“Can I have anything sent to your room?” she asked upon rising.
“I’ll be fine,” he assured her as I surveyed the damage Luca had inflicted. My lips parted in surprise when I spotted a rip in his black tee.
I jumped to my feet and lifted his shirt to reveal what appeared to be a knife cut, a few centimeters in size, on his side.
Sebastian wrapped a palm around my wrist. “It’s nothing.”
“If you need anything, let me know,” Piper commented, her soft, Southern accent almost soothing my nerves.
“Just a cleaning crew,” he instructed.
“Did he hurt you?” Sebastian asked, anger fueling his voice. My gaze went to his palm now pressed to the side of his torso where he was bleeding.
“He, um.” I blinked and pulled my focus to his eyes. “No, he just scared me.”
“I’m sorry.” His jaw tightened. “He won’t bother you again.”
“He’s your best friend.”
“Not anymore.” I trailed alongside as he walked toward the lift even though I knew I should go back to Sean’s flat. I also had a feeling Sebastian wouldn’t let me leave his hotel alone after what had happened with Luca, so he must’ve known I’d follow him.
“Why’d you ask Piper to alert you if I arrived? How’d you know I’d come?”
“I didn’t know.” We stepped inside the lift, and my attention darted to the massive dent in one wall. Blood dotted the floor as well.
“He’s a good fighter.” His voice was calmer as he pushed the button for his floor.
“But you’re better?” I knew the answer, but I wanted to hear his.
“I’m more motivated.” He paused for a moment. “When Piper told me you got into the lift and Luca was in there with you . . .”
I took a step closer, unable to stop myself. “Promise me that Luca won’t come after you because of me.”
“After what happened in the club earlier, what do I matter to ya?” His brows drew together. “Why are you even here?” A touch of pain moved through his tone, and I absorbed some of it in my heart.
“Maybe you are dangerous. But I care about you, and I can’t just turn that off.”
“You need to. Your brothers are right to hate me.” When the doors parted, we went to his suite without another word.
Once inside, Sebastian headed directly to his bedroom while I removed my coat and boots, taking my time to process what had happened in the lift with Luca and how Sebastian so quickly threw away his friendship to protect me.
I moved with slow steps to his bedroom and having never been inside that room before, I was nervous. It probably had the same expensive gray bedding, matching window treatments, and pictures on the wall as every other suite in the hotel.
The difference? He slept in that bed. Got dressed in there. Put his cologne on in the bedroom—the smell still lingering from the last time he’d done so.
Water was running in the en-suite bathroom, and I didn’t bother to knock.
He was in front of the sink, shirtless, cleaning the wound on his side.
“You need help?” I leaned against the doorframe, unable to take my eyes off of his body.
He didn’t respond and continued to fix himself up as if he’d done it a million times before, and given his scars, he probably had.
He turned off the sink and grabbed another shirt from the closet off to his right in the en suite and pulled it over his head, his wall of muscles flexing in the process.
My hand went to my heart. It was as if my ribs were collapsing onto my lungs, making it hard to breathe. “I wish I didn’t care about you,” I admitted when he pressed a palm to the wall at his side, his eyes holding mine. “And you feel the same, don’t you?”
Obsession. Little pet. Sex after . . . Luca’s horrible words rolled around in my mind.
“I told you people who care about me die. My mother. Sister.” He paused. “Alessia was killed as a punishment for something I did. It was payback.”
“What’d you do? I don’t understand.” I stepped in front of him, but he brought his hand between us as a shield.
“And you don’t need to. All you need to know is that being around me is—”
“Dangerous, I know.” And I was sick of everyone telling me this without any real context.
“How’d you find out about The Alliance and Donovan’s association with them?”
There were still a lot of blank spots, so everything was a stretch but . . . “Harrison had concerns about you, and he, um, found out some stuff.”
Some stuff? I was as vague as him now. There was a lot to talk about, from the land in Limerick to his sister’s death, but I wasn’t sure how to even begin the conversation.
“The next time you talk to Reed, tell him to stay the bloody hell out of my business.”
“He was trying to protect me,” I protested. “Something it sounds like you’ve been doing as well, right?”
The angry tic of his jaw was the only response I got.
“Talk to me. I deserve that much.”
“You deserve so much more.” And now my heart was going to split as well.
My fingers feathered his chest, and he didn’t stop me, even when his pec muscle jumped beneath my touch. “Luca said you’re, um, obsessed with me.”
“I am.” His voice was low, growly. “From the moment I saw you at the nightclub five years ago, I’ve wanted to make you mine.”
“I’m not anyone’s to own,” I challenged, trying to stand my ground, though a strong part of me wanted to be his in every possible way. But I wanted to give him more than my body; I wanted to give him my heart.
“You’re right,” he said, his voice softer.
“But?” I could feel the word breathing down my neck from a kilometer away.
His brown eyes, flecked with gold, or maybe stardust—call me a romantic—narrowed on mine. “But that doesn’t change the effect you have on me every time we’re in a room together, how I want to fecking worship you. Guard you forever.”
Worship. Guard. My knees grew weaker, and my back hit the wall.
His hands landed above my shoulders, his biceps tightening. He was fighting for control, again, trying to behave around me when it was clear every part of him—mind, body, and soul (and yes, I believed he had one)—wanted me.
I set my hands on the planes of his chest and took a steadying breath. “I have so many questions. Donovan. Your sister. How were you able to protect us?”
He stared deep into my eyes. “Tonight’s not the night for questions.” He was quiet before adding, “You shouldn’t even be here. I’ll have my driver take you home to make sure you get there safely.”
“You shouldn’t worry about my safety.”
He angled his head. “There are a lot of things I shouldn’t do, but I can’t seem to stop myself.” His eyes lowered to my mouth.
I was wrong when I’d told him I couldn’t be owned. He owned me in every possible way. I didn’t know the truth or have my answers, but I couldn’t stop wishing he’d take me into his arms.
His eyes grew dark, his body rigid as if he wanted to—
Had Luca been right? Did Sebastian usually have sex after fighting? And who the hell did he fight? Or, oh God, kill?
“You’re trying to convince yourself to forgive me.” His gaze tightened on me, and my breath hitched. We were so close. His body nearly pressed to mine. “But you can’t forgive what you don’t understand.”
“Then tell me,” I pleaded.
“I’m a killer, Holly.”
His words stole my breath. A jumbled mess of thoughts swirled around in my mind.
“Alessia forgave me. She believed I wasn’t an animal on the inside. A killer.” His words bled with regret. “She looked at me the same as you are now, and she died.”
My shoulders began to tremble, and I couldn’t find my voice this time. I removed my hands from his chest only to have him seize hold of my arms.
“But there is one promise I can mak
e you. I’ll move heaven and hell to protect you, even if that means—”
“Not being happy?” He was right that I didn’t know his full story, but deep in my gut, I knew there had to be an explanation for everything he’d ever done. “Everyone deserves another chance. Your sister would want that for you.”
“You don’t know anything about what I deserve.” A pair of forlorn eyes moved from mine to my lips, and lastly, to his grip on my bicep, and then he let me go. “And I had a second chance. I don’t get another one.” Defeat like I’d never witnessed before washed over him, and chills raked my spine. “I’m going to ring Nick so he can take you home.”
This wasn’t over. I still needed answers. But yeah, we were done for tonight. We both needed space. And it was quite possible I wasn’t ready to hear what he had to say.
“I’m, um, staying at Sean’s. He doesn’t know I came here,” I finally spoke up as he brought his mobile to his ear to call his driver.
“Good,” he said with a nod. “Maybe he can talk some sense into you,” he added after ending his call.
We walked in silence to the front door. I pulled on my boots, and he helped me into my coat. He untucked my hair from the collar, and when his fingers skirted my neck, my body responded to his touch.
How would I ever turn this thing off between us?
Time?
Another man?
An achy hollowness, a void of sorts, bloomed in my chest at the idea of anyone other than Sebastian ever touching me.
“What is it?” he asked once he’d opened the door.
My hands tensed at my sides, the warmth of his eyes settling on my mouth as if he could read my thoughts. “Will you kiss me?” My chest tightened with anticipation.
“You really want to kiss a killer?” He let go of the door, allowing it to shut on its own.
It was insane, but since he’d come into my life nothing made sense, had it?
“No.” I shook my head. “I want to kiss you.”
He had my back to the door before I knew it, trapping me against the heat of his body. His mouth slanted over mine, and I immediately lost every rational thought like always.
He kissed me with such a fierce intensity that my knees buckled, and my hands dove into his thick hair.
His tongue slid into my mouth, and his hard length pressed against me, a reminder of how strong and powerful he was—how complete I’d felt when he’d been inside of me in Limerick.
I moaned against his mouth, my nipples hardening to points even beneath the heavy weight of my shirt and coat. My center grew hot and wet. My body wasn’t getting the memo this man was supposed to be off-limits.
His lips moved from my mouth to my cheek, and on to my ear. He lightly bit my earlobe and whispered, “You’re the real deal, my sweet Holly.” He paused, the touch of his breath on my skin created a tingling sensation throughout my body. “No matter what happens between us, don’t ever change.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Sebastian
A day and a half passed since Cole McGregor had shown up at my nightclub. Thirty-three hours since I’d ended my friendship with Luca and sent Holly away from my hotel room.
Once the deal in Limerick was finalized, I’d be out of her life for good. I wouldn’t be able to stop myself from keeping an eye on her to ensure The Alliance held up their end of the bargain, but crossing paths with Holly again was out of the question.
I dialed up Édouard Moreau’s number, not sure why he’d yet to call me since Luca hobbled out of my hotel on Friday. I had to ensure the bad blood between his nephew and me wouldn’t spill to him as well.
“I’m sorry,” I said when he answered, “but Luca shouldn’t have gone anywhere near Holly.”
“What are you talking about? Did something happen with Luca?”
Why hadn’t Luca run to his uncle after we fought? It didn’t make sense. “Luca and I had an argument.”
“Are you okay?”
Am I okay? I dropped down onto the couch. “I’m fine, but our friendship won’t be. I need assurances Luca won’t seek retribution.”
He was quiet for a moment. “Against you? Or Holly McGregor?”
I could handle myself. “Holly.” I glanced at my knuckles and eyed the bruises, a result of fighting with Luca and Cole, both in the same night.
I hadn’t left my suite since Friday, and I was supposed to be taking Declan and Samuel to Holly’s tonight for a home-cooked meal. I wasn’t sure how to let them down, but I’d have to soon.
“I’ll talk to him. We’ll figure this out. You’re like brothers.”
“I’m afraid the damage is done. His actions are irredeemable.”
“You’re sure?” Moreau asked, his voice soft.
“I’m sure,” I said without hesitation. “Please let him know he’s no longer welcome in Ireland.”
This was still my country, and if I gave the word someone was banned, The League would uphold my order.
“There’s a reason I never considered offering him my position,” Moreau said after a moment. “I didn’t trust his ability to lead.”
Luca in power? We’d talked about it when we were younger. He’d control France, and I’d be his right-hand man. Then I inherited the money and took over Ireland, and he remained a fixer.
“I’ll handle my nephew. Don’t you worry, my son.”
“Thank you.” I ended the call and was about to phone Declan to let him know about the change in plans when a text alert from Holly popped up on my phone.
Holly: Can you have Nick drop the boys off at Sean’s flat? I want to keep my word and make dinner for them tonight.
I wasn’t sure if that was such a good idea. Her brother hated me, had every reason to, and I doubted he wanted anyone even remotely connected to me at his flat.
Me: Maybe reschedule.
Holly: I already bought the food. I have no intention of disappointing them. They’ve been let down enough in their lives.
Me: Are you sure?
Holly: Absolutely.
Me: Is Cole okay?
I probably shouldn’t have asked. I didn’t need to fuel her belief I maybe—possibly—did have a soul.
Holly: He’s fine. Bruised ego. Still angry, though. I think my brothers have convinced him to stay away from you for now.
Me: Good. And have they finally convinced you of the same?
The bubbles popped then disappeared. This went on for a few more minutes.
I stood as I waited, my chest growing heavy from worry, but her response never came.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Sebastian
“Why aren’t you coming to dinner with us?” Declan remained outside the limo and shut the door when it was clear I wasn’t joining him inside.
“I can’t. Too busy.”
“You’re a horrible liar.” He pressed a palm to the limo window at his side. “What’d you do to piss Holly off, because if you hurt her . . .”
He let his threat go, knowing it’d be wasted on me, and I almost smiled. Good for him for coming to her defense. “She needs some space,” I admitted, not sure why I was getting into this with an eighteen-year-old kid.
“No, what I assume she needs is an apology.” His blue eyes thinned. “And flowers. Best in the city.” He flicked his free hand. “We’ll get them on the way.”
“Trust me, that’s not what she needs.”
He dropped his arm, his nostrils flaring a touch. “She likes you, I promise. Whatever gobshite thing you’ve done, you can make it right.”
Yeah, this conversation was over his head. I’d also prefer him not to know how truly messed up I was.
“Her brother hates me. You’re going to his place.” No way would I bend to Declan’s demands, but I found myself offering up lame excuses.
“Oh come on, man. Of course her brother ain’t gonna like ya. No brother wants his sister shifting with some guy.”
Shifting? Was this slang for sex? Or did it mean kissing? After bouncing around so
many countries for so many years, I couldn’t keep track of what was what.
I blinked a few times, trying to reset my focus. Declan was a stubborn arse, and I’d come to realize that quickly. He was too much like me, which meant we’d already butted heads a few times since he’d moved into the hotel and began training at the bar with Ola.
“Samuel really likes Holly, so if he thinks something is wrong, you’ll break his bloody heart.”
He really had to use the kid against me? I lightly dropped my head, doing my best not to waver.
I’d not only send mixed signals to Holly by showing up tonight, I’d probably have to block Sean’s punches in the process. Samuel certainly didn’t need to see a fight.
“I can’t. I’m sorry. Her brother will really kill me.”
He scoffed. “Funny. You could probably drop the guy with one of those looks of yours.” He opened the door, and Samuel poked his head out, a smile on his face, his blue eyes lighting up.
Feck me. “I’m sorry.”
Samuel brought his hands in prayer position. “I won’t go without you, and I am dying to eat her food. A home-cooked meal. I haven’t had one of those since Ma . . .” His hands dropped like weights to his lap, and his eyes nearly froze over.
He was worried about his ma, and now I had to disappoint him, too.
“Please.” Declan tilted his head. “At least try.” His lips tipped into a smile. “She’ll forgive you, I promise.”
“Flowers and chocolate always work,” Samuel said as if he had a clue as to what we were talking about.
But hell, maybe he did? He’d stopped by the suite yesterday and this morning, asking to hang out with me, and I’d been in such a damn foul mood I hadn’t even been able to look him in the eyes.
Declan rubbed his hands together, his smile stretching. “Come on, what do you say?”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Holly
Sean was intently murdering an onion, with the sleeves of his blue dress shirt loosely rolled to the elbows and a scowl on his face as he wielded a chef’s knife. His eyes glistened with unshed tears, fighting not to let the onion win as if his manhood was in jeopardy.
The Real Deal: A Dublin Nights Novel Page 19