Page 20 of Niall

I stood. “I’m out of here. I have things to do.”

I had some people to see. Employees to talk to. But without thought, I punched the lobby and was halfway across it before I realized what I was doing. As I passed one of the cameras, I flipped Finn the bird, certain he was checking.

The fecker.

I headed toward Anna, loving the fact that she smiled when she saw me coming. A warm, wide smile that welcomed me. Drew me in. I felt my own mouth return her smile, and, unable to stop myself, I threw her a wink. The way her cheeks darkened a little made me know she was pleased.

Which made me incredibly happy.

And I knew Finn was watching the whole damn thing, laughing, and adding notes to his calendar entry.

I hated it when the bastard was right.

And that I would have to disappoint him.

I looked at Anna.

And her.

CHAPTER SIX

ANNA

Ienjoyed spending time with Una. She was funny and sweet. Our shared terror had made us familiar fast, and I was glad that closeness lingered.

We chatted about the hotel for a while, and she told me all about the renovations. I could see why she loved sitting here. The sound of the waterfall and the play of the fire on the rocks was peaceful. I leaned forward and poured some more tea.

“How are you doing?” I asked. “With the funeral and everything.”

She sighed, rolling the soft fabric of the blanket between her fingers. “All right. Finn is helping. I’m mourning the loss of my brother, not the man he had become.”

“You forgave him, though, in the end.”

She nodded, a glimmer of tears in her eyes. “I did. I still love my brother, and I will miss him.”

“And the, ah, other? Niall said you were talking to a therapist?”

“Yes. It helps. I slept better last night.” She smiled sadly, sharing a look with me only we would understand. “I can say things to her I can’t say to Finn. He would go mental.”

“I understand. There are moments from that place I can’t tell Niall about.”

She squeezed my hand. “You should talk to Nadia. She’s great. She gave me some coping mechanisms to try too.”

“I think I will.”

We sipped our tea, enjoying our quiet companionship.

“We need to go look in the shop. They got some new things in I think you’d like,” she said, peering over my shoulder.

“Oh, ah, no. It’s fine.”

“You need some clothes.”

I swallowed. “I, ah, don’t have any way to pay for them right now. They took my purse with my wallet and credit card. My passport and all my ID were in it. I have to figure out how to get it all redone.”

Una waved her hand. “Finn insists. I’ll get some things too. Please. He wants to do this for you.” She tilted her head. “He knows we got close and looked after each other. He’s grateful, and he wants to do something for you.”

I laughed. “I’m living in his hotel, eating his food, taking up Niall’s time. He is doing plenty.”