Nicolas hooked his hands behind his head. “That’s right,sweetheart.”
Slightly confused I frowned. “Then why call him Nicolas aroundme?”
Grayson squeezed my hand. “Because I wanted you to do it on your own and feel comfortable with him, not call him that because of me. A name is special and quitepersonal.”
I glanced at Nicolas, who again, seemed to assess me. “You don’t mind me calling youNick.”
“No. I don’tmind.”
“Just don’t call him Dick. Although he can be one at times,” Stephanadded.
“You’re the one who can be a dick, little brother,” Nicolas told him as Stephangrowled.
Surprise filled me. Then again, it made sense – Nicolas’ protective manner, how he seemed to judge me each time I interacted withStephan.
“You’re brothers?” Well, duh, obvious question. “With different lastnames?”
“Half-brothers,” Stephansaid.
Nicolas slid an arm around Stephan. “Half or whole, we’re stillbrothers.”
My gaze snapped from one to the other. Sensing a story, I made a mental note to question them later. “So, if you’re Nick, does that mean I call StephanSteve?”
“Stevie will do. Little Stevie is even better,” Nicolasdeadpanned.
In the clear moonlight, Stephan’s expression looked horrified. “Fuck no. Do that and I’ll call you DickheadNick.”
“I like it,” Grayson decided. “Has a certainflair.”
I had to smile at their playful banter. “Stephan is more of a Stephan. But I might call you ‘Sonnie,” because Grayson is amouthful.”
Stephan laughed and even Nicolas cracked a smile, while Grayson’s eyes went wide. Then hegrinned.
“That’s right.” His wink this time was suggestive and sexy. “The ladies do say I am … amouthful.”
I rolled my eyes as the guys laughed. But I appreciated the light-hearted mood after the grimness we’d experiencedearlier.
Nicolas traced a line in the dirt. “You’ll be safe at our home, Sienna. Grayson takes extra care to insure all within our borders are protected.” He flicked out a hand, and claws emerged. “He has us as well and we fightrough.”
Good to know he was on my side. “Thanks,Nick.”
He gave me a level look. “It’s what Grayson and Stephanwant.”
Interesting.And what do you want, Nick?I couldn’t readhim.
Stephan waved a hand in the air. “Our place is safe as well from dark Fionn Fae. That Fionn Fae sure wanted you,Sienna.”
“You knew what it was?” I drew my hand away fromGrayson.
“We all did,” Nicolas said, giving his brother a meaningfulglance.
So much for relaxation. “Let’s forget about that. It’s a nice evening still. I’d rather not talk about whathappened.”
“Then we won’t,” Stephan assuredme.
My sore butt had enough of sitting. I stood, brushed off my pants and wandered over to theroad.
“Where’s your home?” I called back to the guys, who joinedme.