Page 16 of Niall

I sat up too, so we were nose to nose. Her cheeks were flushed and warm, her breathing fast. My heart hammered in my chest. I stared at her mouth, remembering how soft those lips were. Unable to resist, I nuzzled them, loving the low whimper she made.

“When you’re healed, we’ll explore your knowledge, mo mhuirnín. I’ll show you all about my cock—” I emphasized the word “—and you can tell me all about your books. And how aware you are.”

I slid from the bed before I did something I shouldn’t. Something she wasn’t ready for, even though she thought she was.

“I’m going for a shower. I’ll take care of nature there.” I winked. “And I’ll think of you while I do.”

I left her open-mouthed in my bed.

Then I stood under the ice-cold shower, trying to ignore the voice screaming at me to return to her.

The truth was, I wasn’t ready either.

CHAPTER FIVE

ANNA

The next couple of days had the same pattern. I saw Una, visiting with her. I read the books Niall brought me. Ate with him. Felt anxious when he would leave the suite and tried not to show it. He knew, though, staying away as little as possible.

He was honest with me and told me about Juan.

“He’s still out there?” I asked, terror beginning to build.

He held my hands and met my eyes. “Highly doubtful. He was shot. We think he crawled away but was probably caught up in the explosion. Or if he managed to get out, he died shortly after. We have people looking for him.”

My gaze skittered to the door. “If he survived, could he get into the hotel?”

He cupped my face, making me look at him. “No,” he said firmly. “His face was entered into our database. Also, in everyone else’s who was part of the rescue. He couldn’t get near this place or hundreds of others without alarms going off.” He frowned. “I saw the bullets hit him, Anna. I think he crawled away to die like the animal he was.”

“Okay,” I whispered.

But the nightmares returned with a vengeance, even with Niall holding me. We were both exhausted, and I wasn’t sure how long we could go on this way.

We attended Una’s brother’s funeral, me clutching Niall’s hand tightly. He never left my side, and I felt his watchful gaze on me constantly. Una was pale and sad-looking, Finn right beside her looking fierce. She was gracious and warm to everyone, thanking them, ensuring they had food and drink.

“She is so strong,” I observed. “She was like that when we were captives. Always insisting Finn would come for her. Certain of him.”

Niall turned, pressing his lips to my head quickly. “He wouldn’t rest until he had her back. I’d do the same.”

I blinked and turned to him, but he was looking around the room, ever vigilant.

Did he mean he’d look for me if I were taken again?

“She forgave Brian,” I murmured. “After what her brother did, she forgave him.”

“She has a big heart,” Niall replied. “She and Finn are much the same.”

“Like you,” I insisted.

He shook his head. “I don’t have the heart Finn does.”

“I would disagree.”

He looked flummoxed. “Why?”

“The way you look after me. I hear you on the phone with your mum. Even how you watch over Finn. Your men. I think you have a huge heart.”

He frowned, shaking his head in disbelief. “Responsibilities,” he countered. “I take that seriously.”