She’s not just surviving right now. She’s learning and adapting to the threats, and it makes me proud to see her refuse to cower. She’s stronger than I’ve given her credit for.
“I expect you to play your part as well, Kieran,” Ronan warns.
I ball my hands into fists but keep my mouth shut, only because Ciara has reappeared, and I don’t want to lose my cool in front of her.
“Did I miss anything?” she asks.
Ronan is on his feet in an instant and helps her back over to the couch, settling the blanket around her legs and reaching for her water.
“Not at all,” he murmurs before kissing her forehead.
“Liar.”
I remove myself from the arm of the couch and take Ronan’s vacant seat so he can sit beside his wife.
“Come on, tell me all the drama. I need something to think about other than the fact I already need to pee again.”
Riley laughs, but it doesn’t meet her eyes. I can see the disappointment written all over her face, and from the looks of it, so can Ciara.
“Riley, what’s going on?”
“I’m not going to be able to visit for a few days.”
“What? Are you serious?”
“It’s a safety issue.” Ronan rubs her back soothingly, but Ciara bats his hand away.
“Kieran, I swear I’m going to slice off your balls if you did something to ruin this.” Ciara glares at me, and I hold my hands up.
“I didn’t do anything.”
“Yeah, right.”
Ronan’s shoulders shake with silent laughter, and I scowl.
“Why do you always assume it’s my fault?”
“Because it normally is,” Ciara retorts.
“I miss the days when you used to be scared of me,” I mutter, and Ronan barks a laugh.
“Ciara has never been afraid of anyone in her life.” He chuckles. “Trust me, I tried.”
“We should probably get going. I’ll let you know when we make it back.” I get to my feet and wait patiently for Riley to say goodbye to Ciara, who shoots me one last glare before we head out.
As we walk to the car, Riley glances back at the house with something like longing in her eyes. “It’s nice here. It feels like a real family.”
Something tightens in my chest as I look at her, seeing the shadows behind her smile.
“Come on. Let’s go home.”
Before Sean decides to show up and try to take what’s mine.
