Page 5

CHAPTER FIVE

UNA

R ain beat incessantly against the window. I sat in my chair, pulling my legs to my chest and covering them with a blanket. I clutched a cup of tea between my palms. I had been up early and ran three miles, hoping to dispel the sadness in my chest. It relieved some tension, but the ache didn’t leave. I made it home just before the downpour started.

The skies were a dark gray, filled with water that poured from them, much like the pain that was filling my chest.

If only it could open up and release the emotion. Drain it away and leave a sun-filled space behind. I laughed quietly at my strange musings.

That wasn’t going to happen.

I rested my chin on my bent knees, watching the deluge outside. I thought of the first date I’d had with Finn.

He picked me up, bringing me flowers and taking me to a quaint, family-owned restaurant. I looked around surprised, and he smiled at me. “My choice isn’t what you expected?”

“No,” I replied honestly. I had thought he would take me somewhere fancy and over the top. Exclusive and rich. I much preferred this intimate setting.

“I like quiet places,” he explained. “I’ve been coming here for years. Great steak and even better whiskey. Simple and delicious.” He winked. “Better doesn’t always mean pricey, Una.”

I blushed at his teasing.

After asking, he ordered us each a whiskey, then we chose our entrees. He was pleased when I ordered a steak like him, although smaller.

“Thank God you aren’t one of those women who orders a meal and water and then picks at it. Eating is not a crime.”

I shrugged, sipping my whiskey. It was decadent, far smoother than the stuff I drank at home. “I’m not much like other women. I’ve been surrounded my entire life by men and a no-nonsense attitude. I like food. I like whiskey. Why hide that?”

He lifted his glass, touching the rim to mine. “Amen to that. You are a breath of fresh air, Una.”

Something about the way he said my name made my chest tighten. It was spoken in a low, intimate tone. As if his tongue were caressing it before he said it.

I had to shake my head to dispel my odd thoughts.

“I put in my notice,” I informed him. “And met with Connie.”

He nodded. “She told me. She was impressed as well.”

“I liked her. I start on Monday.”

“I’m aware.”

“Finn—”

He chuckled, setting down his glass. “I already know what you’re about to say.”

I tilted my head, waiting.

“There will be no special treatment—in fact, I plan to have little to do with the day-to-day running of the hotels other than being the owner. That is what I expect the staff I hire to do. Which is why I only hire the best.”

I waved my fingers between us. “Isn’t this going to muddy those waters?”

“No. My private life is that. Private. Who I date has no significant impact on the hotel. I will rarely be in the building. I don’t make the decisions—Connie does. I won’t be directly supervising you. What happens between us stays between us.” He held up his hand. “And before you can ask, yes, Connie knows we’re involved. She is married to the manager and there is no issue there, so all is good, Una.”

“Involved?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “It’s our first date.”

He waited until our appetizers were set in front of us. He cut into his sizzling shrimp, taking a bite and chewing slowly, a pleased expression on his face. “Delicious.”

I tried my baked feta, spreading it on the warm toast, humming at the taste. “Agreed.”

He leaned closer, meeting my eyes, his serious. “The first of many,” he insisted.

“You’re so certain,” I mused.

“There was something the very moment I met you,” he replied. “You were too young and there was no way I would have acted on it, but I felt it again when I saw you at the funeral.” He paused. “I have never been able to move past that feeling, Una. Move past you. And this time, I didn’t want to take a chance and lose you.”

We were silent as I mulled over his words. I ate more of my appetizer, enjoying the saltiness of the feta and creamy garlic on the toast points. I saw Finn eye my plate, and with a smile, I handed him one of the delicious morsels. He ate it with gusto, placing a shrimp on my plate in return. It was garlicky and spicy, the shrimp bursting with flavor.

“I felt it too,” I admitted quietly. “Young or not, I felt something for you.”

“Then we’re on the same page.”

Dinner was smooth and enjoyable. Talking to Finn was easy. He listened to me. Really listened. He asked questions, answered mine honestly, thoughtfully.

“So do you still like to run?”

I nodded. “I do. It clears my head. I sometimes run in the park across from the hotel after work, but there’s another park by the house.”

He frowned. “Is it safe?”

“Yes. Lots of runners, bikes, and people taking their dogs for a walk. The paths are well lit, and I only run in the daytime,” I replied, my heart warming a little at his concern.

“Good. I wondered after they tore down the school.”

“You knew it was torn down?”

He sighed, wiping his mouth. “I worried, Una. About you running there in the evening.”

“You didn’t have to worry, Finn. They actually hired a security guard. He was there every…” I trailed off, something on his face giving him away.

“That was you?” I asked.

He nodded. “I had to stay away, but I had to make sure you were okay.”

“Finn,” I murmured.

“You already meant something. I needed to protect you.”

I blinked at the feelings he evoked. I felt warm, protected, and seen. My dad had been caring, but once he’d shown me how to defend myself, he seemed not to worry. Brian never noticed or cared what I did or where I went. Neither of them thought of my safety the way Finn had. It made me feel loved in a way I didn’t know I needed.

“Thank you,” I murmured, laying my hand over his. He smiled and squeezed our fingers together, then lifted my hand to his mouth, kissing it.

“I’ll always look out for you, Una.”

The warmth deepened.

Our entrees came, and Finn changed the subject. We talked about other things—books, the headlines, music. Any question I asked, he answered. Any opinion I gave, he listened.

“I’m still worried,” I admitted over dessert.

He ran a hand over his face. “I know, but Una, things are not the same as they were in your father’s early days. I know you saw a lot of ugly events. But I run a tight ship. I promote peace, as do others of my generation. We work together for the most part. None of us want our loved ones dead or living under a cloud of fear all the time.”

“There is still violence.”

He sat back, resting his ankle on his knee. “And there always will be. Whether we’re together or not. I try to control the violence. I know sometimes it rears its ugly head, but it’s less than it used to be. Things have changed, Una. What we do, how we do it, has changed. I have more legal businesses than not. I oversee and keep peace in my territory. My crimes involve other worlds. Art. Currency. Machines. And those profits feed the ones I use to keep peace.”

“I swore I would never date anyone in your world. I wanted to get as far away from it as possible.”

A frown marred his face, and furrows deepened on his brow. “So, you’re changing your mind?”

I sighed, tracing my finger over the pattern on the tablecloth. “That was before you,” I admitted. “I feel such a…” I trailed off, unsure how to express it.

“Connection?” he asked quietly, reaching out to take my hand and stop its restless movement.

“Yes.”

“I feel it too, Una. I have from the moment I met you. Your brother and father faded into the background, and I couldn’t have cared less that they were even in the room. I was captivated by the old soul in the eighteen-year-old body. The wise woman speaking in a girl’s voice. I have compared you to every woman I have met since that day, wondering how they seemed so ordinary next to you.”

“I’m sure you didn’t let that stop you from enjoying their company,” I teased, yet hated the thought of him with someone else.

He shrugged. “I’ve never been a monk, but I think you’d be surprised at how few I enjoyed, as you put it. How empty I felt with them. How simply being in your presence tonight has filled me in ways I can’t even explain.”

“Finn…” I whispered.

He gripped my hand. “Promise me you’ll try. If you’re worried, talk to me. Give me a chance, Una. Get to know me. In return, I promise you complete honesty. I’ll never lie or sugarcoat things. You will always know where you stand with me. Honesty is very important.”

His gaze was powerful. Focused entirely on me. I could feel his passion and need. Felt it reflected in my soul.

“Or am I too old for you, Una? Ten years is a lot.”

“No. I don’t care about that. I have never felt my age.”

“Or acted like it,” he agreed. “So, what are you saying?”

“I’m saying yes.”

“I need you alone. Now.”

“I don’t get to finish dessert?”

He was already on his feet. “I’ll get you one to go.”

A knock at my door brought me from my musings. I stood, shifting the blanket off my lap. I set down my cup of cold tea and headed to the door, peering out the peephole. I sighed, resting my head against the wood. “What now, Brian?” I asked.

“Let me in.”

“So you can yell and call me names? Mess up the place some more?”

“Apologize.”

That surprised me. I opened the door, stepping back to let him in. He looked tired, the bruising on his face dark and angry-looking. He met my eyes, his brown-colored gaze much like my father’s.

For a moment, neither of us said anything. Then I waved my hand. “Come sit.”

He followed me to the living room, sitting on the sofa. He was clean, his hair brushed, and despite his injuries, he looked calm.

“I was a jerk. An asshole. I’m sorry.”

He sounded sincere. I nodded, letting him talk.

“I was in over my head. I broke all the rules, and you’re right. Finn could have done much worse. I’m sorry for what I did. For stealing your money.”

I indicated the backpack he had with him. “You can’t come back.”

“I know. But I wanted you to know I meant it. I’ll pay you back. I’ll figure it out.” He drew in a deep breath. “I was wondering if I could leave my backpack, though. Juan’s place is small, and I need this safe.” He glanced at me, then back at the bag.

“What’s in it?” I asked, suspicious.

He paused, then sighed. “Some of Dad’s old shirts and things. Some pictures. They’re all I have left, Una. I just want them safe. I’ll stick them in the closet so they won’t be in your way.”

Instantly, I felt awful.

“I didn’t know you had some of Dad’s things.”

“Stuff he had in his locker and car. They were things he touched every day, so they’re important.” He opened a zipper, showing me a photo of the three of us when he and I were young. It was faded and bent. “Like this.”

I traced the images, sentiment welling inside me. If this photo and whatever else meant something to him, he wasn’t lost. The man I knew he could be was in there somewhere. I handed it back to him. “Yes, you can.”

“Thanks. Just until I find a place of my own.”

I nodded, and he left the room, returning a moment later after putting the bag away.

“So, do I know this Juan?”

“No. I met him a few weeks ago on one of my jobs.”

“Ah.”

“He also does some side delivery gigs, and it gives him some extra cash. He’s gonna get me in, and I’ll give you that money.”

“Side deliveries?” I asked skeptically.

“Like DoorDash, but for businesses. He takes documents that need signing from one business to another—that sort of thing.”

“Oh.” It sounded innocent enough. “Nothing that will compromise your job with Finn?”

A look flashed over his face. One of annoyance—but it went quickly.

“No. Just a side gig so I can pay you back.”

There was silence for a moment. “All right,” I said quietly. “I would appreciate that.”

“I was scared and acted irrationally. I shouldn’t have hacked into your account. I thought I could handle it and I would make back what I lost.” He looked sad. “I didn’t want you to know and be upset with me.” He laughed ruefully. “I guess that didn’t work out so well. Now you hate me.”

“I don’t hate you,” I protested. “You’re my brother, and I love you.” I swallowed. “I’m just not sure I can trust you.”

“That’s fair. But you will again.” He smiled. “Maybe we could start with a cup of tea? I’ll make it.”

“The last time you made the tea, you broke the bag and added too much milk. It was lumpy and cold.”

“At least I tried. How about you make the tea, and I’ll get the biscuits?”

I smiled. He was trying. “Sounds good.”

* * *

The next day, the front desk was busy with weekend guests checking out and new ones checking in. I divided my time between there and pitching in at the concierge desk. I loved helping people get theater tickets or a reservation to a nice restaurant. I used all the contacts I had made over the years to get what I needed, often trading upgrades and other perks to return the favors. One of my ticket contacts loved the high tea we had on Sundays, and I often comped her in to say thanks and stay in her good books when I needed hard-to-come-by seats to a popular show.

I felt him before I saw him, his intense presence filling all my senses. I glanced up from behind the desk, meeting Finn’s direct gaze. My breath caught in my throat as it always did at the sight of him. Tall, broad, his suit fitting him like a glove, showcasing his wide chest and shoulders, the deep forest-green highlighting his dark auburn hair that was pulled off his face with a strip of leather as it usually was. The snow-white of his shirt set off his coloring, and he looked every inch the owner of all he surveyed.

I remembered how soft his hair felt between my fingers. How it tickled my skin as he kissed his way along my body. The way those broad shoulders and wide chest felt as I lay on top of him, his arms encasing me, holding me tight. Safe.

Until, in the blink of an eye, it changed.

I shook my head to clear it of the thoughts invading my brain. I forced a smile as he approached.

“Good morning.”

“Una,” he rumbled. “How are you today?”

“I’m well. Yourself?”

He nodded in return, our polite, distant smiles lying to everyone around us. Boss and employee. Nothing else.

But simmering under the surface was so much more. And it took everything I had to push it down and hold it back.

I feared the day that no longer worked.

I would have to disappear from this hotel and his life completely.

“Everything going well?” he asked.

Beside me, George spoke. “She is working her magic again. Even I couldn’t get the tickets she just procured for the penthouse guests. I arranged dinner for them, and they will have a night to remember tomorrow.”

Finn looked pleased. “You both do me credit. I’m sure Mr. and Mrs. Wellington will thoroughly enjoy their stay.”

The guests were new. Wealthy and used to getting what they wanted, yet not rude about it. They had been pleasant to deal with and appreciative of everything we had arranged, which was a nice change. Often, guests were less than pleasant—especially if you couldn’t find exactly what they demanded.

“I arranged a special high tea this afternoon in their room. Dinner and access to the casino tonight,” I informed him. “George got reservations at Crème, and I managed tenth-row center for the musical they wanted tomorrow. He is meeting friends in the lounge for a catered lunch, and she is getting the full spa service on Wednesday. They have a car at their disposal for shopping tomorrow afternoon.”

“Excellent. Great work by you both. Thank you.”

George beamed and I nodded, looking away from Finn’s penetrating gaze. I wondered if I would ever get used to his presence and react to him in a normal way.

Odds were not in my favor.

“Una,” Finn murmured.

“Yes?” I asked, bringing myself back to the present.

“I need a word with you later, in my office, please. Say, at two?”

“Of course.”

He smiled and moved on. I watched him walk away, admiring how he moved. I knew he was observing, noting things in the lobby he would want addressed or admiring other items that pleased him. He was a good employer. Strict and exacting, but fair. Offering praise for good work. Reprimanding in private—never embarrassing staff in front of others. Always professional and in control.

Unless we were in a room alone together. Then he became far more personal. With a quiet sigh, I returned to my work, wondering what he wanted to see me about.

I supposed I’d find out soon enough.