Page 6

CHAPTER SIX

FINN

T here was a quiet knock at my door, and I smiled at Una’s punctuality.

“In,” I called.

She entered, bringing with her the sun. Figuratively, of course, although I swore the room got brighter when she entered it—any room. She had an aura of light around her.

“You wanted to see me?” she asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

I indicated the chair in front of my desk. “Sit, please.”

She did so, crossing her legs. I tried not to ogle her, no doubt failing. The uniform for the hotel was simple. Light-colored blouses or shirts, deep-green skirts or pants. A waistcoat if you wanted. A necktie was optional, but today, not only was Una wearing a skirt, she had a flirty little bow tied around the neckline of her cream-colored blouse. And she had chosen one of the lacier blouses we offered, making her look feminine and sexy. Her hair was gathered up off her face, hanging down her back in a cascade of bright-red curls. She was irresistible.

She cleared her throat, and I had to grin. She’d caught me.

Patiently, she waited and I sobered. “I wanted to ask how you were.”

“You did so this morning.”

“With George present. You know what I mean.”

“I’m fine.” She hesitated. “Brian came to see me yesterday to apologize for his behavior.”

“I see. I saw him this morning, and he thanked me for giving him another chance.” I withheld the information that I’d grabbed him by the collar and threatened to end him if he ever so much as touched her again. He knew I was serious and assured me he would never do so again—although I didn’t like the look in his eye or his attitude. He was on edge and almost twitchy. He wasn’t to be trusted anymore, and I wondered how much longer he’d be part of the crew. Something was going to give—one of us would snap.

“Oh.” She leaned forward, looking pleased. “Maybe this has shaken him up, Finn. He’ll do better. Stand on his own two feet.”

“I don’t share your enthusiasm, but for your sake and his, I hope so.”

“He could,” she insisted.

Unable to resist the draw anymore, I stood, rounding the desk and sitting beside her. “Una, your father used to call you intuitive. He said you could read a person instantly, and he was right. I see how you sum up a guest. You always know the ones who need extra attention. More pandering. You gravitate toward the right people for friends. Your instincts serve you well for everyone—except your brother. Your love for him blinds you to his faults.” To take the sting from my words, I reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “And he is so lucky to have you in his corner. I only hope he is all you think he can be and that he doesn’t let you down.”

She closed her hand over mine, holding it in place. “I have to,” she whispered. “He is all I have left in this world.”

“No, you have me,” I whispered back. “You will always have me, mo chroí. Let me in again. Try. I promise you will be safe. I will keep you safe.”

Tears filled her eyes. “I can’t, Finn. They shot you in front of me. And your men. Trying to get to me. I made you vulnerable, and I couldn’t live with myself if you died because of me.”

I wiped away the tears under her eyes. “I’m already half dead living without you.”

“Move on and find someone else.”

“I can’t. I love you, Una. I will always love you. That is never going to change.”

“Then I need to go.”

“No,” I demanded, tamping down my panic at the thought of her gone. “You stay here. Close. I won’t bother you.”

She stood, bending and pressing a kiss to my head. She held my eyes, then walked to the door. “That’s the problem, Finn. You never bother me. But I can’t—I can’t do that again. I’m sorry.”

And she walked out.

* * *

Early evening faded into night as I sat in my office. Niall was out of the building, and no one bothered me as I stared out the window, drinking whiskey and thinking. Remembering when we started. How bright and complete my world felt.

I had wined and dined Una for a week. A week of conversations over the table. Texts and calls. I went for a couple of runs with her. We didn’t talk much, but I did enjoy the way it felt to be by her side, our pace matching once I shortened my stride a little. I teased her about it, making her laugh, which, in turn, made me smile. I did love her laugh. I also liked how her ass looked in her tight leggings, but I kept that information to myself.

Then she offered to cook me dinner, and I asked her to make it at my condo. I rarely spent time there, but the thought of having her there, in my space—filling it with her scent, the sound of her laughter, the aroma of her cooking…creating a memory I could relive—was too much to resist.

Over dinner, she told me she was ready to sell her father’s house and move in to a place of her own.

“I know a great building,” I informed her. “Clean. Affordable. Good neighborhood. I can give you the manager’s name.”

She beamed at me across the table. “Thank you.”

“What about Brian?”

“He’s looking for his own place.” She sighed. “He’s having trouble moving ahead without Dad. I’m looking for a two-bedroom place so he can stay until he finds his own.”

I bit my tongue so I wouldn’t tell her he would never move out if she let him in. He would sponge off her for as long as he could.

After dinner, we sat on the sofa, enjoying the fireplace and the quiet music. On impulse, I stood and took her in my arms, dancing around the room. She was tiny in my embrace, making me feel like a giant. A protector. I pulled her closer, smiling at her hum of approval. Looking down, I met her eyes, the green glowing in the dull light. Bending, I captured her mouth, kissing her. She sighed as she wound her arms around my neck and kissed me back. I picked her up, still moving as she wrapped her legs around my waist, and I deepened the kiss. She gripped my hair, pulled the knot out, and ran her fingers through the shaggy mess.

“God, I love your hair,” she murmured. “It’s so sexy, Finn.”

Right then, I swore I would never change it. I cupped the back of her head, my hand filled with her curls. “Back at you, Una. You are so beautiful.”

She whimpered, crashing her mouth to mine. With no thought, I walked to my bedroom, unable to tear my mouth from hers. I laid her on my mattress, hovering over her.

“Tell me you want this. You want me,” I demanded.

“Yes.”

I ran a finger down her cheek. “Once I have you, you’re mine, Una. All mine.”

She caught my hand, kissing it. “I already am.”

That was all I needed to hear.

I kissed her, hovering over her on the mattress. I lost myself to the taste of her. The scent of her skin as we shed our clothing. How she felt so right molded to my body. Her softness cradled my muscled form, curving around me perfectly.

I buried my face into her neck, groaning as she touched me, the feeling of her hands on my skin like nothing I had ever experienced. How this tiny woman could affect me so deeply was a mystery.

“Finn,” she whispered. “You’re so beautiful. Everything about you.”

“Even the scars?” I replied, trying to keep it light.

“Even the scars. I hate seeing them, but they tell me you survived.”

I gathered her hair from around her face. “That’s what I did until you came into my life, mo chroí . I survived. Now, I want to live. Feel. Experience everything. With you.”

She crashed her mouth to mine, stroking, finding me hard and aching for her.

“I’ve never…” she confessed, her voice low.

My breath caught. She would be mine. Completely and utterly mine.

The caveman in me roared in satisfaction.

“I’ll use a condom,” I assured her.

“I’m on birth control,” she replied. “I want to feel you, Finn.”

I nuzzled the soft spot behind her ear. “That’ll be a first for me as well.” I had never gone bare with a woman. It was only right somehow that I experienced that with Una.

We kissed and touched endlessly, getting to know each other. She explored my body eagerly, caressing and discovering. Her touch branded me as hers. Her lips claimed me. Her hesitant fingers on my shaft were almost my undoing.

Her mouth that followed was.

Never had I experienced anything so erotic. The flick of her tongue, the gentle suction of her lips, the way she grew bolder, cupping my balls and letting me guide her.

Until I couldn’t take it anymore and I returned the favor, listening to her gasp of shock turn into a low whimper of pleasure. She was sweet and musky on my tongue, a feast for all my senses.

Then when she was ready, I hovered over her, sliding into the heat and tightness waiting for me. Slowly. Carefully. Allowing her to adjust.

“Are you all right?” I asked quietly when I was fully seated inside her.

“Finn,” she murmured. “Finn, it’s so good. Please. Show me.”

I moved, easing out and back in, listening to her moan. “Yes.”

I slid my hand under her back, pulling her up to my chest, and sliding in deeper. Her eyes widened, and I began to move. She grasped at my neck, gripped my arms. Buried her face in my neck, chanting my name. Begging for more. I groaned as she tightened around me. Fought off my orgasm until I couldn’t hold back and I joined her in the pleasure, cresting high as I held her, rocking into her and feeling complete and at peace for the first time I could recall.

And I knew I would never be able to let her go.

* * *

A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. I called out to enter, and Niall walked in. He looked surprised.

“You are in here,” he muttered. “You didn’t answer your cell, and I knocked twice.”

“Sorry,” I replied. “Deep in thought.” I waved to the decanter. “Help yourself.”

He poured a finger of whiskey, sitting down and taking a sip. His brow was furrowed and he looked tired.

“Problem?” I asked.

“I was at the warehouse checking on things.”

“Shipment okay?”

He nodded. “But something is off.”

Niall and his instincts had never let me down, and I trusted him completely.

“With?” I prompted.

“Brian Murphy.”

I wasn’t surprised to hear his name. It kept cropping up and not in a good way.

“How?”

“He’s acting strangely. Almost cocky. On edge.”

“I thought he was twitchy earlier.”

Niall tilted his chin in agreement.

“Anything missing?”

“No. I don’t think he’s stupid enough to steal from you. But I get the feeling something is up.”

I told him about the conversation I’d had with Una a few days prior. “She thinks he is getting ready to turn over a new leaf.”

He snorted. “I think he’s planning something. Or thinks he is.”

“Watch him.”

“I intend to.”

I studied him briefly. “What else?”

He rubbed his forehead. “Mum,” he replied.

I sat up, worried. “What is it?”

He shook his head. “I don’t know. She sounds odd on the phone. Insists she is fine, but I FaceTimed with her and she looked drawn.”

“Did you call the troublemakers?” I asked, referring to Maggie and Connie, her best friends.

He nodded. “They said she was fine and I was making too much out of a bad day.” He scrubbed his face. “I think they’re lying and in cahoots so as not to worry me. Which worries me more.”

“Call Dr. Watts in the morning and check in. Although, with what we pay him, if he were worried, he would have called.”

Niall drained his glass, looking thoughtful. “You’re right, he would have.”

“But you’re still worried.”

“I am,” he admitted. “She sounded… I don’t know. Different.”

“Fine. I’ll arrange the jet, and you fly there tomorrow.”

“Finn, we have a shit-ton going on right now.”

I shook my head. “Nothing as important as your mum.”

He sighed. “I told her I’d come, and she told me off. Said I was being silly and seeing things not there. She said she was fine and that I caught her on a bad day.”

I frowned. That sounded exactly like Aunt Roisin. We had wanted her to come live here with us, but she refused to leave Ireland. Niall bought her a new house in the same small town, but right on the water—modern and airy, with a garden she loved to putter in. When she refused it at first, stating she would know none of the neighbors, I bought the house beside her and moved her two closest friends in, who’d already shared a house since their husbands had passed. She had settled in well, but her health had been declining the last couple of years. We made sure she had the best care possible and had people keeping an eye on her as much as we could.

“You’re due for a visit anyway,” I pointed out. “It’s been a while.”

He looked out the window. “I hate going back,” he admitted. “I feel as if all my mistakes from my youth are there, waiting for me.”

“You’ve moved past all that shit,” I replied.

“Yet I feel sixteen when I get there.”

I took a sip of my whiskey, knowing exactly what he meant. I rarely went over, but when I did, I felt as if the past were all around me. The only good thing about going was seeing Aunt Roisin, and even that lost its luster after a few days. Niall kept his trips short, and mine were even shorter. But he tried to go twice a year, and I made it a point to go every eighteen months or so. We preferred it when we could convince her to come here. She would stay a month or so then head home, saying she’d had enough of the big city and the noise. The last visit, she’d brought her friends, and it took Niall and me months to recover. Three old Irish women intent on seeing everything they could, regardless of travel, crowds, or time constraints, proved to be a challenge. Never mind their love of whiskey and getting into trouble. I swore it was payback for when Niall and I got into scrapes when we were younger.

“Don’t regret your decision,” I said quietly. “She’s been doing well, but you never know.”

“I wish she would just come here and stay.”

“We both do, but her life is there. Her friends. The shops she knows. The pub. She wouldn’t be happy here long-term, Niall. You know that.” I took another sip. “Any more than you would be happy living there. You’ve changed and outgrown it. She wants nothing to do with the big city other than the occasional visit, but she wants you happy.”

He lifted an eyebrow, and I chuckled. “ Us happy. She likes her life there. Let her live it. See what the doctor says and make a decision.”

“I will.” He crossed his ankle over his knee, studying me. “And what were you sitting in the dark thinking of? Or should I say, who?”

“Feck off.”

He laughed, shaking his head. “You are never going to let go of her, are you?”

“I can’t. It’s impossible.”

“You have everything, Finn. Find someone who wants to share that with you.”

“I can’t move on, Niall. I tried. Una is it for me. If all I can do is be her friend, stay in the background and make sure she’s safe, then it’s enough.”

He stood, pulling down his sleeves. “You’re lying to yourself, cousin. It isn’t enough—and one day, you are going to want more, no matter what you tell yourself.” He headed to the door. “And you are going to have to make a choice. Live in the past filled with regrets or find some happiness.”

Then he was gone, leaving me to my thoughts.

* * *

The next morning, Niall strode in, his expression calm.

“What did Dr. Watts say?” I asked.

“Dr. Watts said everything was fine with her levels at her last visit. She has another appointment next week, and he promised to keep me in the loop.” He grimaced. “He reminded me she wasn’t a young woman anymore and she is slowing down.”

I met his gaze. “He’s right, but she’s your mother.”

“I know. I called her today too and she seemed brighter, so maybe I did catch her on a bad day. I sent her flowers.” He scrubbed the back of his neck. “I’ll keep in touch and monitor things.”

“Good plan. And if you need to go, the plane is at your disposal.”

“Thanks, Finn.”

“Family,” was all I said.

He held out his hand. “Family.”

* * *

I was restless that evening, unable to settle and my head aching. I went for a drive, finding myself parking in front of Una’s building. I could see her light on behind the blinds, and I went upstairs, smiling in thanks at the person who held the door open for me. They had seen me around enough to know I was okay to let in.

Una looked surprised when she opened the door. “Finn?”

“Hi.”

“Are you okay?”

“Sure.” Then I paused. “May I come in?”

She stepped back. “Of course.”

I walked in, inhaling.

“What are you cooking?”

“Oh,” she said with a smile. “Stew.”

“It smells incredible.”

“I was about to eat. Would you like some?”

“ Mo chroí , I would love a bowl,” I replied. “And you know I love your cooking.”

She headed to the kitchen. “It’s simple.”

“Simple is perfect.”

I sat at the table, watching her, feeling myself relax. She always had that effect on me. She hummed as she moved around the small space, stirring the pot on the stove, slicing some bread and bringing it to the table. She paused, looking at me. “You look tired.”

“Long day. Niall and I are a bit worried about his mum.”

“Why?”

“We think Aunt Roisin isn’t doing as well as she insists she is.”

She placed a bowl in front of me, laying her hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry. I know how much she means to you.”

I tilted my head, resting it on her hand. “Thank you. Niall was concerned and got in touch with her doctor and her friends. They thought he was overreacting, so he’s staying here and will keep a close eye on the situation. If anything changes and he needs to go, I’ll get him there as fast as I can.”

She squeezed my shoulder, drifting her hand up through my hair. It was all I could do not to groan at her touch. Moving away, she filled a bowl for herself and sat down beside me. “Eat, Finn. It’ll help your headache.”

“How did you know I had a headache?”

“You get a little pinched line right here.” She tapped her forehead. “And you can see it in your eyes if you look hard enough.”

“You’re the only one who ever does.”

She was quiet. “Eat. Please.”

I picked up my spoon, wondering if she knew I’d do anything she asked of me.

Always.

* * *

The food helped, the company even more so. Una talked about some new song ideas she had and how much she was enjoying the front desk and working in the concierge area.

“Cleo wants to bring you up to management,” I informed her. “She thinks you have all the qualifications you need to be a real asset in running the hotel behind the scenes.”

“Already?”

I chuckled as I finished my second bowl of stew. “You’ve proven yourself, Una. Every challenge. You did at the other hotels as well. Connie hated to see you go. Albert, even more, from the last hotel. Everyone you work with speaks highly of you.”

She nibbled on her bottom lip, looking worried. “I like the front desk.”

I laughed. “Philip likes you. You’re his favorite and he’ll hate it when you go, but he knew you would. George, as well. You can call Cleo and go talk to her. It’s the next step.” I picked up my glass, draining the water from it, trying to stop the bitterness in my voice. “Soon, you’ll leave us all.”

She met my gaze. “You know it’s always been my dream to have my own hotel.”

I shoved down my sadness at the thought of her leaving. “I know. And I know you’ve been saving for it.”

A shadow crossed her face, and her smile was forced. “Having enough for my dream will take me longer than I thought. I’m not in any hurry.”

Something was off in her voice. Her shoulders were stiff and drawn back. “What changed? I know you have a budget, and you’ve always been good at following it.”

She shrugged. “Sometimes life happens.”

“What does that mean?”

“Nothing.”

She stood, reaching for my empty bowl. I wrapped my hand around her wrist. “Una, I know you. What has happened? Do you need a raise? Is there a problem?”

She looked away, sitting. She traced a pattern on the table, not meeting my eyes.

“Una.”

She looked up.

“Tell me.”

“My savings… I loaned it to Brian.”

I narrowed my eyes, instantly suspicious. “You loaned it to him?”

“Yes. He admitted his debt was larger than you knew.”

“Una,” I bit out. “I knew the figure from Lopez himself. The only way the debt was larger was if Brian paid some of it off before I found out. And since you were shocked when I told you about the situation, that means one of two things. You lied to me about not knowing, or he took your money without your knowledge. Which was it?”

She lifted her eyes to mine, and I knew.

“He fucking stole your money.”

“He’s going to pay it back. He promised.”

“Yes, he is. Every penny plus interest. I’ll make sure of it.”

“Finn, stay out of it. It’s between us.”

“No—”

She stood, angry. “I didn’t want to tell you because I knew how you’d react. This is between Brian and me. Stay out of it.”

“And when he doesn’t pay you back?”

“Then I helped my brother.”

“When are you going to open your eyes, Una? Stop letting him take advantage of you!” I roared.

“He’s my brother. My family. He’s all I have left of my dad,” she said, her voice broken. “I have to help him.”

I rose to my feet, staring down at her. “You are too good for him. He’s going to drain you. Financially, emotionally. I fear for you if you don’t break away from him.”

“My brother doesn’t scare me.”

I shook my head. “Then you’re deluding yourself, Una. You refuse to allow me into your life based on the what-ifs, yet you allow him full access, when his what-ifs and past behaviors are far more dangerous to your well-being. Why can’t you see that?”

“It isn’t only the what-ifs,” she replied, her eyes glimmering. “I was there, Finn. I witnessed your world firsthand.”

I shut my eyes at the pain in her voice.

“So, it’s easier to live without me than take a chance with me?” I asked quietly.

“I can’t be the cause of your demise.”

I chuckled without humor. “Since you insist my world is so violent, then someone is going to take me out at some point.”

“Don’t even say that!” she yelled, jumping to her feet.

“They could come after you to get to Brian,” I pointed out.

“He is of no consequence to anyone,” she insisted, crossing her arms. I knew the mulish look in her eyes far too well. She wouldn’t listen to me. When it came to her brother, she never would. I bent and brushed a kiss to her forehead.

“Thank you for dinner, mo chroí . Until the last few moments, it was the best evening I’ve had in a long time.” I paused. “I miss you. I miss us.”

“We didn’t have enough time for there to be an us .”

I shook my head. “Always so stubborn. There was an us. There is an us. I hope one day there will be a forever us. Once you realize it, I’ll be waiting.”

“If you hate my brother so much, why do you want to be a part of my life?” she asked.

“I don’t hate him. I loathe how he uses you. I detest how you allow it, but I understand it. It’s how you show your love. I don’t think he deserves it.”

“But you do?”

Her words stopped me. I lifted my hand, trailing my fingers down her cheek. “No, I don’t. But I am a selfish man, Una, and I want it. I want your love, your laughter, your body. I want your world to begin and end with me. I want your every breath and thought. I want to possess you. Love you. I want to give you everything you need to fulfill your dreams and watch you soar.” I smiled sadly. “As long as I’m part of them.”

“Finn,” she whispered, her eyes wide, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

I bent close so our mouths were almost touching. Near enough I could feel her breath on mine. “I want you. I love you. I’m waiting. Don’t make me wait much longer.”

“What will you do?” she breathed out, her voice shaky.

I crushed her to me, kissing her until she was trembling. Breathless. Unable to stop the desire that filled her eyes.

“I will take what is mine, and this time, I won’t let go.”

Then I left.