Page 7

CHAPTER SEVEN

UNA

I gave up trying to sleep. I had tossed and turned most of the night, Finn’s words, his actions, repeating themselves over and over in my head.

I’m a selfish man.

I want your love, your laughter, your body.

Us.

Forever.

This time, I won’t let go.

I made a coffee, curling up in my chair, once again letting the past wash over me.

After that first night, Finn and I’d become inseparable, and before I knew it, two months had flown by. Calls, texts, dates, flowers. Dinners that ended up with us in bed. Dates that ended up with no dinner. Weekends spent never leaving his condo. He was insatiable. An incredible lover. Patient, thorough. I could ask him anything, and he would teach me. Show me how to touch him. What to do. How to find my own pleasure. I had never known passion the way it was with him.

Brian was ambivalent that we were together, yet seemed angry over the fact that it gained him no favor in Finn’s eyes. He liked to make small digs, hinting that Finn was simply using me and would eventually grow tired and move on.

I ignored him.

We spent more of our time at Finn’s condo than the new place I had moved in to, and Finn kept slyly suggesting I give it to Brian and move in with him.

Life couldn’t have been better.

Until reality stepped in.

The night began like any other night. Finn took me to one of our favorite places—a small café with great food, good music, and a fabulous wine list. He wanted to celebrate our two-month anniversary, and there were flowers on the table and my favorite bottle of wine.

He listened to me go on about my day, excited about what was happening at the job. The one he’d helped me get. Over dessert, he laughed when I told him I’d tried to get into the wrong apartment the night before.

“I’m there so little, I tried to get into 319 instead of 419,” I informed him. “You have me so crazy I can’t even remember where I live!”

He leaned over and kissed me. “You should be living with me.”

I shook my head. “Too soon, Finn O’Reilly.”

He kissed me again, his eyes dancing. “I’ve waited years, mo chroí . I think my patience needs to be rewarded.”

“Then take me home.”

He stood, holding out his hand. We were headed toward the door when it happened. I heard the sound of gunshots and shattering glass. People began screaming. Finn cursed, drawing a gun I had no idea he was carrying, shoving me behind him and yelling at me to get down. His men outside were returning fire, and as fast as it began, it stopped, the echoes of the shots lingering in the eerie silence that fell. I staggered to my feet in shock, staring at Finn. Then in horror at the blood that was soaking through his shirt.

“Una,” he gasped. “Are you hurt?” He stepped toward me, and I grabbed at his arm.

“Finn, you need to sit!”

“Why?”

“You’ve been shot!”

He glanced down, looking surprised. He looked up, frowning. “That explains the pain.”

Then he collapsed.

The ride to the hospital was a blur. His men had bundled him and me into a car, not waiting for an ambulance. We were met at the entrance to the ER, and Finn was whisked away. I stood in shock outside the doors they took him through, unsure what to do. Moments later, Niall arrived, taking charge. He wrapped me in his overcoat and sat me down, leaving one of the men with me. He spoke to the doctors then kneeled in front of me.

“They’re taking him to surgery, Una.”

“He’ll be okay?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

His face was grave. “They’re doing the best they can.”

“He’ll be okay,” I repeated, more firmly.

He nodded. “It’s Finn.”

“It’s Finn,” I echoed.

I paced for what felt like hours. I heard snippets of the conversation—enough to know what had happened.

“Who was it?” Niall demanded of the men. “Who did you see?”

“I didn’t know him,” Rory, his driver, spoke up. “But I recognized the tattoo on his arm. It was from Diego’s gang he chased out of town.”

“Dammit,” Niall responded. “I knew they’d return.”

Rory’s eyes skittered to me. “I don’t think it was him they wanted to take out. I think they were aiming elsewhere to send a message.”

I swallowed at the lump in my throat.

Someone with a grudge against Finn decided to take away the one thing that seemed to mean a lot to him.

Me.

The gunfire was to kill me.

Instead, he took the bullet.

Just like my dad did for him.

Niall pressed a coffee into my hand, and I grabbed at his wrist before he could leave.

“Did you retaliate?”

He stared at me a moment. “It’s started. They’ll all be eliminated before dawn,” he said quietly. “Don’t be afraid, Una. You’re safe.”

He walked away, and I shook my head.

I wasn’t afraid for me. I feared for Finn.

I was a liability.

I’d heard my dad talk about leaders and their families. How the right person could strengthen and uphold the other, making them more powerful. But they had to be careful never to reveal that connection since it could be used against them.

Finn had been transparent with his feelings to me. It had almost cost him his life.

I had to break it off when he recovered.

No matter how much it hurt me.

Because I loved him too much to let him die because of me.

* * *

An odd noise alerted me to someone at my door. I walked over, peeking through the keyhole to see Brian. He was looking down at something in his hand. I opened the door, surprising him.

“Oh—you’re home. I knocked,” he said, sounding nervous, his hands closing into fists in a repetitive gesture. “I thought you’d be at work.”

“I have the later shift today. What were you doing—trying to pick the lock?” I asked, teasing.

He held up his phone. “I was texting you.”

“Oh.” I glanced at my watch, seeing it was just after eight. I had been lost to my thoughts for over two hours. “It’s early for a visit.”

“I was in the neighborhood and wanted to come say hi.” I stepped back, and he came in. “Any chance of a tea?”

“I was just having coffee,” I replied.

“I’d take that too.”

“Sure.” I headed for the kitchen, and he leaned on the doorframe, watching me, his gaze dark and never settling. “Can I use the bathroom?”

I sighed, shaking my head. “You don’t have to ask.”

“I feel as if I do.”

I grabbed a cup, waiting as it filled with steaming coffee, then made myself another one. I carried them to the living room, frowning when Brian reappeared from his old room.

“The bathroom is down the hall.”

He took his cup, sitting down, his knee bouncing. “I was checking to see if I’d left behind an extra phone cable in my backpack. I broke mine.”

“Any luck?”

“No. I’ll buy one.”

He slid his hand into his pocket and handed me a wad of cash. I took it with a frown. “What is this?”

“Money toward what I owe you. It’s only a few hundred, but I’ll keep paying you.”

“Where did you get this?”

“I told you, I’m working extra jobs.” He took another sip of coffee. “In fact, Juan and I are thinking of opening our own business.” He met my gaze. “I’m going to leave Finn’s crew.”

I felt my eyes widen. “Have you told him that?”

“No. Not yet. He won’t give a shit anyway.”

“You owe him a lot of money.”

“And I’ll pay him. But I’m tired of being treated like a chump,” he snarled. “I’ve been his whipping boy long enough.”

I was surprised at his tone and how quickly he became angry.

“Why do you dislike him so much?” I asked.

He ran a hand through his hair. “Why don’t I? He keeps me down, like a nobody. No promotions, no rewards. I’m just a grunt. After what Dad did for him, he should be fucking showing me gratitude. And you…” He trailed off, his anger getting the better of him. “He should be looking after me too. Not just you. I deserve it.”

I frowned. “You deserve it?”

“Yeah, I do,” he spat.

“Well, I hope the conversation goes well,” I soothed, feeling nervous. Brian was off today. Wound up tight. I could feel his agitation, and it was making me anxious. I didn’t want to provoke him.

He slammed his coffee cup down on the table, leaning forward. His anger rolled off him. “Do you, Una? Or do you hope he beats me again? Puts me in my place?”

“Your place?” I repeated, anxiety becoming fear.

“Below you. Never good enough. Always under Una, the perfect one.”

I forced a laugh. “I’m hardly perfect, Brian. You know that.”

He stood, towering over me. “Not to him,” he sneered. “He thinks you fucking walk on water. Even after you broke it off. He gets you a job in the new hotel. A place to sing. He’s always around. Fucking watching. Like a fucking pervert.”

“I don’t know why you’re so angry right now, Brian,” I said, forcing myself to stay calm. “But I think you should leave.”

For a moment, I thought he was going to explode. Then he sighed, every muscle loosening in his body. He shook his head.

“Sorry, Una.” He straightened. “Thanks for the coffee. I’ll get you more money as soon as I can.”

He walked out, and as soon as the door shut, I was out of my chair, snapping the dead bolt and leaning on the door, my heart racing.

What the hell was that all about?

I wasn’t sure, but I knew I needed to talk to Finn.

* * *

FINN

No phone call that happens at four a.m. brings any good news with it. Niall’s voice was thick when I answered.

“What happened?”

“Mum. She had a stroke.” He paused, and I heard him swallow. “It’s bad, Finn.”

“How bad?”

“Bad.”

“I’ll get the plane ready. I’m coming with you.”

“Thanks.”

I hung up and scrubbed my hand over my face. I called my pilot with instructions to file a flight plan and let me know how quickly we could depart, then I rested my head in my hands.

I wasn’t worried about the hotel. My managers would run it while I was gone. The casino staff would look after that side of it. But my territory—with both Niall and me out of the country, that left us vulnerable.

I shook my head and sighed. I really had only one option. I scrolled my contacts and called the one person I could trust. He answered on the first ring, his voice as awake as if he’d been waiting for my call.

“O’Reilly?”

“Roman, I need your help.”

“Tell me.”

* * *

An hour later, Roman Costas was in my office, dressed, looking as if he’d just stepped off the runway. He listened as I explained everything, my instructions basic since he knew even better than I did what had to happen in the hotel, the casino, and even the territory.

“Everything is peaceful and smooth. I want it to stay that way.”

“Any issues? Personnel? Crews?” he asked.

“Nothing.”

“Murphy?’ he asked. “The brother?”

“Well, a pain in my ass, as always. He isn’t happy about his demotion. Or the money I am making him repay. But he’s toeing the line.” I took a sip of coffee. “Although Niall noticed he was on edge the last week. Jittery.”

“I’ll watch him.”

“Good.”

“And the sister?”

“Under my protection. She is to be kept safe above all else. Happy.”

“I figured as much.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his thighs. “I’m going to divide my time between here and Niagara. Aldo and I will make sure this place is covered, your territory is kept under control, and I will make sure your Una is safe.”

“I appreciate it. I owe you.”

He waved his hand. “Working together was always part of the plan. I wish you a safe journey. When do you leave?”

“Two hours. Just enough time for me to take you around and introduce you to the key people. One of my top men will take you anywhere you need to be and give you access to anything you require. You can reach me day or night.”

He nodded. “Only in an emergency.”

I stood. “Let’s do this.”

An hour later, I headed to my suite, grabbing my bag and packing quickly. Niall was with Roman and Aldo, finishing up the introductions. I made a few calls, then snapped my suitcase closed. I sat down and dialed Una for the third time, waiting impatiently for her to answer. I wanted to tell her I was going myself, not leave a message. I really wanted to see her, but she was working a later shift today, and there wasn’t time to go to her place before the airport.

“Hello?” she answered, breathless.

“It’s Finn. Are you okay?”

“I was in the shower. I kept hearing the phone ringing. Are you all right?”

“I’m flying to Ireland shortly.”

“Oh, Finn,” she replied, her voice soft. “I’m so sorry.”

“Roisin had a stroke—a bad one. Niall needs me. She needs me. I don’t have much choice.”

“Of course not—they are your family. You have to go. Oh, I wish I were there with you.”

“So do I.”

There was a pause. I cleared my throat.

“Roman Costas is running everything while I’m gone. If you need something, you call him. Anything.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Una. Anything. You understand me?”

“Yes.” She hesitated. “You can call me anytime too, Finn. If you need to talk or a shoulder. I’m here.”

“I know, mo chroí . I know.” I took a deep breath. “We’re going to talk when I get back, do you hear me? Really talk.”

“Finn…”

“My patience is done.”

Her intake of air was fast.

“Done,” I repeated.

“I heard you the first time, Finn.”

“Just so you understand. Life is too fucking short, Una. I’m not spending it without you anymore. Think about it while I’m gone.” I paused. “ Tá mé i ngrá leat . I love you.”

I hung up before she could reply.