Page 72 of Highballs & Hexes

“Yes!” Her expression softened, and she patted his chest. “Yes, love, you were. You can’t make an informed decision without all the facts.”

“It doesn’t matter, Fi. I have to help those I’ve wronged.”

“And how will you help them?”

“With the power she gifts to me. I’ll be able to remove their pain.”

Fionola shook her head and cupped his jaw. “We are the sum total of our experiences and the pain associated with it. You can’t expect to take that away without removing their memories. Who will agree to having it done?”

“No, I’ll give them a choice. I can ease their suffering like I was tasked to do.”

A frown drew her brows together, and her troubled blue eyes turned thoughtful. “If you were given the assignment at the beginning, don’t you possess the power to achieve it? Why do you need more?”

The remembered sensation of bashing his head against the wall struck him, and he stared at her in wonder. Why hadn’t he come to the same conclusion?

He didn’t realize he’d asked it aloud until she responded.

“You’re too close to the problem. Sometimes it obscures the solution.”

“Do you think it’s as simple as me completing the first assignment?” he asked with a stunned shake of his head.

“Would it hurt to summon her and ask? Why does she want a man in love with another to become her consort? There’s no offense intended here, Paddy O, but if she’s not particular about the fact, why not choose the likes of Ronan O’Connor with his fine face and grand?—”

Patrick pressed his palm over her mouth. “Don’t finish that statement if you want to remain in a relationship with me. It’s not that I can’t agree. The man has a fine face and grand body, but I’ll always be wondering if you prefer him.”

Peeling his hand away and placing it on her shapely ass, Fi winked. “I’ll state it plain, Patrick O’Malley, and you need to hear me. Commit it to memory, too.” She cradled his face. “I love you. I want you. Only you. And I’ve not fantasized about anotherwhile in your bed, nor will I. You’re the one for me if you’ll have me.”

His grin started and widened with every point she hammered home. Gripping her ass cheek, he drew her against his full length, allowing her to feel the desire he felt for her that was never far from the surface. “Those words are the most welcome to reach my ears, Fionola Bohannon.”

“And?”

He didn’t pretend to misunderstand. “And I love you. I want you. Only you. I’m not fantasizing about another while you’re in my bed, nor will I. You’re the one for me if you always want me.”

She grinned as she wrapped her arms around his neck. “That sounds like you’ve committed. What are you going to tell Anu now that she has to replace you as her companion?”

Sunlight flooded the room, bathing them in its warmth.

“I think she’s fine with it,” he said with sudden certainty.

The choice was simple. It always had been, and it appeared Anu merely wanted Patrick to recognize the gift she’d given him.

Hugging Fionola tightly to his chest, he raised his eyes skyward.

“Thank you, Exalted One,”he said silently.

“You’re welcome, Beloved.”

The fragrant smell of clean ocean air drifted to him through the open window, and peace filled him, making him feel truly whole for the first time in forever.

Another realization hit him.

The Goddess had been watching over him all along.

CHAPTER 30

As Patrick approached Ronan, he noted the younger man’s expression remained neutral, as if he were wary of what to expect from him. He couldn’t say he blamed the man for his guarded behavior. Patrick had been a proper horse’s arse to him in the past.

“I’d like to speak to you, if you’ve a mind, son. Will you walk with me?”

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