Page 40 of Bound By Darkness

Shane sticks close to me, which I can’t decide if I appreciate or not.His quiet presence feels steadying, a barrier between me and the room’s buzz, but it’s also unnerving.I’m not used to being watched so closely, even if it’s done with polite interest.

As the group settles in, I do my best to stay engaged, laughing in the right places and answering questions when asked.But my thoughts keep wandering, drifting to places I wish they wouldn’t.

“So, world traveler,” Shane says, leaning in slightly as we linger by the drinks table.“Does this kind of thing feel mundane to you now?”

I glance at him, startled out of my thoughts.“What do you mean?”

“You know,” he says, gesturing toward the room.“Hanging out here.Compared to everything you’ve seen, this must feel so ordinary.”

I hesitate, swirling my drink in its glass.“I wouldn’t say ordinary.There’s something nice about coming back to the familiar.It’s easier in some ways.”

He nods, studying me for a moment.“Fair point.But you seem a bit distant.”

I force a smile, deflecting.“It’s been a long day of travel.”

My phone vibrates in my pocket.I pull it out and glance at the screen.

Ruairi:You never called to say you got there.

I sigh, slipping the phone back into my bag, determined to ignore it.

“Is everything okay?”

“Yeah,” I reply quickly.“Just my brother checking in.He worries too much.”

Shane raises an eyebrow.“Older brother, I’m guessing?”

“My twin, actually.”

“Twins, huh?”He chuckles, shaking his head.“That explains the extra layer of protectiveness.”

I roll my eyes, leaning back slightly.“I guess.He likes to pretend I can’t manage without him.”

Another buzz cuts through the conversation.

Ruairi:Aoife.Are you there?

I stifle a groan, standing and excusing myself as casually as I can.“I have to take this.Please excuse me,” I say, flashing Shane a quick smile as I step out of the room.

The hallway is quieter, the low hum of the hotel’s music filtering through the space.I tap out a quick reply as I walk, my fingers flying over the screen.

Aoife:I’m here.I’m fine.Stop hovering.

I hit send, distracted by the familiar push and pull of Ruairi’s need to check on me.So distracted, in fact, that I don’t see the man coming toward me until I collide with him.

Hot liquid splashes against my arm and the unmistakable aroma of coffee hits me as I stumble back, my phone nearly slipping from my fingers.

“Dia ár sábháil,” the man mutters, his voice rough with irritation.

I freeze, recognition slamming into me as I look up.Standing there, scowling down at the coffee stain spreading across his shirt, is Eamon.

For a second, I can’t speak.My mind reels as his gaze lifts from the mess to meet mine.The piercing blue of his eyes is like ice, sharp and unrelenting, locking onto me with the same intensity they always had.

“Eve?”he asks, his tone incredulous.

“Eamon.”His name leaves my lips in a breathless whisper.“What are you doing here?”I ask, the words slipping out before I can stop them.

He gestures vaguely around us, his tone calm but firm.“This is my hotel.”

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