Then she said, “Apollo wished for my return, my twin’s return, really, but in being that, he sought bringing me here. And he got it. Or, I guess, me. And then he didn’t want it, it being, well…me. And that sucks. It hurt and then being here all alone scared me. And depressed me. Because I’d been alone a long time. A really long time. Losing my parents because they turned their backs on me when I picked the wrong husband. Running from him because he hurt me.”
She sucked in a deep breath even as Derrik pulled in a shallow one at her words.
“But I know we’re getting closer to Lunwyn,” she continued. “So I wanted to make sure I said thank you, to you and all the guys for turning a bad situation into a good one.” She smiled a smile that wasn’t her normal smile. It was smaller, slightly forlorn, but still warm. “No, a great one. And I’m starting with you.”
His heart didn’t thump harder at that.
It warmed.
“You’re more than welcome, Maddie,” Derrik replied quietly.
Her smile got bigger and she whispered, “You’re the bomb.”
He’d heard that before, repeatedly. So he knew it was good.
“And you are very sweet,” he returned.
“I am,” she agreed cheekily and finished, “When I’m not beating your ass in tuble, that is.”
At that, he tilted his head back and laughed and when he again looked at her, he saw she was doing it with him.
She sobered again and said softly, “Thank you, Derrik.”
His heart warmed further and he lifted his chin.
She gave him another smile and a wink before she turned to her door.
He turned to the passageway but something she said registered, therefore he stopped and turned back.
“Maddie, just to say,” he called and she stuck her head out the door. “Apollo left before you to get his children to safety. You should not take that as him not wanting you here.”
The forlorn went back into her face as she shook her head and returned, “Oh, he doesn’t want me.”
Derrik turned fully to her and started, “That isn’t—”
But she interrupted him.
“It is, Derrik. He said it to my face. ‘Be careful what you wish for, you might get it. And not want it.’ That’s what he said. Word for word. I think that says pretty clear he doesn’t want me, don’t you?”
Derrik didn’t answer. This was because he was concentrating on the blood roaring in his ears.
“Anyway, I’ve sorted it all out,” she carried on. “I’ve been thinking on it and I have a plan. I’ll have a word with him when we get there and it’ll all be good.”
He still said nothing.
“’Night,” she called.
“Goodnight, Maddie,” he forced out.
She gave him a small wave and shut her cabin door.
Derrik stared at it for long moments; his hands fisted, her words ringing in his head.
Then he moved in order to a get to a place where there was ale.
And whiskey.
* * * * *