With his eyes locked on Farren’s, my brother swallowed, his throat bobbing. For a moment, I looked past my amusement, my heart hitching at the evident attraction neither would admit to. Farren, because she was Farren. And Aureus, because he was too preoccupied worrying over me and the shop and Leighis, not giving any time even to the thought of his feelings, where Farren was involved.
Raising his eyes, he looked past Farren and addressed me. The firm line of his lips returned. “Is this the effect you have on her?”
I scoffed, but it was Farren who spoke, her voice breaking. “Please don’t think less of me.”
Setting my jaw, I cursed myself mentally for causing her worry. And then I mentally cursed my brother for his stupidity.
“Farren,” Aureus sighed, lowering his gaze back to her. “Nothing you say could make me think less of you.”
Much better.
At that moment, Castien woke, the scrunch of his face a precursor to the wail that followed. Ever the natural mother, Renna stuck a finger in her son’s mouth, and he sucked, momentarily soothed. “Hungry again?” Frustration edged her tone.
“I need to bring these things in,” Aureus said, dismissing himself. Farren made a slight sound of acknowledgment, and I suppressed a cringe at the unspoken words between the two. He turned his back and headed for the shop door.
I returned my attention to Renna and her squalling child.“Would you like help with his latch?” At least where breasts and feeding babies was concerned, no one seemed to care if a woman gave guidance or insight. After all, that was all we were good for, was it not? Bearing and raising children. I suppressed the frustration that rose to the surface and focused on my friend.
Without drawing the infant from the sling, Renna lowered the shoulder of her dress, and the boy rooted for her exposed nipple. When he found it, he sucked greedily, and Renna scrunched her face.
From outside my peripheral,a man cleared his throat. The three of us shifted our attention in unison as Neirin turned around the side of a tree just outside the fencing that lined the main road. He leaned against the railing a short distance away, Calix in his shadow.
“How long have you been hiding there?” Accusation laced my words, and Neirin laughed, the sound low, rumbling, and delicious.No, not delicious. Irritating.
“Adequate time to overhear your exaggerations.” It was the boy who spoke, a bit under his breath. “No man is that big.”
Neirin shot Calix a look of scrutiny, and the boy cast his eyes to the stables with bored disinterest.
“What would you know?” Neirin cuffed the boy, then ruffled his hair to soften the gentle reprimand and sighed. “Go, stay out of trouble, boy.”
Calix glanced back up at him, twisted his lips in a thoughtful expression, then set off toward the market without further note. Neirin watched after him for a moment, his brows drawn with a look of subtle concern.
I watched the boy disappear into the crowd, then Renna’s suppressed laughter drew my attention back. Farren’s amusement followed as she choked back shy giggles. I scoffed in a vain attempt to conceal the heat that rose to my cheeks.
“Are you ready to go on your deliveries?” Neirin tilted his head back casually, seemingly unfazed by their bashful amusement at his expense.
“Not yet.” The blush at my cheeks deepened.I need to help Renna first.Resorting to quips to hide my discomfort, I narrowed my eyes at my courter. “Go back to hiding behind the tree.”
Neirin grunted and hefted off the railing. “I’ll go inside and speak with your brother.”
Right, there was that, too. My heart thundered. Agreeing to this the evening before was one thing. But now that Neirin stood before me in the daylight, all casual confidence and rugged appeal, apprehension gripped me like a vice.
Gods, what will Aureus say?My mouth went dry.
“Go,” Renna said, drawing my attention. “Come by later. I’ll be more comfortable at home anyway.”
“Are you certain?”
“Positive.” Though I suspected it was a gesture more than a truth, I appreciated her for it.
I released a breath. “Thank you.”
“Yes, thank you,” Neirin said, his strides having brought him to Renna’s side. He leaned and spoke against her ear, loud enough that I could hear his words. “For the ideas. About kissing.”
Oh, gods.“Neirin,” I hissed.
He raised his gaze to mine, and his eyes darkened. I swallowed, catching note of my own blunder at speaking his true name.
“Let’s go get your things,” Neirin said. He hopped the fence effortlessly and crossed to me in a few short paces before offering his hand, a challenge in his eyes.The playfulness of it wrinkled my nose and planted within me the seed of stubbornness.
