Page 82 of Legacy

“I hate that question.”

“I know. Because putting labels on things can get weird. Especially when we’re figuring things out. But you’re right. Everything you just said is right.” She pulled away and moved out into the living room area.

I followed, rubbing my hand over my chest.

“This is why I shouldn’t have done this.”

“But we did. I was a willing participant.”

“Fine. But I’m an asshole, you know that, right?”

“Maybe I’m not the nicest person.”

My lips twitched. “Felicity. You’re like cotton candy.”

“Excuse me?”

“Sweet. Melts on your tongue. You’re nice, Felicity. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“I can be mean.”

“If somebody hurts someone you love. But you’re nice, and that’s fine.” I let out a breath. “I’ll talk to Rune and Atlas.”

“Yeah?”

“I have to. I need to figure out what to say. Atlas is easier because I could just send him a text.”

“You’re not going to send my brother a text, are you?”

“No. But I could. Atlas would be fine with it.”

“Really?”

“It’s Atlas. He’s a hothead on the ice and sometimes off, but well,” I shrugged, “Rune’s more protective of you. At least outwardly. Atlas is sneaky about it.”

“Tell me about it. The things he used to do when I was younger. Did you know he ran off my middle school boyfriend?”

“What?”

“Yep. Ran off my middle school boyfriend because apparently he didn’t like the way the guy looked.”

“Well, I trust Atlas.”

“Of course, you’re on his side. Have you told any of your family?” she asked softly.

“No.” Her eyes widened, and I cursed. “Teagan’s been out of town. Sterling has been out of town, too, visiting friends in Denver so he can get something special happening with the restaurant. Finnian has been waylaid with the twins getting a cold.”

“That was so scary.”

One of the twins had ended up with pneumonia, so Finnian and Promise had taken turns spending the night in the hospital with one and at home with the other. The fact that my little nieces were in pain nearly killed me, and I had been there right beside my brother, making sure that he had everything he needed.

“Bringing you up at that moment didn’t seem wise.”

“That makes sense. But what about Bodhi?”

“Bodhi’s dealing with his own things.”

Her eyes widened. “The anniversary. Hell. That’s why Thatcher—” She shook her head. “And my dad. Crap.”