Page 20 of Vampire's Breath

In a flash, I made my decision. I wouldn’t allow myself to fail her family again. “But you only have a week.”

“A week?”

My voice dropped. “I’m going away for a while, but you’ll have the week to read Lord O’Cillian’s journals and ask me questions. If I can answer them, I will. If I can’t… I’ll put you in touch with the people in England who can help.”

A list of names flitted through my mind, each more problematic than the last. Who could I trust her with who wouldn’t drain her blood the moment they met her? This wouldn’t be the most straightforward task, especially if I wanted to stay out of whatever mess Cormac and Conall had going on. If I was right, my brothers were across the Irish Sea, and I no longer knew the London factions. Would someone asking about Lady Isobel tip my brothers off?

“But the old man saltbush…”

“I’ll get someone to care for it.”

She squared her shoulders, an uncertain smile playing over her lips. “Thank you, Lorcan. I promise—one week. After that, I’ll only speak to you when you come to order some random plant.”

“Thank you, Briar,” I mumbled. “And I’m sorry.”

“You’re sorry?”

“About getting coffee. I really—”

She wrapped her arms around her stomach. “You’re right. I wish there had been more, but what can I do?”

“Maybe…” There was so much more, but I couldn’t tell her.

She stood, and I swore I could see tears in the corners of her eyes. “Please don’t, Lorcan. Whatever you have going on, just don’t lead me on.”

I stepped toward her, laying my hand on her arm. “Maybe when I return, things will be different—you’ll see the world differently.”

I’d find a way to tell her what we had planted in the media then. I’d give her just enough of the journals to show that Lady Isobel was friends with Lorcan O’Cillian, but nothing more. The last thing she needed was to be involved with the Clan O’Cillian. I couldn’t allow history to repeat itself.

She bit the inside of her lip. “I don’t think I will, but thank you for your help.” She walked down the garden path, her shoulders hunched as she turned the corner and disappeared from view.

Briar

Iwalked into the coffee shop, the sweet aroma of roasted beans wafting over me. As I scanned the room, the muted clinking of spoons meeting ceramic reached my ears. My eyes landed on Amy, seated at a corner table, her legs crossed, tapping her nails on the ceramic mug in front of her. A second mug sat in front of the empty seat across from her. I made my way over and sat down.

She looked up at me, her eyes expectant. “How did it go?”

I shook my head, sighing. “Just don’t ask about our date, which, news flash, isn’t happening.” I poured a splash of milk into my coffee. I stirred carefully, watching the white swirl into the dark brown liquid, creating soft, curling patterns, not unlike how my thoughts swirled in my mind.

“Is there anything I can do?”

I shook my head.

Amy leaned forward. “Did he tell you if it was his family involved with Lady Isobel?”

I nodded, but I couldn’t muster any enthusiasm. “He said he’d bring me a journal from his ancestor Lorcan O’Cillian.”

Amy’s eyes lit up before narrowing. “But he didn’t tell you about this ancestor at the party? At least he’s helping now.”

The words caught in my throat before I pushed them out. “Yes, but I think I was hoping for more. I was hoping maybe he felt a little of what I feel.”

“So wearetalking about this?” Amy raised her eyebrows.

“No.” My eyes darted around. “Yes. I don’t know.” I heaved a sigh. “My mother made the no-commitment, all-play life look so glamorous. I never thought I wanted something long-term.”

“Do you?”

My heart pounded. Did I? I wasn’t sure, but I knew I wanted some of what Amy had with Hugh—someone who would allow me to be my uncontrolled, authentic, and honest self. Instead, I was there every day, making sure my business ran, Amy had support in her business, and I followed my mother’s dream. I had no time for anything else.

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