Page 130 of Dublin Beast

And there they are.

Leaning against the rental car in denim jeans and black leather jackets, the Quinn twins await. With their identical looks and their arms folded across their broad chests in exactly the same way, they look like they’re daring the world to approach.

“Our Irish bookends,” Nora says with a chuckle.

“Our hot and broody Irish bookends,” I correct.

Nora sighs. “Life is good, isn’t it?”

“It is.” My steps falter for a beat, because damn. Bryan’s gaze is locked on me with an intensity that makes my panties melt. He’s too handsome for his own good, standing there like some leather-clad god of war.

The sun slants low behind them, and as we get closer, I study how the champagne light catches the sharp angles of his face, lighting up the gold in his eyes.

The tension in his warrior’s frame relaxes as we join them, a rare grin tugging at his mouth as he straightens and moves toward me. He doesn’t hesitate—just wraps me in his arms, lifting me slightly off the pavement like I weigh nothing at all.

And suddenly, everything feels a little easier.

“You all right?” he asks, his voice low and steady, vibrating through my bones.

I nod against his shoulder, but it’s not a full truth.

Inwardly, I still feel like I’ve lost something. Like I’ve come up short. Like I should be scouring the world for my friends instead of being held.

But I took this as far as I could, and now I’ve handed it off to someone who can make arrests and issue warrants. That’s the win.

“I’m fine,” I lie softly. “Just… decompressing.”

He doesn’t question that. After another squeeze, he brushes a kiss to my temple and lowers me back down, one arm still wrapped around my waist.

Brendan eases back from kissing Nora hello and tucks her against his hip. “Productive meeting, I take it?”

Nora flashes me a sad smile. “Devon has a team that just finished another assignment. He’s called a meeting with them for the morning and then they’ll be flying to London and be hot on the trail.”

Bryan winks and gives me a smile. “That’s amazing news. These people are good at what they do, trouble. Trust me. We wouldn’t have been so worried about our business and our future if they weren’t.”

I suppose that’s true.

Brendan turns to open the back door of the rental. “So, what now? What would you ladies like to do? Shall we get a hotel and take over the city of love?”

I study their faces and realize they’re leaving the decision up to me. “Honestly, would you mind if we save that for another time and just go home?”

Bryan pegs me with a sexy grin. “Paris isn’t going anywhere. Home it is.”

Brenny shrugs. “Home works, but I think we should at least celebrate. Maybe we stop into Jimmy’s when we get back and grab a pint.”

A night out drinking sounds amazing—exactly what I need. “God, yes. Or maybe twenty.”

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SIX

Bryan

Inever thought I’d say this, but apparently—I like shopping.

Not just any shopping, mind. I’m not talking about being elbowed by pensioners over the last tin of Quality Street or queued up behind tourists debating whether a snow globe or a singing shamrock makes the better stocking stuffer.

No—thisis different. This isusshopping.

Me and Harper, arm in arm, weaving through the twinkle-lit maze of home décor and holiday chaos. And for once, we’re not looking for trouble. We’re looking for throw pillows.

---