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River grinned and Nora's heart skipped a beat. Even with a few lingering scars on his face, he was so bloody handsome it hurt.
If she was the sort of person to kiss or be intimate with a male, he would be her first choice.
And not just because he was her fated lord either.
Not wanting to think too deeply on that thought, Nora cleared her throat. "Well?"
River put out a hand. "Then it's a deal."
She gingerly placed her hand in his, and despite the material of her glove, she could feel his heat and the firmness of his grip.
No matter if River was still recovering, there was a strength about him that chased away some of her fears, almost as if he could protect her, if need be.
Yanking her hand away, Nora pushed the thoughts to the side. It was bloody ridiculous, of course. River was from the future, and as her sister-in-law had learned quickly, 1890 was more violent and dangerous than what they were used to.
Besides, how could a healer protect her if it came to it?
Yesenia clapped her hands, and Nora finally looked away from River. "Well, how about when dinner's over we play some cards? If River's feeling up to it, at any rate."
He nodded. "My magic did a bang-up job while I was asleep. Another day or two, and my injuries will be healed. I'll just have my physical recovery to work on."
His gaze turned guarded, and Nora wondered if he also thought of his mental recovery.
Because even if River hadn't said a word about how he'd ended up so battered and bruised, there was a story there.
Nora hadn't pushed because she'd retreated after her own experience and focused on other things to keep from becoming hysterical.
It was only years later she'd unlocked some of those memories, sobbed, and let go some of her pain.
Some still lingered, but she had fifty years distance to help dull things. River didn't.
However, his smile was back and he gestured toward the footman standing at the side, near the spread of food waiting to be served. "Let's eat. I'm out to win tonight."
As several footmen put out the first course, Leo spoke. "You do realize I own a gaming hell, right? I'm fairly good at cards."
River shrugged. "And I've played poker every week for nearly six years."
Nora shook her head. "I don't know the game poker. Do you, Leo?"
Her brother bobbed his head. "I've heard of it, but haven't had a chance to play it yet. The game is more popular in America."
River rubbed his hands together. "Well, then I'll have to teach you and whoop all your asses."
The fae witch's enthusiasm was infectious, and Nora laughed. "I'm not entirely sure of the meaning of the latter half, but I'm guessing it means you win."
"Yep. And once you know the rules, maybe we could make a bet to make things interesting."
As his eyes moved to her lips and back, her entire body heated. She had a feeling he didn't mean money.
And the thought didn't make her want to run screaming.
Clearing her throat, she picked up her cutlery and began cutting up her food. "We can play for buttons tonight. It's only fair, to ensure we all learn the rules properly."
Amusement danced in River's eyes. "We'll start with buttons and work our way up."
For a beat, time slowed as they stared at one another.
Then Yesenia asked about River's weekly poker games and everyone began eating.
