“They weren’t the most discreet,” Atlas said.
River scoffed, and the earth fae looked over his shoulder and smirked. “You know you weren’t.” To Ryker, he said, “It was obvious to me. Nikhail looks at River like she personally hung the moon and every star in the sky. He has for years.”
“Atlas,” Nikhail spluttered, his face turning beet red.
River hadn’t even known Nikhail was capable of blushing.
Were there any situations in which this man wasn’t attractive?
“It’s true.” Atlas settled onto the piano bench. “You might’ve noticed years ago if you’d removed your blinders, Ryker.”
“Yes, well. I didn’t,” Ryker grumbled, retaking his seat on the couch. “I’ve been a bit busy.”
And just like that, River was the only one left standing.
A week ago, she wouldn’t have hesitated before taking the seat next to her brother. Now, though…
She glanced between Nikhail and Ryker, a long moment passing before she decided. No one spoke as River made her way over to her seat and lowered herself. She sat on the edge of the armchair, settling in between Nikhail’s spread legs. He wrapped an arm around her and drew her close, her back against his chest.
“Good choice,” he breathed in her ear.
Warmth curled in her core.
Across the room, Ryker’s jaw tensed. “So, River. You and Nikhail are… together?” His voice sounded strained, but to his credit, it was level.
“Yes,” she said.
“Has he been good to you?”
Of course, that was Ryker’s first question. Even now, her brother was looking after her.
“Yes, Ryker.” River placed her hand on Nikhail’s knee, and his fingers covered hers a moment later. “He’s been very good to me.”
“Good,” Ryker said. “I’m glad to hear that.”
Her brother’s voice was rough, but it was obvious that he was making an effort. That meant something to River.
“Me, too.” She squeezed Nikhail’s knee. “I suppose things really started for us in Lakewater. I needed help, and he was there for me…”
The story unravelled from there.
River and Nikhail took turns talking, jumping in at natural lulls and explaining how they’d gone from being friends to… this. Whatever it was.
Ryker listened intently. He interjected a few times, asking follow-up questions for clarification, but he no longer seemed angry. Resigned was more like it.
That was a step in the right direction, or so River thought.
“You truly care for her?” Ryker leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
Nikhail laced his fingers through River’s. “With my whole heart. I meant what I said the other day. I won’t hurt her.”
There was another long pause as Ryker studied them. He groaned, raking a hand through his hair. Then, he dipped his chin.
The nearly imperceptible movement sent a wave of relief coursing through River.
“Okay,” Ryker ground out. “Not that you really need it, but you have my… blessing.”
He sounded like he’d rather chew glass than say the words, but still, he said them. River had never been happier about a fae’s inability to lie than she was right now.