Page 20 of Pints & Potions

“How is it you and Cian know each other, Ryker?” she asked as a distraction.

“We both worked for the Witches’ Council.” He sent a nod Cian’s way. “He would find and procure rare magical artifacts based on my intel.”

“I thought that’s what Thorne Industries was hired for.” The question was legit. Thorne Industries had been acquiring, neutralizing, and storing those artifacts for over a decade in order to keep whatever wasn’t stored in the Council vaults safe from those who would use them without conscience.

Ryker grimaced. “There were a few council members who didn’t trust your family.”

“Harold Beecham,” Alastair growled. The air grew thick with his ire, and he immediately drew back his magic. “Thankfully, he’s in the Netherworld now.”

GiGi shuddered. “And pray to the Goddess he never returns.”

Piper had heard the story about how Beecham had murdered Ryker’s sister and tried to murder him in the process, all in an effort to wound Alastair. Another reminder that bearing the Thorne name put a huge bullseye on one’s back.

But the fact Cian worked for the Witches’ Council explained a lot about his behavior and why he had thrown the hulking stranger over the cliff.

Facing him, she said, “I’m sorry I overreacted. I didn’t know any of this.”

“I tried to tell you all was not as it seemed.” He had the nerve to wink. “After giving it some thought, I believe your attack was all in an effort to have my arms around you. You need only ask, love.”

An inappropriate snort escaped her, and she rolled her eyes. “Right. That was it.”

Alastair surprised her with a seldom-heard bark of laughter. Sobering quickly, he tugged his cuffs down, and said, “Since my sister and Ryker have things under control now, I’ll be off. Liz, it was a pleasure to see you, as always. Give my regards to that Maltese playboy you’ve taken up with.”

“Rafe will be happy you thought of him,” Liz returned dryly.

“No doubt.” Alastair placed a hand on Piper’s shoulder and squeezed. “I’ll have a tanzanite ring delivered to you within the hour. Wear it at all times, and should you need me, touch the stone. I’ll come without hesitation.” His expression hardened when he turned to Cian. “Don’t put her in danger again or you’ll face my wrath, boy.”

All signs of joking aside, Cian nodded. “She’ll not come to harm under my roof.”

“See that she doesn’t come to harm anywhere in Ireland.” Alastair’s tone was icy and commanding.

Piper took umbrage. “He’s not my keeper. And he can’t be expected to be my bodyguard the entire time I’m here.”

“Oh, but he can, and he will. Cian O’Malley will see you safe while you’re in his country, or he’ll answer directly to me, Piper.”

“You realize he has no magical ability, right, Al?” Ryker inserted.

“I’m well aware, but he’s wily and, according to you, good in a fight. He’ll do.”

Piper ground her teeth in frustration. “I’m not a child, Alastair, and I certainly don’t need a babysitter.”

“You can either allow him to stick to you like glue, or you can come home with me now. Your choice.”

Cian’s wicked chuckle filled the room. “I’d like nothing better than to stick to you, Piper me love.”

“He doesn’t mean like that, you tool!” she snapped.

“Who are you to interpret what he means, darlin’? You have your fantasies of what he means, and I’ll have mine.”

Unable to fully hide his mirth, Alastair chuckled and winked at Piper. “Stay out of trouble, child, and enjoy your vacation.”

In a blink, he was gone, leaving her fuming in his wake.

Cian viewedPiper’s flushed cheeks with a grin. She was an independent thing, but in all seriousness, Alastair wasn’t wrong to demand she have a bodyguard. After learning she was a Thorne, Cian was amazed she’d been allowed to travel on her own at all. That name provoked a powerful hatred within some of the lesser magical families. This much he’d gleaned from Ryker, who happened to be Alastair’s best friend—or so Ryker had informed him once.

Today was the first time Cian had the dubious pleasure of meeting the legendary Alastair Thorne. He couldn’t say he’d like a repeat anytime soon. However, if the intimidating-as-feck Thorne patriarch insisted Cian protect Piper while she was in Ireland, then that’s what he’d do. It wouldn’t be smart to be on the wrong side of a warlock of Alastair’s caliber.

“Everybody out!” Piper snapped.

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