I settled back into the bed, propped against the headboard. Celine curled herself at my side once again.
“How are you feeling, love?”
“I… I don’t know. It’s just— It’s so senseless.”
“An’… about the younger brother? Samuel?”
“Well, apparently your umbrella is deadlier than we first thought.” I winced slightly at the memory. That hadn’t been a pleasant death. Though, it was not a dissimilar injury to the one Gabriel had received. I could appreciate the poetic justice in that.
Weighing my next words carefully, I asked, “How do you feel about that, love?”
“I haven’t had much time to think on it. If he was responsible… I suppose I’m glad he’s gone. I wish I hadn’t been the one to do it. It’s… less satisfying than I had anticipated. And it feels somewhat unreal. I have no evidence, just the word of a criminal.”
“’S a lot, taking a life. Your feelings might change on it, and that’s all right.”
“I’m not entirely certain how I feel about any of it. I do know I made a very poor showing the other night. At least Iremembered to get my knife out before I came for them—well the bird reminded me.”
I risked the pain of a chuckle.“You did just fine, love. We’re both here, right?”
“I merely yelled about the fire.”
“Good. You shouldn’t have run into danger in the first place.”
“But—”
“Remember how you felt at the idea that I would be hurt?” I cut her off sharply.
A guilt-ridden expression crossed her face. “I understand, but I couldn’t leave you.”
“How did you know to find me anyway?”
“Please don’t laugh…”
“Tell me.”
She buried her face into my chest before her muffled answer escaped. “The bird.”
A burst of laughter escaped me, which was immediately followed by shooting pain in my ribs. Her answering laugh made the pain worth it. She was so damn beautiful when she laughed, bright eyes and sparkling smile and glittering hair in the evening sunlight streaming through the window.
“Serves you right,” she teased.
“Where is the bird anyway? Damn thing warned me, too.”
She directed a pleased smile to her lap at the thought of our collective savior. “Downstairs. Bouvier is most displeased with him, but Jane has already purchased an extravagant perch. I told her he needs to be released when he’s well again, but it may be a fight.”
She propped her head up on my chest, careful to avoid my ribs as she balanced her chin on her hand. Inexplicably, she let out a giggle. And another. And another until she was in a full peal of laughter.
“Care to explain?”
Between more giggles, ones she made a slight effort to stifle, she lifted her hand to drag a finger across my newly scarred, swollen brow. “Mon arc-en-ciel,” she whispered. Her rainbow…
“Charming.”
“I’m a delight.”
“That you are, love.”
I leaned down to kiss her, making a valiant attempt at ignoring the protest in my ribs. Her sweet smile brushed against my lips.
