Page 91 of Lost Girl

For now anyway.

I’m not convinced they’re full-proof just yet.

"Hey." That abrupt voice snaps me out of another explicit daydream.

A quick shake of my head and I'm glancing up at the source, blushing when I see it's my daydream's sister.

"Hey." I offer her a warm smile.

"Can I join you?" Tigerlily asks.

"Of course." Scooting over, I give her some space on the blanket I brought with me.

Tigerlily sinks beside me and leans back onto her hands, crossing her legs at the ankle. She looks as pretty as always, rocking the hell out of this deep aqua dress. It's simple, made of a thin material, but she wears it well. The color pops against her velvety skin.

"The house is looking good, huh?" She’s admiring it with such pride, a pleasant smile stretching her lips.

"It is.” I take a gander at it, too. It’s beautiful, honestly, and the door is supposed to go in tomorrow. “I can't wait to see it finished."

Her dark head swings my way, beckoning my attention. "Sooo does that mean you plan to stay long enough to see it finished?"

"Why not? I don't really have anything back home other than my job. Sure, I loved it but I could do that here. I’m sure Ward could use some help, right?" I know I’m jumping the gun there. For all I know, the man might not want my help. I mean, he seemed content on his own, but you never know.

I’m registered and I know what I’m doing. I think I’d be a great addition to his little practice and I’d love to be able to get back into some sort of a routine that doesn’t include me lying around for hours with nothing to do.

"You would really do that?" Tigerlily’s tone is incredulous, her brown eyes wide.

"Like I said, I have nothing back there. Dad and granddad are gone. Who knows if my mother is still alive.” I shrug, holding her stare. “I like it here. Seems like a simpler life in some ways."

The way she nods gives her away. She doesn’t believe me, and I can’t fault her for that. "Listen, I'm just going to cut to the chase. From what I’ve seen, I think you’re a sweet girl and truth be told, I have no reasonnotto take your word for it, but—"

"I already know what you're going to say, but go on." Amused smirk curling my lips, I motion for her to continue.

Tigerlily presses her full lips together, likely warring with herself on how to phrase her next words when, finally, she blurts, "Don't fuck with my brother."

Yep, knew it.

"You guys are so cute," I laugh, lifting the color in her cheeks.

"Shut up." She shoves me softly. "He drives me crazy, but I love him to no end."

"I know you do. He loves you, too."

"I know. That's why I want him to be happy, and I see that you do that for him, yet it worries me."

"You don't want to see him get hurt. I understand." And I do. I may be an only child, but if I had siblings, I’d only want the best for them, too.

"I will say, this goes both ways, though. If he messes with you and becomes impossible, you let me know. I'll pull his ear like mama used to do. He better be treating you right if you’re about to do this for him." She’s completely serious, too, bubbling another laugh in my throat at the image that flits in my mind.

A little Tavi getting his arse dragged in the house by the ear.

"Why does it not surprise me he was a troublemaker even as a kid?" I ask.

"Because T doesn't stand for Tavi. It stands for trouble," Tigerlily chortles.

"I heard that!" Tavi's voice resounds, jolting us out of our skin as he approaches. It’s much closer than either one of us were expecting, shooting my heart into my throat.

I haven’t told him I want to stay yet.

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