He tenses, face going stonier than I’ve ever seen. He doesn’t interrupt, though.
And neither do I.
Not when Briar’s voice breaks, nor when River shares something I never knew, not even as they both bond over the fucked-up-ness that’s shadowed their lives.
It’s only as they stand that I realize we should have stepped out.
Or at least have made it so they didn’t realize we were blatantly listening in.
Too late, though.
“Um, hey,” Briar says, her cheeks pink as she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “I didn’t hear you come in.”
I open my mouth?—
“Meow!”
Violet to the rescue.
She sprints across the room, bypassing me completely, and?—
“Ow, shit. Fuck.Ow!”The bag hits the hardwood and then Thorn is peeling the kitten from his thigh. But he does it gently, almost as gently as he cuddles her close and settles her on his shoulder. “You’re a pain in the ass,” he mutters to the cat.
“Meow.”
Briar giggles and I turn, see that even though her cheeks are still pink, her eyes a little damp (and River’s are the same), she’s smiling.
So is River.
Something unknots in my chest.
I thought I had to be perfect, thought if I just did things exactly the way he preferred then he’d keep his fists to himself…
Keep his fists to himself.
Christ.
I was going to find this ex of hers and make his life miserable.
My gaze drifts to Thorn and I see that same resolve in his expression.
Good.
Double the misery for that asshole.
“You know what?” River says, not looking at me—or Thorn. “Let’s leave the bread for tomorrow. I think I have some scalloped potatoes in the freezer that will go perfectly with the chicken.” She turns and starts bustling around the kitchen, pots and pans clanging, the fridge and freezer opening and closing.
Thorn shifts uncomfortably. “Maybe I should?—”
“Meow. Meow.Meow!”
I grin. “I think someone wants a little time with you.”
“But—”
“Meow!”
I pat him on the shoulder, pick up the bag of toys and bring it to the couch. Then I cross over to Briar. “You okay?”
