Page 128 of Forbidden Need

“Can it wait?”

“No,” she said fast. Whether it could or not, she needed time to defuse some of his increasing anger toward the aggravating man attempting to provoke him. “I have to talk to you now. Alone.”

The word was enough to prompt Conn to nod Niall out of the room.

“What’s wrong?”

“Lupe, the housekeeper, is the woman, she’s the one.”

“Your grandfather’s side piece?”

“No,” she said, leading him to the couch. “I think she was his whole piece. She speaks of him with love, she’s genuinely heartbroken, and she’s pissed he didn’t listen to her.”

They sat and she slid in close, laying her arm across his torso as she rested her head on him.

“Some women don’t understand men know better.”

And if she was in the mood to pick a fight, he’d cued it up. She wasn’t.

“She says there’s no chance anyone got the key for the tunnel, and she doesn’t strike me as a liar. Or a woman who’d endanger the man she loved. They talked freely, I guess that’s what you get after seven years. They never went public with their relationship, with how they felt about each other.” Something he knew, but something that plagued her thoughts. “Seven years, Mo Grá.”

“We’re public,” he said, reading her mind.

“That could’ve been us. When I think what could—”

“Macushla.”

“I know. Sorry. Lachlan knew about them; I don’t know how long. She’s adamant that my father shouldn’t ever learn of their relationship. Why is everyone so worried about his opinion?”

“He’s head of your family now.”

Sickening thought. “He can’t damage or punish her. She has her own apartment. I suppose she’ll need a job, but surely he can’t block her chance with employers.”

“He can.” Yeah, maybe she’d been kidding herself. Much as she didn’t like it, her father had influence. “Put her on payroll.”

Taken aback, she tipped up her chin. “Here?” Actually… “You know, that’s not a bad idea.”

“She works here and progresses to other sites when we’re sure we can trust her.”

Because one conversation didn’t warrant full access. Absolutely not. And that faith was on her shoulders. Better that others got to know Lupe and concurred than her judgment of character alone should be the deciding factor.

“Thank you.”

“What did your brother want?”

“To talk,” she said. “I told him Dad might have known about the attack beforehand and that I think he’s in league with Silvio Manzani.”

“He’ll confront your father.”

“Maybe. He’s still absorbing,” she said. “I just hope he keeps his focus. His job is dangerous. I couldn’t bear something happening to him now because of something I said.”

“Your father did this.”

As he frequently told her. “I know you’re right. Just feels like my family is coming apart at the seams.”

“This is your family, Macushla.” And with him driving, she had no concerns about them staying on track. “I have something for you,” he said, kissing her head then getting up.

“Like a present?”

---