The Magic of I Do (Faerie 2)

“Where are Lord and Lady Ramsdale?”

“Mother and Father went back to Ramsdale House.”

“Good.” She knew she sounded like a petulant child, but she couldn’t help it.

“We’ll see them on Friday. They’re throwing a ball to launch us into society.”

“I don’t care to be launched.”

“They’re acknowledging us as their legitimate children to the ton.”

Why would they do such a thing?

“It was their idea. They wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

Of course they wouldn’t. They suddenly wanted their fae children in their lives, when they hadn’t wanted them for such a very long time. Well, too little too late.

***

Robin paced back and forth in front of the fire in his study, and Finn feared his brother would wear a groove in the rug if he didn’t stop soon. “How could you?” Robin spit out.

“How could I what?” Finn snapped. “Be specific, Robin. Very specific, so I’ll know if I have good reason to hit you when you say the wrong thing.”

Robin took a deep breath. “What were you doing with Claire?” he asked.

>

Finn yawned into his hand. “Taking a nap, if you must know.”

Robin’s jaw fell open. “A nap? Is that what’s you’re calling it now?”

Finn got to his feet. “When that’s what it was, yes. A nap.” He balled up his fist. If Robin said what Finn expected him to say, the duke would be missing several teeth before the night was through.

“A nap,” Finn repeated.

“A nap,” Robin said, nodding his head. “You’re certain that’s all it was.”

“Quite certain.” He still had the ache in his stones because it hadn’t been more than a nap.

“Then why did she look as though she’d just been tumbled?” Robin flinched when Finn charged him. He held up a hand to stall his younger brother. “Perhaps a nap is that pleasant for her,” he rushed to say.

“It was quite pleasant,” Finn agreed, letting his fist fall back to his side.

“You’re serious, aren’t you?” Robin asked, his mouth falling open as Finn nodded. “Well, bloody hell.”

“I’m in love with her,” Finn blurted out.

Robin’s mouth snapped shut. “Is that so?”

“Yes.” Finn scrubbed at his forehead. “I don’t know how it happened, but I am. There. Are you happy?”

“Ecstatic,” Robin said glibly.

“I knew I liked her a lot.” Liked being inside her a lot. Like spending time with her a lot. Liked looking at her. Liked her sharp tongue. “Then she took me into that blasted painting and fell asleep with her head in my lap. I took the pins out of her hair and held her while she slept.” Finn began to pace. “Well, I slept a little, but it was difficult.” He stopped in front of Robin. “I want to marry her.”

“And?” Robin said. His mouth lifted in a grin. “What’s the problem?”

“She said no.” Finn began to pace again.