Chapter 15

“I’m sorry, my lord,” Pearson murmured in the hall and Ran leaned against the study door and listened. “One of the maids found this in a tureen. I’m so sorry,” he repeated and Niall made a weary sound.

“Thank you, Pearson. I’ll repair it and keep it someplace safer,” Niall said gently, consoling the butler and Ran smiled as he rested his head and shoulder against one of the panels. They were whispering quietly about glues and it was such a comfort to Ran, knowing how much the staff trusted and respected Niall. He was so quiet and guarded, but Niall treated much of the older staff like family and was patient and kind to the younger, newer maids and footmen. Ran chuckled silently as he recalled finding Niall on his hands and knees, hunting for olives as he consoled a maid after she’d spilled a bowl in the sitting room. Niall could be more open and relaxed with the staff than he ever could with his peers and Ran was grateful to have so many sweet souls under his roof. They certainly made up for the two terrors they lived with.

“If there’s anything I can do,” Pearson said and Niall made a dismissive sound.

“I’m used to it and I should have known better. Thank you for bringing this to me, I’ll take care of it,” he said and Ran heard Pearson take his leave. Ran scrubbed the back of his neck as he went to his desk then turned at the soft tapping at the door. Niall’s head peeked around it and his eyes went to Ran’s desk and brightened when they touched his.

“Are you busy?” Niall asked as he stepped in and Ran shook his head as he sat on the edge of the desk.

“Not at all. What’s happened?” He said as he hugged his arms and Niall shook his head.

“Nothing worth worrying about. I heard Isla’s too drunk to come down to dinner and Simon snuck away for the night. I thought it might be nice to eat dinner in the kitchen then watch a movie,” he replied and Ran frowned. “Or not, if you’ve got other plans,” Niall said slowly as he watched him.

“No! That sounds fine,” Ran insisted. He hoped Niall would share his exchange with Pearson. Ran was torn. His instincts told him it was a matter he needed to involve himself in but he respected Niall’s bond with the staff and trusted his judgment. “Was there anything else?” He asked expectantly and Niall’s lips twisted before he shook his head.

“Not that I can think of… Oh!” He said and Ran became alert. “Isla almost picked salmon for dinner but I used a little reverse psychology and conned her into cullen skink pie,” Niall said and grinned sheepishly as he twisted his fingers. It was one of Ran’s favorites, especially when the weather was grim. Niall looked so adorably mischievous and happy, Ran couldn’t be disappointed anymore. He’d trust Niall to handle the matter with Pearson and enjoy their unexpectedly peaceful evening.

“Sounds like the perfect night,” Ran said and Niall beamed.

“Especially since we don’t have to dress up for dinner in the kitchen,” he added cheekily and Ran narrowed his eyes as he pointed.

“Is that why you’re so excited?” He accused and Niall rolled his eyes as he backed toward the door.

“I’m not a big fan of salmon and I like the way cook does the tatties on top of her pies. I need to run upstairs but I’ll meet you in the kitchen later,” he said then dashed from the room. Ran laughed to himself as he stared after Niall. There was a “family” table in the kitchen but they rarely ate meals there as a family. Niall and Ran would never expose the staff to Isla and Simon like that but they often sat down for a cup of tea and scones or a sandwich while passing through. Occasionally, they’d sit in the kitchen together for a casual dinner when it was just the two of them. They could sit closer and laugh and linger as they held hands under the table. Cook or Ms. Brundage would hover and pile more food on their plates but the atmosphere was lighter and more intimate. The household staff could enjoy a longer, more relaxed meal at their table, on the other side of the kitchen, without having to tend to Ran and Niall in the dining room. They were left to their own devices and enjoyed listening to the laughter and occasional spats as the staff forgot about them for a while.

He tried to imagine anyone fitting into Gallahide better but Niall was a part of Ran’s heart and the castle as well. There was never any way Ran could pick Icarus over Niall. No matter who he turned out to be or what was behind his mad scheme, he would never come before Niall. Ran knew that was the line. He would never let anyone jeopardize Niall’s place in his heart or Gallahide. Ran could help Icarus and set him free but he’d never come home with him, he’d never take Niall’s place. As much as he cared and as much as his body needed Icarus, Ran’s heart belonged to Niall and he couldn’t keep betraying it.

“You know what you have to do,” Ran scolded himself as he went to let Ms. Brundage know the dining room didn’t need to be prepared. It was time to put his foot down with himself and Icarus. The sex was rapturous but Ran was too old to let his cock lead him into trouble. He saw where that led his father and nothing was ever going to come of it. He had to tell Icarus it was over before he did too much damage to himself. He’d put his faith in Icarus, he’d find the courage to finally reveal himself to Ran and ask him for help. Ran did everything he could to prove he could trust him, he had to put his confidence in the bond they’d built. It was only a handful of nights but the hours they spent kissing and touching were so magically and intensely intimate, he knew Icarus felt the same connection. Ran felt it and he believed it would win. Icarus wouldn’t be able to walk away from it, he’d have to open up to Ran. There would be no happy or easy solution but he owed Ran the truth and he needed to know Icarus would be safe.

Ran was relaxed and things felt right as he changed out of his suit and into jeans and a baggy sweatshirt and slid onto the bench next to Niall in the kitchen. Ran wanted to tease Niall and be fascinated by him for hours every night, not just on the rare occasions Isla and Simon were away. He realized he had to hold on because even the rare occasions were precious and they’d find a way as long as they didn’t give up.

“What do you want to watch?” Ran asked as he sank onto their favorite loveseat with a glass of whisky. It was leather and well worn, just big enough for the two of them and tucked into a small alcove in Ran’s study.

“I have no idea, you pick,” Niall said as he crossed his ankles on the ottoman and snuggled against Ran’s side. He made a drowsy, content sound as he hugged his glass to his chest and Ran had a suspicion that Niall wasn’t planning to last much longer than his drink. “Just pick something that makes you happy and I’ll be happy. You were talking about some movie the other day…” He murmured and Ran knew that no one would ever love him more than Niall and that was all that mattered.