The look on Mrs.Riverson’s face said that she didn’t believe a word out of Wave’s mouth, but she didn’t challenge her.
“Well, that was kind of him.Thank you, Prince Sleethill,” she said.
Irishen’s lips moved against Wave’s palm, but she kept her hand firmly in place.The cool trickle that came with his harsh exhales made her nipples tighten and her siren side perk up.
Fuck, fuck, fuck.
Wave clamped down on all of the power and felt her insides groan in protest.
Mrs.Riverson’s attention was divided between them and the book trembling behind the ice.When Wave refused to drop her hand and let Irishen speak, she gave a slight smile.
“Right.I’d better get to containing that book.Prince Sleethill, if you would be so kind as to lower the barrier?”
Risha’s arm wrapped around Wave’s waist, and he forced her back several steps.It was impossible to hold her hand in place, and when she dropped it away, Risha grabbed it with his other hand, effectively hugging her to his chest.
Damn hot, cold, man.Wave shivered when his breath moved over her neck.
“Mrs.Riverson, I’d like to apologize,” Risha said once he got Wave’s hand away from his mouth.Both women froze.
“Wh—”
Risha rolled right over Wave’s gasp.“My behavior has been in no way acceptable, and I do apologize for losing my temper before and blasting you with ice.It was wrong of me.Please, will you forgive me?”
The stunned look on Mrs.Riverson’s face was a sight to behold.Wave was pretty sure her own face was contorted into a similar expression.
“I… um.”Mrs.Riverson hesitated, looked at Wave and the way Irishen was holding her back from the frozen book, and blinked rapidly.“Sure, Prince Sleethill.I’ll forgive you,” she choked out.
“That is very kind of you.I really appreciate it, Mrs.Riverson, and I’ll make sure it will never happen again.”
“Ah.Alright, good.”The unflappable Mrs.Riverson couldn’t pull herself together.Wave was thankful that she didn’t have to utter a word because she had nothing to say.Her brain was a gooey mush, and something trembled low in her stomach.
Not the time, Wave.Get it together.She pinched her arm and bit her lip.
Risha moved them back another step.“The book is all yours, Mrs.Riverson,” he said and let the wall down.“If you don’t need Ms.Spinwell anymore tonight, I’ll make sure she gets home safely.”
“I don’t need you to walk me home,” Wave immediately snapped, finally finding her voice.
“You do,” he argued back.“Elena’s in a mood since I blew off one of her dates.”
“Splendid.You screw up and I end up paying the price.”
They were arguing so loudly, Wave completely missed Hellion entering the aisle until Mrs.Riverson’s eyes widened comically.Wave glanced over her shoulder and saw Hellion fuming at the end of the aisle, his eyes locked on Irishen’s arms wrapped around her.
Wave could only imagine how they looked, and based on the look on Hellion’s face, he was making all the wrong conclusions.To her surprise, Risha released her the moment he noticed Hellion.He even took a step back and shook his head.
That made them look even more guilty in Wave’s opinion, but when Hellion held out his hand, she didn’t hesitate to walk up to him.
“Stupid bo—”
“I don’t want to hear it, Wayla.Let’s go.Jarred and Marc are waiting in the basement.”
“But—”
Hellion turned on his heel and started walking.
“Don’t worry, dear,” Mrs.Riverson called out.“I can handle this book and shelve the rest.I’ll see you Friday.”
“If you’re sure,” Wave hesitated.Her eyes landed on Irishen’s closed-off face, and she felt a light pang of guilt, so she tried to meet his eyes.“Thank you for helping, Irishen,” she said softly.His gaze snapped up to meet hers for a second, and then he looked away, shrugging.
