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CHAPTER FIVE

ANNA

T he next couple of days had the same pattern. I saw Una, visiting with her. I read the books Niall brought me. Ate with him. Felt anxious when he would leave the suite and tried not to show it. He knew, though, staying away as little as possible.

He was honest with me and told me about Juan.

“He’s still out there?” I asked, terror beginning to build.

He held my hands and met my eyes. “Highly doubtful. He was shot. We think he crawled away but was probably caught up in the explosion. Or if he managed to get out, he died shortly after. We have people looking for him.”

My gaze skittered to the door. “If he survived, could he get into the hotel?”

He cupped my face, making me look at him.

“No,” he said firmly. “His face was entered into our database. Also, in everyone else’s who was part of the rescue.

He couldn’t get near this place or hundreds of others without alarms going off.

” He frowned. “I saw the bullets hit him, Anna. I think he crawled away to die like the animal he was.”

“Okay,” I whispered.

But the nightmares returned with a vengeance, even with Niall holding me. We were both exhausted, and I wasn’t sure how long we could go on this way.

We attended Una’s brother’s funeral, me clutching Niall’s hand tightly. He never left my side, and I felt his watchful gaze on me constantly. Una was pale and sad-looking, Finn right beside her looking fierce. She was gracious and warm to everyone, thanking them, ensuring they had food and drink.

“She is so strong,” I observed. “She was like that when we were captives. Always insisting Finn would come for her. Certain of him.”

Niall turned, pressing his lips to my head quickly. “He wouldn’t rest until he had her back. I’d do the same.”

I blinked and turned to him, but he was looking around the room, ever vigilant.

Did he mean he’d look for me if I were taken again?

“She forgave Brian,” I murmured. “After what her brother did, she forgave him.”

“She has a big heart,” Niall replied. “She and Finn are much the same.”

“Like you,” I insisted.

He shook his head. “I don’t have the heart Finn does.”

“I would disagree.”

He looked flummoxed. “Why?”

“The way you look after me. I hear you on the phone with your mum. Even how you watch over Finn. Your men. I think you have a huge heart.”

He frowned, shaking his head in disbelief. “Responsibilities,” he countered. “I take that seriously.”

“Your mum is just a responsibility?”

His gaze softened. “She is the exception.”

“And me?” I asked.

He met my eyes, something in them making me catch my breath.

“I don’t know, mo mhuirnín. I just don’t know.”

Somehow, his confusion only made me smile. I felt it too, so once again, we were on equal ground.

After the event was over, we returned to the hotel. I relaxed once we were in the room, the door locked. I sat down, feeling tired.

Niall sat across from me. “Una is seeing a professional.”

“Sorry?”

“A therapist.”

I frowned. “How does that work, exactly? I mean, I know about client confidentiality, but given your, ah, career…?” I trailed off, unsure how to ask.

He smiled grimly. “The wife of someone in the syndicate. Nothing much shocks her. But she is very good at what she does. Finn says it has helped Una already. Perhaps you would like to talk to her.” He studied me.

“I am aware you try to hide things. You haven’t told me everything that happened all those weeks, Anna.

You need to say them, get them out in the open so they can’t keep haunting you. ”

“I—I don’t want to think about some of it, never mind have you hear it,” I admitted.

“Then talk to someone who has no personal involvement. Who won’t want to kill them all over again,” he said mildly, although his voice was rough and his eyes burning. “I can arrange it.”

“Okay.”

“And Finn wants to have lunch tomorrow. He has something he wants to talk to you about.”

“Do I have to leave?” I blurted, scared.

“No!” He was quick to reassure me. “You never have to leave, Anna. It’s a chance to move forward. I promise you.”

“I want to stay,” I said, hating the fact that my voice shook.

He stared at me, then leaned forward, pressing his mouth to mine.

The moment our lips met, I forgot everything.

Nothing existed outside this instant. This piece of time with him and me.

Our mouths moving together. He lowered from the chair, kneeling between my legs, pulling me close.

He deepened the kiss, and I was lost. Lost to his taste, the feel of him close.

The way he commanded my body without saying a word.

All it took was the press of his hand on my back to urge me forward, the feel of his fingers on my neck.

So I tilted my head and he went even deeper, his tongue doing things that should be illegal. Making my body cry out for more.

Until his phone rang and he drew back, his lips wet from mine, his breathing deep. He answered, his thumb pressing to my bottom lip. “Niall Black.”

He listened and stood. “On my way.”

He looked down at me, regretful. “I have to take care of something.”

I nodded, unable to speak.

“John is outside. Another man at the elevator. You are safe. I will not allow anything to happen to you. Understand?”

Again, I nodded. He bent and kissed me again. “ Mo mhuirnín , I will be back as fast as I can . ”

And he left.

Niall looked at me over his coffee the next morning.

He was dressed for the office, his suit black, his shirt a crisp white, and his tie a smoky gray with a fine white line.

His hair had been brushed until it gleamed.

I knew he had to get back to a regular routine, but I had to admit I was dreading the day of being alone in an empty suite.

“Finn told me Una is going to be downstairs today.”

“Oh?”

He set down his cup, folding his hands and nodding. “She always liked to sit by the waterfall, curl up next to the fire, and read.”

I offered him a smile. “That sounds lovely. I haven’t seen the main floor.”

He cleared his throat and rotated his neck as if tense. “I know. Would you like to join her? Spend the morning downstairs and join Finn and me for lunch in the pub?”

“Really?”

“Are you up to that?”

“Is it safe?”

“The entrance is guarded. The area monitored. Knowing Una will be there, Finn will watch the space constantly. He’ll have extra men around. So, yes. Very safe.”

“I’d like to.”

“Okay. Eat your breakfast, and I’ll escort you down.”

I looked at my plate. The fluffy pancakes and bacon had held no interest for me earlier. But I knew if I ate them, he would be pleased.

It should have frightened me how much I wanted to please him, considering what I had gone through. Except I knew Niall being pleased simply meant a warm hug and his smile.

Maybe another one of his drugging kisses.

So, I picked up my fork and ate.

NIALL

I took Anna downstairs, a pit of worry in my stomach. Everything I had told her was true. The area was monitored. There were guards. Probably more than I knew about since Una was away from Finn’s side. He would take no chances.

Anna was calm, although her grip on my hand grew tighter as we walked across the lobby.

She sat next to Una, the two of them hugging.

I noticed Una’s blanket and cursed myself for not thinking of bringing one, then Una grinned and unfolded the large fuzzy material and offered half to Anna, who took it, smiling.

I rested my hand on her shoulder, bending down. “If it’s too much, call me.” I indicated the cell phone I had given her earlier. “Or text. I’ll come get you.”

She patted my hand. “I’m fine. Really. I’ll see you later, okay?”

I nodded and headed across the lobby. I stopped at the front desk to say hello, casually glancing back, then again at the concierge desk.

Anna and Una were already drinking tea, and a plate of toast and sweet buns was in front of them, so I knew they were looked after.

I headed to the elevator but paused around the corner, checking one last time.

Anna was smiling at something Una said, a slice of toast in her hand.

I swept the lobby, noting the men I could see, the fact that only one door was being used for entrance, and I shook my head.

Finn had it all in hand. I knew he would, but I felt better checking, even with the news I’d had earlier.

In the office, I nodded at Finn, poured a coffee, and strolled to his desk.

I paused, lifting my mug to my mouth as I looked at the monitors.

The lobby was steady with guests coming and going.

The casino was quiet this time of day. I stared at the image of Anna a beat too long, then sat down across from Finn.

I had information to tell him that would help us both relax. I set my coffee cup on his desk.

“I have news.”

He sat back. “Let me hear it.”

“I got a call early this morning. Our contact at the cop shop told me they found a body about a mile from the racetrack.”

“Juan?”

I nodded. “They think so. General description fits.” I picked up my 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.” I 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.”

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

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

“Another clue pointing to the right conclusion.” Finn was quiet for a moment. “He was shot. I saw him go down. It has to be him.”

“Too close not to be.”

“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.”

I rotated my shoulders. “Yeah, about that. She doesn’t need the room.”

Finn did the eyebrow lift. “Oh, why is that?”

“She can have Mum’s room.”

The bastard smirked. “You mean the adjoining room to yours?”

“She’d feel safer being beside me. 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?” he asked, still amused.

I narrowed my eyes in warning. “I’m doing this because she is Una’s friend. To help.”

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

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

He wasn’t the least bit worried, instead pointing 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?”

I opened my mouth to tell him off, but he waved his finger at me. “Truth.”

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

He picked up his phone and scrolled through it.

“What are you doing?” I asked, annoyed.

“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?” he asked. “None?”

“Aside from concern, no,” I lied. But I was unable to stop myself from checking the monitor again.

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

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

I had some people to see. Employees to talk to. But without thought, I punched the lobby and was halfway across it before I realized what I was doing. As I passed one of the cameras, I flipped Finn the bird, certain he was checking.

The fecker.

I headed toward Anna, loving the fact that she smiled when she saw me coming. A warm, wide smile that welcomed me. Drew me in. I felt my own mouth return her smile, and, unable to stop myself, I threw her a wink. The way her cheeks darkened a little made me know she was pleased.

Which made me incredibly happy.

And I knew Finn was watching the whole damn thing, laughing, and adding notes to his calendar entry.

I hated it when the bastard was right.

And that I would have to disappoint him.

I looked at Anna.

And her.