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CHAPTER ELEVEN

UNA

F inn’s idea of doing a little clothes shopping was vastly different from mine. I generally went to a few of my usual stores, headed for the clearance rack, and used my local vintage shop for the dresses I wore when I sang. And those, I rotated as well. I had been saving up everything for my future business.

Finn liked high-end. He never looked at price tags, and once he saw something he liked, he bought it. We wandered down Grafton Street and over to St. Stephen’s Green, and I shopped in stores whose windows I had only ever admired. He laughed quietly when I asked where the clearance area was in the first store we went into.

“Not today, mo chroí. Not today.”

I was grateful he wasn’t pushy and he realized I wouldn’t wear a lot of the extravagant outfits with my lifestyle, but he insisted on a few sweaters and a lovely dress he saw in a window. It was a beautiful shade of blue, reminding me of his eyes, and he had me try it on.

The way his eyes darkened and his hands curled into fists as if trying to stop himself from coming at me when he saw me in it made me blush.

“For when we go out to dinner,” he insisted.

I refused the unreasonably expensive handbag, telling him I was too worried about carrying it on the subway.

“I’ll be mugged, Finn,” I pointed out.

He frowned and chose a lovely wallet instead, which I accepted, too afraid to see the price tag but knowing it was more than probably my entire closet at home.

It was in the lingerie shop he dragged me into that I lost all control of the situation. He spoke with the manager then left, saying he’d return, and I was measured and given pieces of sexy lace and silk to try on. It frightened me that none of the pieces had a price tag, and when I inquired, I was informed that the lingerie was often a gift to the man more than the woman and that this particular man wanted to spoil himself.

When I came out of the dressing room after choosing three sets, Finn was there, admiring a display. It was a diaphanous camisole, the pale pink of the fabric glimmering in the light. The embroidery was incredible, small flowers, leaves, and vines stitched in creams, golds, and red. It closed at the front with a sexy bow that matched the ones on the underwear. It looked sexy on the form, and I imagined on the right person was even more so. The barely there pieces were exquisite and delicate. I had looked at it, but with the way it was showcased, I’d avoided it as I was certain it was one of the most expensive items in the store.

Finn turned to face me, glancing at the small pile on the counter. “That’s it, mo chroí ? Really?”

“Yes,” I said firmly.

He held up a silky robe, the soft fabric moving as he swung it in front of me. “I like this. It is the color of your stunning eyes.”

I tried not to roll those eyes but failed as he chuckled and kissed me. “Indulge me.”

I huffed a defeated sigh.

“Next door is my favorite chocolate shop. Why don’t you go ahead and pick some treats for later?” he said, handing the woman his card. “I’ll be along right away.”

I went next door, inhaling the scent of rich chocolate and caramel. As I perused the cases, I was offered a sample, and I bit into the most decadent caramel I had ever eaten. Finn appeared, bending and claiming the last bite, flashing a mischievous smile at me.

“You found them. Two pounds of those, please,” he instructed the shopgirl. He added a few other types, then instructed them to deliver a box of the caramels to Roisin. He filled out the address and smiled at me. “Her favorite, too.”

I hugged his arm. “She’ll love them.”

We returned to the hotel after Finn bought himself some items. He loved Irish sweaters and ended up with three in various colors. He also purchased some shoes and a few other sundries, once again never glancing at a price tag, simply choosing what he liked.

Back in our room, Finn gathered me in his arms. “Thank you. Even though you didn’t let me spoil you as much as I wanted.”

I shook my head. “You spoiled me plenty.”

He chuckled. “Now, dinner. Do you want to go out or stay in and have dinner by the fire?”

It had become overcast and drizzly. I glanced toward the window then back at him. “By the fire, I think. Just us.”

He kissed my nose. “Perfect. Just us. Now, go pour a bath, and I’ll arrange it. I saw how you looked at the tub earlier.”

“It’s incredible.”

“Great for soaking.” He grinned. “Or other things.”

He strode away, and I felt a shiver run through me.

Other things.

I liked the sound of that.

* * *

The bath was indeed decadent. I had never soaked in a tub while drinking champagne and nibbling rich chocolate fed to me by a sexy Irishman. Or been ravished in said tub. There was no other word to describe what he did. The champagne was poured into my mouth from his. The chocolates shared, the sweetness blending between our mouths as he held his offering in his teeth and invited me closer with a wink and a crook of his finger.

Then he kissed me, the caramel and chocolate flavor still rich on his tongue. He pulled me to his lap, his cock trapped between us, his hands everywhere on my body, touching, teasing, and light. He lifted me over him, and he slid in slowly, somehow the heat of the water making me needier. He gripped my hips as I undulated, the feel of him inside me solid and perfect.

Leaning forward, he captured a nipple in his mouth, sucking, then biting it, making me gasp. He soothed the nip with his tongue, then did the same with my other breast, alternating between them. I rode him, taking him as deep as I could, moving faster as my pleasure began to build.

“You feel so good, Finn,” I whispered. “So good inside me.” I arched my back, letting my head fall back, my hair drifting into the steaming water. He slid his hand down my sternum, teasing my clit in the water, his other hand still gripping my hip, guiding me.

“Look at you,” he growled. “My cock inside you, my fingers on your clit, your breasts red from my mouth. Who owns you, Una? Who do you belong to?” he demanded.

“You,” I gasped, beginning to shake as my orgasm built. “You, Finn. Always you.”

He grabbed my neck, pulling me to his mouth, and kissed me hard. It was pure possession, and I loved it. My release rolled through me, and my body locked down. He groaned into my mouth as I clenched around him, and he wrapped me in his arms, holding me close, his hips pumping fast as he climaxed.

The water splashed around us, up onto the tile, then drifting back into the tub. The steam swirled in the room, the condensation on the mirror fogging it over. I collapsed on his chest, and he held me tight. Neither of us spoke, letting the warmth of the water and the closeness of the moment settle around us. He pressed a kiss to my hair. “Una, mo chroí ,” he murmured. “What you do to me.”

I lifted my head, meeting his tender gaze. In the dim light, his eyes shone a brilliant blue, and they were so filled with love, it made my breath catch. “And you to me, my love,” I whispered.

He smiled. “It’s been a long time since you called me that.”

“It has never changed for me.”

He cupped my face, his kiss gentle this time and filled with adoration. “For me either.”

He pulled my head to his shoulder, pressing kisses to my crown. “And it never will.”

* * *

The flames danced in the fireplace, the embers glowing. It was realistic enough to be hypnotic, and I gazed at it, enjoying the warmth. Finn handed me a coffee, sitting across from me at the small table he’d had set up. Dinner had been exceptional, the food delicious, the wine amazing, and the intimacy welcome. Just him and me alone. Music played quietly in the background, the romantic tunes matching the mood perfectly.

Finn leaned back in his chair, the firelight playing over his features. He wore a simple thermal shirt, the sleeves rolled up, exposing his forearms, and his tattoo peeking out of the unbuttoned neckline. His hair was down, brushing his shoulders. He flexed his legs, the material stretching over his thick thighs. I thought about how it felt to sit on those thighs. The strength of his body. How incredibly masculine he was.

He grinned and winked at me. “See something you like, my Una?”

“Maybe.”

He chuckled and sipped his coffee, turning serious. “What happens when we get home?”

I placed my cup on the table. “We get back to life, I suppose.”

“And our lives—they’re entwined now, yes?”

“Yes.”

“You’re certain?”

I rubbed my forehead. “I’m not fighting it anymore, Finn. I realized how much I was hurting us both by denying what we felt. Do I wish you were an accountant or a teacher—something easier, safer? Yes. But you’re not, and I have accepted that.”

He scoffed. “I’d be a bloody awful accountant. And I have zero patience for teaching.”

I laughed. “Just examples of regular jobs. But you’re not, and I know now it doesn’t matter. Telling myself all these years I would never fall for a syndicate man was just noise. The moment I met you, you owned me. I simply didn’t know it yet.”

He nodded slowly. “I did. That was why I stayed away. Gave you a chance to grow up and find a different life, but somehow I always knew you’d be mine.”

He scrubbed his face. “I know you wanted something different, Una.” He leaned back again, regarding me. “But frankly, mo chroí , a regular man would bore you to tears. You hate some aspects of my world, but you love others.” He indicated the room with a wave of his hand. “An accountant couldn’t give you this. Or a place to sing.”

“I know, but those aren’t the reasons I love you.”

His smile was wide. “That’s what makes it all that much sweeter.” Then he winked. “I could act like an accountant for you. Wear an ill-fitting suit and have a pencil tucked behind my ear. Carry a pocket calculator. Talk taxes and budgets.”

I began to laugh, picturing Finn trying to look like an accountant.

“No, I’m good.”

He drained his coffee and stood, holding out his hand.

“Dance with me, Una.”

He wrapped me in his arms, and I nestled against him. It felt so right being in his embrace. His heartbeat was steady under my ear, his scent wrapping around me. We danced well together.

“See how well we fit?” he murmured. “We were made for each other.”

“Hmm,” I agreed.

“I wish we had more time here,” he said regretfully. “But we’ll come back for a longer stay. A happier one, I hope.”

I lifted my head. “Roisin is doing well. She’ll recover. We’ll come spend some time with her and a few nights here.”

He trailed a finger down my cheek. “I hope so.”

“I know so. She is resilient and strong. You and Niall will get her the best care, and she’ll be fine.”

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“Coming. Being with me. Caring for her. Being my light.”

I smiled. “I love you, Finn.”

He lowered his head, pressing a soft kiss to my mouth. “I love you.”

I beamed up at him, drowning in the look on his face. His gaze was tender, his emotions open. His shoulders looked so broad in his tight shirt, and I loved seeing him so relaxed. It was a good look on him. “You are so sexy,” I informed him.

He tipped his chin. “Not half as sexy as you.”

I rolled my eyes. “Please. You are muscle and brawn. Hard and fit.” I glanced down. “I’m…” I trailed off. “I’m not.”

“Thank God for that,” he grumbled. “You’re perfect. I love how you feel against me. Soft and welcoming.”

“I’ve always wanted to be tall and willowy,” I confessed. “Slim and elegant. Not short and padded.”

He frowned. “You’re beautiful. I love you exactly the way you are. I don’t want you taller or slimmer. There is so much I love. Your hair, your eyes. Your breasts. And don’t even get me started on your ass.” He tapped the swell of my butt, giving it a quick squeeze. “I love every single thing about you, Una. And you are sexy. So beautiful it makes my chest ache at times.”

I smiled because he believed what he was saying. He thought me beautiful and captivating. “You see me with love,” I said.

“I see you exactly how you are.”

“Thank you.”

I hummed, enjoying the moment. I snuggled closer, smiling as he pressed his lips to my crown. The music drifted into another song, and we didn’t speak, simply moving together to the slow rhythm. As the song ended, he stepped back, looking determined. He lifted my hand and kissed it. “I want you to do something for me.”

“Okay.”

“In the bedroom, there’s something on the bed. I want you to put it on for me.”

“Now?”

He nodded. “Now.”

Mystified, I went down the hall. On the bed was a pink bag—one I recognized from the lingerie shop. I opened it, the tissue paper crinkling as I unveiled Finn’s surprise. I gasped as I saw the pale pink set I had admired earlier. Remembering how Finn had stared at it, I should have known he would purchase it. He had bought more than the items I had chosen, the bags containing many surprises.

But nothing compared to this. With trembling hands, I took off the robe I was wearing and slipped on the lingerie, crossing over to the mirror on the wall and gazing at my image. The demi cups hugged my breasts, pushing up the swells so they flowed over the top, my nipples barely hidden. The gauzy fabric ended at my waist, gathered into the bow at the front. The embroidery was delicate and feminine. The details were exquisite. The tiny scrap of silk and lace between my legs was simply an invitation waiting to be opened. The little bows that rested on my hips were a tease. I gathered up my hair in my hands, staring at myself. The pink looked pretty against my skin, the light dancing off the glimmering thread on the pieces. I looked—provocative.

Sexy.

Was that what Finn saw when he looked at me?

“Una,” he growled from the doorway. “Don’t move.”

I froze, and he stepped behind me, our eyes meeting in the mirror. His gaze was intense and hooded. He ran his fingers down my arms, lightly grazing my sides and under my breasts, then rested his hands on my waist.

“You are so fucking beautiful. Tell me you can see that.”

“I feel beautiful in this.”

“You are always beautiful. In everything. In every way. But yes, right now, you are exquisite. Wearing my gift.” He smiled, holding his hand out in front of me, a glinting necklace falling from his fingers. “Both of them.”

I began to protest, and he shook his head. “Today is about me being selfish, remember? I want to see this on you.”

He slipped the necklace around my neck and fastened it. It settled against my collarbone as if meant to be there, the metal cool on my skin. An infinity symbol set with tiny diamonds winked and glinted in the low light. It was lovely and delicate. Something I would choose, and I knew Finn had kept that in mind when picking it.

“No beginning and no end,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to my neck. “Us.”

“I love it.”

He smiled, his eyes never leaving the mirror. “Do you see how I see you, Una?”

“I’m trying. The lingerie makes it easier.”

He laughed and moved closer, wrapping his arm around my waist. “You are always beautiful. With lingerie or without. Smiling, laughing, crying. In every form.”

Then his eyes darkened. “But especially when you’re flushed and crying out my name, coming for me.” He pressed against my back. “That is when you are the most beautiful. And I want you to see that.”

“What?”

“I’m going to make you come, and you’re going to watch.”