Page 52 of Dublin Charmer
“What do you see?” Gravely demands.
“One second. I was watching your men. I’ve got the building and it all looks quiet for the moment...” I look at Finn and shrug helplessly.
He texts:Tell him the truth. Someone told him where they were. They could be watching the building. If you lie, you’re busted.
Oh, good point. Sexyandsmart.
I draw a deep breath and give us another beat of a moment to gain some distance. “Wait, a floral delivery truck just stopped in front of the building.”
“What? Why? Is someone getting out of the truck?”
“Not yet. I’m waiting.” And as I wait, I track the three incoming teams. “It’s a front. Two guys just ran into the building, no flowers, just guns in their hands.”
“Guns? Were they my guys?”
“How would I know?”
I glance out the window and have never been so happy to see the River Liffey in my life. “Wait, okay. The two guys with guns just came out with two other guys and they jumped into the back of the flower truck and drove off.”
Gravely loses his mind and I’ve never heard a sweeter sound in my life.
As he raves on, my heart hammers in my chest. I don’t breathe easy until we’re over the bridge, headed back to Quinn territory.
There’s no going back now. I just fucked over Gravely, and it feels so good I don’t regret it. Screw you, Billy Gravely.
Finn
The trailer jerks to a stop in the side parking lot of the compound, and I glance at Emilia. She’s still tense from her call with Gravely. Her fingers drum nervously on her keyboard.
“We’re here.” I draw her attention with a gentle touch under her chin, lifting her gaze to meet mine. “That was impressive work back there.”
She shrugs, but I catch the ghost of a smile. “Just doing what I do.”
We exit the airstream into the cold January air. The sliding side door to the flower delivery truck grinds along its metal tracks at the same time the front door of the compound bursts open.
Piper flies down the steps, tears streaming down her face. “Rory! Brody!”
Her brothers stumble out of the back of the truck, looking exhausted but alive.
Piper crashes into them, wrapping her arms around both at once. They form a tight huddle, foreheads pressed together. It’s nice for her. She deserves better from her family than she got.
“Thank God you’re okay.” She pulls back and starts studying them. “Youareokay, aren’t you?”
The rest of my family pours out of the house.
Sean approaches the McGuire siblings cautiously, placing a gentle hand on Piper’s shoulder. Rory and Brody don’t seem too welcoming, but Piper pulls Sean into their circle.
Tag strides toward us, his expression a mix of pride and relief. “Finn. You did well, little brother.”
“Wasn’t just me.” I nod toward Nyx, who stands awkwardly to the side, watching the reunion with a strange expression.
Tag extends his hand to her. “Thank you for helping bring Piper’s brothers home safely.”
Nyx hesitates before accepting his handshake. “I didn’t really do much.”
“You did more than you know.” Tag’s voice carries the weight of his position, and I know from experience if you impress him, the reward of his respect is invaluable.
Tag moves off to welcome Piper’s brothers and I put an arm around Nyx to lean close to her ear. “The McGuires and Quinns have history—not all of it good. But family is family.”
