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)
Mo chroí,
Sing for me.
Always, Finn
I stood, crossing to the screen by the door and sliding the new dress Finn had picked out for me over my head. I looked in the mirror. It was a soft green, flowing and elegant. The long sleeves hid the fading bruises, and the delicate shimmer of the crystals drew your attention to the bias cut of the skirt and the swirl of the material that swept the floor. It was modest and pretty, and I felt like a million dollars in it. Careful makeup covered the marks on my collarbones and face. They no longer hurt and would soon be gone.
I only hoped the painful memories would fade as well. The therapist I had started seeing was helping. She was insightful and down-to-earth, and we got along well. She was the wife of one of Finn’s men, so nothing I told her came as much of a shock. And it was nice to say things without filtering them. I didn’t have to worry about upsetting Finn if I was having a bad moment and said what was on my mind.
There was a tap on the door, and Tom stuck his head in. “They’re ready for you.”
Finn insisted on a guard for me at all times. I asked for Tom and had been happy to see him return to my side. We got along well, and I trusted him. I still felt awful about what Brian had attempted to do, but he’d waved me off and we hadn’t spoken of it again.
I hesitated before going onstage, a small flutter of nerves hitting me. I had to remind myself the danger was gone. No one was watching who wanted to hurt me. No one was stalking me.
I took a deep breath and walked out.
I was greeted with a warm round of applause, my eyes widening at the large table set up at the front. Roman, Aldo, Luca, and their wives were all there. Niall and Anna. Finn sat closest, his pride evident, beaming at me, nodding in encouragement. His intense gaze met mine, flooding me with warmth. I felt his love, his strength, surround me.
He was here.
I was safe.
I shut my eyes, and I began to sing.
FINN
As always, Una’s voice transported me to another time. Her song choices tonight were those of love. Hope. Happiness.
And she sang them all to me.
I fingered the small box in my pocket. Tonight after she stepped offstage, I would ask her to marry me properly, then take her upstairs and surprise her with a dinner with our guests. We’d celebrate the moment with the people who’d made it possible for it to happen. Who’d stepped in and helped me get her back.
She was only doing the one show tonight and tomorrow. She would resume her schedule next week. And working in her new role in the office.
She would be safe in the hotel. Guarded when she left the property.
Never far from my sight.
And she would be loved.
Endlessly.
She finished her set, and the entire room stood, clapping and calling for an encore.
They couldn’t get enough.
I smiled proudly, knowing I had to share her for a little longer.
Then I’d ask my question, and she’d say yes.
I was sure of it.
Later in the elevator, I pressed a kiss to Una’s head. “You were incredible,” I murmured. “So amazing.”
“It felt good to sing,” she replied.
In the suite, I indicated the terrace. “A little fresh air?”
“I’d like that.”
Outside on the table, I had more flowers for her. A bottle of champagne chilling. When she looked at me, I smiled. “To celebrate your return to the O’Reilly’s stage.”
“Ah,” she breathed, walking to the railing. She rested her arms on the metal, looking out over the lights of the city. “Always so busy,” she murmured. “So big.”
I joined her, wrapping my arms around her. “It is. Easy to get lost in.”
“Or found,” she murmured.
I pressed a kiss to her neck, drawing in a deep breath, but before I could speak, she turned in my arms, looking up at me.
“Will you marry me soon, Finn?”
I was stunned. “Soon, mo chroí? May I ask why?”
“Life is too short. I wasted too much time with doubt. I love you. You love me. I want to belong to you. I want everyone to know you’re mine.”
I grinned at her possessive words. “Funny,” I mused, pulling the box from my pocket, flipping the lid open. “You took the words out of my mouth.”
She looked at the ring nestled in velvet. The large center emerald twinkled in the light. It was flawless, perfect. The diamonds surrounding it were brilliant and protected the middle stone, the way I planned to do to her the rest of her life.
She gasped at the ring.
“The emerald reminds me of your eyes,” I murmured.
“It’s so beautiful.” She glanced up at me. “I love you.”