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Felicity finished her fish and chips while Niall ate the last few bites of his steak burger. They left Tí Joe Watty’s and headed for Michael Cleary’s home.
Caitlin was very helpful and directed them to the residence where the priest’s brother lived. It struck her as odd, since Caitlin had been bitter and sour before. Felicity questioned her motivation in helping them. But on an island with a close-knit community such as this one, everyone knew everyone...and their business. She imagined it could be good or bad, depending on the gossip. It reminded her of an Irish proverb: “It is not a secret if it is known by three people.” So perhaps Caitlin was just a flibbertigibbet who liked to circulate rumours.
It seemed rather odd that Niall’s servant—Caitlin’s aunt—hadn’t disclosed the relationship between Michael and Kelly. As far as Felicity was concerned, the priest had probably brought her here to keep his brother from being accused of trying to sabotage the resort construction. If a supernatural cause was blamed, then no one would be suspicious about his brother. She grew more certain of this as they headed for Michael’s home.
She was panting as she tried to keep up with Niall. His long legs made his stride much bigger than hers, and she was quickly winded.
“Could you not walk so fast? I’ve got short legs,” Felicity said, as she huffed hair out of her face.
“Right, sorry.”
He slowed his pace, but only a little.
“I think that’s the place,” Niall said, pointing toward a small cottage with a red door.
Niall swung the gate open, and she followed him up the path that led to the door. He gave it three hard raps with his knuckles. No one answered at first, but there was movement at the window.
Then Michael opened the door to greet them. “Good day...Felicity, right?”
She edged her way around Niall, standing beside him on the narrow path. “Yes, we met at the construction site. Would you mind if I asked you a few questions?”
“No,” he said, but didn’t invite them in.
Felicity found this revealing since the island was so welcoming. She’d get right to the point and try to catch him off-guard. His reaction was everything. “I understand you’re married to Kelly Tierney.”
Michael scowled. “What’s it to you?”
“Well, Archer bought the farm she inherited. Isn’t that right?”
“Get outta here, you fecking gobshites! Who put you up to this?” Michael asked, his voice booming as he moved toward Felicity.
Felicity took a step back, afraid that Michael might strike her. Niall straightened, stepping slightly in front of her.
“You’ll watch yer mouth in front of the lady. Never mind who told us. I believe Felicity asked you a question.”
“I don’t have to answer to you. Yer not a cop,” Michael said as he lifted his chin.
Niall cracked his knuckles for emphasis. “Aye, I may not be, but I can make you answer.”
Michael turned red in the face, but he’d backed down at Niall’s commanding tone. Felicity had to admit that the way he stood up for her was impressive and definitely hot.
“We’re divorced! And everyone bloody well knows it too,” Michael shouted.
This was really puzzling. Why would Caitlin lie to them?
“We’re very sorry,” Felicity said. “We’re trying to be thorough in our investigation.”
“Then go question Kelly and leave me be. She’ll tell ye. I gave her everything. Never wanted a thing from her. She got the farm, and that’s as it should be. The whole thing was hers to start with, but I’m still fuming that she’d sell it after all the hard work I put in. And her selling out sacred land is probably why the púca have returned to haunt us.”
“You really believe that,” Niall said.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake. Believe whatever ye like,” Michael nearly yelled, and with that, he turned on his heel and slammed the door in their faces.
“Isn’t he a friendly lad?” Niall said sarcastically.
Felicity laughed. “Charming.”
She turned and retraced her path up the stone walkway, with Niall following behind. She was glad they were leaving. She’d honestly thought for a split second that Michael was going to hit her before Niall edged around her and warned him to watch his mouth. They started walking back up the dirt road as she considered her feelings toward him. His chivalrous gesture and everything she’d learned about the town’s real estate deals was restoring her trust. But it wasn’t just the evidence pointing away from him, or how he’d stood up for her. He’d done so much to show her that he was being straight with her. She really should give him more of a break.
Part of her wondered what it’d be like as his mate. God, where did that thought come from?
What do you want? Cyn’s question nagged at her. Was she willing to admit what she wanted?
Niall had fallen into step beside her.
“Thanks for standing up for me back there.”
“I always will, love. If you let me,” Niall said quietly. His words were like a gentle caress.
She wanted to let him love her, protect her, but it was hard enough under normal circumstances. But she couldn’t keep ignoring her feelings and pretending like this was any other case she’d investigated for Everyday Supernatural, either.
“Niall, I’m sorry I practically accused you of having something to do with that worker being injured. I know it wasn’t you.”
“It couldn’t have been me. I was with you.”
“I know... I should have trusted you.”
“And I should have told you sooner, but I promise I’ll always be open with you.” He reached out and took her hand. She stopped walking and turned toward him. They stood in the middle of the dirt road, his amber eyes looking down at her.
“What will you do when this is over? I mean, once you discover why the veil was disturbed, there will be no reason for you to stay...” She looked down at her feet and kicked a pebble.
“Aye, my clan needs me. I shall return to the Realm.”
A heaviness settled on her chest. She didn’t want to think about saying goodbye. “Oh.”
Niall palmed her chin and lifted it, so she was forced to meet his eyes. “That’s not what you’re really asking me, now is it?”
His gravelly voice was making her stomach do somersaults, and her tongue was stuck firmly to the roof of her mouth. Her eyes settled on his lips, which she desperately wanted to explore again. Words and thought escaped her, and she found it impossible to answer him.
“I was hoping you’d come with me,” he said.
Felicity forced her lips to move. “Niall, I don’t know what to say...”
“Say you’ll think about it, and you’ll let me cook you dinner tonight.”
She let out a shaky breath. “All right.”
“Come to the cottage at eight. I’ll make something tasty.”
Eating wasn’t really what she wanted, but she pushed her naughty thoughts aside and nodded slowly. She’d promised herself she wouldn’t risk getting hurt again, didn’t want to desire him, and couldn’t possibly fall in love, except...
His eyes crinkled as he smiled down at her. Oh, fuck. She’d gone and done it. And she couldn’t stop now, even if she tried.
