Page 23

The next morning, I sat at my desk, immediately turning on the security feed. I zoomed in on the waterfall, smiling at the monitor.

As I was getting ready, Una squared her shoulders and told me she wanted to leave the suite. It was the first time she had said that since I’d brought her back from the racetrack.

“I really need to work. You can come to the office?” I asked, pausing in pulling on my pants.

“No. I want to go downstairs.” She drew in a deep breath. “By the waterfall and the fire. I can read there. Maybe Niall can bring Anna down. You two can work, and we can read and just enjoy it.”

“Are you ready for that?”

She hesitated but nodded. “You can see me, right?”

“Yes. And I have extra men around. You would be perfectly safe.”

“Then I want to try.”

I had left her there with a tray of tea and toast. Her Kindle and her phone. A blanket across her lap. Instructions with my men she was to be watched.

The staff were pleased to see her. For the first few moments, I watched as they came to say hello, one by one, talking to her, hugging her. They were told she’d been in a car accident, explaining her bruises and absence. She smiled up at the camera and texted me a smiling emoji and a thumbs-up.

Niall and Anna appeared, Anna sinking into the chair next to Una’s. Niall looked unsure, and then he bent and said something to her. She nodded and patted the hand he had resting on her shoulder. He paused, then walked away. Unable to resist, I tracked him across the lobby. He stopped twice, looking back, then again by the elevator, peering around the corner, his gaze locked on her. He tried to be casual about it, but he was anything but.

I switched back to the women, pleased to see them holding their mugs and munching on toast. Anna looked better. Still pale and thin, but she’d been a hostage longer, and she would need more time to recover. I was going to talk to her today about my idea. But first, I needed to discuss it with Niall. I had a feeling he would be involved in the majority of her decisions from now on.

He walked in a few moments later. I tried to look busy, my laptop open, the security monitor back on Anna and Una. I watched as he got a coffee then ambled over, trying to appear casual as he looked over all the monitors, his gaze resting on one the longest.

He sat down, taking a sip of his coffee and setting it on the desk.

“I have news.”

I sat back. “Let me hear it.”

“Our contact at the cop shop told me they found a body about a mile from the racetrack.”

“Juan?”

He nodded. “They think so. General description fits.” He picked up his cup. “Died from blood loss. There was a bullet hole.”

“Can they do DNA? Fingerprints?”

“They tried. No hits, but he was an unknown. He called Lopez his uncle, but that wasn’t his real name. Could have been a son or a cousin or just some kid he recruited.” He took a sip. “Fingerprints aren’t, ah, possible.”

“Why?”

“His right arm is mostly missing—and part of his left. And his leg was being chewed on.”

I grimaced. “Part of me hopes he was still alive when they started chewing.”

“I have to agree.” He paused. “And our guy said he was wearing red sneakers. The same ones we saw Juan wearing with the tiger embroidery.”

“Well, that rather seals the deal.” I sat back, regarding him. “Have you told Anna?”

“Not yet. I will later. It might help her relax, knowing he’s not out there.”

“I’m going to talk to her later about my idea. Tell her she can stay in a room here until she’s on her feet and feels safe to live elsewhere.”

“Yeah, about that. She doesn’t need the room.”

I lifted one eyebrow. “Oh, why is that?”

“She can have Mum’s room.”

I tried to hide my smile behind my mug. “You mean the adjoining room to yours?”

“She’d feel safer being close. It’s private—she can keep the door locked. But I’d be close if she needed me.”

“Will it be locked on your side?” I asked.

He narrowed his eyes. “I’m doing this because she is Una’s friend. To help.”

I nodded. “Right. Of course. Una’s friend . To help.”

He leaned forward. “I haven’t shot anyone for a few days now, Finn. My finger is suddenly feeling itchy. You want to risk it?”

I chuckled and pointed to the monitor.

“She’s lovely, Niall. Intelligent. Sweet. Roisin would love her.”

“I don’t do relationships, Finn. I’m simply doing my part.”

“So, you’re not attracted to her?”

He opened his mouth then snapped it shut when I waved my finger at him. “Truth.”

“You can’t help but be attracted to her,” he huffed. “She’s incredible. But not for me. I’m not interested in something serious. And she’s the serious sort of girl.”

I picked up my phone and scrolled through it.

“What are you doing?”

“Marking today on my calendar.”

“What the hell for?”

“I’ll be reminding you of this stupid conversation, and I want you to know the date you denied how you feel.”

“I can’t deny something that’s not there.”

“You have no feelings for her?” I asked. “None?”

“Aside from concern, no,” he insisted. But I saw the way his gaze strayed to the monitor. And I swore I saw a flash of pain.

“Well then, working with her, sleeping that close, shouldn’t be a problem, should it?”

He stood. “I’m out of here. I have things to do.”

A few moments later, I began to laugh when I saw him back on the main floor, staring at Anna. The longing on his face was transparent. He glanced at the camera, knowing I was watching, and flipped me the bird, making me laugh again. Then he headed toward where she was sitting, and she looked up, her smile warm and wide when she saw it was him. I wondered if he knew how his expression changed. It morphed into a tender look and a smile that echoed hers.

“Goner,” I said to no one. “I wonder how long until he admits it?”

* * *

I had Una bring Anna upstairs for lunch. We met in the pub, the warm ambiance relaxing her. I wasn’t surprised when Niall strode in and joined us. He sat beside her, leaning over and asking her something quietly. She nodded.

“I’m fine,” she murmured.

“Good.”

We ordered, and I sat back, tapping Una’s leg under the table, indicating the couple on the other side with a slight tilt of my chin. She tapped me back, a small grin on her face.

After we ate our bowls of delicious Irish stew and fresh brown bread, I told Anna my offer. She stirred her coffee, frowning.

“It’s only an offer, Anna,” I explained, wondering why she looked so upset. “Maybe you had plans to return up north or another idea?”

“Oh no,” she said. “I had been dreading trying to find a job, and I would love to stay here. I’d get to work with Una?”

“Yes, and the other staff. You’d be in guest services. Trained and paid while doing so.” I looked at Niall, lifting my eyebrows to indicate for him to talk.

“And you’d get to live in the hotel,” Niall added, turning to her.

“I would?”

I cleared my throat. “I’m indebted to you, Anna. You and Una developed a friendship while you were, ah, trapped. She told me if it weren’t for you, she would have gone mad.”

“She was equally good to me,” Anna said. “She tried to protect me from, um, him .”

Her hand shook as she reached for her coffee, and she paled simply at the mention of Juan. Niall shifted closer, draping his arm over the back of the chair she sat in.

“He can’t hurt you anymore,” he assured her.

“But what if he comes looking for me?” she asked, her eyes wide. “And hurts Una? I can’t stay here and risk that.”

Niall met my gaze, and I nodded. Leaning forward, he spoke quietly, telling her and Una that Juan was dead.

“You’re sure?” Anna asked, her voice thick.

“They can’t ID him since there was no way to fingerprint him and no DNA in any system. But the fact that he was so close to the track and had a gunshot wound, the coincidence is too great,” I replied with confidence. “Plus, he was wearing those hideous sneakers.”

“Why no fingerprints?” Una asked.

I cleared my throat. “Mother Nature has a way of removing them.”

Una looked confused, and then her eyes went wide. “Oh. Oh .”

Anna looked at her, and Una mimed biting her nails. Theatrically. Anna looked startled, then turned her face, coughing to cover a little laugh.

“He deserved it,” Una stated.

Anna nodded, shifting in her chair to face Niall. I couldn’t help but see his fingers tangled in her hair that fell over the back of the chair. He saw my glance, pulling his arm back, but I’d caught him.

“Maybe we should discuss it?” she asked.

“It’s your decision. I think you’d like it here. Great staff. And you’d be safe.”

She turned back to me. “I accept.”

“Great. I’ll get the paperwork in order with HR. You can take a little more time to recover and start next week.”

“Okay.”

Niall stood. “You look pale and should probably lie down.”

She stood as well, hesitating, then leaned down and hugged me. “Thank you, Finn. I see why you’re Una’s hero.”

Niall glared at me, and I patted her back. “Thank you.”

They left, Niall’s hand on the small of her back, the gesture oddly intimate since he rarely touched anyone.

Una turned to me, lifting her eyebrows. “Are they…?”

I shrugged. “Niall says no. He is only helping.”

“Bullshit. He’s as protective of her as you are of me.”

“I agree.” I leaned closer. “And he insists she use his mum’s room. Which adjoins his.”

She clapped her hands in delight. “Oh my God, they are such a cute couple. He’s all big and strong. Dark and broody. She’s little and golden. Like night and day.”

I chuckled. “Good description.”

“We need to help them,” she decided.

“We need to wait and see what happens.”

She frowned but didn’t argue. I wondered how long until she asked Anna what was going on.

I hoped she’d tell me.

She picked up her coffee and sipped. Then she turned to me, looking serious. “Finn.”

“ Mo chroí ?”

“I want to go back to work this week. Well, at least Friday and Saturday night.”

I smiled widely. “You want to sing?”

“Yes. I need to move forward. Do something that gives me joy.”

“Your voice gives me great joy as well,” I murmured, stroking a line up her throat.

“You’ll be there, right?” she asked.

“Always.”

“My, ah, dresses,” she paused and swallowed, the memories of the last time she was in her apartment no doubt racing through her head.

“You’re buying new ones,” I informed her. “I’ll take you down to the boutique later. You pick what you want.”

“I have to go back?—”

“No. I’ll have it cleaned out and your personal stuff brought to the suite. You never have to go back there again.” I didn’t want her to face those memories.

She paused. “You told me Tom wasn’t dead, but I haven’t seen him.”

“He’ll be back tomorrow.”

“And you’re sure he’s okay?”

“Yes,” I assured her. “He’s fine. I made him take a few days off, that’s all.”

I practically had to have his wife tie him down, but I kept that to myself.

“Oh, good. I look forward to seeing him.”

“He is looking forward to seeing you too.”

* * *

UNA

Friday night, I sat at the dressing table, finishing my makeup. The soft fragrance of Finn’s flowers drifted over, and I inhaled, stopping what I was doing and stroking the soft petals. The arrangement was huge, and this time, there was a card.

Mo chroí,

Sing for me.

Always, Finn

I stood, crossing to the screen by the door and sliding the new dress Finn had picked out for me over my head. I looked in the mirror. It was a soft green, flowing and elegant. The long sleeves hid the fading bruises, and the delicate shimmer of the crystals drew your attention to the bias cut of the skirt and the swirl of the material that swept the floor. It was modest and pretty, and I felt like a million dollars in it. Careful makeup covered the marks on my collarbones and face. They no longer hurt and would soon be gone.

I only hoped the painful memories would fade as well. The therapist I had started seeing was helping. She was insightful and down-to-earth, and we got along well. She was the wife of one of Finn’s men, so nothing I told her came as much of a shock. And it was nice to say things without filtering them. I didn’t have to worry about upsetting Finn if I was having a bad moment and said what was on my mind.

There was a tap on the door, and Tom stuck his head in. “They’re ready for you.”

Finn insisted on a guard for me at all times. I asked for Tom and had been happy to see him return to my side. We got along well, and I trusted him. I still felt awful about what Brian had attempted to do, but he’d waved me off and we hadn’t spoken of it again.

I hesitated before going onstage, a small flutter of nerves hitting me. I had to remind myself the danger was gone. No one was watching who wanted to hurt me. No one was stalking me.

I took a deep breath and walked out.

I was greeted with a warm round of applause, my eyes widening at the large table set up at the front. Roman, Aldo, Luca, and their wives were all there. Niall and Anna. Finn sat closest, his pride evident, beaming at me, nodding in encouragement. His intense gaze met mine, flooding me with warmth. I felt his love, his strength, surround me.

He was here.

I was safe.

I shut my eyes, and I began to sing.

* * *

FINN

As always, Una’s voice transported me to another time. Her song choices tonight were those of love. Hope. Happiness.

And she sang them all to me.

I fingered the small box in my pocket. Tonight after she stepped offstage, I would ask her to marry me properly, then take her upstairs and surprise her with a dinner with our guests. We’d celebrate the moment with the people who’d made it possible for it to happen. Who’d stepped in and helped me get her back.

She was only doing the one show tonight and tomorrow. She would resume her schedule next week. And working in her new role in the office.

She would be safe in the hotel. Guarded when she left the property.

Never far from my sight.

And she would be loved.

Endlessly.

She finished her set, and the entire room stood, clapping and calling for an encore.

They couldn’t get enough.

I smiled proudly, knowing I had to share her for a little longer.

Then I’d ask my question, and she’d say yes.

I was sure of it.

* * *

Later in the elevator, I pressed a kiss to Una’s head. “You were incredible,” I murmured. “So amazing.”

“It felt good to sing,” she replied.

In the suite, I indicated the terrace. “A little fresh air?”

“I’d like that.”

Outside on the table, I had more flowers for her. A bottle of champagne chilling. When she looked at me, I smiled. “To celebrate your return to the O’Reilly’s stage.”

“Ah,” she breathed, walking to the railing. She rested her arms on the metal, looking out over the lights of the city. “Always so busy,” she murmured. “So big.”

I joined her, wrapping my arms around her. “It is. Easy to get lost in.”

“Or found,” she murmured.

I pressed a kiss to her neck, drawing in a deep breath, but before I could speak, she turned in my arms, looking up at me.

“Will you marry me soon, Finn?”

I was stunned. “Soon, mo chroí ? May I ask why?”

“Life is too short. I wasted too much time with doubt. I love you. You love me. I want to belong to you. I want everyone to know you’re mine.”

I grinned at her possessive words. “Funny,” I mused, pulling the box from my pocket, flipping the lid open. “You took the words out of my mouth.”

She looked at the ring nestled in velvet. The large center emerald twinkled in the light. It was flawless, perfect. The diamonds surrounding it were brilliant and protected the middle stone, the way I planned to do to her the rest of her life.

She gasped at the ring.

“The emerald reminds me of your eyes,” I murmured.

“It’s so beautiful.” She glanced up at me. “I love you.”

“I’ll start the preparations,” I said, slipping the ring on her finger and wrapping her back in my arms. “I want the world to know you’re mine too.”

“Finn?” she whispered against my lips.

“Hmm?”

“Use your contacts. I want it to be soon.”

I grinned as I captured her mouth. “Done.”

Then I kissed my fiancée with utter abandon.

Because she was finally mine.

My Una.

Mo chroí.

* * *

WAIT A MINUTE, you say? No Epilogue from me? Yes, there is an epilogue, but you are going to have to read it in NIALL.

Thank you so much for reading FINN. If you are so inclined, reviews are always welcome by me at your retailer.