“We're not leaving the house without permission.”
“Down through this way,” she says, showing me around the house. “I'll have to give you a proper tour later, but this is a bit of a sanctuary here. Down this hallway is the library.”
“Library,” I breathe out. “You have a library in your house?”
“Aye,” Caitlin says. “When I was your age, it was my favorite place to go. Now I've started reading on, what do they call it, an e-reader? It's a little easier on my eyes, the older I get.” She winks. “But please help yourself to all the books you want.”
“Aunt Caitlin,” Ashland says. “Bianca’s got a cat.”
Why is it so fucking adorable to hear Ashland call a womanaunt, as if he were a little boy again? It's adorable.
“Aye?” she says.
“Oh, Ashland, a cat,” Caitlin says. “I’ve always wanted a cat. Your uncle’s not a fan, but he’ll agree if I persuade him. Yours, Bianca?”
“Aye.” I nod. “Ashland's not the biggest fan, but you’ve been very good to him, haven't you?”
Bronwyn's eyes dance at me. I get the distinct feeling that nobody sees the softer side of Ashland like I do.
“You want to bring him back here?” I say.
“You know, I think for now it's probably best we leave that alone. Lancelot's safe at my mam’s. And I don't want to risk any contact.” It hurts me to say it, but it's true. “I don't want her to suspect that I'm here.”
“I know,” Ashland says quietly.
“But if the time comes when you do feel like you want to bring your kitty here,” Caitlin says, “he's welcome too, of course.”
She walks us to a staircase. Kyla and Bronwyn are speaking in hushed tones behind us as two men round the corner—Cavin, I think he said, and Seamus. I've heard of these men. They were older than I am, so they were not in school at the same time I was. But Cavin likes to play in the ring too.
“I need to go talk with Erin,” Cavin says. “Ashland, let's chat later, shall we?”
“Aye,” Ashland says.
“I'm going to take your fight tonight,” he says.
“I don't think it's wise for you to go into the ring tonight, lad,” Seamus says.
“Ashland works his job,” Cavin agrees.
“Do you fight in a ring, Ashland?” I ask, surprised.
Everyone practically guffaws in unison.
“Ashland, fight in the ring?” Caitlin says. “My god, you haven't told her.” She shakes her head. “He's been crowned champion for three years in a row, love. It's what he does best. He and Cav put the McCarthy family on the map.”
“Aye,” Ashland says with a quiet shrug. “I like fighting.”
“Well, now that doesn't surprise me,” I say, which makes them laugh again.
“Alright, enough of this chatter,” Ashland says gruffly. “We need to have a talk alone now. Let's go.” But he doesn’t scare me the way he did at first.
Declan's in the hallway, and I hear him make a snide remark to Cavin. “Have a talk,” he says, using air quotes.
Ashland shoots him a look that makes Declan fairly run for his life. I love watching him around people who love him. It's like an entirely different side ofAshland I've never seen before. He has cousins, aunts and uncles, and a brother. I'll meet his parents eventually, but he speaks highly of them.
It's funny to see Ashland shy or self-deprecating, and the way he shields me, even from their gentle questions.
Then all thoughts of his family come to a screeching halt because we're alone. He shuts and locks the door behind him, then turns me around to face him, framing my face with his hands.
