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"She keptone of those children born on the wrong side of the blanket, and why? He's stupid and can't speak. Who'd want a reminder of their sins?"
After a few times,Nora had decided to just stay inside. It was safer and less painful.
Laurie reached across the desk and took one of her hands. "What happened just now, sister? You can tell me anything and I'll keep it secret from Leo."
She met Laurie's brown eyes. He rarely had such a serious expression, but she was one of the few who knew how deep down her brother was an extremely caring and giving person despite his carefree façade. "I know you can keep a confidence, and I appreciate the offer. But it's nothing, I promise." He raised his brows and she added, "Well, being blooded is still quite a shock to me, that's all. Once I'm used to my heart beating and being able to breathe again, I'm sure my emotions will settle down."
Laurie squeezed her hand. "I would say more, but I see that look—the one which tells me you won't reveal anything you don't want to." He released her hand and stood. "I need to go and discuss a few things with Leo. But I'm going to come to dinner soon to meet this fae witch of yours and ensure he's good enough for you."
She decided to ignore her brother's suggestion that River might be with her long-term. "Bring Joseph with you too. It might be nice for River to have a male unrelated to me, one he can commiserate with about your and Leo's overprotectiveness."
Laurie shook his head. "It's our job to look out for you." She frowned, but he pushed on. "I'll bring Joseph, though. But more because he has a good head for business and if this fae witch doctor stays here, he might need some advice about starting his own."
And what was left unsaid was how since River was from the future, and given what Yesenia had shared, the fae witch wouldn't automatically dismiss Joseph's opinions because of the color of his skin like many would.
She stood. "Yes, that would be quite helpful, Laurie. River's feeling a bit lost, as I imagine anyone would be if they suddenly woke up in the past, and I'm sure he'd like any help you and Joseph can give him."
"You should be the one giving him the most support, Nora. If you keep him at arm's length, the claiming will be harder."
Especially for herhe didn't say. "I'll do what I must to not go mad, but nothing else." Laurie raised his brows and she narrowed her eyes. "Stay out of it, Laurie. I know you like to meddle, but I'm not one of your patrons looking for the perfect bed partner."
He sighed. "If only it were that easy for you." After studying her a beat, he continued, "I'll stay out of it, unless I think you're making a bloody big mistake, then I'm going to speak up."
Knowing that was the best she could hope for, she bobbed her head. "I do the same for you and Leo all the time, so I wouldn't expect anything less."
The corner of Laurie's mouth ticked up. "With everything that's been going on over the last couple months, Leo's been your focus. I miss some of your scoldings."
She rolled her eyes and moved around the desk. After giving him a playful shrug, she said, "I have a few that I could use at any time. So unless you want one now, you should leave."
He placed a hand over his heart. "My cruel, heartless sister doesn't love me." She grunted and he laughed. "I know, I'm being ridiculous. I'll go talk to Leo now, but just know I'll be keeping an ear out for what happens with your fae witch. Send for me anytime, Nora, all right?"
She nodded, and after a quick hug, Laurie left the room.
Even if Laurie could be trying at times, she loved him and needed to make an effort. He'd been right—Nora had been so focused on Leo and Yesenia that she hadn't written or invited Laurie and Joseph around as much as she usually did.
Putting that on her mental list, she glanced at the clock and sighed. It was hours yet before she was supposed to take over from Yesenia and watch River again. And while she had plenty of household-related items to complete, after talking with her brother, her mind whirred and she wouldn't be able to concentrate on most of them.
She glanced over to the door leading out to the balcony. Just thinking about going through it didn't upset her like it had before Yesenia had encouraged her to go out on it more, especially during the busiest parts of the day.
However, Nora rarely stepped foot outside on her own. Every time someone looked up at her, she swore they were judging her. Yesenia said that was stupid, but it was hard to push aside the memories of whispers and harsh words, no matter how much time had passed.
But time had passed. And recently, she'd thought more and more of being able to go outside or even just to a shop.
If she could slowly conquer this fear, she could do so much more, not only in her life, but for her safe haven houses as well.
She took a deep breath.You can do this. Come on, you're strong enough. Just walk out onto the bloody balcony.
Nora moved to the door and eyed the faint sunlight through the glass. But she wasn't about to use that as an excuse either. As long as she drank blood regularly, the sun wouldn't kill her. Besides, an awning protected the balcony except for the very edge.
Opening the door, she paused and took a deep breath of fresh air. She hadn't realized how much she missed the outdoors until Yesenia had started these little exercises, as she called them.
A frisson of fear raced through her, but Nora pushed past it. She wouldn't be able to hear what anyone said from the second-story balcony unless they shouted.
She took one step and then another, until she was a few feet from the doorway and could see the wide width of the River Thames in the distance, full of sails and boats and barges; the waterway was always hectic during this time of day. Below her was a busy thoroughfare, full of horses and carriages, people running errands, and more grandly dressed individuals slowly perusing one shop window and then moving to the next.
When Nora spotted a couple walking together, the female with her arm wrapped around the male's, the pair laughing and smiling, a pang of jealousy echoed through her. At one time, she'd wanted nothing more.
Then her father had ruined her life.
