Page 34 of Whiskey & Witches

He stole another kiss from her delectable lips and left her to it.

As he stood in the damp morning air with Cian, he silently thanked Anu for Roisin’s return.

“What do you suppose they have to talk about in there?” His brother nodded toward the house and blew into his cupped hands. “What’s so fecking important we couldn’t do this back at the inn, where we wouldn’t be freezing our bollocks off?”

Carrick laughed, surprised he could after such an eventful night, and clapped Cian on the back. “The cold is no more than we deserve. Could be they’re exchanging recipes. Could be they’ve sent us out to suffer. But we’ll not complain because we have two of the best women in Ireland, and we’re grateful for it.”

“Sure, and you have to be all logical and shite,” Cian grumbled. But a hint of a smile curled his lips, and he never stopped staring at the cottage door.

“You’re whipped,” Carrick teased.

His brother snorted and raised a brow. “Why do you think that large blond fecker decided to visit when he did?”

“Ronan?”

“Yeah.”

“Don’t know. Not sure I care.”

“The timing was suspect, and Piper hates him.” Cian’s expression hardened. “I trust her instincts, Brother, and I’ll thank you to do the same.”

“If you think I’d trust the man as far as I can throw him, you’d be wrong. But he helped Ro, and I can’t forget that either.”

Cian gave him a nod, and whatever else he might’ve said was cut off as the cottage door opened.

They’d need to meet later today, after they all got sleep, to discuss what happened and how to prevent another attack of its like.

CHAPTER13

The O’Malleys aren’t a superstitious lot—

Oh, who am I kidding? They’re Irish, so of course they are. That’s why this chapter has been omitted.

CHAPTER14

Aeden nearly severed Roisin’s spine with the strength of his hug, but she didn’t complain. It had been too long since she’d received uninhibited affection from her son, and she’d never again take for granted one moment of one day, nor the love he offered.

With a gentle hand, she brushed back his thick blond hair. “It’s alright,mo stór.I’m fine and back where I belong.”

He squeezed tighter.

Roisin met Carrick’s gaze and gave him a watery smile. Blinking rapidly, she fought the tears blurring her vision. When he shifted forward, she feared his intent was to usher Aeden away, so she shook her head and held her son tighter. But Carrick didn’t do as she expected, and instead, he squatted down beside Aeden and rubbed his shoulder.

“Your mam is tired, Aeden. How about we all snuggle down in bed to sleep together? You’re welcome to stay with us tonight.”

Roisin felt the movement of Aeden’s head against her stomach, and she drew back slightly to cup his pointy little chin. “But first, I’ll conjure a bite to eat, yeah?”

His smile filled her heart to overflowing.

“Apple tart with custard, or has your favorite changed?”

He shook his head and held up an index finger. She assumed he meant the first option was the right one.

“Apple tart with custard it is,” she declared. “And we’ll be heathens and eat it in bed with a cuppa tea.”

His happy grin was the balm her wounded soul needed.

Thirty minutes later, the remains of their tart were nothing but a spattering of crumbs, and Aeden was sprawled between Carrick and Roisin, his head again resting on her stomach with his legs carelessly thrown across his da’s torso. His was the sleep of contented, safe children, secure in the knowledge of love.

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