Page 48 of Highballs & Hexes

“Everyone deserves a second chance. Maybe even a third if they’re a stubborn eejit like you.” With a wink, he sailed out the door, closing it firmly behind him.

But Patrick had already dismissed him in favor of watching Fionola.

CHAPTER 21

Fionola paced the gardens behind the Black Cat Inn, worried about Patrick and how extensive his injury might be if it was taking him so long to recover.

All that blood!

She shuddered at the remembered sight of it gushing down his scalp. How was it possible to continuously inflict that level of damage on yourself and not stop the instant pain registered? Having accidentally banged her head a time or two, she couldn’t purposely do it once to herself, much less the number of times he had.

The defeat in his expression was the worst for her to bear. To see him uncaring if he lived or died had come close to destroying her. He was so broken that day.

A sob escaped her throat, and she sucked in a handful of steadying breaths. She couldn’t lose it. Not until she was certain he was well. Then, she could hide in her room and cry until her stupid eyes fell out, where no one was the wiser. Cry for all she’d thought she’d found and lost within days. Cry for Patrick, who didn’t deserve the cards dealt to him.

“Fi.”

Noah’s deep voice washed over her, and she wanted to turn around so badly, but if she did, she knew what she’d see: caring, concern, and perhaps a little longing. Censure, for sure.

His presence had grown, because she could feel it as he approached when she never could before. He’d always had a calming air about him, but this was more, somehow. What had changed? The touch of his hand on her back was electrifying, but not in the sexual way she remembered. Side-shifting to break the contact, she faced him.

“I can’t right now, Noah.” She was surprised by the steel in her tone, especially when her spine felt like jelly.

“You’re barely holding it together, love.”

“Don’t call me that!” she snapped. Would she forever think of Patrick when someone used that particular endearment? It was common enough, which meant he’d never be far from her thoughts, if that was the case.

Astonishment caused Noah’s dark almond-shaped eyes to flare wide. “I’ve always called you that, Fi.”

“Well, I don’t want you to anymore, yeah?” she grumbled. “I’m not your love. Not now, not ever.”

Hurt transformed his face, but in a flash, he smoothed it into a mask of indifference. One she’d witnessed countless times.

“Why do you do that?” she asked. “Hide your true feelings all the bleedin’ time?”

“What good does it if I lay my heart on my sleeve for all the world to see?” he countered.

Her anger began to build. Anger on behalf of herself and all the other women who weren’t mind readers.

“What good? I’ll tell ya!” She punched his chest, taking gratification when he winced and raised a hand to rub the spot. “Maybe if you’d shown a littleheart, justonce, I wouldn’t have moved on!” She socked his upper arm. “I wouldn’t have been open to a relationship with another man, because I’d have beensecure withyou.” With vicious intent, she kicked his shin and smiled her delight when he yowled his pain. “And I might’velistenedto you and not gone with the man who brokemyfucking heart!”

Breathing heaving, she stared at him. Her confession stood between them, and the bitter truth of what she’d said sunk in. She’d wanted Noah to love her beyond measure, to the point she would never consider another, but he hadn’t. Or maybe she hadn’t lovedhimto that extent, and he’d sensed it. Although their relationship ended with very little strife, it had hurt. But it wasn’t anythingnearthe ache she was experiencing at the moment.

“You’re right.”

She blinked. “What?”

“I said you’re right, Fi.” Holding up his hands in surrender, he ventured closer. Once a hairsbreadth separated them, he tipped up her chin. “I should’ve shown you what was in my heart. I love you, Fionola. More than I’ve ever loved anyone or anything in my lifetime.” He snorted. “And trust me when I tell ya, it’s been a feckin’ long one.”

“You’re not much older than me,” she scoffed.

Amusement curled his lips. It wasn’t the first time she’d received the impression he was holding back a laugh at her expense.

“Exactly how oldareyou, Noah Riley?” she demanded.

“You don’t want to know.”

“Aye, I do.” The thumb stroking her jaw was annoying and too similar to his seduction technique of the past when he wanted to avoid a truthful answer. It floored her to realize it didn’t work this time. The only man whose touch she craved was in a room upstairs, fighting for his life. And she should be with him. “But not right now. I’ve to see to Patrick.”

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