‘Oh, yeah, I mean you. This is all on you.’
We keep going for another couple of hours, and I do read through some books myself, even though I’m infinitely slower than Benny.
My mind goes back to the blood vow more than once.
Maybe I could put one on Jonas to ensure he doesn’t mention William to anyone.
And then a darker thought whispers,Maybe I should use it on Kay.
My parents taught me to protect my siblings no matter what. I’ve spent my life protecting Kay, so what does it say of me that I’m actually considering making her take a vow?
I guess it tells me that I don’t trust her judgement right now, which given everything she’s done seems fair enough. And William … he deserves my protection too. Should have had it this whole time.
Every time I hear a creak in the hallway or a noise from the floor above, I jolt and then move my eyes to the door, wondering if perhaps Kay will walk through it and offer an apology for everything she’s put me through over the last forty-eight hours.
But it never happens.
‘You know, you could always go and talk to her?’ Benny says.
I immediately shake my head. ‘I can’t. If she can’t even see why she needs to apologise, then there’s no way I’ll be able to keep my temper.’ Besides, as long as she’s upstairs, I don’t have to worry about her.
‘At least the house is big enough to make it easy to avoid one another. Although I still haven’t got all the gossip on you and Ruben. You kept him quiet for a reason.’
My mind flickers to Noleen. To her lack of magic. To her fading state.
‘No, not really,’ I say firmly to Benny. ‘He’s just a friend.’
A smirk rises on Benny’s lips. ‘So if I were to shoot my shot there, you wouldn’t mind?’ A pause. ‘Would he mind?’
As a real laugh rattles from my throat, I can’t help but be grateful for Benny being here. Somehow, whatever shit is going on, he still makes me smile.
‘You know, I do think he’s dated a couple of guys in the past …’ I say of Ruben. ‘But he’s going through a lot, and he doesn’t need to be messed around. Besides, he lives in the third and you’re a future duke with obligations.’
Benny arches an eyebrow. ‘I’m still not hearing a no there?’
‘Just read, will you!’ I say, throwing him another book, which he lets hit him squarely in the chest. When he catches my eye, I see the love that’s in them, and I realise that all he wanted was to make me forget this crap – of which he only knows a fragment – for just a minute.
‘Thank you for never letting me down, Ben,’ I say softly.
‘I do my very best.’ He winks.
By the time we’re done in the library, dinnertime is upon us and we’ve learned nothing of use.
Summer already asked where we’d like to eat, and given that the dining room table seats twenty, which feels a little excessive, I told her the kitchen. I’m surprised to find only two places laid when we arrive.
‘Kay hasn’t gone out, has she?’ I ask, feeling a sudden lurch in my chest, thinking again about that vow.
‘No, she requested her food in her room. I’ve already taken it up to her.’
Of course she has, I think, gritting my teeth.
Her family home’s been restored and we have our brother back, and yet she chooses to sulk on her own.
Still, when I go up to bed several hours later, I can’t help but knock lightly on her door. When there’s no answer, I push it ajar and see her there, sprawled like a starfish on her bed. I have never seen her sleep like that. Normally we are huddled together, and despite everything that’s currently wrong between us, I cherish the sight.
Her chest rises and falls softly as she sleeps. Warm and safe.
Exactly how I want to keep her.
