He holds his phone up. I groan.
I pace the small room. “Okay, so let’s think. First, do you really think the boy was there for a reason? Like a serious one, other than his own stupidity or curiosity?”
Tiernan shrugs. “I don’t know, but I do know that it’s a possibility. If you wanted to get information on someone at a school, who would you use?”
I groan. “Okay, alright. The last time you came here, did your cell phone work?”
“Yes.”
“We might be able to use their internet to connect. Is there a phone in the room?”
He shakes his head.
“Right, then. Let’s go find your brothers.”
“Yes,” he says with a nod. His lips twitch. “Good idea.”
“Why are you laughing at me? This is no laughing matter, Tiernan Hurston!”
His lips part in a smile. “You’re adorable when you’re all riled up.”
I snort. “You haven’t seen riled up.”
He grabs my hand and tugs me over to him. “I can’t wait. I’m up for the challenge.”
“Of course you are.”
“C’mon, let’s go see the others, before you’ve got my knickers around my ankles again.” My heart thuds in my chest. Not a bad idea.
We take a walk to see his brothers, but nothing’s out of place. No one has cell service, but Tully manages to use the internet to send a message to Keenan.
“All’s fine, boys,” he says. “But I’ll prowl the grounds tonight. Do a round. We can take shifts. Two hours each.”
“Fair enough, brother, but you won’t be counting me in those shifts.” He jerks his chin toward me. “She’s my shift.”
“Of course,” Tully agrees.
That makes me tingle all over. I give him a small smile that makes his eyes dance.
We go back to our room when it’s late and dark out, and apprehension fills my belly. I know that something isn’t right here, and it troubles me. Tiernan’s distracted and doesn’t speak much as we get ready for bed.
“Everything okay?” I ask, but he only shrugs and frowns.
I have the sickening feeling that I’ve done something. I hate that when he’s not happy, I immediately blame myself. My inner critic’s still working overtime.
Maybe now he knows who I really am.
Maybe he’s getting tired of me?
It’s foolish nonsense for me to worry about such things, I tell myself.
I fall asleep troubled, and sleep fitfully. In my dreams, I’m back with Vivian, with an older man. Another fucking politician. He grabs my hair and forces me to go down on him. “You killed my son,” he says in my ear. I wake with a start, and Tiernan nearly jumps out of bed.
“Y’alright?” he asks, brows drawn.
I blow out a breath. “Fine. Just a nightmare is all.” I force a smile. “If you had a sword by your side, you’d have drawn it.”
He doesn’t smile back but holds me to his chest, and I let his warm touch and steady heartbeat soothe me a little.
“Want to tell me about it?”
I shake my head. I really don’t.
“’Twas nothing.”
The look in his eyes tells me he knows it wasn’t “nothing,” but he thankfully doesn’t pry.
I yawn widely. “I’ll get some more sleep now.”
“Good girl,” he says, tucking the blanket around me. My old fears about being a good girl, with the memory of my dream still lingering, makes me feel sick to my stomach. I toss and turn, trying to get some sleep, but it’s no use. I’m wide awake.
Tiernan gives my arse a playful smack. “Settle, love. And get some sleep. You’ll need it.”
“I’m trying.”
He combs his fingers through my hair. “I’ll tell you a story.”
I feel all warm and cozy. “Aye, I’d love that.”
“There once was a girl named Ruby who wouldn’t get to sleep. She needed her sleep, because she had a big day the next day. But instead of sleeping, she tossed and turned like a naughty little thing, so the big bear of a man who shared her bed finally yanked her across his lap, spanked her arse, then tucked her into bed, and she finally fell asleep. And they lived happily ever after.”
I’m giggling, and shaking my head. “That’s the worst bloody story I’ve ever heard.”
“It’s a futuristic tale, though.”
I giggle at that, as he combs his fingers through my hair again. “Shhh, now. Be my good girl.”
Good girl.
Yes.
I’m his good girl.
Am I?
I close my eyes and finally fall asleep.
I wake the next day before he does, my stomach growling with hunger. I’m in dire need of a hot cup of tea. I find a kettle on a little table, and make myself a cup. He wakes up shortly after I do.
“Breakfast, love?”
His hair’s all sticking up crazy.
“What?” he says, scratching his chest while I laugh.
“You’re so cute when you first wake up in the morning.”
“Cute?” He scowls at me.
“No, not so cute. Cute like a bear that’s been hibernating all winter, then comes out and blinks in the daylight, ready to eat anything he finds.”
He rolls his eyes but smiles. “We need to meet up with the others.”
“Aw, no more morning snuggles?”
“We’ll snuggle later,” he says. “Promise.”
Today’s a dismal, rainy day, with thick storm clouds making it look like it’s still nighttime. The skies open just as we get to the hall for breakfast.
“Dammit, you’re soaked,” Tiernan says.
“How’d I manage to get soaked and you’re nearly fine?” I ask, trying to wring out my hair.
“Timing,” he says with a chuckle.
“Tiernan, I was looking for you.” Malachy’s at the head table, buttering a scone. “Can we talk about class today?”
“Aye.” I join him, but really want to at least wring my hair out a little more.
“Need to use the restroom, Tiernan.” I say as he sits beside Malachy.
Tiernan nods and says to Malachy, “We’ll be right back.”
I shake my head. “Tiernan, I’ll be fine for one little minute without you, especially with your brothers here.”
But the look on his face brooks no argument. He walks me down the hall to the restroom and waits just outside the door. I feel like I’m on parole or something.
I do my best to dry off a bit with some paper towels, tipping my head upside down to shake the water out. When I stand, I find myself staring right at the headmaster.
I jolt. I thought I was alone. And what’s he doing in the women’s loo?
“Hello,” he says with a smile. “I’m sorry, you were likely looking for the ladies’ room?”
I look in astonishment at the door. “Oh. Oh, aye,” I say, confused. Did I use the wrong one?
“Nothing to worry about,” he says. “I’ll be sure no one comes in.”
“No, that’s quite alright,” I say, flustered. I turn to leave. “Tiernan’s just outside, I’ll just —”