Page 28

TWENTY-EIGHT

GRáINNE

It’s been two days since I was taken by Mike. I’m heartbroken that my friend would do that to me, but I’m glad he can’t hurt me anymore. I hate that he was so deceptive, that he was able to hide who he truly was. I’ve learned a lot about him over the past two days. Both he and his father were monsters. They trafficked women, drugs, and guns. They had plans on blackmailing as many officials as possible and using them to do inhumane things.

I'm back in Connor's room at the clubhouse, my body aching and my mind reeling. Connor hasn't left my side since they rescued me, his protective instincts in overdrive. I love that he’s no longer hiding how he feels. I feel even more connected to him than before.

"Grá," he says softly, pulling me from my thoughts. "You need to eat something."

I look at the untouched plate of food on the nightstand and feel my stomach turn. "I'm not hungry," I mutter.

Connor sighs, sitting on the edge of the bed. "I know you're hurting, Sunshine. But you need to keep your strength up."

I meet his eyes, seeing the worry and anger in them. "How could I have been so blind?" I whisper, feeling tears well up. "He was my friend, Connor. I trusted him."

Connor's jaw clenches, and I can see him struggling to control his rage. "None of this is your fault, Grá. Mike fooled everyone, not just you."

I nod, but the guilt still gnaws at me. "What's going to happen now?"

"We’re going to live happy," Connor says, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. “Nothing else is going to happen.”

God, I love this man. “Love you,” I breathe, needing to tell him.

I watch as his eyes dilate. “Never doubt it, Sunshine, it’s only ever been you.”

My heart races at his words. This is everything I’ve ever dreamed of, and it’s come true. Connor loves me and I love him.

His lips slant against mine and my blood heats. God, I need him. Connor's kiss deepens, and I feel the familiar heat building between us. His hands roam my body. As his fingers brush against a tender spot on my ribs, I wince involuntarily. Connor immediately pulls back, his eyes clouding with concern and barely concealed fury.

"I'm sorry," he murmurs, his voice rough with emotion. "I didn't mean to hurt you."

I shake my head, reaching for him. "You didn't. It's just... I'm still a bit sore."

Connor's expression darkens. "I should have killed him slower," he growls, and I know he's thinking about Mike.

A shiver runs through me, and not entirely from fear. Part of me is horrified at the casual way he speaks of murder, but another part—a part I'm not entirely comfortable acknowledging—loves his protectiveness.

"It's over now," I say, as much to convince myself as him. "He can't hurt anyone else."

Connor nods, but I can see the tension in his shoulders. "I won't let anyone hurt you again, Grá. I swear it."

I believe him. After everything we've been through, I know Connor would move Heaven and Earth to keep me safe.

“Please, Connor,” I whimper as he watches me. “I need you.”

I watch the slow grin form on his face, and his eyes darken with desire as he looks at me. "Are you sure, Sunshine? I don't want to hurt you."

I nod, pulling him closer. "I'm sure. I need to feel you, to know this is real."

He searches my face for a moment, then leans in to capture my lips in a searing kiss. His touch is gentle, mindful of my injuries, but I can feel him holding back.

I moan softly as his hands roam my body, carefully avoiding the tender spots. My own hands find their way under his shirt, tracing his muscular back.

Connor breaks the kiss, his breathing ragged. "Tell me if it's too much," he says, his voice husky with desire.

"I will," I promise, already missing the feel of his lips on mine.

He slowly peels off my shirt, his eyes roaming over my exposed skin. I see a flash of anger as he takes in the bruises marring my flesh, but it's quickly replaced by a look of such tender love that it makes my heart ache.

Connor's touch is soft and gentle as he traces the outline of my body, his calloused fingers leaving trails of fire on my skin. He leans down, pressing soft kisses to each bruise, each mark left by Mike's cruelty. It's as if he's trying to erase the pain with his love.

"You're so beautiful," he murmurs against my skin. "So strong, Grá."

Tears prick my eyes at his words. After everything that's happened, I've felt anything but strong. But here, in Connor's arms, I start to believe it again.

I reach for him, needing to feel his skin against mine. He helps me remove his shirt, and I run my hands over his chest, tracing the familiar pattern of his tattoos.

Connor's breath hitches as I explore his body. His eyes, dark with desire, never leave mine. "I love you," he says, his voice rough with emotion. "More than anything in this world."

"I love you too," I whisper back, pulling him down for another kiss.

He pushes my thighs open. “Please be ready for me,” he begs.

I’d laugh if I weren’t so needy. “Always,” I whimper as he runs his cock along my folds. I’m always ready for him.

I gasp as Connor slowly enters me, my body stretching to accommodate him. I feel so full, but God, it feels so fucking good.

"Okay?" Connor asks, his voice strained as he holds himself still.

I nod, wrapping my legs around his waist to pull him closer. "More than okay," I breathe.

He starts to move, setting a gentle rhythm that soon has me panting. His lips find mine again, swallowing my moans as he gradually increases his pace.

I lose myself in the sensation, in the feel of Connor's body moving with mine. There's no pain, no fear, only love and pleasure.

"God, Grá," Connor groans, his hips snapping forward. "You feel so good."

I arch into him, meeting his thrusts. "Don't stop," I plead, feeling the familiar tension building inside me.

Connor's hand slips between us, his fingers finding my most sensitive spot. I cry out as he rubs tight circles, pushing me closer to the edge.

"Come for me, Sunshine," he urges, his movements becoming more erratic. "Let go."

His words, combined with the delicious friction, send me over the edge. I shatter around him, calling out his name as waves of pleasure crash over me.

Connor follows soon after, burying his face in my neck as he finds his release.

Connor lifts his head to look at me. His eyes are soft, filled with so much love it makes my heart fill with warmth. "I love you," he says again, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead.

I smile, so unbelievably happy. "I love you too." I sink against him. "Thank you," I murmur, pressing a kiss to Connor's chest.

He tightens his arms around me. "For what?"

"For loving me. For saving me. For everything."

Connor tilts my chin up, making me meet his intense gaze. "You don't need to thank me for that, Grá. You're my everything. I'd do anything for you."

He holds me tight, pressing a kiss against my head. I close my eyes, blessed to have him with me.

“We’re going to shower and then you’re going to eat,” he says sternly as he gets off the bed and pulls me with him.

“Fine,” I sigh. “But I want to go to Jerry’s house and check on Brendan and Ruairí.”

Connor's expression softens at my request. "Of course, Sunshine. We can go after we eat. Jerry's been asking about you anyway."

I nod, feeling a mixture of relief and anxiety. I need to see with my own eyes that Brendan and Ruairí are okay. I haven’t seen them since they were both shot. Thankfully, from what Jer said, they’re doing okay.

We shower together, Connor's hands gentle as he helps me wash. The hot water soothes my aching muscles, and I feel more human by the time we step out.

As promised, Connor makes sure I eat before we leave. The food sits heavy in my stomach, but I know I need the strength. I just feel a little helpless and guilty. Both Brendan and Ruairí got shot because of me and I hate that.

The ride to Jerry's house is quiet, Connor's hand resting protectively on my thigh. I watch the familiar streets pass by, trying to quell the rising panic in my chest. Connor seems to sense my unease, giving my leg a reassuring squeeze.

"I've got you, Grá," he murmurs. "Brendan and Ruairí are dying to see you."

I nod, but I feel worried sick. What if they hate me for getting them hurt?

Connor helps me out of the car, keeping a protective arm around me as we approach the front door. Before we can knock, it swings open, revealing Jerry's worried face.

"Ah, loveen," he says, pulling me into a gentle hug. "I’m glad you’re home. Are you okay? Let’s get you inside."

I return the hug, feeling tears prick at my eyes. "I'm okay," I assure him, though my voice wavers slightly.

Jerry ushers us inside, leading us to the living room. I’m shocked to see both Brendan and Ruairí sitting down. My heart clenches at the sight of them. Brendan's arm is in a sling, and Ruairí has a nasty cut above his eye. His face is pale and he’s leaning heavily on his left side, but they're alive.

"Grá," Brendan says, standing up carefully. "Thank God you're alright."

I move to hug him, mindful of his injury. "I'm so sorry," I whisper, feeling guilty for the pain they endured because of me.

Brendan shakes his head. "Don't you dare apologize. We're just glad you're safe."

Ruairí nods in agreement. "That bastard shouldn’t have hurt you," he says, his voice gruff with emotion. "He’s gone now."

Connor's hand on my lower back grounds me, reminding me that I'm safe. "How are you both healing?" I ask, trying to change the subject, the doctor in me coming out. I need to do something.

As Brendan and Ruairí fill me in on their recoveries, I feel some of the tension leave my body. They're okay. We're all okay. It’ll take some time before they’re fully healed but they will heal.

As Connor talks with Brendan and Ruairí, I move to Jerry, who’s watching me with so much concern that I want to cry. Instead, I reach him and lean against his side.

“I was so worried,” he admits. “When you went missing, I wanted to lose it, but I knew I had to find you. Bozo and I wouldn’t have stopped looking for you.”

I feel tears welling up in my eyes at Jerry's words. The love and concern radiating from him is overwhelming. "Thank you," I whisper, my voice choking with emotion. "I don't know what I'd do without you all."

Jerry wraps an arm around me, pulling me closer. "You're family, loveen. We take care of our own."

I nod against his shoulder, letting his words sink in. Family. It's been so long since I've truly felt like I belonged somewhere, with people who would do anything to protect me.

"How are you really doing?" Jerry asks quietly, his eyes searching my face.

I take a deep breath, considering my answer. "I'm coping," I say finally. "It's hard. He was my friend. But I'm trying to focus on the fact that it's over now."

Jerry nods, his expression serious. "It is over, Grá. And we'll make damn sure nothing like this ever happens again."

There's a steely determination in his voice that both comforts and unnerves me. I know these men are capable of violence, of doing terrible things to protect their own. Part of me is grateful for that protection, while another part worries about the cost.

"I just want to move forward," I admit. "To feel normal again."

Jerry squeezes my shoulder gently. "It'll take time, loveen. But you're strong. You'll get there."

I give him a small smile, feeling a surge of affection for this man who's become like a father to me. "Thanks, Jer."

Our conversation is interrupted by Connor, who approaches us with a concerned look. "Everything okay?" he asks, his eyes flicking between Jerry and me.

I nod, reaching out to take his hand. "Yeah, we're good. Just talking."

Connor relaxes slightly, but I can see the protective instinct still simmering beneath the surface. I know it'll be a while before he truly lets his guard down with me not being around him.

"We should probably head back soon," Connor says, his thumb rubbing circles on the back of my hand. "You need to rest."

I want to protest, to insist that I'm fine, but the truth is I am tired. The emotional toll of the past few days is catching up with me.

"Okay," I agree, turning back to Jerry. "Thanks for everything, Jer. And please, let me know if there's anything I can do to help Brendan and Ruairí."

Jerry nods, a small smile on his face. "Of course, loveen. You just focus on taking care of yourself for now."

We say our goodbyes, and for the first time in years, I realize that it’s hard to leave my home. Jer is my dad. He may not be by blood, but he’s a better father than my actual dad was.

“You okay, Sunshine?” Connor asks once we’re in the car.

I nod. “Yes, more than okay.”

I’ve never felt so loved and cared for. This is everything I could have ever wanted. My life is better than I could have ever imagined, and I’m loved.