Neither was better than the other.
Kinsey tried to walk around them, but she couldn’t go anywhere. Her only choice was to pick a door and hope it was the right one.
She went to the white door and put her hand on the knob. Right before she turned it, she drew her hand back as something deep inside her shouted, “No!”
Kinsey stepped back and looked at the black door. It reminded her of the three years she’d lived in a kind of obscurity after Ryder left.
It was only when he entered her life once more that she saw the world anew.
“Only light comes out of darkness,” she whispered.
Kinsey grasped the knob on the black door and opened it.
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
Ryder didn’t want to talk anymore. He just wanted Kinsey to wake up.
“If Esther came out of it, so will Kinsey,” Con said. “She’s a strong one.”
That made Ryder look at Con anew. “You’ve something nice to say about her after all of this?”
“It’s the truth. If you also consider it polite, then so be it. Though I’ll admit I think she’s a good match for you. In every way.”
Ryder was so taken aback that he could only stare at Con. He knew how hard Con had tried to dissuade both Kings and mates from being together, and yet he was giving his approval now?
“Doona look at me as if I’m dim-witted,” Con grumbled. “I’ve come to know Kinsey in the time she’s been here. I’ve seen her with you and the others. Despite her initial fear, she’s accepted you and this way of life.”
Ryder opened his mouth to respond when Kinsey gasped, her back bowing off the granite as her eyes flew open. He held her as she gripped him tightly, her gaze locked with his.
She was panting, her chest heaving as she touched his face. “Is it really you?”
“It’s me,” he said with a smile. “You found your way out of your mind.”
Her eyes slid closed as she buried her head against his chest and cried. “No. I found my way back to you.”
Ryder held her as he saw Con slip quietly from the chamber. He smoothed his hand down her hair and rejoiced in having her with him.
“I didn’t do anything,” Kinsey said, her head snapping up. “I never betrayed you or anyone here.”
“I know.” Ryder hurried to calm her.
She shook her head. “No, don’t just say that. I need you to know that it wasn’t me.”
He cupped his hands on either side of her face. “I do, Kins. I know it wasn’t you. I thought it was when the e-mails were encrypted. It stated that you were on board with what they wanted.”
“What?” Her brows furrowed deeply. “The only thing I agreed to—ever—with Kyvor in writing was about developing new strategies.”
“Did that involve any meetings?”
“Of course,” she said with a nod.
Ryder moved his hands down to her shoulders. “Do you remember who was in the meeting?”
“Sure. It was me, Cecil, Harriet, and Harriet’s assistant.”
“Describe the assistant.”
Kinsey thought back for a moment and said, “She was really beautiful. The kind of beauty you only see in movies.”
“Her hair?”
“Blond, almost like a gold color.”
“And her eyes?”
Kinsey laughed. “I didn’t get that close to see.”
It was enough of a description to match what Esther had said. “I suspect Harriet’s assistant was the Druid who put the magic in you. We also found a tracker in your wrist.”
“A tracker?”
He hated the shock and alarm in her voice, but the worst was over. “We got it out. We found the same magic and tracker in Esther as well.”
“I don’t really know what to think right now,” Kinsey said. Then she looked down and saw the blanket had fallen to reveal her breasts.
“I’ll explain everything,” Ryder said. “Just know you are officially cleared of everything.”
“But we don’t know who set all this in motion at Kyvor, do we?”
Ryder shrugged. “It’s Ulrik. Esther confirmed she met with him after MI5 sent her to spy on Kyvor.”
Kinsey’s eyes widened. “Esther is MI5? I thought they decommissioned her?”
“To set up her spying. I believe both of you met the Druid responsible for the magic placed on you.”
Kinsey’s lips twisted. “Harriett’s assistant.”
“Aye. We need to find her.”
“That I can help with.”
“I was hoping you’d say that.” Ryder wanted to shout with joy that Kinsey would be staying. He didn’t care how long it took. He would show her his love and that he wanted her in his life forever.
Kinsey fiddled with the edge of the tartan blanket. “I still want to know who set me up.”
“I suspect that was Ulrik, but we’ll find out for sure.”
Her smile was slow as it spread over her face. “It looks like I’m in need of a job.”
It was Ryder’s turn to smile. “I’m fairly certain I can help with that.”
“Con would allow that?”
Ryder laughed. “I should’ve taped his words earlier. He likes you, Kins.”
“Now that’s a shock,” she said with a small laugh. “But I’m glad. I like it here.”
“Are you ready to return to the manor?”