Seeing Danger (Sinclair and Raven #2)(64)

“They are always like this,” Dev said in Lilly's ear, as she studied the previously quiet girl and Cam. “From their first meeting they have antagonized each other, and while initially James and I tried to stop them squabbling, he now leaves them to it, as it is the only time Emily appears to come out of her shell.”

Lilly turned to face Devon before she spoke. “It must be hard for her though, don't you think?”

“Hard in what way?”

His eyes really were startling, green with gold flecks, and they appeared so alive, almost sparkling. “Living this life, knowing—”

“None of us care about Emily's birth, Lilly. She is now just one of us, as are Samantha and James.”

Lilly thought about that as Emily and Cam continued to argue. To love unconditionally as these people obviously did was a rare thing indeed.

“I wear them when I know I am meeting you, Emily. I use them to shield me from your rapier tongue,” Cam said with his mouth full of food.

“You have the manners of a barnyard animal!”

Even Emily's lips twitched as Cam neighed like a horse.

Lilly didn't see the communication, but she was sure there was one between Emily and James, because seconds later she left, taking Samantha with her and leaving Lilly to face the Sinclair/Raven clan. Lord, they were a terrifying group. So vibrant and alive, they made her feel... well, gray and dull.

“As you all know, Lilly healed Toby last night,” Devon said, and Lilly felt the jolt of his words. Looking around the table she saw no censure, only understanding, and some of the tension left her body.

“We also know after last night that someone is trying to harm her, and it is the belief of both James and I that this is due to her investigations into the missing children.”

“You did not tell me you had come to that conclusion.” Lilly looked from Dev to James. “Furthermore, perhaps you should talk to me about these matters before announcing them.”

“Toby told us of this man called Dominus and what he believes he is about.”

“Yes, I knew of him,” Lilly said.

“And yet you did not tell me?”

The dark raised brow indicated Devon was not happy.

“I'm not sure why I would, when at the time we were barely speaking to each other.”

“Bravo,” Eden clapped her hands. “We have an ally, Essie dear. It seems Lilly too will stand up to these dictators should it be required.”

Lilly watched James and Devon sigh.

“We are merely trying to ascertain what is the next step, wife,” James said.

“Excellent, and of course we shall help you with those steps.”

“Obviously,” he drawled.

Lilly felt Dev's fingers stroke the outside of her thigh, and the resulting heat that washed through her made her cheeks flush.

“Lord Braithwaite wishes to speak to Miss Braithwaite, your Grace,” Buttles announced from the doorway.

“Unhand my sister, Sinclair!”

Lilly turned to watch her brother storm into the room; his eyes focused on Devon's hand beneath the table.

“A little late to play the role of big brother, don't you think, Braithwaite?” Devon drawled from beside her.

“Nicholas, why are you here? I told you last night not to return.” Lilly got to her feet to face her brother.

“Why was he touching you?”

She could hardly believe his words. He had cared nothing for her, ever, and now he was the outraged older brother. If she could dredge up a laugh, she would have done so.

“Enough, Nicholas. Unlike you, these people actually care about me and I will not have you coming into our cousin's house and behaving in such a manner. Now leave.”

“I will not leave! Someone must protect your honor.”

“Protect my honor? Where was this protection when you wished to wed me to a man old enough to be my grandfather? Go away, Nicholas. I will be home when I am ready. Tell Aunt Vi not to worry. I am well.”

Lilly looked at Devon as he came to stand at her right. James then moved to her left. It was a show of support and she swallowed down the lump in her throat.

“I have no wish to discuss this here in front of these people. Come, Lilliana, we will leave at once.”

“She is going nowhere with you, Braithwaite. You had your chance to look after her and failed,” Devon growled.

“My office, I think,” James said, leading the way. “Move, Nicholas,” he ordered, and her brother surprisingly did as he asked. “I think we need to clear a few things up before anyone leaves this house.”

“What are we clearing up?” Lilly said, running to keep up with the long strides of the men, who were stalking down the hall before her. No one answered her. Devon, however, stopped, took her hand in his, and led her into James's study.

“Do you trust me?” he said, lowering Lilly into a seat and bracing his arms on either side to look at her.

“I-I, of course.” And she did, Lilly realized, and not because of what had happened between them. She knew that to the toes of his large feet, he could be trusted. He would lay his life down for his family, and she had the feeling he would do the same now for her. It was a humbling thought.

“And I will treasure that gift always, my sweet,” he said, straightening. “Just remember those words.”