Chapter Text
‘Please, Nesta. Say you will.’
Nesta sucked in a long breath. Her younger sister sat opposite her, golden-brown hair plaited into two braids. She wore a top printed with sunflowers beneath her dungarees, every inch the happy flower she’d always been. Nesta could never say no to her big brown eyes.
‘I don’t know Lucien’s family.’
Elain shook her head dismissively. ‘So, you can get to know them! Lucien isn’t even close with them but his father insisted on throwing us this engagement party. I’m a little nervous to be honest.’
She wrapped the end of her braid round her finger to emphasise that fact. Nesta knew Lucien’s father was an old bastard to put it simply - that was how Lucien has described him on one of their first meetings where Nesta had interrogated him with intense scrutiny about every detail of his life. His brothers were equally as awful according to him. When Nesta had enquired how he had ended up to be a nice man, Elain had said he was a mother’s boy and stroked his cheek.
‘They will be there.’
It was more of a statement than a question. An impending sense of doom followed it. When Nesta had first moved to the city, the only person she had known was her sister, Feyre. She’d gotten swept up in her friendship group despite knowing they were not people she would ever have chosen. She had burnt that bridge, refused to even look at it and acknowledge that she had once been a part of it.
‘Yes. But Feyre is bringing Nyx!’
The only reason Nesta met her sister any more was to see her nephew. She didn’t get on with Feyre’s husband, nor his clingy cousin or any one of their other friends. They moved as a pack. Where one went, the others followed. And within that pack was Cassian. An ex-boyfriend that she was forced to endure the company of from time to time. He had a habit of showing up on her scheduled visits with her nephew. He made it his personal mission to rattle her to the point of fury.
‘Fantastic.’
***
It was an outdoor occasion in early June which meant Nesta had taken double the recommended dose of anti-histamines, clogged her eyes with drops and her handbag was stuffed with tissues and a nose spray. She’d chosen a lilac floaty dress which she already felt self-conscious in. It was a halter neck that left her back completely exposed. She tended to alternate between sweats or business attire, never a dress so pretty. She reminded herself that it was Elain’s engagement party and all eyes would be on her sister - except for when it was her turn to make a speech. At least Nesta had been forewarned for that portion of the day. Elain had practically begged her to speak.
On the drive there, her stomach bubbled with nerves. The last time she had seen Cassian, they’d had a blazing row. He’d called her a stuck-up bitch and she’d returned the favour by calling him an impossible man-child then slammed Feyre’s door in his face. It is Elain’s day, she reminded herself again, no arguments.
The estate was enormous. A huge white mansion sprawled out at the end of a long drive that was lined with rows and rows of nearly cut conifers. She was directed to the parking lot where a few other guests had already arrived. Already the high pollen count had her throat itching on the walk to the massive grounds. The wedding would be at a beach and Nesta couldn’t decide what she hated more: pollen or sand.
Flowers were everywhere, in every bed on every bush. More had been arranged for the occasion - likely by Elain herself - and they hung in garlands and wreaths. She spotted Lucien’s father, stern faced as always, speaking with other men of a similar age likely about business near one of the large marquees that had been erected.
Finally, she found Elain and gave a sigh of relief as her sister swept her into an embrace. ‘I’m so glad you came!’
‘How the hell have you afforded this place? You do know you have a wedding to pay for as well?’
Nesta was contributing to the wedding since their parents were both dead. Elain worked as a florist. It wasn’t lucrative but she enjoyed it, so Nesta was happy to funnel her finances towards her sister. It was unlikely that she was marrying anytime soon. Their father used to joke that whatever man was mad enough to take her on deserved a medal.
Elain blushed and glanced over her shoulder at Lucien’s father.
‘Lucien’s family is quite wealthy. This is one of their homes.’
Any words that Nesta had buried themselves in her throat. This was their home. This enormous palace with its grounds stretching on as far as the eyes could see was their home. One of their homes.
‘I need a drink.’
‘Wine? Gin?’
Nesta shook her head. ‘Still not drinking. And I’m driving. The phrase serves its purpose though. I’ll take anything cold.’
They walked together to the bar - all paid for, of course, by the Vanserra family. It had been a few years since Nesta drank. She leaned heavily on it during difficult times and Feyre and her friends were inclined to drink wine for every occasion. It was better for Nesta if she avoided it entirely though she found she didn’t miss it.
More guests arrived and Elain was led away in their greetings. A few made polite conversation with Nesta when they saw her standing alone. She’d been told more than once - including by Cassian - that she had a resting bitch face so people tended to avoid her.
She was inspecting a rose bush when she heard the familiar boom of Cassian’s laughter. Of course, he had an arm slung around Mor. Strictly platonic, Nesta thought with irritation. His scraggly dark hair was drawn back into a messy bun and he was decidedly more dressed down than any other guest. Feyre was struggling with Nyx who thrashed in her arms wanting to walk. He was a sickly child after a difficult pregnancy and they coddled him beyond belief. The poor boy only had sugar when auntie Nesta gave it to him. Everything had to be organic. He had a regimented day which only ended up stressing Feyre because he wouldn't nap at the regulated times. Her husband was conversing with Azriel, both males dressed head to toe in black, more suited for a funeral than an engagement party. Lucien strode over to greet them, red hair shining in the sunlight.
Nesta inhaled slowly, watching as the group took in the beautiful surroundings. Then Cassian’s eyes snapped to hers. He was moving. She was moving. Moving quicker towards a gate in between the rose bushes not caring where it was going.
She slammed it shut and kept her legs moving. He called her name. Then came barking.
A glance to her left revealed the sight of a pack of dogs, all barking, all pounding towards her. She’d been good at track though not in heels. Nesta sprinted across the lawn, only just making it to the small house at the other end of the garden as she slid open the door and took refuge.
‘Fuck me,’ she breathed, over the roar of dogs.
Her heart pounded as she leant against the glass. Out of the dogs and Cassian, she’d take being chased by dogs.
‘What’s the fuss? Shush.’
A man’s voice came from somewhere in the house. The dogs were still at the door, barking and leaping against it.
‘We’ll all get told off if you keep up that racket.’
Lucien’s brother, clearly, from the short auburn hair and brown eyes. He didn’t seem too alarmed by the sight of Nesta in his house.
‘Can I help you?’
‘The dogs chased me,’ she panted. ‘Just needed somewhere safe.’
The corner of his mouth quirked into a handsome smile. ‘That’s what they’re trained to do when a stranger enters their property. You must have run very fast. I’m impressed.’
‘Ex-boyfriend at the party,’ she said, swallowing against her dry throat. ‘I’d have run a marathon in these heels to avoid him.’
He gave a laugh, tipping his head back. Then he filled a glass from the tap and held it to Nesta. She gratefully downed it. Her heart still fluttered uneasily and she was glad for the amount of deodorant she’d sprayed on that morning.
‘I am making an assumption that you are Nesta since you look like Elain but aren’t covered in tattoos or have a child with you.’
‘You would be correct. And you are one of Lucien’s brothers but I don’t know any of your names.’
‘Eris. First born. Vanserra family name atop my shoulders. No pressure.’
‘You live here, not the big house?’
He shrugged and looked around the neatly furnished home. ‘Gives me space. I’m an architect so my office is here. Nobody bothers me. Plus all the dogs can only put hair on my belongings.’
‘All your dogs?’
She could count at least seven that were still on the porch. The barking had ceased and their tails wagged happily. The glass was smeared with nose prints and muddy pawprints.
‘Proud dad of twelve,’ he replied with a smirk. ‘Give me a moment to change then I’ll escort you to the party so you don’t need to break the Olympic sprint record on your way back.’
It really did only take him a few moments to emerge from his bedroom in the bungalow in smart black trousers and a white shirt, rolled up to the elbows. He ruffled his auburn hair casually though the crispness of his clothes suggested designer, very expensive designer.
‘So, this ex-boyfriend, how did he wind up at your sister’s engagement party?’ Eris knelt down to lace up his shoes.
‘He is in my youngest sister's friendship group so I think Lucien knows them from Friday evening drinks.’
Eris gave a nod. ‘Azriel?’
‘You know them?’
‘I dated Mor briefly. A long time ago. Dated being a loose sense of the word. Both dates, her friend showed up and started giving me shit that I didn’t deserve her.’ He loosed a dismissive laugh and rose.
‘Was that friend a big bruiser called Cassian?’
Eris grimaced. ‘That’s the one. Oh no. That’s not your one?’
‘Bingo. In my defence, I hadn’t been in the city long and I wasn’t in a good place when we met.’
‘I’ll let you off,’ he said, ‘for your poor tastes. We all make mistakes.’
At the slide of the door, the dogs tried to push their way past Eris to Nesta, more eager with curiosity now rather than out for blood. She shielded herself with his body, making him laugh again. The sound was deep and warmed a part of her.
‘They’re very friendly,’ he insisted, holding out his palm for one to sniff. ‘They’re just not accustomed to beautiful women stampeding through their garden.’
‘Desperate times call for desperate measures.’
Hesitantly, Nesta held out her hand. One dog pressed his wet nose to her palm then another nudged that one out of the way to get to her. They were all different breeds, some mixed, some with three legs or one eye. They were all the sorts of dogs that got dumped at a shelter when vet bills became too high.
Eris extended his arm for her to take. ‘If you need assistance today, feel free to use me. I know how they can be - but they can’t stand me. None of them will come near me so I don’t mind if you need to hide by me.’
Nesta slipped her arm into his as they walked across the lawn. ‘You’d be signing yourself up to a whole evening of my company. I won't leave your side.’
The smile he gave her was warm but there was a challenge in his eyes. ‘You say it like it’s a bad thing. Allow me to be your date for today.’
‘You’d pretend to be my boyfriend?’
‘I’ll pretend to be anything you want if it pisses them off.’
***
Eris was a knight in shining armour, sweeping Nesta away whenever they steered too close to the other group. He introduced her to a number for the Vanserra family friends - all of whom seemed to be rich and powerful enough for Nesta to wonder if Elain knew what she was getting herself into. He kept up a lie that they were dating. Both liked yoga, both were early morning people, neither drank, both preferred the autumn. It was easy to pretend when they were so similar. He blessed every pollen laced sneeze, guided her into the marquee when her allergies became too much and genuinely seemed to listen when she spoke.
‘What is the difference between a fun accountant and a regular one then?’
Nesta sipped at her pink lemonade through a straw, keenly aware that Eris watched the movement of her lips. ‘A regular one is boring. I am a fun accountant because companies employ me to audit their accounts. I get to discover which CEO is wiring money to an offshore account in the Cayman Islands or who is skimming off the top for their retirement fund and blow the whistle thereby ruining their fun. There’s a lot of travel involved, but the money is good and I don’t have anybody waiting for me at home.’
‘Do you enjoy it?’
‘It’s not particularly thrilling but numbers are easy.’ She shrugged, ‘I spend a lot of time in hotels or on flights so I get to read and there’s little washing up to do.’
Thankfully at the buffet table, Elain had included a number of vegetarian dishes that Nesta could eat. For once it wasn’t a giant mushroom stuck between a bun.
‘Oh, my father will have a field day if he finds out you're vegetarian,’ Eris snickered. ‘Although the large man at the other end of the marquee is staring at you as if you are dessert.’
Nesta didn’t even need to glance over her shoulder to know that Cassian was haunting her steps. She edged a few inches closer to Eris and then his arm slipped around her waist.
‘Is this okay?’
‘Perfect,’ she murmured, nuzzling against him.
They shared a plate, with Eris opting against any meat options for Nesta’s benefit and sat on a stone bench, hidden away from most of the party. Eris spoke of his work – and his father’s disappointment that he’d chosen architecture rather than law. He said that being paid to argue should have been his dream career making Nesta laugh then.
‘Thank you for saving me at the buffet.’
Eris smiled then pressed a hand over his heart. ‘A hardship I’m happy to undertake. A bad break up?’
‘Awful. Several attempts at breaking up. None of them registering with him. Lots of screaming matches. Lots of “quit your job, it’s emasculating me because you earn so much and I still live with my buddies and wake up hungover every weekend!”.’
‘It doesn’t sound like he’s changed since I knew them. And Morrigan?’
Nesta scrunched up her nose. ‘Oh, you mean, “babe, she’s like my sister! That’s why she sleeps in my bed and doesn’t like other girls talking to me” that Morrigan? The “we slept together once years ago, you’re being paranoid” Morrigan?’
The memories made Nesta shiver. She wasn’t asking to be put on a pedestal. What she wanted was to be considered ahead of Mor from time to time. Or for Mor not to be invited along for every occasion. Especially not to a weekend away on the coast. She’d shown up for Cassian’s birthday and the pair of them had shared the double bed in the hotel while Nesta slept on the couch. That had been the straw that broke the camel’s back.
‘Feyre is younger than Elain, isn’t she? And she’s already married to Rhys?’
Urgh. That also made Nesta’s skin crawl. Rhysand was fourteen years older than Feyre. She’d had one high school boyfriend then met him. Within a year, her twenty-one year old sister was married and pregnant. Feyre claimed she was happy as a stay-at-home mom with painting occupying her free time but Nesta saw her more as Rhysand’s trophy wife. That was an argument they’d had before and Rhys had demanded she leave his house. With pleasure, she’d snarled back.
‘Yes, I am the designated spinster of the family.’ Nesta swept her head into a bow. She picked up a small pastry filled with cheese and onion. ‘Cassian used to call this rabbit food. Told me to eat real food. Would always try to kiss me after he’d eaten a steak to piss me off.’
‘He’s a dick. There’s no other way to say it.’
A band had started up or at least, Nesta had thought it was. On closer inspection, five musicians were upon the stage playing light classical music, all in finely tailored clothing. A far more sophisticated affair than Elain and Lucien might have planned. It was definitely not their sort of thing so she wondered how much Lucien’s father had dominated the affair. Certainly the average age of the party was more suited to him than Lucien or Elain – and they were likely his own guests, business associates, clients, or potential clients.
‘Shall we dance?’
Nesta raised her eyebrows in surprise. A man who actually wanted to dance? ‘You’re suggesting this to give me a grope, I suppose?’
Eris tipped back his head with another easy laugh. ‘Is that on the cards? I wouldn’t refuse that. No, I like to dance. I thought you might too. Plus, Cassian and Mor are staring daggers at us so I thought we could have them frothing at the mouth before the evening is done.’
That was all the incentive she needed. Eris pulled her close, hand slipping into her own while another glided around her waist. His body was long and lean, capable of making her feel small without dwarfing her.
After two songs of easy dancing, the tone changed to a slower one. Nesta wasn’t aware of who else was dancing or even who else was in the main marquee. When Eris drew her close enough for their bodies to be flush, all she cared about was her head that rested on his shoulder, the nose brushing against his neck as they danced, his broad hand on her bare back.
To onlookers, it would be cosy, romantic even. Eris allowed her to use him, she reminded herself as her arms enclosed around him. He made a murmur of contentment then his lips brushed against her brow. It shouldn’t have given her butterflies.
‘It’s no wonder Cassian cannot stop staring at you. You are the most beautiful woman in the room.’
She glanced up at Eris but there was nothing playful on his face. Nesta felt dizzy when she looked at him; the clean-shaven face, the hard set of his jaw and golden light in his eyes. He certainly was handsome. And her type. And happy for her to use him however she wanted that evening.
‘He didn’t deserve a moment of your time.’
They danced a little while longer until she hobbled to a table, the balls of her feet aching from her high heels. Warm hands undid the straps around them then Eris was putting his own shoes onto her bare feet, insisting he didn’t care if he wore socks.
‘I’m the eldest,’ he explained, ‘Whatever I do is wrong. Who cares if I wear socks to a party at my own house? What matters more is that you aren’t in pain. I have crocs in the house if you’d prefer those.’
‘Only if they match my dress.’
His arm stayed around her shoulders as they observed the others dancing when the sun began setting. It was pretend, Nesta knew, but part of her enjoyed his touch. She liked when he murmured something in her ear, the timbre of his tone making her knees weak. She liked being able to burrow against him, so his warmth chased away the goosebumps on her skin.
‘Eris, you said you weren’t bringing a plus one.’ A beautiful woman in a sweeping green dress joined their table. Definitely Lucien’s mother from the russet eyes - which made her Eris’ mother too. ‘You’ve hidden her away rather than introducing us.’
Nesta was about to peel herself away from him and declare they were simply pretending to avoid their exes, but Eris tightened his grip around her shoulders. His thumb brushed against her skin.
‘Nesta is Elain’s older sister. We met a few weeks ago through work. I didn’t need a plus one when she was already attending.’ The lie rolled off his tongue so smoothly that Nesta almost believed it herself. ‘There hasn’t been time to introduce her properly plus we didn’t want to detract from Lucien and Elain’s party.’
Satisfied, his mother gave one sharp nod. ‘It’s so lovely to meet you. I’m Olivia.’ Her auburn hair was drawn into a loose bun and there were freckles across the bridge of her nose. She watched the dancers, eyes tracing over her youngest and Elain. Then, she said with a smile, ‘Perhaps we’ll celebrate your engagement next.’
Nesta nearly choked on her drink, but Eris handled it. ‘When we marry, we are eloping in Vegas. Less fuss.’
He stroked his hand across Nesta’s face, the motion so delicate and caring she almost wanted to run off to a chapel with him.
They ended up at the same table for dinner. She was introduced to more Vanserra brothers - each one either brown or red haired with dark eyes. They spoke crassly of women who were in attendance in a manner Nesta was used to from her work though Eris chided them and apologised. They’d all likely end up as CEOs of companies through their father’s contacts rather than merit.
When it came to the speeches, Nesta’s hands began trembling. Public speaking had never bothered her. She could speak to anybody and never cared for their opinion. But this was somehow different. This was talking about her sister - her favourite person in the world - in front of a bunch of strangers. This would reflect on Elain. She barely listened to Beron speak or Lucien then suddenly all eyes were on her. Somebody had introduced her as the next speaker. Eris gave her a nudge.
‘For those of you who haven’t had the displeasure of coming across me, I am Nesta - Elain’s oldest sister.’ A murmur of laughter from Rhys and Feyre. ‘When our mother died, I kept Elain close. I became fiercely protective of her which poor Lucien found out early on. She came home from work to tell me about a lovely man who bought a bunch of flowers every day from her, who always asked her opinion on the colour scheme and arrangement, and how lucky his girlfriend must be to have a considerate man like him. I had my suspicions. No man buys flowers every day unless he’s constantly in trouble or he wanted an excuse to speak to the beautiful florist.’
Elain and Lucien beamed at each other, both utterly enamoured.
‘We lost our father young and our mother even younger, but I am so proud of who you have become – the way you have grown – despite it all, Elain. You and Lucien are perfect for each other. Your love has been a joy to watch bloom. And I know that Lucien will make you happy. Lucien, just so you know, you will need to find another florist to buy flowers from when you are in trouble.’
There was a ripple of laughter around the room and Lucien gave a sheepish smile to Elain.
‘Any man that can withstand my interrogations without crumbling is worthy of my little sister. To Elain and Lucien.’
A flood of adrenaline washed through Nesta once the speech was done and a toast had been made. Eris squeezed her hand beneath the table. ‘Beautiful speech. Well done.’
***
The alcohol had set in for many, once night had taken hold. A band had arrived, replacing the musicians, playing more upbeat music and current songs. She danced again with Eris; the man insisted on remaining in his socks even as the cotton stuck to the sticky dance floor. He was an easy partner, twirling her, keeping her steady or drawing her in so their bodies brushed against each other. How much of it was faking, she wasn’t sure of because they were both grinning no matter who watched them.
A child cried repeatedly. It became harder and harder to ignore that cry. It was her nephew, tired and miserable, up far past his bed time. Feyre’s cheeks were dotted with colour as she struggled with Nyx. He arched his back, throwing his head back. Rhys took over with no luck.
‘Would you be mad if I swapped you for my nephew?’
‘Have us both,’ Eris said simply, taking her hand and leading her towards the group.
Before any of them could pass a comment on her date for the evening, Nesta extended her arms to Nyx. ‘Come on.’
Those teary blue eyes recognised her and he held out his arms to be taken from Rhys. Feyre sagged with relief.
‘Would you mind? Just for a little while. He’s cutting his back teeth. He won’t settle.’
‘It’s fine,’ Nesta said, avoiding Cassian’s gaze as he tried to get her attention. ‘Enjoy yourself. Has he eaten?’
‘He won’t eat anything,’ Feyre complained.
‘All he’s done is cry,’ Mor muttered.
Eris snorted. ‘I can’t blame him with this company. Shall we go, Nesta?’
A hand was on the small of her back, guiding them away before a swift rebuttal could come. Nyx still grizzled in her arms, tugging at a lock of her hair that he’d pulled out of her coronet even as they weaved their way out.
‘Why is he dressed like somebody’s uncle?’ Eris murmured as they exited the marquee.
Nyx had been stuffed into a tweed suit complete with a waistcoat and bowtie. The night air was cool, but his cheeks were red from teething and crying. Why hadn’t they hired a babysitter and kept him at home – or taken him home early?
Nesta sat on a bench – the same one they’d eaten together on – and began stripping him off. Eris folded each item she handed to him until Nyx was only in a vest and diaper. The relief was instant. He stopped grumbling and flopped his head against Nesta’s breasts. He was the only male allowed to do such a thing. She swept his sweaty black hair out of his face.
Eris lifted Nyx’s foot, inspecting his wiggling toes for a moment then blew on them. The sensation must have tickled him because he tried to jerk away from Eris’ touch. It only spurred him on and soon Nyx was giggling in her lap and kicking his legs away from Eris.
‘First born. Lots of practise,’ he explained.
Nesta knew the feeling. Their father worked non-stop leaving Nesta in charge the majority of the time. He’d never once learned how to do their hair, leaving that to Nesta too. She was the one who pinned up the weekly plan on the fridge detailing when each child had which club after school though as soon as she got her license, Nesta was the one doing pick ups and drop offs. Her life hadn’t much changed after her father’s death. She was already self-sufficient, working and studying. Financially, Nesta did her best to support Elain and Feyre too, but their father’s money quickly ran out when they realised how many gambling debts that he’d racked up on his business trips. Feyre wouldn’t hear a bad word about him – and Nesta had to wonder if that’s why she married a wealthy older man so quickly.
‘I have the perfect remedy for a teething baby.’
Eris gestured for her to follow him. He weaved through the crowds easily, reaching his hand behind him to guide them all the way to his annexe. Every now and then he’d check over his shoulder and pause to pull them both a little closer.
In his freezer, Eris pulled out homemade ice lollies made of puréed fruit.
‘You make these?’
He blushed slightly. ‘I try to be healthy but I have a major sweet tooth. Can he have one?’
Nyx was already reaching out his hand for it. Nesta had cemented her position as his favourite adult by being the fun one who gave him sugar, so an ice lolly before bed wouldn’t hurt.
‘Berries or apple and kiwi?’ Eris asked. Nyx reached for the green one. ‘Would you like one?’
‘No, you can have it.’
Eris’ face lit up and he dragged his tongue up the length of it.
They sat outside of his house where a couple of the dogs had come to greet them. Nyx watched them with curiosity as he dribbled cold juice down his chin. Eris didn’t hesitate to retrieve a tissue from Nesta’s handbag to clean him. Her heart almost exploded from her chest at the sight of it. A man who liked children and had a good job and was handsome and single. It didn’t seem possible. He was too good to be true.
He snapped a few pictures of Nesta and her nephew on his phone, smiling at them as he swiped through.
‘We don’t have to pretend here.’
‘Maybe I like pretending with you,’ he admitted. ‘Can I show him the dogs?’
Nyx went to him readily. Eris squatted down, balancing the baby on his knee as a hobbling chocolate Labrador with a grey muzzle greeted them. A small hand reached out.
‘Gently,’ Nesta encouraged.
Eris held onto Nyx’s hand, guiding him as he stroked the various dogs that came over for a fuss. One with a face like it had ran into a wall kept licking Nesta’s bare calf until she was giggling and tugging her legs up out of the way.
They stayed that way for a while, neither talking much as Nyx’s eyelids grew heavy. The sound of the band was faint, carrying to Eris’ garden on the breeze. The Vanserras were wealthy beyond belief but Lucien was a nice man - and Eris seemed to be the same way.
‘Why are you single?’ She blurted out.
Eris cocked his head to the side. A light wind blew strands of his auburn hair. Nyx had his cheek pressed to Eris’ chest, blinking heavily at Nesta. A small hand wrapped around Eris’ index finger.
‘Several reasons. One – I tend not to go out as many women are interested in my surname or my family’s wealth. Two – I’m a bit of a workaholic. Three – A woman has to like all twelve of my dogs. Four – my father is an absolute bastard and I don’t want any woman exposed to that. Do you need any more?’
‘Five – your bone structure will make any woman envious,’ Nesta said, brushing her thumb against his chiselled cheek bone.
She considered what Eris had said. Her mind had leapt to Elain and what she was letting herself in for with a father-in-law who cared little for the damage left in his wake as long as he profited. Elain could be sensitive, taking comments to heart. She had to hope that Lucien would step between them if anything occurred. Nesta glanced sidelong at Eris. Twelve dogs wasn’t a dealbreaker. She was a workaholic. She also didn’t like meeting men or one-night stands. No, it was silly to think that way. Silly to consider what Eris had said. They were only pretending so that Cassian would leave her alone.
‘He’s asleep,’ Nesta whispered, smoothing Nyx’s black hair from his forehead.
Eris had him cradled against his chest, so that a chubby arm dangled down. His mouth was open, deep in slumber. The sugar had the opposite effect, but at least her nephew was content now.
‘Do you want children?’
Eris raised his chin, grinning slightly. ‘Are you offering? It might take a few tries but the practise is most of the fun.’
Her cheeks scorched and Nesta could not look him in the eye. What could she reply to that? Nothing. Her tongue was in a knot. Eris nudged her with his elbow, grinning again.
‘You’re even more beautiful when you blush.’
‘Stop pretending.’
‘You think I’d lie? You wound me.’ His hand stroked the back of Nyx’s head softly, smoothing down the curling ends of it.
Nesta shuffled closer to Eris then he draped his arm around her waist. She couldn’t say how long they stayed there for simply enjoying the quiet of a summer night.
‘We can pretend again at the wedding if you like.’
‘I would like that,’ she confirmed. The thought of being a bridesmaid in a yellow dress on a hot beach and ensuring everything went smoothly for Elain’s day was already stressing Nesta – but if Cassian was leering at her or trying to cause an argument, her temper might go into overdrive.
‘I’d be happy to be your shield again.’
‘More than a shield, you’ve been my hero today.’ She stretched out her legs, making the too big shoes on her feet wobble. Eris had been wonderful. ‘Sprinting across your lawn chased by a pack of dogs and breaking into your house has got to be one of the best decisions I’ve made this year.’
‘In fairness to you, the door was unlocked.’ Eris leaned towards her and kissed her cheek. ‘You know that if you catch the bouquet at the wedding, my mother will ensure we get married.’
Nesta winked. ‘I’ll do my best to catch it then.’