Page 65 of Three Irish Kings

He grins. “Oh, are you one of those people that thinks tattoos have tomeansomething?”

I shrug. “Not really, but since you only have the one...”

“Fate.”

I raise an eyebrow at him. “You believe in fate?”

“You seem skeptical.”

“I am.” I laugh softly, but his face is serious, his grin fading.

“I don’t understand people who don’t believe in fate,” he complains, seemingly on a rant. “I mean, you lot really think the universe is just random?”

“Isn’t it?” I can’t help but smile at his passion.

“No, of course not! That’s like us,a ghrá.We met by chance. I was looking for Maggie, but I didn’t see Maggie when I looked at you. And it turns out, you’re not her. Doesn’t that make you think about fate?”

“You think that me meeting you, Liam, and Cillian wasfate?” My eyes widen.

“Aye. What else could it be?” His green eyes are serious for once, staring into me like he can see into my soul.

I swallow hard, feeling oddly vulnerable, almost like I want to cry. In my defense, I’ve been through a lot the last couple of days.

“A ghrá.”His voice is low and comforting. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine.” My voice trembles, but I wiggle out of Dare’s arms anyway and stand up, heading back to my room and slamming the door before the tears come.

Chapter Eighteen

DARE

I stand up immediately,torn. Should I follow Isla or should I give her some space? I’d hoped that maybe we could get to know each other a little better, and my heart aches, remembering the tears shimmering in her beautiful eyes.

I pace around the house for a minute. I’ve never felt this way about any woman. It’s not like I’m some man-whore who doesn’t believe in love, though. I’ve always wanted someone to come home to; I just never thought I’d actually find anyone.

I rub my fingers over the black raven on my skin, remembering how her fingers had traced it. I told her the truth when I said meeting her was my fate.

The way I feel about her… It scares me more than not having my knife in hand to defend against enemies with guns.

What if Isla is my one to come home to?

The thought terrifies me, but it’s also exhilarating. This is the one thing I never thought I’d get, and for it to be her…?

But I hate that she is hurting.

I want to help her. I want to be with her all the time.

My chest tightens when I think of her alone in that room, crying.

That’s it, I’m helping Isla Quinn. Even if that still isn’t her real name.

No matter who she is, I feel something for her, and I have to chase that. Despite Liam and his orders.

I grab my messenger bag and knock lightly on Isla’s door.

“Go away,” she calls, her voice low and hoarse.

“Isla, please. I just want to talk.”