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CHAPTER TWELVE

ANNA

S itting beside Niall with a group of his friends, I felt euphoric. He hadn’t said the words, but I felt his love. It was the way he looked at me. The warmth of his arm around my back. The way his fingers played with the ends of my hair. The intense way he watched me.

Looking around the table, I realized it was the same for all the men.

Their wives beside them, the adoring glances.

The possessive glares they gave anyone glancing toward their spouses too long.

I had to laugh to myself when I realized it was the same for the women.

Vi’s glare could pierce armor. It obviously amused Aldo, who teased her often, pulling her close for a kiss.

I leaned back into Niall’s warmth, feeling something I had never experienced before. A sensation of belonging. To him. With these people.

I knew his life was dangerous. I also knew, without his world, I would be elsewhere, locked in pain and misery—if I were still breathing.

Their world didn’t frighten me as much as the evil that existed outside of it. I had no doubt Niall would keep me safe. That he would do whatever it took to make me safe.

I glanced down at my bracelet, running my fingertip over the pretty diamonds.

I had never owned a piece of jewelry so expensive.

My mom’s and dad’s wedding bands were thin, and my dad’s had a crack in it.

They were up north in the small storage locker where I’d left some items I couldn’t bear to part with when I’d sold the campground and the small house I’d grown up in.

I had planned on shipping them to Toronto once I was settled.

I frowned as I wondered what Niall would think of the odd pieces of furniture and the pictures I wanted to keep.

He leaned close, his voice low in my ear. “Whatever you’re thinking of that is making you so sad, stop. We’ll figure it out.” He squeezed my shoulder. “Just enjoy the night, mo mhuirnín. ”

Una’s voice was spectacular. I had heard her sing—soft and low on occasion.

But hearing her, seeing her, in the small spotlight, I got goose bumps.

She reached high notes I couldn’t fathom as she sang Celtic songs, her voice filling the room with a power and emotion that packed a punch.

She was applauded and cheered, no one as loudly as Finn.

His eyes shone with proud tears as he watched her.

She spoke little, bowing at the praise. It was during her last song that the tears came for me, unbidden and hot.

It was the one she’d sung to her brother as he lay dying in her arms. The poignancy of that moment hit me fully, and I had to grasp Niall’s hand.

He tightened his arm around me. Finn leaned forward, anxious and emotional as she drew to a close, tears running down her cheeks.

She seemed to falter a little, and he was out of his seat in an instant, springing up on stage and wrapping an arm around her waist, guiding her off amid the applause.

The lights brightened, and I looked around the table, seeing the same emotion reflected on everyone’s faces. You could feel her pain as she sang, and the sensation brought out hidden hurts deep from your soul.

Effie wiped her eyes. “She was simply brilliant.”

Roman tucked her close, pressing a kiss to her head but not saying a word.

Vi sniffled. “That was intense.”

Aldo only nodded.

“She sang that to her brother as he passed,” I whispered, my voice feeling thick in my throat.

“Oh God,” Effie replied. “What a brave soul she is.”

“She’s braver than anyone knows,” I said.

Effie smiled at me. “Except you.”

Niall’s grip on me tightened, and he pulled me so close I had to pat his hand to relax him enough to breathe. He hated thinking about what Una and I went through.

“We were brave together.”

Roman lifted a glass. “To the brave women in our life.”

The room emptied out except our group. Una was only singing one set tonight, and Finn had arranged for dinner to be served to us here in private after he’d had some alone time with Una.

A short while later, Una and Finn appeared. Una was smiling and calm. Finn beamed in happiness. She accepted all the hugs and accolades with grace, then sat next to me.

Our eyes met, and a silent conversation happened. Everyone around the table was quiet, and I knew I had to help break the ice.

“I dunno, Una. If I were your backup singer, we’d be a hit, I think.”

Her lips quirked.

“I mean, I could liven up the numbers.” I waggled my fingers. “Jazz hands included.”

She began to smile.

“I gave her a private performance this morning,” I informed the table.

Una bit her lip. “I thought there was a cat in heat, but it was Anna, um, singing .” She pulled a face. “Sort of.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “We call it caterwauling, I’ll have you know.”

Una threw her arms around my neck, laughing. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Everyone else smiled, and Finn met my eyes with a droll wink.

Then he clapped his hands. “Boys, it’s time for me to show you the best of Irish food. You’ll never go back to pasta.”

That earned him some groans and eye rolls.

Niall looked at me and pulled me close, his voice low and gravelly in my ear. “If you’re in heat, Anna, I can put out that fire later.”

I cupped his face and kissed him.

“I look forward to it, you mother hen.”

He had an amused glint in his eye. “I told you?—”

I grinned as I covered his mouth. “Sorry. You big rooster.”

Then he was laughing too.

I was curled up by the waterfall the next morning, enjoying the quiet. It was still early, and guests weren’t up yet, the lobby fairly empty. Niall was upstairs with Finn, doing whatever they did. Hotel business, casino problems, his other…interests. I didn’t want to ask or delve too deeply.

Una appeared, looking radiant. She hugged me, then sat down, reaching for the teapot. I gasped as the light caught the ring on her finger.

“Una!” I exclaimed, taking her hand. “That is gorgeous!”

She smiled, staring down at the large stone on her hand. “Finn said the emerald reminds him of my eyes. He gave it to me last night.”

“It is exquisite.”

She handed me my tea. “I know.” Then she winked. “I noticed something on your wrist last night.” She lifted one eyebrow. “Something you want to share?”

I told her about Niall’s confession. His quiet admission and asking for time. “This is a gift, but it has a tracker in it as well.”

She nodded, tapping the infinity necklace she wore. “Finn added one to this after…” She trailed off. “Just in case.” She grinned. “Our men take our safety seriously.”

“Una,” I asked, leaning forward. “Is it possible to love someone that quickly? Niall worries it is hero worship. I think it’s more. He is beginning to think so as well…” I shrugged. “But I have never experienced anything like it.”

She took a sip of tea, frowning as if in thought.

“I met Finn when I had just turned eighteen. He shook my hand, and I felt something. Once during the evening, he tucked a piece of hair behind my ear, and it was as if he’d branded me as his.

One touch. I loved him from that moment.

So, do I believe love can happen fast? Yes.

Do I believe Niall loves you and you him?

Yes. How you met was under extraordinary circumstances, but you did meet.

And you had the same connection as Finn and me. Instant. It’s rare, but it happens.”

I squeezed her hand. “Thanks.”

We sipped our tea, enjoying the peaceful silence between us.

“Well, it’s the dynamic duo!” Heidi sang, appearing around the corner. “What are you two up to today?”

She sat down, looking runway-ready as usual, her dark hair in a perfect braid.

Una smiled. “Not much. You?”

“I think I found a place my husband will love. I’m doing a second visit. Best part is that it’s empty, so we would get possession right away.”

“Congratulations,” Una and I said at the same time, then began to laugh.

Una covered her mouth, and Heidi’s eyes widened. “Wow. That ring is a stunner!”

Una glanced at her hand with a soft expression. “It is.”

“So, you’re getting married?”

“Yes.”

“Well, we need a celebration lunch. A condo for me, a ring for you. You need to let me take you to lunch one day.”

“Not necessary,” Una said easily. “But maybe one day up in the pub.”

“There’s a wonderful bistro down the street,” Heidi insisted. “You must get tired of eating here.”

Una shrugged, noncommittal. “We both start work on Monday.”

Heidi sighed and stood. “We’ll figure out which day.” She paused, her gaze on me. “Pretty bracelet. A gift from your beau?”

I only smiled.

“Isn’t it just so sweet ,” she said. “Delicate.”

I bristled at her tone, but before I could speak, Una did. “Anna is pretty tiny. A big bracelet like yours would look ridiculous on her.”

I looked at her, seeing she was as put off by Heidi’s tone as I was.

“Oh. Of course,” Heidi said. “That wasn’t a dig. I think it’s lovely. Romantic.”

“Niall is very romantic with Anna,” Una informed her. “He adores her.”

A strange expression crossed Heidi’s face. “Who doesn’t? Oh, I must go. My driver is here. Later, ladies!”

She hurried away, and I turned to Una. “Well.”

“Seriously,” she muttered. “She was insulting you.”

“I think, to her, this is a plaything.”

“She’s a plaything,” Una retorted. “Bigger isn’t always better.” Then a grin pulled at her lips. “At least in jewelry.”

We shared an amused look.

“She’s a bit nosy,” I admitted. “It bothers me.” I studied Una. “You don’t like her?”

“No, I do—I think. There’s just something…” Una shrugged. “I can’t explain it.”

“I know. I feel it too at times, then wonder if I’m being too…” I trailed off.

Una nodded in understanding. Strangers made us both a little jumpy. Even seemingly friendly ones.

“She’ll be gone soon if she and her husband are buying the condo. You won’t have to see her again,” I offered. “Neither of us will.”

“Then let’s not worry about it,” Una said, sounding relieved.

“Good plan,” I replied.

Una looked around. “I’m going for a run tomorrow.” She pointed to the window. “Outside. I’m tired of running on the treadmill.”

I lifted my eyebrows. “Does Finn know that?”

She grinned. “I told him this morning.”

“And?”

“He pulled his hair, beat his chest, and gave me the whole no-you-are-not speech.”

“To which you said?”

“Nothing. I kept drinking my tea.”

I couldn’t help smiling. “And then?”

“He paced and muttered. I think he might have called me something rude in Irish, but I’m not fluent. Then he informed me two men would accompany me. And only if it was in the park on the path and I didn’t deviate.”

“Which is where you planned to run all along.”

“Yes.”

“I should take up running,” I said with a frown. “Except I hate it. I like yoga and walking.”

“We could power walk together.”

“By walking, I meant a stroll. Maybe with a coffee.”

Una giggled. “You are so much fun. I could do that.”

“One day,” I hedged.

“No. Next week, you start work. When our shift is over, we walk. Goals. Those are our goals.”

“But you’ll be upstairs.”

She shook her head. “No, I discussed that with Finn as well. I’m going to stick to the front desk, where you’ll be.”

“You don’t have to do that, Una,” I protested, touched.

“It makes sense. You’ll be comfortable. The boys can track us in one place and not worry.

Besides, I’ll be leaving to get married and going to Ireland with Finn.

It’s not fair to start training, only to leave after a few days.

Cleo in the front office agreed when I spoke with her earlier, and even Finn said it made sense. ”

“So, we’ll work together?” I asked, delighted.

“Yes.” She winked. “But I’m tough.”

Grinning, I sat back. “Bring it on.”

Sunday night, I couldn’t sleep. Tomorrow loomed, and while the thought of learning and being useful was exciting, the thought of being out of the suite and involved with people again felt daunting. Not to mention the walk we were going on after our shift.

Una’s run had gone well, although I had laughed when I’d seen Finn was the one escorting her.

He insisted he enjoyed running and had been missing it as well, even as beside him, Una rolled her eyes.

Earlier today, Tom and John escorted her, Finn appearing, trying to look casual as he waited for her return.

Niall was sitting next to me and chuckled, and the two of them traded insults in Irish.

Una looked between them, patting a sheen of sweat off her brow.

“You—” she pointed at Niall “—are no better. She is safe in the hotel. I am safe running. You said so yourself.”

“Safe from any danger we currently know of,” Finn stated smoothly. “We will always err on the side of caution.”

She muttered something that sounded like “Feck’s sake,” and I chuckled.

“Careful, Una. Hanging with these two, you’re sounding more like them every day.”

Niall laughed and pulled me close. “You will too. Besides, I think you have a little Irish in you somewhere.” He winked. “I know so ’cause I put it there.”

I rested my head on the window, staring over the city, the thoughts of earlier making me smile.

I heard his footsteps, then felt Niall’s warmth behind me, drawing me into his arms.

“Why did I wake up to a cold bed, mo mhuirnín? You should be beside me, sleeping . ”

I shrugged.

“Nervous about the morning?” he guessed.

“A little.”

He met my eyes in the glass. “Say the word, I’ll put it off.”

“No, I want to. I’m just overreacting.”

He frowned. “No, you’re not.” He turned me in his arms, lifting my chin and making me meet his intense gaze. “You went through hell, and this is part of healing. I know you’re scared. But I am so proud of you simply for trying. If you’re not ready, there’s no shame.”

“It’s not that as much…” I trailed off.

“As?” he prompted, his voice gentle.

“I’m worried about the walk,” I blurted. “Of going outside these walls where you see me and I’m safe. Even with men following us.”

He bent and kissed me. Soft, tender brushes of his mouth.

“Would it make you feel better if you knew it was me coming with you? Finn and I were planning on coming for the walk.” He touched the end of my nose in an affectionate gesture.

“I’m not ready for you to go out of the hotel without me either. ”

I flung my arms around his neck, burrowing into him. He was always so solid. So safe and warm. I felt protected in his embrace, as if nothing could harm me while he was there.

“Will I ever be?” I asked.

“Yes. I promise.”

He bent, lifting me off my feet. “But for now, Polly Pocket, I’m taking you back to bed. Tomorrow, you’ll take it one new task at a time. One minute, one hour. And all you have to do is press the toggle on your bracelet, and I’ll be right there.”

I laid my head on his chest. “Okay.”