Page 68 of Shadow Spell

“It’s not that I’m ashamed of it, Connor, you mustn’t think that.”

“I don’t think that.” His eyebrows lifted as he took a spoonful of her oatmeal, brought it up to her mouth himself. “I know you, don’t I? Why would I think that, knowing you?”

“That’s an advantage between us. It’s that my mother would start fussing, and inviting you to dinner. I couldn’t take another kitchen disaster on the heels of the last—and my finances can’t take a bigger tab at Ryan’s Hotel. In any case, she’ll be off for her visit with Maureen soon—and unless that’s a fresh disaster, it’ll be a permanent move.”

“You’ll miss her.”

“I’d like the chance to.” She huffed out a breath, but ate some oatmeal before he took it into his head to feed her again. “And that sounds mean, but it’s pure truth. I think I’d have a better time with her if there was some distance. And...”

“And?”

“I had a moment yesterday, while I was rushing over there, not sure what I’d find. I suddenly thought, what if Cabhan’s been at her, as he’d been at me? It was foolish, as he’s no reason to, and never has. But I thought as well of what you said about feeling better knowing your parents were away from this. I’ll rest easier knowing that about my mother. This is for us to do.”

“And so we will.”

***

HE DROPPED HER OFF AT THE STABLES, THEN CIRCLEDaround to go home and change out of yesterday’s work clothes.

He found Branna already up—not dressed for the day as yet, but having her coffee with Sorcha’s spell book once again open in front of her.

“Well, good morning to you, Connor.”

“And to you, Branna.”

She studied him over the rim of her mug. “And how is our Meara this fine morning?”

“She’s well. I’ve just dropped her at the stables, but wanted to change before I went to work. And wanted to see how you fared as well.”

“I’m fit and fine, though I can say you look fitter and finer. You’ve had breakfast I take it?”

“I have, yes.” But he liked the looks of the glossy green apples she’d put in a bowl, and took one. “Does this bother you, Branna? Meara and myself?”

“Why would it when I love you both, and have seen the pair of you careful to skirt round the edges of what my brilliant brain deduces occurred last night—for years.”

“I never thought of her in that way before... Before.”

“You did, but told yourself not to, which is different entirely. You’d never hurt her.”

“Of course I wouldn’t.”

“And she’d never mean to hurt you.” Which, Branna thought, was another thing different entirely. “Sex is powerful, and I think will only add to the strength and power of the circle.”

“Obviously, we should’ve jumped into bed before this.”

She only laughed. “The pair of you had to be willing and wanting. Sex only to take power? That’s a selfish act, and damaging in the end.”

“I can promise we were both willing and wanting.” He bit into the apple, which tasted as tart and crisp as it looked. “And it’s occurring to me I left you on your own last night.”

“Don’t insult me.” Branna brushed that aside. “I can more than take care of myself and our home, as you well know.”

“I do know it.” He picked up the pot to top off her coffee. “And still I don’t like leaving you on your own.”

“I’ve learned to tolerate a houseful of people, even enjoy it. But as you know me you know I prize being on my own in a quiet house.”

“As I’d switch theprizeandtoleratearound, it’s a wonder we came from the same parents at times.”

“It may be you were left on the doorstep and taken in out of pity. But you’re handy enough to have around when a faucet’s dripping or a door squeaks.”

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