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CHAPTER TWELVE

FINN

H er green eyes went wide in her face at my words. A dusty pink spread over her cheeks, and her breathing picked up. She shivered, the movement feeling like a small tremor as my body reacted to her. Her nipples hardened, and goose bumps erupted on her skin.

But she didn’t speak. Didn’t protest.

I snaked an arm around her waist, spreading my fingers wide on her torso, and I took her gathered hair in my other hand. I pulled on it gently and tilted her head. I ghosted my mouth along her shoulder and up her neck to her ear.

“I’m going to touch you, Una. Everywhere I please. Everywhere I know pleases you. I’m going to make you come, and we’re both going to watch as you do. You’re going to see how beautiful you are in that moment.”

Another tremor went through her, and I nipped at her neck.

“Let’s clear up a few things, shall we?” I let her hair drop and drifted my hands to her hips. “What is wrong with these?”

“They’re a little wide. And fleshy.”

“No,” I purred, keeping my voice low. “They’re perfect to grab as you ride me. The exact right size to grip as I fuck you from behind.” I caressed the soft skin. “Perfect.”

I slid my hands to her stomach. “This?”

“It’s not, um, flat,” she whispered.

“It shouldn’t be. I like it a little soft. I like how it feels when I lay my head on it and you stroke my hair. It’s the place our children will grow, and it will protect them.”

Her eyes went wide again. “Oh.”

Her glance dropped, and I ran my hands on her thighs. “These are amazing. For someone so short, you have long legs. Strong ones. They wrap around my waist just right. They walk toward me quickly. Run and make me chase you.” I moved my hands to the back and squeezed her plump ass. “And don’t get me started on this ass. It’s featured in most of my dirty thoughts. It’s absolute perfection.”

She blinked, and I slowly traced my fingers to her breasts, cupping them. I pushed the soft fabric down, stroking her nipples. “Your breasts are amazing too. I love how the nipples pucker under my tongue. How you moan when I suck them.”

I stepped closer, pressing my body to hers. I pushed her hair aside again. “I love how smooth your skin is. How it tastes. Different here—” I licked down her neck “—than here.” I dropped my hand to her pelvis, smiling as her breathing became even more rapid. The pulse at the base of her neck jumped. “And your mouth was made for me. I love kissing you. I never really enjoyed the act before, but with you, it’s an addiction.”

She tugged on her curls, and I shook my head. “Oh no. You don’t say a word about your hair. It’s wild and gorgeous. Unique. It makes you all the more special, and I love it.”

That made her smile.

“And this.” I dropped my hand to the small wisp between her legs. “I am totally addicted to your pussy, Una. I was the first to claim it, and it’s all mine. You’re all mine. You understand that?”

She nodded, another tremor going through her at my possessive tone.

“You know what I love the most right now?”

She gave the barest shake of her head and remained silent.

I lowered my mouth to her ear again. “I love knowing that by simply touching you, talking to you, you’re wet for me. Aching. Wanting me to touch you there.” I paused and tapped the material lightly. “Aren’t you?”

“Y-yes,” she stammered.

“Open your legs.”

She did as I asked, gasping loudly as I slid my hand under the material and stroked her. She was slick, hot, and perfect, her honey helping my fingers glide over her effortlessly. Her clit was standing at attention, begging for me, and I rolled it between my thumb and forefinger, her whimper of pleasure pleasing me.

“You want more, Una?”

“Yes.”

“You want to watch me fuck you with my hand? Fuck you until you come all over me?”

“Yes. Yes. Yes,” she panted.

“Keep your eyes open. I want you to see yourself. You close them, and I’ll stop.”

“No, please,” she begged.

I pressed on her stomach with one hand as I worked her with the other. I teased and pinched, sank two fingers inside her, watched as she undulated her hips, desperate to be as close to the source of pleasure as possible. And my good girl kept her eyes open, watching herself and me watching her. I pressed on her bundle of nerves with my thumb, adding a third finger inside her, letting my pinkie finger tease her sensitive pucker. Her whimpers turned into moans, then cries of pleasure, as I moved my hand faster. Pumped harder. The silk gave way under my movements, but I didn’t care. I’d buy her more lingerie. She gripped my arms then reached up, grabbing at my neck and hair, her breasts spilling over, the nipples red from rubbing on the material.

And still, she watched.

Then her body locked down, her muscles gripping my fingers as she came, hot and wet, saturating my hand, screaming my name, her cheeks flushed, mouth open, and eyes wide.

Our gazes locked on each other.

Until her legs couldn’t hold her up anymore.

Her body couldn’t take any more pleasure.

Her eyes shut, and she slumped against me.

I bent and lifted her, sitting on the bed. I brushed her beautiful hair back and kissed her face. Hundreds of small, adoring kisses.

“Do you see now?” I asked quietly. “You are perfection to me.”

She opened her eyes, meeting mine.

“I see.”

“Good. Only I will ever see that beauty, Una. You’re mine.”

“Yours,” she agreed.

I gathered her close, holding her. I wasn’t surprised when she fell asleep, exhausted and sated in my embrace. I tucked her in, standing over her and gazing down. Her hair was all over the white sheets, a brilliant wave of color. Her long lashes were dark on her creamy skin and her golden freckles small flecks of sand.

She was even more beautiful now.

I bent and kissed her, a silent thank-you before I headed back to the living room to make a few calls. I would finish that and return to her, pulling her into my arms, and sleep beside her.

The way I wanted to end every day for the rest of my life.

* * *

“What sorts of problems?” I asked Roman, feeling tense.

“There was a deliberate fire set yesterday in your territory. I was there and checked it out. I know the owners from our past. They say a new gang is roaming the area. Scaring people.”

“Damn.”

“Then today, another.” I heard a heavy sigh. “I hate to say it, Finn. But when I questioned some people, the description they gave made me think it’s Murphy.”

“Fecker,” I snarled into the phone.

“It’s typical of his sort. Petty revenge. Thinks he’ll hit your bottom line. Hurt those who trust you.”

“I’ll deal with him when I get home tomorrow. In the meanwhile, put out the word.”

“Already done.” He paused. “I’ll help whatever way I can. These are still people we looked after.”

“I know and I appreciate it. I’ll deal with him once and for all.” I scrubbed my face, knowing what that meant. Wishing more than ever I could grab Una and run with her, leaving everything else behind. I wasn’t sure how she would handle this news.

“Let someone else deal with that,” Roman advised. “Don’t lose what you have because of him.”

“Is that what you did with Effie’s sister?” I asked, curious.

He cleared his throat. “Her sister was trying to kill her when I got to them. She shot me and was about to shoot my wife. Aldo took her out.”

I was stunned into silence. Finally, I spoke. “I see.”

“I would have taken the shot without question if I had been able to. I would like to think Effie would have forgiven me for that, but I’m glad I didn’t have to find out. Let someone else handle it, Finn. That’s my advice.”

“Noted. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I hung up, troubled. I wandered into the bedroom, gazing down at Una. How, I wondered, would she take the news? Would she beg me to give him yet another chance? Would she understand? Or would she hate me if we discovered it was indeed Brian behind the arson and the new gang?

Would she walk away—this time for good?

I hung my head. Somehow, I had a feeling I already knew the answer.

* * *

The next morning, Una was shy, not meeting my eyes, looking away when she felt my gaze on her. I found it incredibly endearing that after all the ways I had taken her, the mirror incident was making her feel exposed. I found it sexy. But then again, I found everything about her sexy.

I had woken her early this morning, kissing her awake, my cock already nudging at her entrance. She woke fully with a groan, wrapping her legs around me, bringing my cock deep inside. We rocked together, our bodies joined everywhere—chest to chest, hip to hip, mouth to mouth. It was slow and tender, and our orgasms crested close. The feel of her wrapped around my cock tightly had driven me over the edge, and I groaned my release into her neck as she shook under me.

We arrived at the airport on time and boarded quickly, the perks of owning my own plane a bonus. After takeoff, we had coffee and pastries, and I stared out the window, lost in thought.

Movement caught my eye, and I looked up, seeing Una studying me. I had been ignoring her, but her gaze was warm and open. No judgment or anger.

“Hi,” she said quietly. “You’ve got a lot on your mind.”

I sighed, knowing I had to talk to her.

I unclipped my seat belt, leaning close and taking her hands. “Una.”

She tilted her head. “I don’t like that tone.”

“I promised you honesty. Always.”

“You did. Something bad is going on in Toronto, isn’t it?”

I told her what Roman had reported.

Then I said one word. “Brian.”

“What does a rogue gang have to do with him?” she asked. “You think he’s behind this?”

I explained about the drugs, his aggression, plus the fact that he had walked out.

As if it were a regular nine-to-five job.

Una knew better.

“And you allowed that.” She paused and swallowed. “Because of me.”

“I wasn’t there, and Roman didn’t want to overstep. He, ah, knows the complications there are about Brian.”

Her eyes widened. “He was fidgety and tense the last time I saw him. Jittery.” She looked angry. “I can’t believe he’s doing drugs. Dad always lectured both of us about that. Stay away from drugs. Too much alcohol. Use protection.”

My eyebrows flew up, and she smiled. “That was directed at Brian more than me.”

I smiled at her attempt at levity. I could see the pain in her eyes.

“Brian muttered something about a new venture with his roommate.” She furrowed her brow. “Did he quit too? Juan?”

I shook my head. “I don’t know a Juan.”

“Oh. I assumed he was on the crew and that was how Brian knew him.”

“No.” But the name made me pause. Hadn’t there been a Juan when I’d gone to see Lopez? Some young kid in the background. Was it a coincidence?

“Una,” I began, but she shook her head.

“You tell me all the time that things have changed. People leave. They decide the life isn’t for them, and you let them go.” Her voice held a note of desperation.

“Yes.” I leaned closer, a hint of irritation seeping into my tone. “After conversations, when rules are laid out and complete respect and loyalty are shown.” I shook my head. “Your brother has never shown either of those things—especially after your dad passed.”

“He died because he was protecting you,” she whispered.

I reared back. “And I looked after him. He showed me loyalty, and I showed him the same thing.”

“But he died and you’re alive.”

“Your father was a good soldier, Una. He did his duty, and he knew the risks. He’d taken them for years before me.” I stared at her. “You said you understood. I thought you didn’t blame me.”

She rubbed her forehead. “I don’t. I’m just upset.” She reached over and grasped my hand. “Please, Finn, can’t you do something? Is this about the money he owes you? I can?—”

My anger took hold, and I cut her off. “I haven’t given the damn money a single thought, but since you brought it up, that pisses me off too. You will not be paying a penny of it. It’s his careless debt, not yours. When will you stop protecting him and treating him like an innocent party? He needs to take responsibility, not you!” I roared.

She looked stunned at my ire.

“And what would you have me do, Una? Send him off with my congrats on a new path and let him terrorize people I protect? Burn down my businesses so he feels like a big man? He is going after me—don’t you understand that?”

“You don’t know that!”

“I’m going to find out, and when I do, I will take the necessary steps.” I met her teary gaze. “I have no choice here. He is the one who has broken the rules. He is the one doing this. I cannot let it go.”

“Even for me?”

I shook my head. “Even for you.”

She sat back, pale and shaken.

“So, you’ll kill him.” Her voice trembled, and she spoke the words softly, more tears glimmering in her eyes. “My only family.”

“I am your family now. We have a future. But your fucking brother keeps getting between us,” I fumed. “This will only escalate, Una. He’ll get bolder. He might even come after you, and I can’t take that chance.”

“He wouldn’t hurt me.”

“If he’s messing with drugs, he’s not the person you thought him to be. I don’t think he ever was.”

She wiped her cheeks. “I know him better than you.”

I smiled sadly at her. “Then I need to remind you that he has hurt you. And to loosely use your own words, Una, you see him with love. He will forever be a boy to you. Your roles were always upside down. You took on the caregiver role, and you can’t let it go.”

“Will you give him a chance?”

I scrubbed my face. I wanted to yell at her and tell her how many chances he’d had. Remind her of the money he’d stolen. How he’d left her looking after her dad and lived his life.

“I will have my men bring him in and talk to him.”

“I don’t know…” She trailed off, letting the words remain unspoken. But I heard them as plain as if she had shouted them.

I don’t know if I could forgive you.

I sat back, feeling defeated. “So then you’ll hate me, and he wins anyway.”

She didn’t reply.

* * *

The rest of the flight was spent in silence. She pretended to sleep, but I knew she wasn’t. I didn’t know how to talk sense to her. To make her see the man who chose this path, not the boy she was trying to protect.

I passed the time working on my laptop, staring at her over the top every time she shifted, hoping she would open her eyes and we could try to reach a compromise.

Before Roman had told me what was going on, I’d planned on bringing Brian in, talking to him, putting the fear of God and me into his soul, and then sending him to another city for a fresh start. Even forgiving his debt. Maybe sending him to Ireland. I would never do that for another person, but I would do it because of Una and the deep love she had for him.

But if Roman was right and Brian had joined a gang intent on creating discord and using the knowledge of my organization to do so, he had to be stopped. He carried too many secrets I had a feeling he’d be happy to divulge to make himself a name and harm my world.

And for someone like him, there was only one way to silence him.

I rarely ever gave that order. It was always the last resort, unless my life was in danger. Or to protect those I loved. I preferred peace. Talking. Compromise. But he was tying my hands. As always with Brian Murphy, he chose the most difficult, painful path.

And this time, his decision was going to have life-altering consequences for me.

The pilot announced we were beginning our descent, and Una sat up, going to the restroom then returning. Her eyes were dull, the smile she offered me as she sat back down without any emotion behind it.

“Do you want anything before we land?” I asked.

“No, thank you.”

“You haven’t had a thing.”

“I’m fine, Finn,” she said, an edge to her voice.

I looked out the window. “I have a lot of problems waiting for me. You can head up to the suite when we get back, and I’ll be up when I can.”

“I’m going home.”

I snapped my head in her direction. “I’m not playing this game with you, Una. You’re angry. Fine. I am as well. We’ll hash it out together once I take care of some business.”

“I’m going to my apartment. I hadn’t planned on going to the hotel with you before we talked. My clothes are there. My uniform. I left so quickly, I never cleaned out my fridge or took out the garbage. I need to attend to those things,” she informed me.

Her words made sense, but I was still angry.

“Then I’ll send a car for you when you’re ready.”

She lifted her chin, stubborn as hell. “I’ll take the subway in the morning when I report for my shift.”

I narrowed my eyes, ignoring the ache in my chest. “Una,” I warned.

She glared right back. “I want to be alone for a while. You don’t own me, Finn. I don’t take orders from you.” She turned her head. “I’m not one of your men. But if my behavior upsets you, maybe you can take care of me and my brother in one go. Save yourself some time.”

Fury rolled inside me. Ignoring the fact that we were landing and I needed to stay in my seat, I tore the seat belt off and towered over her, gripping the arms of her seat. Our steward called out a warning, but I ignored her.

“Don’t ever fucking say anything like that again. You know I would die rather than hurt you. You are never in danger with me. Your brother is business. You are my entire fucking world.”

She stared up at me, shocked at my tone, startled at my proximity.

“Sit down,” she pleaded.

“Tell me you know that. Promise me you will never think or say anything so fucking vile again.”

“I know,” she whispered. “I’m sorry.”

I sat down, snapping on the seat belt and shutting my eyes. I took a deep breath, then another.

“I love you, mo chroí ,” I said as the plane came to a halt.

“I know,” she repeated.

My heart ached at those words, because she didn’t say them back.

He was already winning.