In the Mists of Time by Marie Treanor Read Free Book Online

was good for her brother. Izzy, who knew Chrissy better, had said that worked both ways.
    As Aidan hugged Chrissy, murmuring something in her ear and pressing a brief, forceful kiss on her lips, others pushed in behind him—residents from the big house. Archie, Rab…and Thierry.
    â€œPut her down and shift,” Archie commanded, shoving past towards the bar.
    Before she could be seen, Louise jerked her head away, towards Izzy, who grasped her hand briefly under the table, presumably in support.
    Aidan was walking towards their table, his arm still around Chrissy. “Evening, all,” he said, ruffling Louise’s hair by way of brotherly affection. “What are you drinking?”
    â€œOh we’ve still got plenty,” Izzy demurred.
    â€œLine them up,” Louise commanded, “while you have the chance!”
    From the corner of her eye, she saw Thierry ordering drinks at the bar while Archie and Rab wandered over and sat two tables from Louise’s. The Ardknocken House residents were careful never to force their company on the villagers, and the presence of Louise and Morag meant they would keep their distance, although they did murmur civil hellos.
    At the bar, Aidan and Thierry seemed to be exchanging idle chat while the drinks were being poured. Thierry didn’t so much as glance towards Louise. She should have felt grateful rather than piqued. Beside them, Kenny was holding forth to Ron the fisherman, whose gaze, however, was focused not on Kenny but on Thierry. Well, Ron had already stated his views on the ex-cons. Perhaps he had difficulty marrying up his prejudice with the quietly spoken man talking to the ex-cop.
    After a moment, Ron’s voice drifted over. “Are you Aidan Grieve? Believe I’m staying at your place!”
    Aidan smiled with his usual friendliness, murmuring a reply as he gathered his drinks. Again Ron’s gaze flickered to Thierry, who, oblivious, was walking away with his own pints. Still he didn’t glance at Louise.
    I’ve seen him off, she thought and couldn’t understand why she didn’t feel more relieved.
    Because she’d never known sex like the sex she’d had with him. So urgent and intense… She blinked, trying to refocus on the conversation around her.
    â€œHow’s the house?” Aidan asked Chrissy. They were doing up an old, ruined cottage by the shore.
    â€œLooking good!” Chrissy enthused. “All the walls are plastered and we’re ready to decorate. Kitchen’s going in on Monday. We should be able to have that housewarming party pretty soon.”
    â€œBefore you furnish,” Morag advised.
    â€œIt’s not going to be that kind of party,” Chrissy said with dignity.
    â€œCourse it is,” Morag argued. “Everyone in the village will be there. The walls will be heaving.”
    Chrissy looked thoughtful. “More room without furniture,” she said.
    â€œExactly. We’ll be there on Saturday. Cheers.”
    Everyone laughed, although Chrissy and Aidan were exchanging glances as though seriously considering it. At least, if not this Saturday, then some time quite soon.
    Later in the evening, as Louise brought her round from the bar—one for the road—she discovered her table empty, apart from Aidan, who was leaning across the table between to speak to Rab. Izzy was standing beside Archie, but there was no sign of either Morag or Chrissy, who’d presumably gone to the ladies.
    As Louise set down the drinks and sat, a shadow fell over her. She glanced up quickly, and her heart leapt when she found Thierry standing there.
    â€œI’ve got all the parts for a new computer,” he said. “If you want me to do it for you, I will. Just say.”
    His dark eyes held hers only for an instant and then he turned away and went back to his seat.
    â€œThanks,” Louise croaked after him. As the others returned and conversation resumed, she