Spin the Shadows (Dark and Wicked Fae #1) - Cate Corvin Page 0,28

his sensual mouth set in another frown. “I’d prefer not to put you directly in harm’s way again, but harm is an inherent risk in this line of work.”

“I put myself in that spot, boss. I knew what was in the drink.” I stifled a yawn behind my hand. “If it makes you feel better, I have no intention of accepting a drink from Fionn ever again. Or being that reckless.”

Robin nodded slowly, his eyes fixed on my face again. “Look…” He shifted, distinctly uncomfortable. “I apologize for yelling at you. You took a heavy risk, but without it, we wouldn’t know Calder had made ties with Brightkin. I’d just prefer if next time…”

“I don’t get myself roofied?” I suggested. “Yeah, me too.” A scowl contorted my face. “How many nymphs does he do that to? He was so casual about it. This wasn’t a one-off incident.”

The icy look that Robin sometimes got came into his eye. “It’ll be taken care of.”

I immediately pictured the severed foot in his backyard. “Oh, my trees. Are you going to kill him?”

Anyone else would’ve looked at me like I was crazy for even suggesting it. Robin’s expression was utterly level. “Not kill him, no. He’s too high in the Gentry to murder outright. But perhaps he will wish for death by the end.”

A shiver went down my spine, but still, I was happy to hear that. Fionn had done worse to others. “You’re one scary man, boss.”

Robin seemed to realize he was glaring. He ran his fingers through his hair and released a breath, looking away. His next words were a little awkward. “You’re tired, Miss Appletree. Would you like to sleep here?”

I thought of the little bed upstairs that was technically mine to use as I wanted now, but I wanted the comfort of my own bed, my woven comforter and snoring roommates. It wasn’t as good as sleeping next to a warm someone who would just hold me tightly all night, but it was better than adjusting to a new and unfamiliar room.

“No. I’m going to head back home.” I stood up to clear my plate. “My roommates will lose their minds if I stay out all night.”

Robin made me put the plate down. “I’ll get this. Your roommates— Clove and Tarragon O’Callaghan?”

I raised an eyebrow. “Been stalking me recently?”

Robin raised one back. “Consider it your mandatory background check.”

I bullied him into letting me help clean up anyways. Standing side by side and washing the dishes with the help of a giggly little water sprite who blew bubbles at my face, I had that odd sensation of domesticity and comfort again. I’d never felt so comfortable even with Ioin.

“I can give you a ride home.” Robin practically blurted the words.

I didn’t look at him, keeping my eyes on the bubbles in the sink. The sprite winked at the sight of my pinkening cheeks. “No, it’s okay. I need to bring my bike home anyways.”

“It’d fit in the trunk, Miss Appletree. I’d prefer to drive you.”

I shook my head. “It was nice of you to make me dinner, but I can find my own way home. Unless the Ghosthand is out tonight.”

Robin looked out of the darkened window at the waning moon overhead. “The Ghosthand never operates outside the full moon. Tonight you’d be safe, but the offer stands.”

I figured Robin knew much more about the Ghosthand’s modus operandi than anyone else. If he said it was safe, then I was biking home. Having him make me dinner and then drive me home would be just a little too comfortable, in my humble opinion.

Best to keep that to missions only. We weren’t friends, or even equals. Getting comfortable with Gentry, feeling like you were their equal, was a recipe for heartbreak.

“I’ll walk,” I mumbled.

He raised one shoulder in a shrug, but I caught a glimpse of his reflection in the window. He was frowning again.

Robin walked me to the front door. It was easier to look him directly in the face in the shadows, while my own face was hidden too. “Good night, Miss Appletree. Text me when you’ve arrived safely.”

I grinned up at him. “Will do, boss.”

There was a pang of regret when I stepped off the porch and the door shut behind me.

My pink bike was still where I’d left it, propped against one of the outer stone walls. I biked through Thornwood and down Main Street.

More Fae and humans were out tonight, as everyone tended to be a little