Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Finn stood, towering over me. “He laid hands on you. That is punishable by death. I don’t care if he’s your brother.”
“You hurt him, and I will walk, Finn. Out of this hotel, out of this city. You will never see me again, do you understand?”
Pain flashed over his face.
“Leave it. It’s between him and me. It’s done.”
“I can’t stand the thought of you hurt,” he admitted.
“Taking your side over his hurt me. Kicking him out hurt me. I’m tired and drained, Finn. I can’t do this with you. Not tonight. Not right now.”
I reached for my purse, but he stopped me, dragging me into his arms. His warmth, his scent, wrapped around me. I could hear his heartbeat under my ear, the steady thump soothing. I felt the gentleness in his touch. The pressure of his lips moving on my head as he offered me the only comfort I could accept. For a moment, I relaxed. Melted into him. Nothing mattered outside this moment. This room.
I lifted my head, our gazes clashing. I recalled everything from our past, every moment of our brief interludes. Time seemed to melt away in that instant. I was caught in the intensity of his eyes, the pain and desire that swirled in them.
Then his mouth was on mine, and I was transported back in time. To the first kiss we shared. The intimacy of the moment. The possession of his mouth. The passion he brought out in me. I whimpered as I wrapped my arms around his neck, and he lifted me, still kissing, his tongue twisting and dancing with mine. He licked deep into my mouth, groaning. I gripped the back of his neck, the need for him becoming overwhelming.
Then my phone rang and shattered the moment. I startled, pushing back, and he set me on my feet. “That’ll be my driver.”
“Let me send him away.”
Clarity hit me. I could nod, and in minutes, Finn would have me upstairs in his suite. We’d be naked and all over each other in no time.
And I would be caught.
I stepped back, reaching for my purse. “No. I can’t.”
He pushed his hands into his pockets. “I know.”
“I’m sorry,” I offered.
Then once again, I ran from Finn O’Reilly.
CHAPTER FIVE
UNA
Rain beat incessantly against the window. I sat in my chair, pulling my legs to my chest and covering them with a blanket. I clutched a cup of tea between my palms. I had been up early and ran three miles, hoping to dispel the sadness in my chest. It relieved some tension, but the ache didn’t leave. I made it home just before the downpour started.
The skies were a dark gray, filled with water that poured from them, much like the pain that was filling my chest.
If only it could open up and release the emotion. Drain it away and leave a sun-filled space behind. I laughed quietly at my strange musings.
That wasn’t going to happen.
I rested my chin on my bent knees, watching the deluge outside. I thought of the first date I’d had with Finn.
He picked me up, bringing me flowers and taking me to a quaint, family-owned restaurant. I looked around surprised, and he smiled at me. “My choice isn’t what you expected?”
“No,” I replied honestly. I had thought he would take me somewhere fancy and over the top. Exclusive and rich. I much preferred this intimate setting.
“I like quiet places,” he explained. “I’ve been coming here for years. Great steak and even better whiskey. Simple and delicious.” He winked. “Better doesn’t always mean pricey, Una.”
I blushed at his teasing.
After asking, he ordered us each a whiskey, then we chose our entrees. He was pleased when I ordered a steak like him, although smaller.
“Thank God you aren’t one of those women who orders a meal and water and then picks at it. Eating is not a crime.”
I shrugged, sipping my whiskey. It was decadent, far smoother than the stuff I drank at home. “I’m not much like other women. I’ve been surrounded my entire life by men and a no-nonsense attitude. I like food. I like whiskey. Why hide that?”
He lifted his glass, touching the rim to mine. “Amen to that. You are a breath of fresh air, Una.”
Something about the way he said my name made my chest tighten. It was spoken in a low, intimate tone. As if his tongue were caressing it before he said it.
I had to shake my head to dispel my odd thoughts.
“I put in my notice,” I informed him. “And met with Connie.”
He nodded. “She told me. She was impressed as well.”
“I liked her. I start on Monday.”
“I’m aware.”
“Finn—”
He chuckled, setting down his glass. “I already know what you’re about to say.”
I tilted my head, waiting.
“There will be no special treatment—in fact, I plan to have little to do with the day-to-day running of the hotels other than being the owner. That is what I expect the staff I hire to do. Which is why I only hire the best.”