Rowan spoke to Patrick like he was simple. “Raven is the only sister pregnant around here. I imagine they consider River and I single and ready to mingle.”
All right. Pat was glaring at River, who was refusing to acknowledge the looks. Rowan was... playing with fire.
Raven looked at Bran. Pleading. He took the hint.
“We need to leave. Now. Let the women work.” He even used hand signals to direct them out the door. “When can I see you?’’
He pulled her tight to his front, rubbing her back. Distracting. “We close at four.”
“Would you let me plan a relaxing evening for just the two of us tonight? We have a lot to talk about, and... I just want to be with you. Know that you are with me.”
“I would like that. Are you staying at The Fitzwilliam?”
“No, Westin. I miss Dom.”
She laughed. “I saw him last night. I didn’t sleep well after I called you. I had a wild idea of him working for Triskelion once we’re all big and famous.” She laughed. “Do you remember him telling us that his family was all gone? I felt he had somethingin his past that hurt him, but there is no one more brilliant or organized than that man.”
Bran didn’t laugh.It was fucking genius.
Raven asked River for Miss Kennedy’s card, which she produced with a smile for her sister and a slightly more reserved one for Bran.
“If you’re serious about finding a place in Dublin, she’s the only real estate agent you need. She and Jo are friends. It’s how we met.”
Bran pocketed the card, intending to call her as soon as he walked out the door. “You know very well I’m serious.” Bran bent down and whispered next to the side of Raven’s mouth. “Will you allow me to kiss you before I leave?”
Her hands flexed on his back. “Please.”
His mouth covered Ravens before her please had fully passed her lips. He swiped his tongue deep, once, then again, and again, and again. She raised to her toes, he moved deeper in, she moaned, he groaned. And then— fuck, no!
“Mrs. Little is getting out of her car.”
“And I think your family would all enjoy a break from the familial soft porn.”
He hoped River and Patrick ended up together. Forever. Justice. “Damn,” he whispered, pulling back, tucking a strand of hair behind Raven’s ear. Bran attempted to have mundane thoughts of food, flower gardens, the stock market— anything but his erection, Raven’s swollen lips, and even more swollen belly. God... must stop.
“Rave. Pull it together.” River snapped, which made her sister jump and back away from him.
“I’ll be here at four.”
“Yes. Good,” she breathed out. As Bran turned to leave, she stopped him. “Bran, thank you again for the sourdough starter. You can show me how to care for it tonight.” Raven looked at him with such raw emotion— hurt, love, passion, and hope.
“We’re really going to work?” Raven whispered.
Bran barely heard Raven’s question. With no hesitation, he answered, “Forever.”
31
Bran’s relief that he was finally in the same city as Raven was incomprehensible. He wouldn’t truly feel settled, though, until they were living under one roof.
He had seen Raven’s hesitation when he’d told her she wouldn’t be able to stay at her apartment now that they were back together, but he couldn’t lie in his bed one more night without her next to him.
Also, knowing she was round with his child was a mixture of euphoria and fucking terror. He needed her close.
Had she truly not been ready to stay the night with him, he would have relented, bought a wider cot, and slept in the cramped flat with her sisters. He didn’t think her sisters would have been down with the company, however.
Hehadheard every word Raven said to him and Pat, though. He respected their caution and determination. He was proud that his girlfriend didn’t mind roughing it for a greater cause.
And it was rough. Bran grew up wealthy, and with his own investments, he had added to that wealth. He hadneverlived like the Byrnes were currently living. Thank God. There wasnot one particle of his being not demanding that he remove his woman and child from that situation immediately.
