The tension which had been slowly seeping away from him made one final stand. He leaned his head back against the crystal rim, and licked his lips.
Debating.
Thankfully, not for long.
“The Blood Brotherhood Elite gathered. Talks of war and your cousin’s wedding,” he said evenly. “You changed your mind about discussing tomorrow?”
My curiosity gnawed at me, but I knew I’d say the wrong words when it was my turn to divulge. I wasn’t ready to let the moment end. This unhurried moment that felt so removed from the madness waiting for us just outside this steamy room.
“No.” My hand ran through his short hair, settling on his cheek. He nuzzled my palm, turning his head to kiss it as heclosed his eyes. Like he too wanted all the comfort I could give, the same I greedily craved his.
“Can’t believe we can’t be there for Evie’s wedding,” I said, not able to hide the bitterness.
I understood the logistical and political nightmare it would be to bring the Protectorate First Family inside the Blood Brotherhood’s secret Capital, especially after what happened at Evie’s first wedding.
But, despite Ryker’s feelings on the matter and Silas’s betrayal, I wanted the rest of my family close.
Family was supposed to stick together.
Then again, what good did my presence do on Sanctua Sirena?
Nothing.
Ryker’s eyes popped open, a glimmer in them. “I can set up a palaver portal so you can at least witness it. Would you like that?”
I didn’t fully register the hesitant tinge in his voice as I bounced on my knees. Thank the gods nobody else could witness these sudden giggles. “Yes!”
“Alright.” He chuckled. “I’ll set it up for you.”
“And Dax. He will want to see it.”
“And your cousin,” he said begrudgingly. “He’s already here.”
I tilted my head to the side. “Does it really bother you that he came?”
“The problem is how he did it. I don’t like him, but he’s your relative.” He shrugged.
“Do you like anybody outside this crater and the Blood Brotherhood?”
He hummed, actually lost in thought. “I respected your grandfather. He ruled for his people.”
“And my father?” I found myself asking.
Ryker worked his jaw. “As a leader or as a person?”
That was answer enough, and despite the sudden lump in my throat, I couldn’t disagree.
Perhaps the gods had been merciful when they’d taken him away. He had not been born to rule in tumultuous times such as these. They would have mangled his soft soul too much.
“I respect you.” His voice lulled me back from the darkness. “As a leader and a person.”
A jolt tightened my chest.
Respect felt more dangerous than desire right now. Because it could be lost more easily.
“I’m not a leader.” Not anymore, if I ever had been a true one.
The corners of his lips tightened. “I can’t make you believe something you don’t want to. But I can believe in you for the both of us.”
