nikhail was Ryker’s best friend, but because he cared about her, too.
River should’ve been happy, being by her brother’s side. He’d looked after her all these years, and he was the closest family she had left.
But she wasn’t. That became increasingly clear when Nikhail mentioned that he was going to take a cab to Atlas’s house, where he planned to stay for the next few days. Clouds descended further over River.
That didn’t make any sense. It was good for Nikhail to keep his distance. Even though he’d spoken those pretty words in the elevator, it would be better if he lived his own life, separate from her. He would be much safer.
River’s heart didn’t seem to understand that, though. It felt like she was wading through fog as Ryker opened the car door. She slid inside, unable to pull her gaze away from Nikhail.
He was watching her, this man who had said he would pick her up if she broke, and River knew that putting space between them was the right thing to do. The best one for him.
Logically, those were things she understood.
In actuality, it felt like she was taking one of the broken shards of herself and slicing herself open from neck to navel.
Putting space between her and Nikhail shouldn’t have hurt, but it did.
Ryker got into the driver’s seat. “I’m taking you home, Shortie. I don’t think you should be alone.”
That sounded like a good idea. A wise one, since everything was so foggy and dark around River.
But still…
She drew her knees up to her chest and hugged them. “I don’t want to go to Waterborn House.”
She wasn’t ready to see her mother or be surrounded by the horrible emptiness of the place where she grew up. Memoriesof her father would be in every room, and she didn’t think she could face them yet.
“We’re not.” Ryker put the key in the ignition. “I’m taking you to the farmhouse.”
Relief flooded River’s chest, and for a moment, the fog lifted.
Ryker rolled down his window, where Nikhail stood outside. The sight of the air fae stole River’s breath, and she couldn’t look away, even if she tried. He drew her attention like no one else ever had.
Nikhail, who had stayed by River’s side when she was broken. Who had insisted he would help put her broken pieces together.
Nikhail, who looked like a god, even now.
Nikhail, who was her brother’s best friend and should’ve been completely off-limits.
Nikhail, whom she’d dreamed about for years.
Nikhail, who would never know a moment of safety around her.
A sob crawled up River’s throat, and she forced it down. She couldn’t cry. Not here. Not about Nikhail.
This will keep him safe,she reminded herself.
And in the end, that was all that mattered.
Oblivious to River’s pain, Ryker leaned out the open window. “Thank you for staying with her, Nik. We’ll never be able to repay you.”
The air fae slipped his hands into his pockets. “No repayment needed.” He spoke to Ryker, but his gaze was locked on River’s. “I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
The words were a promise. A vow that rang through the night air and settled on River’s shoulders. She knew Nikhail would do everything he’d promised in the elevator. He’d drop everything for River, pick up the pieces of her brokenness, hold her together if he could.
And that just made everything worse.