Grim Holiday (Aisling Grimlock Book 6)

by Amanda M. Lee

  “That sounds like a great idea,” Griffin said, resting his forehead against mine. “We’ll see you for dinner.”

  21

  Twenty-One

  “Well, that was a fun dinner.”

  “Yeah, it was great.”

  I flicked my eyes to Griffin as we walked through the foyer and headed toward the stairs that led to my bedroom. He was distracted – understandably so – after a long dinner that involved his mother pouting, Maya taking Griffin’s side and my family making things worse because that’s what we do.

  “I’m sorry.”

  I’m not sure why I apologized. Technically I didn’t do anything wrong. In fact, I was the big hero when it came to chopping off the monster’s hand. It gave Cillian (once he calmed down, of course) the chance to come at the research from a fresh angle and Dad something to call his reaper cohorts about when he opted to lock himself in his office later and smoke cigars. For some reason the apology felt necessary, and I figured it was mostly because I was the source of strife between Griffin and his mother.

  Griffin shifted so he could stare at me, his eyes dark. “What are you sorry for?”

  “This is my fault. I wanted you to have a nice, quiet visit with your mother over the holidays, and instead she’s not speaking to you and you’re upset.”

  “I’m not upset.”

  I cocked a challenging eyebrow.

  “Okay, I am upset, but not for the reasons you think,” Griffin clarified, resting his hands on my shoulders as he rubbed his thumbs over my collarbones. “I’m upset because you’re upset.”

  It was a simple statement and I knew he believed it to be profound, yet it wasn’t. “I’m not upset.”

  “You are. I saw the look on your face when my mother said this wasn’t the life she wanted for me.”

  “I was a little surprised she had the gall to say that in front of everyone, but I’m not upset.” I lifted my hand so I could wrap my fingers around Griffin’s wrist. “I know you believe that I’m going to fall apart, but it’s simply not true. Do you want to know why?”

  “I do … but I don’t want to know it in front of everyone.” Griffin cast a dark look at a smirking Braden as he headed toward the staircase on the opposite end of the foyer. “This house is bigger than a castle, yet it feels small when all of the Grimlocks are sharing the same roof.”

  “Welcome to my world,” Redmond grumbled, following Braden.

  “Let’s go up to my bedroom,” I suggested, grinning. I figured we could have our serious discussion and then I could follow through on my earlier promise.

  Griffin, as if reading my mind, balked. “No way. You’re supposed to be taking it easy.”

  “Whatever.” I rolled my eyes. I was determined to get my way later. I knew we needed to have this discussion first. It was better to get through the bad before enjoying the good. “I have an idea.”

  “Oh, I hate it when you say that. It’s never a good idea. It’s always an idea that seems good until something bad happens.”

  I ignored his dramatic griping. “How about we take a walk around the block – maybe even widen it to three blocks so I can stretch my legs a bit – and talk outside. I promise not to run or get anything that even resembles exercise.”

  Griffin tilted his head as he regarded me. I could see the uncertainty wafting over his features. “You’re supposed to rest.”

  “You want privacy and won’t go to my bedroom because you’re convinced I’ll seduce you,” I reminded him. “I desperately want a few minutes of fresh air. It’s not as if there are mirrors out there. Can’t we please take a short walk?” I realized I was whining when it was too late to take it back. “Please?”

  Griffin exhaled heavily, dragging a hand through his hair as he nodded. “Okay.” He was resigned. “I think we both need a little air. You will hold my hand and stay directly at my side for the entire duration of the walk.”

  “Oh, way to torture me,” I deadpanned, earning a grin.

  “You’ll also be ready to run the second I think it’s necessary if something happens,” Griffin added, sobering.

  “That’s my general rule.”

  “We’ll also take a phone in case something happens.”

  “Now things are starting to go to a boring place,” I complained. “You’re like a nervous babysitter watching the next in line for the throne for the first time.”

  “Yes, well, we all have our crosses to bear.” Griffin smoothed my hair. “I’ll go upstairs and get our stuff. You need mittens, a hat and a scarf.”

  “You’re extremely strict,” I muttered.

  “That’s how I plan to keep you alive.”

  “READY?”

  Griffin gripped my hand as we walked out of Grimlock Manor’s gated courtyard and hit the sidewalk. I cast a look over my shoulder and found my father watching from his office window, a bourbon in his hand and a worried look on his face. When he caught me staring he smiled, but it was already too late.

  “We shouldn’t go far,” I said, swallowing hard. “Dad will worry.”

  Griffin followed my gaze. “Your brothers will, too. They’re in the upstairs windows, in case you’re wondering.”

  I raised my eyes and found a bevy of heads floating in various windows, including Aidan and Jerry as they argued in front of a hallway opening. Jerry kept making exaggerated movements – as if he wanted to throw himself through the window to get to me – but Aidan wrestled him back. The scene caused me to smile. “Things are getting back to normal. Well, except for your mother.”

  “My mother will get over it.” Griffin squeezed my hand, his eyes busy as they bounced over the streets. It was December in Michigan, which meant the sun set at five and didn’t rise again until almost eight the next morning. He watched every shadow we passed.

  “I hope so. You know I don’t want you to suffer, right?”

  Griffin grinned. “You do when you want your own way. That’s how we ended up on a walk.”

  “That’s how we’re going to end up sweaty and on top of each other later.”

  Griffin’s smile tipped into a frown. “You need to stop saying things like that in front of your father, my mother, your brothers and my sister. It’s rude and unladylike to say things like that.”

  “When was I ever a lady?”

  “Good point.”

  “I’m allowed to say whatever I want in front of Jerry. You didn’t mention him.”

  “He’s your best friend. I expect you two to be foul-mouthed together.”

  “Yes, we’re gifted that way.” I smiled as I slid closer to him. We were both tucked into puffy parkas, gloves and wool hats. Still, I wanted to be close to him. “Thank you for taking me for a walk.”

  “Well, you did chop the hand off a monster today. I think you deserve a little freedom.”

  “Even though it’s making you sick to your stomach thinking about all of the dangers out here?”

  Griffin shot me a rueful smile. “Even though I’m worried something terrible is going to happen. I can’t keep you locked up. You don’t respond well to that. I know it, and yet … .”

  “You want to protect me.”

  “I want to make sure you’re around so I can marry you.”

  It was cold but I knew my cheeks didn’t catch fire because of windburn. “I can’t believe you just said that.”

  Griffin grinned as he leaned closer and kissed me. “I’m so thrilled to have something to hold over you. I don’t think you have any idea how much that means to me.”

  “Oh, I have an inkling.” I purposely averted my gaze so he wouldn’t see my embarrassment … and perhaps a hint of naked vulnerability that I wasn’t entirely comfortable with.

  “I love you.” Griffin tugged me close and kissed me despite my reticence. “Now tell me why you’re not upset about what my mother said.”

  I should’ve known he wouldn’t forget about that. It wasn’t in his nature. I was secretly grateful to have something to talk about that didn’t revolve
around his plans to propose – which still dumbfounded me. “Oh, right. Anyway, I was surprised when your mother said she didn’t want you around us. I got it, though.”

  “Why?” Griffin slipped his arm around my back as we resumed our walk, purposely setting a slow pace so I wouldn’t get winded.

  “Because this life isn’t safe for you,” I replied. “Most parents envision a life of fat babies and quiet nights at home for their children. It’s the children who imagine something more exciting for themselves.”

  “I … you have a point.” Griffin bobbed his head. “I used to imagine I was a spaceship captain when I was a kid. When I told my mother that’s what I wanted to be she said I would make a fabulous dentist.”

  I tried to swallow my laughter … and failed “My father knew the family business was dangerous so he was more than happy to steer me toward my preferred job when I was a kid.”

  “Princess?”

  “Jerry was the princess.”

  “Right. I forgot. What were you?”

  “King.”

  “Good choice.”

  “I thought so.” I sucked in a breath, the sharp air causing me to lift my nose as the hairs inside itched. “The simple fact is that I wasn’t upset with what your mother said because I expected it. Don’t you see? I expected the worst and let it drag me down for weeks. I let it make me crazy.”

  “Geez. I never noticed.”

  I ignored the sarcasm. “When the worst happened I was already prepared for it,” I continued. “It happened. It’s done. I can’t get upset because it’s what I expected. I’m … fine.”

  “Are you?” Griffin didn’t look convinced. “I meant what I said. You’re it for me. I won’t live without you. I also won’t put up with any nonsense where you try to be a martyr and give me up for my own good. We’re in this together … for the long haul.

  “That means when there’s an enemy, we fight it together,” he continued. “I will not live my life without you. I can’t. So … we’re going to have to find a way to get through all of this crazy stuff as a unit. Do you understand that?”

  I nodded, emotion threatening to overwhelm me. “I’m not sure how I got lucky enough to find you.”

  “I think we found each other,” Griffin corrected. “We’re both lucky.”

  “What about your mother?” I pressed. “I’ve decided to deal with her the same way I deal with my own parents.”

  “By ignoring her and unloading a ton of sarcasm when you think the situation warrants?”

  “Pretty much.”

  Griffin chuckled. “Don’t worry about my mother. She’ll come around. She’s trying to bully Maya and me right now, but it won’t last.”

  “How can you be sure?”

  “Because in the end she wants Maya and me to be happy more than anything else. You make me happy.”

  “Even though you sat vigil next to my hospital bed and have spent the better part of a week acting as my babysitter instead of my boyfriend?”

  Griffin stiffened, exhaling through his nose as he collected himself. “I don’t mean to suffocate you. It’s just … .”

  I cut him off with a firm shake of my head. “That’s not what I was saying. It’s just … this week has been hard on you. I’m worried that you’ll pledge yourself to me and regret it at some point.”

  “I’ll never regret loving you.”

  “That’s not the same as regretting picking a certain life.”

  “I … that’s a fair point,” Griffin conceded, framing my face with his gloved hands. “I can’t live without you and I’ll never regret loving you. I won’t pretend we’re not going to fight, because it’s totally going to happen. I can’t promise not to yell. I can’t pretend to be something I’m not. I also don’t want you to be something you’re not. I can’t promise you anything except that I will always love you.”

  “You seem sure of that despite the fact that I have a mirror monster on my tail.”

  Griffin gave my rear end a friendly pat. “I love your tail regardless. Don’t worry about me. Don’t let it distract you. We’ll get through this like we do everything else.”

  I wanted to believe him … so I did. I leaned closer and pressed my nose to his cheek. “I love you, too.”

  “I know you do.” Griffin rubbed my back as he rocked back and forth. “We still don’t have any snow, but the forecasters say we could get some before Christmas.”

  “Meh. I’ve never been a big fan of snow. I like it well enough when it’s clean and I can hit my brothers with snowballs. Once it gets dirty I find it gross.”

  “Look at that, though.” Griffin kept me close with one hand as he gestured at the majestic neighborhood – all of the impressive older homes winking grandly in the sky thanks to a bevy of twinkling Christmas lights – “don’t you want to see how magical this all will look with snow?”

  “The fact that you do means I do, too.” I smiled as I shifted my eyes to the neighborhood. “It’s not nearly as much fun as you think it’s going to be. The neighbors aren’t good sports when you pour hot water on the intersections just so it will freeze again and create a deathtrap for vehicles.”

  Griffin snorted, genuinely amused. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  “Look at that.” I pointed toward the house on the hill. “That’s the Gentry house I was telling you about.”

  Griffin wrinkled his nose as he followed my finger. “The one Angelina is trying to sell? You pointed it out before.”

  I nodded. “They’re having an open house. There’s a sign on the lawn. That means Angelina is probably there right now.”

  “I’m not sure why you’re telling me that.”

  I wasn’t, and yet … I couldn’t look away. “I’ve always wanted to see inside.”

  “Yes, well, you’re supposed to be resting.” Griffin softly ran his hand down the back of my head, being sure to miss the stitches hidden under my hairline.

  “Can’t we just look around really quick?” I asked, widening my eyes so he would know I was about to indulge in my puppy dog routine. “I’ve always wanted to see that house. This might be my only chance.”

  Griffin blew out a sigh. “You can’t get in a slap fight with Angelina,” he warned. “You have stitches. You just got out of the hospital.”

  “I won’t get in a fight with her. I promise.”

  Griffin made an exaggerated face. “I don’t believe you.”

  “Fine, I won’t get in a physical fight with her,” I conceded. “I’ll totally call her a slut-faced whoremonger with crabs. I simply won’t pull her hair for good measure.”

  “Oh, well, that makes me feel much better.”

  Griffin dragged his feet as I tugged him toward the house. Angelina answered the door right away after I knocked, a bright smile on her face. The smile fell when she saw us on the front step.

  “Go away,” Angelina muttered, moving to shut the door. “You can’t afford this place.”

  Griffin anticipated the move and shoved his foot between the door and the jamb to make sure she couldn’t lock us out. “She just wants to see the house. I won’t let her stay too long. I promise.”

  “Do you promise to make her keep her filthy mouth shut?”

  Griffin shook his head. “I’m not a miracle worker.”

  “Fine.” Angelina rolled her eyes and opened the door so we could enter. “I’m almost done anyway. Don’t steal anything.”

  “I’ll try to refrain from stealing the candlesticks,” I muttered, my eyes drifting to a long hallway that seemed to run straight through the house. It was bright and well-lighted, and yet there was something about it that seemed familiar, something that made my skin crawl. I risked a glance to the right and focused on the room there, giving my mind a brief break so I could gather my courage. It was a wasted effort, because the beautiful parlor had an antique mirror on the wall and I wisely took a step back. “I think I found a reason we shouldn’t be here.”

  Griffin followed my gaze, frowning when he
saw the mirror. He instinctively moved in front of me, pressing my body behind his as he stared.

  “What are you doing?” Angelina asked curiously. “Why are you being so funky? If you think you’re having sex in this house while I’m here you can think again. I’ll call the police.”

  “I am the police,” Griffin reminded her absentmindedly. “This place looks a bit dated, Angelina. What’s with the long hallway that makes it feel as if you’re marching to your death?”

  At least I wasn’t the only one to find the hallway odd. “Yeah, the seventies called and they totally want their shag carpet back,” I said, glaring at the floor in the recreation room to our left. “The hallway is really narrow, too. Why is that?”

  “Older houses are all that way,” Angelina replied, looking me up and down. “You’re not wearing makeup and your face is fat. Why?”

  I glared. “Your ass is fat, you hag.”

  “Knock it off,” Griffin warned, wagging a finger. “I won’t put up with any crap.”

  “She said my face is fat,” I snapped.

  “Your face is a little round from the medication,” Griffin pointed out. “It’s not the end of the world. When you’re done with the steroids, you’ll look fine.”

  Realization washed over me. “You think I look fat, too!”

  “Actually, I think you’re too thin, and I’m not having this argument right now,” Griffin fired back. “You were in the hospital for days. You’re supposed to be resting. I have no idea why I let you talk me into checking out this house.”

  “You were in the hospital?” Angelina was intrigued. “Too bad you couldn’t have died there and made the world a better place.”

  “That’s what your pimp said when he gave you syphilis,” I muttered.

  “Okay, we’re done.” Griffin shifted, wrapping his arm around my waist as he pushed me toward the door. “Angelina, if you touch her I’ll arrest you. She’s still recovering and she’s frail.”

  “She looks like a lardass to me,” Angelina replied, blasé. “I thought you wanted to see the house?”

  “That was before I saw all of the mirrors,” I replied.