Page 45 of Dublin Charmer

It reminds me of my life before Papa died.

Before we lost everything and Gio and I became ghosts in our own lives.

I haven’t seen a real home since I was sixteen.

Finn comes up behind me, placing a warm hand against the small of my back. I hadn’t realized I’d stopped to stare, but his touch sends electricity rippling through me, as my body responds to him.

What is it about this man?

There’s a gentleness in his eyes that contrasts the calculated way he trapped me. Is the allure because his intelligence matches my own? Or is it the way his mouth felt against mine on that dance floor?

“This way,” he murmurs, guiding me through a maze of corridors.

My mind drifts back to New Year’s Eve, to our kiss at midnight. There’s that old superstition:whoever you kiss at midnight will be significant in your coming year. Well, if that’s true, I’m in for a complicated twelve months. Because Finn Quinn is one hell of a kisser, and despite everything, I wouldn’t mind more of that.

We arrive at an expansive sunken living room. The dark-haired woman who brought me clothes, Piper, sits on one of the couches. Her eyes are red-rimmed, and three other women surround her, offering comfort. I recognize them from the surveillance photos I’ve studied.

These are the wives and lovers of the Quinn brothers.

Tag makes the introductions. “Ladies, this is Emilia Farina. She’s going to be helping us with our Gravely problem.”

I am, am I?That’s one hell of an assumption on his part. Is he delusional or just that confident he can sway my loyalty? I study the oldest Quinn brother. Tag is a lot of things but delusional isn’t one of them. Does he think me so easy to turn?

Well, to be fair, I hold no loyalty to Gravely.

My only concern is for my brother’s well-being.

With Tag’s announcement hanging in the heavy silence of the living room, I brace myself for hostility. None comes. They obviously don’t know I just drugged their brother-in-law. Based on the glares from Bryan, Sean, and Brendan, they certainly haven’t forgotten or forgiven me.

“Please, sit.” Tag gestures to an empty armchair.

A tall woman, Harper, I think, brings over a tray of whiskey tumblers. Each brother takes one with a quiet “Thank you” or “Cheers, luv.” The simple courtesy catches me off guard.

When was the last time I heard men speak to women with such natural respect? In my world, women are either playthings or assets to exploit. I sink into the chair, suddenly very aware of my position as an outsider in this tight-knit family circle.

Tag stands before the fireplace, tumbler in hand. “It’s been confirmed. Niall and Darcy were tracked down and killed by Gravely’s men yesterday afternoon.” His voice is steady but heavy with regret. “Samantha too.”

Piper’s breath catches, and Sean moves immediately to her side, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

“There’s still no word about Rory or Brody,” Tag continues. “But I’ve activated every asset we have on the south side to find them and bring them to safety if possible.”

“Thanks, Tag,” Piper whispers, leaning into Sean.

I can’t hide my confusion. They are genuinely grieving for Piper’s family.

“What’s wrong?” Finn asks, noticing my expression.

“I don’t understand,” I whisper. “The McGuires are your enemies. Your main rivals for control of Dublin. “

Finn’s eyes soften. “We love Piper. Despite everything they’ve done, her family is important to her...especially Rory.”

“In a world like ours,” Tag says, “family is precious.”

“Besides that,” Finn adds. “There’s no honor in what Gravely is doing. Attacking us during a holiday gathering of family and friends. Killing his best friend’s family after being trusted to guide them in a dangerous business. He isn’t worthy of ruling a territory.”

The Quinn Laws are something I came across dozens of times while researching and assessing the Quinn’s weaknesses. I figured they were a ploy of propaganda to help gaslight the locals. Do they actually believe in protecting the innocent?

“We’re a different kind of family,” Finn says. “Always have been.”