Curse And Craving

28

Most likely, she hasn't been here long, and that's the only reason she's still alive.” “I've told them about her. I guess that means they're already hunting her.” Regret bubbled up inside me. If I'd had Ronan's number like he had offered, I could have called to tell them that the Leannan Sidhe was here. I realized that there was still hope and grabbed my purse, whipping out my phone and googling the Huntsman. Cat watched in confusion as I listened to the phone ring time after time, but no one answered. The regret blossomed into a full-blown case of guilt, knowing that my decision not to exchange numbers would most likely cost the man his life.

“I thought maybe I could tell them she was here, and they would come help, but no luck,” I explained to Cat, eyes cast down to my hands in my lap. We sat quietly for a while longer to ensure the Fae was long gone before we made our way outside and said our goodbyes. I was hypervigilant on the way home after the all-too-real reminder of what could be lurking in the dark. OceanofPDF.com Chapter Twelve THE FOLLOWING DAY WAS A THURSDAY, AND IT WAS ASHLEY’S LAST FULL day in Belfast. I scooted toward her in bed and watched her steady breaths as she slept. Soon, she’d be safely back in New York, and I could at least check one worry off my list. Her eyes fluttered open, and her face screwed up in a cringe as she met my eyes. “Hey creeper, you watching me sleep?” she asked in a hoarse, sleep-filled groan. I couldn't help but giggle. “You know it. It's my last day with you here. I'm going to stare at you as much as I can.” Ashley rolled onto her back, gazing thoughtfully up at the ceiling before she asked, “You think there's Fae back in New York?” “From what I've learned, there aren't many Fae on Earth, so I doubt it. But I suppose it wouldn't be surprising if the few here were drawn to big cities. They apparently like debauchery and mayhem.” Her eyes slid over to mine as a grin spread across her face. “Debauchery and mayhem? What are you, Jane Eyre?” “Shut it, woman.” I gave her a playful glare. “Why are you asking about Fae in New York?” She shrugged. “I feel like going back to my job, and normal life seems odd. Like I'm pretending the giant elephant in the room doesn't exist. It's just a lot to wrap my brain around.” “That makes sense.” We sat quietly for a moment before I spoke again. “I don't think you'll be missing anything of consequence if that helps. The guys at the Huntsman keep the Fae out, and life will go on as it always has.” Ashley was too brash for me to tell her the truth. That the influx in creatures wasn’t normal, and nothing was certain. She didn’t look convinced. “I tell you what,” I continued, “if it makes you feel better, I'll make you pancakes before I head to work.” She playfully rolled her eyes toward me. “What, am I five now?” “You don't want pancakes?” “Hell yes, I want pancakes! Get cooking, woman.” She tossed her pillow at me, and I ran from the room laughing. WHEN I WALKED into the museum later that morning, a stranger sat behind the visitor's desk. I was informed that she was the weekend worker filling in for Cat, who had called in with a family emergency. I hoped that Cat was meeting with the elders she had referenced and would be allowed to tell me about her secret society when she returned. I spent a good portion of my morning on a conference call with a museum in Greece, discussing the possibility of a temporary exhibit arrangement. I wasn’t ready to take the lead on negotiations, but Fergus was great about including me in the discussions and paperwork so I could learn what was involved in acquiring an exhibit. It was common for museums to swap pieces periodically to drum up interest and provide new displays for visitors. The terms of the arrangement were generally standard, but sometimes, pieces required increased security or other special accommodations that had to be ironed out early on.

When I hung up from the call, my office phone buzzed, and the girl at the front desk let me know I had a visitor. I made my way to the lobby and found Ronan standing by the front windows, staring out the rain-streaked panes. “I hope you didn’t have to wait long,” I said when I joined him at the window. “It’s my fault for showing up unannounced. I wanted to see how you were doing. All of this is a lot to take in.” His eyes were warm, and I appreciated that he had stopped by to check on me. I walked toward the arched doorway, leading us into the heart of the museum where we couldn’t be overheard. “I saw a Leannan Sidhe last night. It was the second time I've seen her,” I whispered. “How do you know what this creature was?” His studious eyes assessed me, brow pinched. s**t. Didn’t think that one through, did you, Becca? “Research,” I shot back cryptically. Rather than question the source of my information, Ronan assumed my secrecy was founded in my own reservations. “Rebecca, I want to earn your trust. That was actually the other reason I came by this morning. Come with me after work, please. There’s something I need to show you.” His features were set with determination. “I don’t know, Ronan. This is Ashley’s last night here. I need to be with her.” “It won’t take long. You want answers, and what I will show you will reveal more than any words I could give you.” Well, damn. How was I supposed to say no to that? “Okay, but I can’t be out long.” His eyes lit with relief and excitement. “I'll pick you up just after six here at the museum.” I nodded, then called out as he started to leave. “Oh! I nearly forgot. I realized last night that I should have had your number so I could have alerted you.” My gaze dropped to my hands. “I think she killed a man last night, and I had no way to call for help. I won't let that happen again.” I held out my phone for him to put his number in my contacts. “Of course.” He accepted the phone and entered his information, then texted himself so he would have my number as well. “I'm sorry you had to witness that last night, and I hope you realize you couldn’t have done anything.” I gave a small nod. He leaned in to place a chaste kiss on my temple. I wasn’t sure how to receive the gesture, so I simply offered a small smile. “I'll pick you up out front after work.” As I watched his lean figure walk toward the front of the museum, I wondered what he would take me to see. I also thought about his kiss. My heart had raced when his lips grazed my temple, but more from surprise than desire.