Page 41 of Guarding Salvation

“Listen, all I’m saying is revenge is a path that leads to nothing but destruction. If you want this guy dead because the world will be a better place because of it then go for it, but I saw your face when Aoife told us what her father let those men do to her and you looked ready to commit murder.”

Bein banged the table with his fist, making the cutlery rattle. “His own fucking daughter, man. He let them rape and hurt her and he didn’t care. A man like that doesn’t deserve to breathe.”

“I agree, Bein, but just make sure you go into this with open eyes.”

“You think I should let him live?”

“No, I don’t but I made peace with who I am a long time ago.”

Bein relaxed, knowing his team were with him no matter what. “You’re a good man, Titan. Support a shit football team but you’re okay.”

Titan pushed his empty plate away and put his hand over his heart. “Please, everyone knows Arsenal are the best team.”

“Yeah, remind me again what you’ve won recently?”

“Okay, enough boy talk. Can we please discuss the plans for the day?” Snow had been quiet, always slow to get into her energiser bunny routine, but a bundle of energy when she did.

“I’m going to show Aoife the estate and then afterwards see if she wants to go into the village and have a look around.”

“Cool. So, are we in the background or what?”

“Well, I’m pretty sure neither of you are going to blend in very well in the village so you might as well come with us.”

“Are you saying your people have never seen a brother before?”

Bein laughed at the way Titan called them his people. “No, I’m not saying that but we don’t get a huge number of visitors this time of year and any newcomers will be spotted a mile out, which is why I came here. It’s like your own private battalion of security for free.”

Bram stood, stealing a piece of bacon from Snow’s plate, earning him a slap. “Animal.”

“You weren’t eating it.”

“I was saving it.”

“Fine, come over to the main castle in an hour and Mrs M can feed you a second breakfast.”

“For real?”

Bram laughed at the way Snow’s eyes lit up. That woman could eat more than anyone he knew and she still stayed the size of a waif. “For real.”

“You’re forgiven.”

“See you guys in a bit.”

Bram jogged back to the castle, rushing through the door and up the wide stairs two at a time heading for his room. Once he was showered and dressed, he tapped on Aoife’s bedroom door.

He held his breath listening as she moved around before the door swung open and she was standing there smiling at him, her hair still damp on the ends where it was trying to escape from the bun she’d forced it into. This woman with her wide green eyes and a smile that could outshine the sun, took his breath away. He didn’t know what it was about her but every second he was with her he was falling harder and harder, and he didn’t want to stop. He hadn’t lied when he’d said he had nothing to offer her, but he found himself wanting to be the best version of himself around her.

“Hey!”

“Morning, gorgeous. You ready for breakfast?”

“I am, I got the best night’s sleep.”

Bram shoved his hands in his pockets to keep from reaching for her, but she linked her arm through his as they walked down the stairs. “That’s great. It can sometimes be a bit overwhelming for people.”

“It is, but it also has a nice, cosy feel to it, which I know is crazy to say about a place this size.”

“No, I get it. I’ve always felt the same way.”