Ruaridh pounces, fist raised and ready to fly. And for some unknown reason, maybe it's the thought of Liam being in danger, I launch for my brother.
Some protective part of me I’ve never experienced to this level before takes over and I’m screaming for Ru to back off, right as I swipe for his fist.
Instantly, Ru’s eyes widen and I swear the deep green in them lightens a little in surprise.
I hardly register Liam adjusting the covers around me, too annoyed to think.
‘I wasn’t going to hurt him, Isla. You know that right?’ Ruaridh’s tone is soft and a little shaken.
‘I know… I just…’
Guilt surges up in my chest as I see how vulnerable my brother looks in this moment. He’s not a bad guy, not in the slightest and it must be… difficult for him. He remembers me as a teenager he always had to protect but I’m no longer that girl. I’m a completely different woman now.
‘I think momma bear over here is feeling a little protective.’ Liam kisses the top of my head. ‘Mmm, princess?’
Maybe he’s right? My hormones have been feeling very intense lately. Come to think of it they have been super heightened.
One minute I’m crying over pigeon’s nest building skills then I’m fighting someone or something and after all that I’m jumping Liam’s bones, horny as hell.
I blush, ‘Sorry, Ru.’
Like the amazing big brother he is he gives me a warm smile back. ‘No worries, shit head. I’ll see you later.’
He turns to leave.
‘Remember to knock next time,’ I supply.
Ruaridh shivers, ‘I’m never coming in this room ever again, Isla.’
Laughing, Liam nuzzles into my neck.
‘What was he on about anyway?’ I ask.
‘Oh, nothing important.’
‘He said something about it being time?’ I press.
‘Ru chats a load of shite, baby. He’s probably on about some jobs around the stadium or that I join him on a run for presents for Fauna.’
My brother has been making sure Fauna is full every hour of the day and for some odd as fuck reason he insists she alwayshas a stash of sausage and beans wherever she goes. But in all honesty, I never asked because I have a suspicion I do not want to know what weird answer they might give me.
‘You’d tell me if something was up, though. Wouldn’t you?’
Anxiety shows its ugly claws. The all-too-familiar feeling churning in my stomach.
Liam tips my chin up, gently guiding me to look into his eyes. Even in the morning, he smells of oak, the comforting woodsy scent enveloping me in calm.
‘I promise I’d tell you if there was something bad going on. There’s nothing to worry about, I promise.’
For the first time in a long time, I allow myself to trust.
Chapter twenty-nine
Isla
The metal blade sails through the air and embeds itself in the wooden plank. Hitting exactly where I’d intended it to.
Now that we have access to better weapons my throwing skills have drastically improved. I’m not quite Amelia’s level of expertise, but the girl managed to master throwing disassembled scissors for fucks sake, she’s pretty hard to top.
