Page 23 of Niall

Upstairs, Niall showed me the adjoining room to his. I walked around, noting the feminine touches. I looked at him hesitantly.

“My mum’s,” he explained. “When she comes to visit, this is where she stays. Finn keeps it for her.”

“Won’t she mind my using it?”

“Not at all.”

I sat down, my heart feeling heavy. “You want me out of your room, of course,” I said, trying to sound light. “You need your space.”

Before he could say anything, I laughed. It sounded forced even to my ears. “You must be tired of babysitting a silly woman.”

He was in front of me instantly, gripping my hands. “You are not silly. You went through hell.”

I shrugged, not meeting his eyes. He slid a hand under my chin. “Finn offered another room in the hotel. I wanted you closer.”

“But gone,” I whispered.

“Anna,” he groaned.

“I get it, Niall.”

“No, you don’t.” He stood, pacing. “You look at me like I’m some sort of hero, Anna. I’m not. I’m not a good guy. What I do is dangerous at times. For me. For those around me.”

“I know that. It doesn’t change what I feel.”

He shook his head. “I think what you feel is hero worship. You’re upset and confused. I’m safe.”

“It’s more,” I insisted.

“You think that way because I kissed you. Your first real kiss. That will pass.”

“What do you feel?” I asked, standing. “Pity?”

“No.”

“What, then?”

He glared at me. “I’m attracted to you, Anna. I admit that. But I’m not what you’re looking for. You deserve a house and kids. A husband who comes home every night and helps you tuck them into bed, then takes you to his bed and loves you properly.”

“And you’re not that guy?”

“No.”

“Then why keep me close?”

He ran a hand through his hair. “I do care, just not the way you need. I can check on you here. If you want privacy, you can close the door. We can share a meal if you want.”

“Like buddies?” I said sarcastically.

“I think with some distance and time, you’ll see I’m right.”

“I thought you felt it. You certainly felt as if you did the other night.”

He drew in a deep breath. “You are beautiful. Sexy. You were in my bed. But I can’t take that from you, Anna. It belongs to the man you give your heart to.” He frowned. “Because, what I know of you, once you give your heart, it will be forever.”

I blinked, refusing to cry. “Well, maybe the second time that happens, it will be true.”

I brushed past him, stopping when he wrapped his hand around my arm. “Anna.”