Page 1

CHAPTER ONE

FINN

I glanced at my watch, then cast my gaze at the wall of monitors on the opposite wall. I could see and, if I wanted, hear everything going on in every corner of my hotel and casino, aside from the private rooms. I had no desire to know what went on behind the closed doors of my guests. Unless you were in a suite I put you in to keep tabs on you.

That was a totally different story.

The casino was steady, the restaurants prepping for another day of busy service, and everything was running smoothly. I clicked again so the entire wall became the lobby, scanning to make sure it looked perfect.

Guests were coming and going, the concierge desk busy. The front desk had a few people in front of it, and I did a quick zoom to make sure the staff was following protocol.

At least, that was what I told myself.

I took a moment to observe the lobby, waiting until a familiar head of bright-red curls appeared. I stared at the monitor, drinking in the smile and friendly expression on her face as she dealt with a guest. The warmth she exuded, the same warmth I wished were directed toward me, even though I knew she was off-limits. She had made that very clear, and I had to respect her wishes. I watched her for a few more moments, admiring her grace and beauty, reaching my hand out to stroke her cheek on the screen, recalling how soft her skin was. How silky it used to feel under my fingers. The way it felt when I pressed my lips there, whispering to her.

“Mo chroí.”

As if hearing my thoughts, she looked up toward the monitor, her gaze feeling as if it were looking directly into my soul. The one only she knew. For a brief time, she had been the redemption, the gift I’d been given.

Until she’d left me.

Her gaze dropped and I shook my head, returning to the present. I focused my attention to the front door, waiting for my unscheduled visitor.

I didn’t have to wait long. Roman Costas was nothing if not punctual.

He walked in, his shoulders back, head high, stopping to take in the much-changed front lobby.

When he’d owned the casino and hotel, it was modern, sleek, muted grays and creams. Streamlined furniture, thick carpeting underfoot.

When he sold it to me, I closed it for a year, remodeled parts of it, and reopened as O’Reilly’s. I replaced the previous name of Maple II, as had been part of our agreement. He hadn’t seen it yet.

I zoomed in to get a closer look at his reaction.

For a brief moment, I saw his shock and a slight sadness as he scanned the vast area, then his mask fell into place.

He walked forward, taking it all in. Gone were the glass and metal and carpet. Dark woods, soft colors, and heavy, thick-planked flooring were in their place. A massive rock wall was at the back, water cascading gently over the crevices to a pool below. Flanking the waterfall area were live trees and plants, the green stretching upward to the new, light-filled dome. The area was peaceful and serene. It invited our guests to sit and relax, close their eyes and forget about the city beyond the walls and glass. The dome was fitted with stained glass, the colors cascading all around, beautiful yet allowing the light to come in and highlight the plants and water. It was my favorite spot on the main floor.

It was hers as well.

Closer to the front was another alcove that contained a huge fireplace with chairs and sofas arranged around it. There were live edge desks at reception, deep armchairs, and muted greens and cream everywhere. No steel or metal surfaces anywhere. The ambiance of the entire hotel was now that of an Irish manor. Warm, welcoming, homey. Upstairs, I had added an Irish pub, the décor so realistic you’d think it had been there for years, not a matter of months. It was always busy and one of the biggest moneymakers in the entire building, next to the casino.

Whereas Roman had catered to the wealthy and grand, my hotel and casino were more down-to-earth. The money was still there, but muted. Covered with the feel of nature and home.

I watched his response as he took it all in, his gaze never stopping, no doubt cataloguing all the changes.

Then he looked right at the concealed camera and nodded, knowing I was watching him. I had to chuckle. That was one thing I had kept. His security systems were second to none, and he knew it.

He started toward the private elevator, then seemed to recall that he no longer had access to it.

For the first time since I’d met him, I saw Roman Costas hesitate.

I picked up the phone. “Escort Mr. Costas upstairs right away. Send coffee.”

A moment later, my second was beside him, shaking his hand and indicating the elevator Roman had once considered his.

I stood and buttoned my jacket.

It was time to discover what this visit was about.

* * *

He strode in, his face impassive. He extended his hand. “O’Reilly.”

I shook his hand firmly. “Costas.”

“Hardly recognized the place.”

I offered him a smile. “Rather the point.”

“I like it.”

I indicated the chair, and he sat, unbuttoning his coat and crossing his legs. A moment later, coffee arrived and I offered him a cup. He accepted and we sipped in silence.

“Good,” he acknowledged. “Different.”

“Irish,” I said with a grin.

He laughed, shaking his head. “Of course.”

He leaned back, appearing relaxed. “What have you done to the casino?”

“Very little, actually—a refresh, really, carpets and such. We redid the main parts. The lobby, the restaurants, the guest rooms.”

He looked around. “The office as well.”

I ran my hand over the desk I was sitting at. “This was my grandfather’s. I had it brought over from Ireland.”

“Stunning piece,” he acknowledged. “Very different ambiance to the place now.”

I nodded thoughtfully. “I don’t want to compete with you, Roman. You run a very upscale casino. I’m appealing to the middle classes. Those who come for an evening to break the monotony of their run-of-the-mill lives. Staying in Toronto for a vacation and want to live it up a little. I still make millions, but in different ways.” I shrugged. “The high rollers come to you. I’m good with that.”

He finished his coffee, setting the empty cup on the desk. “I’m good with it too. I agree there are many types of gamblers and lots to go around.” He cleared his throat. “Which is the main reason I’m here.”

I rested my elbows on the desk. “Is there a problem?”

“Potentially.”

“Fill me in.”

He stood and paced, no doubt taking in other changes to his old office. “I assume you don’t allow your men to gamble at your casino.”

“No. I prefer them not to gamble at all, but if they do, not here. I want no whispers of favoritism or fixing games.”

He nodded. “I have much the same rule, and I know my staff on occasion indulge elsewhere.”

He sat down, meeting my curious gaze. “One of your men has been to the Maple twice in the past week. I’m concerned.”

“Why?”

“I overheard him talking about a debt he is trying to clear up.”

I withheld my groan. We both were aware that gambling more to pay off an existing debt rarely worked. It was an act of desperation that often led to negative consequences.

“Debt?” I asked. “Debt to whom?”

He sat back. “That’s the troublesome part. The racetrack. Pedro Lopez.”

I grimaced. “I’ve never met him, but I hate that lowlife. From what I’ve heard, he’s trouble.”

“As do I.” He drummed his fingers on the arm of the chair. “He plays just within the rules. He’s not under anyone’s jurisdiction, but I have a feeling there’s more going on there than horse racing. I’ve heard the rumors.”

“As have I.” I frowned. “I don’t like the fact that one of mine owes him money. Or even that he frequents that place.” I met Roman’s gaze. “Name.”

“Brian Murphy.”

“Dammit,” I replied, somehow not surprised at hearing that name.

He lifted an eyebrow in a silent question.

“His father, Jim, was one of my men. Brian’s been a pain in my ass since he joined us.” I rubbed my eyes. “Always just this side of too much trouble. Looking for the easy way to do things. Lazy.”

“What I heard, he owed Lopez upwards of twenty. He was trying to win it to pay him. He did okay the other night and I imagine it was enough to buy himself a few days, but last night, he played poorly. I have a feeling, with the interest Lopez is charging, he’s getting frantic. We both know that leads to bad decisions.”

“How much does he owe you now?”

“Five.”

“Fuck,” I muttered.

“Not a huge amount, but enough that he can’t cover it. I stepped in and cut him off.” He shrugged. “He wasn’t happy and got fucking mouthy. I decided I needed to tell you.”

“You were right. I have to figure this out.”

“Cut him loose.”

“I can’t.”

“Why?”

“His father saved my life. Took a bullet meant for me. He never recovered and died later. I told him I’d look after his kids.”

“More than one troublemaker?”

“No. His sister is one of my most loyal, exemplary staff. Very well-thought-of.”

“You need to rein him in.”

“I will.”

“You want me to talk to Lopez?”

I shook my head. “Don’t get involved, Roman. As much as I appreciate the offer, he’s an unknown entity. You have a wife and a young one. A family. I don’t want you on his radar.”

He nodded, although he was clearly not happy about my answer. “I don’t want anyone I know on his radar,” he muttered. “I have a bad feeling about him.”

“Roman,” I added, waiting until he met my eyes. “I’ll talk to Lopez. Clear up the debt, and Brian can work it off with me.” I blew out a long breath. “I appreciate you coming to me instead of taking care of business the usual way. I’ll deal with this. But Brian isn’t allowed to gamble in your casino again.”

“I made that very clear last night.”

“I’ll make sure his debt to you is cleared today. Niall will transfer the money. And he’ll be warned about no more gambling. I’ve honored his father’s debt.”

“I agree.”

“And as I said, I appreciate you coming to me.”

He inclined his head in acknowledgment.

“Now, tell me. How is that little one of yours?”

His countenance changed, becoming lighter. The family man showing through.

“Getting bigger every day. He tests his mother and me constantly.”

I laughed. “And your nonna?”

His smile was warm. “Happier than she has been in years. With Aldo, Luca, and me all having kids, I swear she looks younger than ever. She is constantly busy, happy, smiling.”

I had only met his nonna and his wife once. Both were charming and brought out a side of Roman most people didn’t know. He was incredibly protective of them, plus anyone he considered family, like his sister-in-law or Aldo’s wife, Vi.

“Aldo was here last week with Vi. She did some shopping while he and I spoke.”

Roman nodded, looking amused. “She’s a firecracker.”

I chuckled. “That she was. You should bring your wife for an evening. Dine at the new restaurant. Irish food is delicious.” I winked. “I’ll comp you some chips, and you can try your hand at one of my tables.”

He laughed. “The dinner, I’ll accept. I never gamble.” He stood to leave. “And I’ll extend the same invitation to you. Come to the Maple. Or even better, come to the winery. My nonna’s cooking is not to be missed.”

I shook his hand, surprised and honored. Roman Costas rarely let anyone on to his estate. “That’s an invitation I’ll accept. Maybe we can set a date when we meet with Luca in a few weeks?”

“Sounds good.”

“Can I offer you lunch before you go?”

“I can’t, I’m afraid. I have a busy afternoon. But I didn’t want to discuss this on the phone and felt I needed to come here to tell you.”

“Thank you for that. I’ll take care of it.”

He departed, and I switched on the monitors to watch him leave. He stopped to admire the water feature, studying it. Una approached him, smiling and greeting him. She indicated the wall, and he returned her smile then asked her a few questions. She was her usual animated self, describing the rocks I’d transported from Ireland and the way it worked. Her hands flitted as she spoke, her expressive face lighting up as she talked. The light around her caught her hair, and it gleamed red and gold. I was as fascinated by her hair as I was with her.

I found myself leaning closer to the monitor, my eyes narrowing as I took in Roman’s smile and how close he stood to her.

It took everything in me not to rush to the lobby and appear at her elbow, glare at Roman so he knew to back off. Then I reminded myself he was simply being friendly. Curious about the changes to the building he once owned. And Una was, as usual, being her warm, perfect self. Everyone was drawn to her. It happened without you even realizing it.

And the rock garden waterfall was one of her favorite features of the lobby. That and the fireplace. Even when she wasn’t working, I often spied her curled up in one of the large armchairs, studying sheet music or reading.

I liked that she felt comfortable enough to do so.

I liked a lot of things about Una Murphy.

Except for her connection to her brother Brian. She loved and protected him fiercely. Always defended him. She had from the day I first met her. It was going to be a complication in what had to happen, and I wasn’t looking forward to the fallout.

They finished their conversation, and Roman smiled at her. He was a good-looking son of a bitch, and if I didn’t know how deeply in love he was with his wife, I’d be pissed off he was talking to Una. But I knew his heart and fidelity were deeply affixed to “his Effie,” as I heard him call her, so I tamped down my jealousy.

Still, I was pleased when he nodded and left. I switched to an outside view and watched as he climbed into his car and drove off.

I shut off the monitors and called Niall.

“We have a problem.”

“I figured as much when the great Roman Costas paid you a visit.”

“We need to figure this out.”

“I’ll be there in five.”

I hung up, staring out the window and to the busy city beyond it. My mind went over the current problem facing me, flipping through ideas of how to solve it with the fewest ramifications.

No matter what solution I came up with, someone was going to lose.

And I had no idea who.