Unholy Blue by Darby Kaye Page A

side, ready to do the honors. The thump of the gate opening and closing sounded from the side of the house. Bann, with Cor on his heels, appeared a few moments later, both of them wide-eyed with curiosity.
    â€œTa-da!” She swept her arm in a dramatic gesture. “A steed worthy of my Knight.”
    â€œYou finally got it!” With a hoot of joy, Cor raced around to the back and clambered up and over the tailgate.
    Meanwhile, Bann stood a few feet away, wiping his hands on the tail of his flannel shirt, his face neutral. “For me?”
    Warning hoisted a red flag at his flat tone. She ignored it. “No, for Cor. I thought we’d start him early.” She held out the keys to him. “Yes, for you, you thick lug. This is my betrothal gift to you,” she added.
    He didn’t take the offering. In fact, his jaw was set in the way she had come to call his mule-eared expression. Cor wore the same expression when he didn’t want to do something.
    â€œDo you like it, Dad? I helped Shay pick it out.” Cor bounced around the bed, his feet clanging on the metal flooring. “And look!” He pressed his nose against the back window and peered inside. “It’s got a second seat. That’s my spot.” He swung down the side. Just as he started to open the passenger door, Bann walked over and stopped him.
    â€œWe’re not keeping it.”
    Shay’s jaw dropped. “Why the hell not?”
    â€œI have a truck already.”
    â€œOne that needs last rites. Besides, Cor and I wanted to do something special for you.”
    â€œYeah, this was our surprise, Dad.” The boy grabbed his father’s hand and tried to tug him around to the driver’s side, his feet slipping on the driveway. Bann didn’t budge.
    â€œâ€™Tis too dear.”
    â€œActually, it wasn’t.” Shay fought the temptation to walk around behind him and boot him in the ass. “I got an incredible deal on it, and I had the money—”
    â€œMy wife will not provide for me.”
    Oh
. Realization slapped Shay upside the head. It was followed by annoyance. Annoyance at herself for not thinking through the ramifications of purchasing an expensive item for the proud Knight, and irritation at Bann for his streak, albeit a thin one, of old-fashioned chauvinism that had the habit of rearing its head at the worst times.
    â€œCan’t we at least talk about this?”
Before you start dictating what I can and can’t do
.
    â€œThere is nothing to talk about. Return the vehicle immediately. I assume you can still get your money back?”
    Her mouth sagged. “Did you just give me an order?” She could feel her face and neck flush.
    Bann started to speak, then paused. “Cor. Go in the house.”
    â€œWhy? I didn’t do anything…” His voice faded when the man stabbed a finger at the house. Cor scurried away. The door closed with a thud.
    Standing a foot apart by the truck—the truck Shay now wished she had never bought—they locked eyes,both ready for battle. Buckling on her courage, she jumped into the fray.
    â€œThis isn’t about the truck, is it? This is about your pride. Oh, no, you don’t.” She held up a hand when he opened his mouth. “I get
my
say,
then
you can talk.” She squared her shoulders. “For your information, I have some pride in me, too. I’m as much a Knight of the Tuatha Dé Danaan as you.
And
I am a Healer. A damn good Healer. So, if I have extra cash gifted to me by some grateful patients, and I want to use that money to pamper my husband or my stepson,” she gestured toward the house, “then I’m going to do it without a certain Knight getting all
clenched
about it.” For some reason, her frustration grew as she spoke.
    â€œI told you I dinna want—”
    â€œOh, and by the way, let me remind you—I’m your friend as well as your lover, and