Page 99 of Dublin Charmer

I carefully extract myself from Finn’s embrace, sliding out of bed without waking him. The floor is cold beneath my bare feet as I gather my clothes and slip into the bathroom.

When I emerge, dressed and ready, Finn is sitting up in bed, watching me with those knowing eyes. “Really? Right now?”

I nod, unable to trust my voice.

“Were ye going to say goodbye?”

“Of course I was. This isn’t a walk of shame and me trying to sneak out. This is me trying to make the best out of a tragic situation, hoping that one day things will be different.”

Finn runs a hand through his sleep-mussed hair. “Do ye know where yer headed?”

I shrug. “Right now, it’s wherever the road takes us.”

As Finn rolls out of bed and pulls on his jeans and a long-sleeved shirt, I reach into my pocket to pull out a USB key. “Can you give this to Harper? I did a little snooping on the Mason trafficking ring. There might be something new in here she can share with her Europol contacts. She’s still searching for her friend’s sister. Maybe this will help.”

Finn nods slowly. “I’ll make sure she gets it. Do you have time for a coffee?”

The thought of going into the dining room and sitting with him and his family is too much. I’m barely able to breathe now. I’ll never be able to face all of them, knowing that I’m breaking his heart by leaving him behind.

“Emilia, please.” The sound of my name on his lips rattles me to my core. His emerald eyes are soft with something that makes my heart flutter dangerously. I shouldn’t let him kiss me, but I don’t have the willpower to stop it. Finn claims my mouth and my body sways into his embrace, my fingers instinctively curling into the soft fabric of his shirt.

The warmth of his body against mine makes my head spin with longing. The scent of him surrounds me and I breathe him deep into my lungs, memorizing Finn’s distinct essence.

For this moment, I let myself forget about Gio and my obligations as his older sister and only family. Instead, I wrap myself in the exquisite rightness of Finn Quinn loving me.

My heart thunders against my ribs as his hands slide up my back, gentle yet possessive, like he’s trying to memorize the feel of me before I slip away.

And I do.

I ease back and brush my fingers over his lips. “I have to go.”

He nods, leaning in to press his forehead against mine. “I know.”

Brendan and Nora are walking to the dining room when we come downstairs. One look at us and they give us a solemn nod.

“We’re going to miss you, girlfriend,” Nora says pulling me in for a hug.

“I’ll miss all of you, too.”

Bryan gives me a dip of the chin. “Come back if ye can.”

I nod. “I hope to. One day.”

Gio is already waiting by the truck, our few belongings packed in the back. The airstream is hitched and ready to go. When he sees me, his face lights up with a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Ready, Emi?”

I nod, turning to Finn for one last goodbye. The words stick in my throat—there’s too much to say and not enough time.

Instead, I kiss him, pouring everything I can’t say into the press of my lips against his. When we break apart, his eyes are suspiciously bright.

“Take care of yourself, Charmer.”

“Call me when ye get settled somewhere, luv. Let me know yer safe.”

I climb into the driver’s seat, refusing to look back as I start the engine. In the rearview mirror, I see Finn standing in the driveway watching us go, his hands shoved deep in his pockets.

The Quinn Castle grows smaller behind us as I navigate down the winding drive, through the gates, and onto the open road. Beside me, Gio is quiet, staring out the window.