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“Aye. The events of the day took their toll on her. Horano insisted on staying with her, since he’s bound by his blood promise to protect her. I’m keeping watch over the area until Shaye returns.”

Rihanna stared out the glass sliding door, phone to her ear, and an arm tucked around her belly as she fought back the creeping worry. Her dear sister hurt, and she found comfort with heranam cara. Guilt was brutal when ’twasn’t entirely warranted, but she’d invested her time and attention in Moira for so long, she couldn’t help but feel guilty for not staying by her side.

The familiar scent of Bryce’s cologne slipped into her next breath. The golden light within her chest pulsed bright as he wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on the top of her head.

“Everything okay?” he asked quietly.

“Aye,” she whispered. Into the phone, she asked, “Where did hego, Thierry?”

“To request an audience with Dagda and members of the Council to finalize a trap.”

“I pray to the Goddess this is resolved quickly. For all involved. We don’t need to worry about her. Not again.”

“A beautiful truth.” A short silence ensued, muffled clicks the only noise. “I shouldn’t take more of your time away from Bryce. I’ll speak with you when you return here.”

“If anything should happen, keep me informed.”

“Good eve, Rihanna.”

Thierry ended the call before she could press him for a promise. She tucked her phone into the back pocket of her jeans and twisted in Bryce’s arms, reaching up to wrap her arms around his neck. Though she was tall, he held many inches over her, a feature that thrilled her to the core. She pressed up on her toes and slanted her mouth over his, begging for a kiss that he gladly provided. Every kiss was a battle of willpower, a challenge to bring it to a close when their bond grew more and more insatiable with each day.

“Mmm.” The sound rumbled through Bryce’s chest as he reluctantly tapered their kiss with a possessive tug of her bottom lip between his teeth. That tiny gesture sent a ripple of delight through her. “We should be going, or we might not go anywhere.”

Rihanna smiled, tracing his brow with her thumb. His eyes smoldered with hunger, pupils threatening to wash away the brilliant green that captivated her. He’d pulled his hair back, but shorter strands caressed his cheeks, highlighting the sharp angles and strong jaw.

“Are you certain this is a good idea?” she asked.

“I wouldn’t suggest it if I believed otherwise. It was my father’s idea anyhow.”

That put her somewhat at ease. Over an early dinner at a local Irish pub—she found his attempt to please her tastesendearing—he’d shared much about his father. When she asked about his mother, his demeanor took a frigid turn. He didn’t have much to say.

“Then shall we be on our way?”

Bryce dropped a chaste kiss to her forehead. “Of course, milady.”

Bryce’s parents lived two towns over, where single-family homes towered impressively behind brick, stone, or wrought iron gates. There was no doubt this area provided the wealthy a very comfortable and safe life, though Rihanna often found the human realm too stilted and lacking in the delights of nature.

Bryce pulled through a white iron electric gate into a large circular driveway. A three-tiered fountain provided a centerpiece ahead of the magnificent three-story Colonial-style house. He pulled close to the fanning staircase that led up to double doors and cut the engine.

“I know it’s probably nothing like Faery,” Bryce said. Rihanna smiled at him, touching the faint blush that highlighted his cheeks. “But this was home for most of my life.”

“Do you believe your childhood home would intimidate me?”

“Well, from the little you’ve told me about your homeland and how nature plays a part in all homes, I realize this isn’t really”—he tipped his head in thought—“natural.”

Rihanna laughed and shook her head. “Ah,mo ghra. ’Tis perfect.”

“On that note…”

Bryce left the Hummer to be the perfect gentleman he was and help her from her seat. He held her on his arm, pride practically pouring from him as he led her to the front doors. He let them in only after a quick scan through the reinforced glass panes.

“This way,” Bryce said, guiding her through an open foyer with marble floors and a dazzling chandelier that hung from the high ceiling. She took in the surroundings, pleased by the warm wood tones and bouquets of fresh flowers that lent sweetness to the air. When they came to a set of solid double doors, he grinned at her. “Ready?”

With a small sound of agreement, she nodded.

Bryce knocked on the door. His father didn’t keep them waiting.

Mr. Hampton greeted them with a broad smile on his handsome face, his gaze barely touching his son before landing on her. His eyes widened slightly, but otherwise, his surprise remained politely masked.