Page 47 of The Seer

“You don’t believe that any more than I do, Taryn-Taryn,” he said, praying to the Goddess he was right. Since deciding to tell the ancestors to go bugger themselves, he was all in and intended to spend the rest of his life making up for past mistakes if she’d let him.

“Micha Forsyth,” she said, changing the subject. “Who is he to you?”

“I can’t say for certain, but I’m thinkin’ he’s related to my da.”

“But your last name is Sullivan, I assumed…” Taryn waved a hand. “Never mind. Tell me.”

“My parents were never married. I’m a bastard by birth.”

“So your father’s surname is?”

“Forsyth.”

“Of course, it is,” she said darkly.

CHAPTER16

Taryn’s breath whooshed out, and she felt deflated. Leave it to her to get cozy with the one person who might not be who they seemed and was obsessed with an important artifact belonging to Fintan.

“Ya didn’t know,aoibhneas mo croí,” he said, entwining their fingers.

“It still doesn’t mean I’m not a terrible judge of character. Christ! Anyone can look at a man I’ve dated, or plan to date, and they’ll see he’s a sleezy snake-oil salesman long before I do.”

She didn’t apologize when he winced and released her hand. Letting him off lightly for his past actions would teach him nothing. Forgiveness, for forgiveness’s sake, just to make oneself feel better, was ridiculous and not something she subscribed to.

Fintan was regretful—she didn’t doubt that—and his remorse put him miles ahead of any other man in her life with the exception of Damian and Trevor. Still, she refused to be a pushover.

“The only reason I’m not at home right now is because you asked me for an introduction, and I was curious.”

“Sure, and let’s back up here. Who is it you’re after datin’ that isn’t me?” His expression darkened, and he folded his arms across his chest.

Going into full avoidance mode, she sipped her wine and glanced down the table at those present. No one seemed to be paying attention to their conversation.

The weight of Fintan’s disapproval and hurt would drag Taryn under if she didn’t address it. She cleared her throat and put the glass down.

“Micha. We clicked on the video call, and when he asked me out, I accepted.”

He watched her like a wolf does a rabbit. His gaze felt predatory, with an underlying hunger. She also sensed his disappointment in her, but she didn’t want to be party to the expectation his love declaration brought. However, she wasn’t about tormenting a person when they were feeling down.

“The date was set up before you expressed your love, Fintan. I wasn’t doing anything to get back at you. It was me trying to get on with life.”

His response was forever coming. Or so it seemed. In reality, less than a minute had passed.

“I’m not expectin’ you to claim you love me when that’s not what you feel. But have a care with this Micha, yeah? While you’re beautiful and a worthy prize, it may not be the one he’s after, all the same.”

She locked eyes with him. “I haven’t dated since Morcant, but Damian has promised to investigate everyone I may be interested in.”

Shoving back his chair, he rose. “Grand. I’ll wish ya a good night, then.”

“I’ll call you when I can plan the introduction.”

“It’s best if you don’t. I’ll see to it meself.”

Her chest tightened as he strode away, and Taryn wanted nothing more than to run after him. To beg his forgiveness. But she wasn’t a young girl chasing a rising rockstar, so she let him go.

With a sigh, she tore her attention from his rigid back and met Creed’s understanding gaze.

“It’s okay to have boundaries, Taryn,” he assured her. “Smarter for your sanity.”

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