Ronan

Chapter Forty-One

Something about his departure felt more abrupt than normal. More daunting.

She shifted, unable to find a position on the sofa that felt comfortable. She couldn't shake the feeling that something bad was happening. That this was the moment where everything would go to pot.

Ronan didn't leave the villa after calling it a day. Ever. Anything 'after hours' could be handled by the warlocks.

What could be so bad that he had to up and leave like that?

"Rosa!"

Her blood turned to ice.

Needless to say, that hadn't been Ronan's voice. It was too—dare she say it—cheery.

It brought images of Morio's to head. Of pouring beers and hearing laughter.

She'd obviously imagined it. The silence and loneliness was driving her crazy. Crazy enough for her mind to concoct random demon mercenaries.

"Rosa!"

Nope. She couldn't be that crazy.

"Rosa!" Another voice joined.

This one she knew but didn't recognise so easily.

But there was no way—simply no way—these people were here. Ronan's magic was too strong. Only he could come and go. And no offence to Caspian, if anyone was going to break the barrier, then she'd thought it would be someone stronger. Someone with magic on their side.

By rule of thumb, brawn didn't beat magic. And Caspian? All brawn.

"Rosa!"

She lugged herself up from the sofa, forced to investigate. Testing the waters, she called, "Caspian?"

"In here!" Cas shouted back. "We're in here!"

They were really here?

Excitement struck her first. For the first time in well over a year, she'd talk to someone other than Ronan and his Mother!

The dread came a calling soon after.

Nothing good could come from Caspian being here. Especially if the baby daddy finds out.

She bolted around the corner, praying she was going crazy. Praying they weren't actually in here with her.

Not crazy.

Caspian stood by the door, accompanied by Emilio's—'Ric'—little sister, Sofia.

"What are you doing here?" She demanded, horrified.

They stared right back at her, faces mirroring her own.

"You're—you're—" Cas stuttered.

"You're enormous," Sofia completed.

Her hand rested on her stomach, cupping it, sparing herself of some of its weight.

Right! The last time they'd seen her, she'd been...not pregnant?

For all they knew, she'd been chained and tortured. Well, the lines there were a little blurred. But none of the allies knew of her... unique history with Ronan.

"I don't understand," Cas said.

"How is that possible?" Sofia asked.

"Ronan..." Rosa drifted off. What else was she supposed to be? I've been on again off again banging the warlock King for a century. Oh, and I love him!

With a weak voice, Caspian asked, "Did that bastard warlock force you?"

"No—no we have a history."