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CHAPTER EIGHT

NIALL

I watched her sleep, for the first time peacefully. She was tucked close, her head nestled into my shoulder, her hand resting on my heart that was beating in a slow, steady rhythm.

I hadn’t meant to take her to bed. To make her mine.

But I had—in every way.

I had never experienced anything as profound. Her trust. Her response. The way she made me feel. Not only physically. Emotionally, she stirred something in me I couldn’t name.

I felt protective, almost feral, when it came to her. I wanted to make sure she was safe. Happy. I wanted her smiles and laughter. I wanted to be the one who made her smile and laugh. Every time she was out of my sight, I felt anxious.

I told myself it was because of the dire circumstances under which we met that made me feel so protective of her. Once she found her feet and life returned to normal, the need to watch over her would fade. She would find her life, and I would go back to mine.

Finn’s right hand. Overseeing the hotel and casino. Handling problems and issues in his territory. That was my world, and I had no room for anything else.

Anna stirred, and I looked down at her, pushing away the hair that fell over her face. She was still asleep, her breathing deep and even. Between the news of Juan’s death and our lovemaking, she was content and quiet in my arms.

Lovemaking. That was a new term for me. I hadn’t had many relationships, and those I had been part of ended in disappointment, regret, and deception—and me questioning my choices.

I’d stopped trying, my heart firmly removed, no one ever managing to reach over the walls I erected once I made my decision.

After those failed attempts, I kept my relations strictly that.

Relations.

Dinner and a night or two. The occasional weekend.

A gift—although, those were rare. A few rounds in bed and then I moved on.

I was always honest, always open with the women I picked.

They were clear on the rules, and I never strayed from them.

If I felt they were wanting more, I walked away faster than usual.

And I never did repeats.

Anna muttered in her sleep, and I shifted, moving away. She frowned, nestling right back where she had been, her head in the crook of my neck—her personal favorite spot. I ran a finger down her cheek, unable to stop my smile as her lips pursed, and she nuzzled my skin, then stilled again.

I knew I should get up. Carry her to the room next door and tuck her in. Begin the distancing process. Draw the lines in the sand. Remind her she said herself she wasn’t asking for a future. Only now.

Except with what we had shared not long ago, it felt too cold an action—even for me.

I’d let her sleep here tonight and tomorrow make it clear we needed to set boundaries.

Shutting my eyes, I tried to ignore the laughter in my head, the voice that whispered I had blown the chance of any boundaries by taking her. Claiming her as mine.

That voice could just feck off.

In the morning, I was awake and out of bed before Anna stirred.

I lingered for a few moments, loath to leave her, but I made myself move away from her.

I showered and ordered some breakfast, sitting at the table and sipping coffee so strong, it was midnight in color.

The flavor was rich and robust. Exactly what I needed to brace myself for the day.

For the conversation I needed to have with Anna.

I heard her moving around, and she joined me at the table. Her hair was damp and pulled back from her face, highlighting the delicate line of her throat.

She was unlike any other woman I had ever been with.

My mum always called herself a “hearty Irish woman.” She was fairly tall and sturdy.

Her hair was a dark brown, her eyes a verdant green.

All the women I had ever dated were much the same.

Dark-haired. Taller, curvy. Sure of themselves and capable.

Anna was the exact opposite. Light-haired, dark-eyed, and short. She was quieter. Almost timid at times, although last night, she had shown me a flash of anger I hadn’t expected.

I found myself marveling at how tiny she was, yet how well matched we had been last night. She fit me perfectly, her height and weight not an issue as I had wondered. I had enjoyed discovering every inch of her. And I wanted to explore her even more.

I shook my head at the odd thoughts.

“Morning,” I greeted her, trying not to stare.

“Hello,” she replied, sounding almost bashful.

“I got you tea.”

“Thank you.”

I studied her, making sure she didn’t appear in pain. “How are you?” I asked quietly.

She looked up, our eyes meeting. Her gaze was shy, sweet, but calm. Peaceful. I saw no regret there, and I sighed in relief.

“I’m good.”

Unable to resist, I lifted her hand and kissed it. “You’re more than good.” I nipped the end of a finger. “You were, are, incredible .”

Her cheeks colored a little, but her gaze didn’t falter. “Same to you.”

I indicated the food on the table. “You should eat.”

She pushed up the sleeve of her sweater before reaching for some toast. The top was a pretty pink color.

She wore it over a flowered blouse and a pair of ivory pants.

I frowned as I ate my eggs, searching my memory.

She had never worn that outfit before. I glanced at her feet, seeing shoes that were definitely new.

“You look very pretty today. Did Una loan you some clothes?” I asked.

She looked down, swallowing her bite of toast. “No.”

“Where did they come from?”

“The boutique downstairs. Apparently Finn insisted Una take me to get a few things.”

I gripped my mug with more force than needed, some of the hot liquid sloshing over the top.

“Finn bought you that outfit?”

“I suppose. He and Una. She helped me pick it out. I said no, but she said Finn wanted to do it.” She pinched the hem of the sweater between her fingers.

“It’s so soft. And she was right. I needed another outfit.

I borrowed the dress I wore to the funeral, and otherwise, I only had the leggings and shirts you’d bought me.

She told me I get a uniform once I start next week, so that helps. ”

I stood, flinging my napkin to the table, the conversation I planned on having with her no longer important. “I’ll be right back. Finish your breakfast, and then we’re going out.”

“Out?” She frowned. “I was going to go visit with Una again. Where?”

“Shopping,” I said as I walked out the door.

I found Finn in the office. He looked up as I walked in.

“You need me for the next while?” I asked through tight lips.

He sat back in his chair, an amused expression on his face. “I can do without you for a few hours. Why?”

I leaned on the desk, meeting his gaze, speaking slowly. “If Anna needs clothes, I will buy them.”

He waved his hand. “It was a thank-you. Una mentioned she had loaned Anna a dress, and I realized how little she must have.”

“And I will take care of it. Charge my card for the items you bought her yesterday.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Charge. My. Card.”

His lips twitched. “Am I allowed to offer you the same discount, or will you punch me out for it?” He indicated my fisted hand on his desk. “You wanna take a swing at me anyway?”

I narrowed my gaze. He was amused. His eyes were dancing, and he was relaxed.

“I don’t care. But I pay for them.”

“Noted.” His grin became wider. “Una has decided she wants to sing this weekend. I’m inviting Roman, Aldo, and Luca, plus their better halves, to join us. And you and Anna.” He paused. “You might want a new dress for her.”

“I’ll add it to the list.”

“And I asked Una to marry me. I was hoping you would stand up for me.”

I straightened. “What?”

He nodded, his good mood explained. “You heard me.”

“She said yes?” I asked jokingly.

He laughed. “Surprisingly, there were no objections.”

“Congratulations.”

“You might want a new tux for the occasion. I think Una is going to ask Anna to stand up for her. She’ll need a dress for that.” He paused. “And we, as a couple , would like to purchase those items, as our thank-you.”

I sat down and my shoulders slumped. “I apologize, Finn.”

He looked at me. “You are such an eegit . It was a sweater and some pants, Niall.”

“There was a blouse and a pair of shoes.”

He started to laugh. “Is that what pushed you over the edge? The shoes? Una wanted to do something nice for her. I told her to take her to the boutique.”

“I want to do something nice for her. After last night…” I trailed off. “I just want to do something nice.”

“What happened last night?”

“Nothing,” I lied.

He did the eyebrow trick, studied me, then let out a breath. “Oh. I see.”

“None of your business.”

“As long as Anna is okay. Una is very fond of her.”

“She’s fine. I’m taking her shopping.”

“Okay, then. Have fun.”

I stood to leave as there was a knock at the door. I went to open it, surprised to see Roman there. He carried a small bag. I stepped back, inviting him in.

He greeted us both, then turned to me. “At the risk of being punched in the face, I came to see Anna, then thought better of it. My wife likes my nose where it is.”

I rolled my eyes. “What do you need to see Anna for?”

He handed me the bag. “When we raided the lab, there was a sack of purses in a room by the door. One of the men had the foresight to grab the bag, thinking they probably belonged to those held captive. Anna’s purse was one of them.”

I looked inside the small brown bag. There was a wallet, still holding a few dollars plus a debit card and her ID. Her passport was tucked into another pocket.

“She was talking about that with Una yesterday,” Finn said. “Unsure how to even start replacing all that. Good call by your man, Roman.”

“He took it last minute. Effie helped me sort through them. This one was at the bottom.” He paused. “A lot of them have been returned. The rest, we have turned over to our contact at the police. They can check missing persons records and the like.”

For a moment, I was silent, thinking of what could have been. Anna could have been one of those people. I exchanged a glance with Finn, knowing he was thinking the same thing.

I shook Roman’s hand. “Thanks. I know she’ll appreciate it.”

“How is she?” he asked.

“Doing well. She is going to start working here next week. And she’ll stay here for a while as well.”

He grinned. “A while or permanently?”

I glared at him. “Whatever she decides she wants.”

He nodded, tapping his chin. “You can tell her she would always be welcome at the Maple if she isn’t happy working here. She’s smart and bright. I’d find her something.”

I heard Finn’s muffled, amused chuckle. I stepped in front of Roman.

“She won’t need another place, Roman. You can take your offer?—”

Finn cleared his throat, and I rolled my shoulders, stepping back. “Thank you, but it won’t be needed. Thanks again for this.”

I strode away, letting the door slam shut behind me.

I heard the burst of laughter as I walked away.

“Feckers,” I muttered. “Both of them.”

Anna was delighted when I gave her the purse. I explained Roman had brought it, and she clutched it to her chest.

“I need to say thank you.”

“Ah, he left already. He was on his way to a meeting.”

“Oh.” She frowned.

“But he and his wife will be here Friday. Una is singing.”

“I will thank him then.”

I glanced at my phone. “The car is here.”

I escorted her to the elevator, and she turned to me.

“I should make him something.”

“Pardon me?”

“Bake him cookies or something.”

“I don’t think Roman likes cookies.”

She looked confused. “Why would you say that?”

“He doesn’t seem the type. A thank-you is sufficient.”

We crossed the lobby, and I opened the car door for her, sliding in once she was settled.

“I like cookies.”

She turned from looking out the window. “What?”

“I like cookies. If you feel like baking, the kitchen in the hotel is fully equipped. I can get you anything you need.”

“I see. But you don’t want me making Roman cookies.”

I wrapped my arm around her, pulling her close. She gazed up at me, her eyes dancing.

“No, I don’t.”

She cupped my cheek, her fingers soft on my skin. “Okay, then. A thank-you for Roman and cookies for you.”

I couldn’t help it. I kissed her.

And I didn’t stop until we got to the mall.