by Wyatt, Dani
So, Flynn played his role as the family intimidator. How he’d managed to separate himself from all the fucked up things he’d done in his past, now seemed crazy.
When it was happening, when he was busting some poor fuck who owed or had crossed the family, it felt right. Flynn had a talent for violence. It welled up in him and every time he went after someone, he felt on fire. He was alive only as he burned, and his soul darkened with each beating.
It was what he knew. He was who he was… until her.
She made him want to be a different person, one worthy of everything she had to give.
If he’d tried to leave the family, the unwritten, unspoken word was they would find you. They would kill you. Whether you were born into it or chose it, the door only swung one way.
Flynn didn’t even care about the money from going legit. Sure, the contract was in line, and it worked for now. He’d have to win to earn, but he’d never doubted that part of himself. In fact, not killing his opponents seemed to be more of a challenge for him than losing.
Except for Gideon. That fuck had his number, and it was the one fight Flynn had yet to win. Over the years, they’d danced with each other at least a dozen times in the cage, and Gideon’s fist ended up raised at the end of every damn fight.
His brother was his nemesis and someday, he needed to yank that chain and change that record once and for all. But, that would be a challenge for another day. Today, he had work to do.
***
Flynn took just over an hour to do what he needed before his planned meet up with Lilly. He’d stopped by the lake house just to be sure everything was as they’d left it, and he picked up the little package.
Next, he was off to the mansion de Dunleavy to set a few things in place before tonight. He needed to secure some info from Molly, then meet with Mac, then take care of his girl and get her asleep. He’d then take care of some necessary business while the house was his.
Flynn waited out back while he watched the servant’s entrance through the garden. It was shift change, and Molly would either be coming or going. The staff here worked seven days a week, so he didn’t have to worry about it being her day off. There was no fucking OSHA around the Dunleavy mansion.
As soon as he saw the sweet, sad eyes, he walked out of the garden, straight up behind Molly, touching her on the shoulder, sending the poor kid into a snit.
“What are you doing?” Those eyes of hers were always darting around.
“Come here. I want to talk to you. Don’t worry. Look at me, I’m going to help you, okay? But, I need your help first. Come here.”
“You’re gonna get me in trouble.”
“Colin’s gone for another day. Come here.”
Flynn took her by the shoulders and got her behind the huge juniper hedge.
“You want out of here, and I’m going to do that for you. You and whoever else wants out. But, you need to help me okay?”
The little, dark-haired beauty nodded.
“I’m going to be back tonight. They keep it locked up at night, so you need to let me in. Can you do that for me? Meet me back here and let me in from the inside around midnight?”
Molly’s eyes looked toward the house, her lips pulled to the side in worry. Flynn kept quiet. He needed to let her come to him, let her want to help, not be pushed.
“Okay. I come back on at eleven tonight, work all night. So, I’ll meet you back here by that door. I can’t say I’ll be here right at twelve. Depends on what I gotta do. If your — if Mr. Colin here, I don’t know.”
“He won’t be here, Molly. He’s gone until tomorrow. I’ll see you tonight.”
Flynn gave her arm a squeeze before he jogged off behind the garage to the back fence.
***
“So? Aren’t we going to see Mac?” Lilly asked.
Inside the Bronco, Flynn took Lilly’s hand, drove out of the parking lot and then pulled off by the iron gates where they had spent the day in the old, overgrown, secret garden.
“Yeah. We’re going. But first, I need to talk to you about something.”
Lilly’s heart sunk. Here it was. It was too good to be true. Too many obstacles, too much of me for him.
She felt herself turn to steel, her hand went limp in his, and she looked out the front window at the traffic moving by.
“Hey, don’t do that. Look at me.”
“I don’t want to.”
“Why the fuck not? Hey, don’t—”
He jerked her hand, pulling her in a sudden lurch toward him and his other hand took her chin hard.
“I know what you’re going to say. It’s okay.”
“You know what I’m going to say? Oh yeah? From that pissy-ass look on your face, you absolutely do not know what I’m going to say. So, before I say what I had planned to say, listen first.”
Lilly struggled to right herself in the seat, but Flynn’s fingertips tightened on her chin, forcing her to look at his face.
“I know you’re strong, babe, but you need someone stronger — someone who’s here for you, someone who’s going to call you on your bullshit when you get pissy and think you know everything. Well, I’m that person. I’m not going to take this shit from you, and if you keep it up, I’m going to give you a damn attitude adjustment up against the nearest wall, got it?”
His words were always clear, stern, but never was there an ounce or a hint of anger. Nothing he said made her fear him, but when he spoke like this, she could feel his hands reaching right inside her to tug at the deepest, most primal part of her that felt so bound to him.
“I’m sorry. I’m just always ready for something bad to happen, for you to come to your senses and tell me this is all a mistake. To leave me again.” Lilly knew that one hurt, and as soon as it was out of her mouth, she wished she hadn’t said it.
“I left? Is that what you think?”
She groaned, and he dropped her hand and her chin, but his face still showed no malice, only interest in what she would say next. He always seemed to want to know what she was thinking. “That was not what I should have said. I’m sorry. You didn’t leave. What I mean is, I still fight this feeling that this is all some cosmic joke, that this is too amazing to be real, you know?”
“Uh huh. I get it, babe. But, we gotta work on that shit because it does nothing to draw us together, and that is not acceptable. So, can we move the fuck on, because I have something to say.”
“Yes. Sorry. Please, Sir, proceed.”
“Thank you.” His voice was playfully irritated. “I’ve got two things in my pocket, and they’re a matched set. One is for you, and one is for us both. But, they can’t be separated.”
“Hmmm, a puzzle. I’m intrigued.”
“You and me, we’re like that. We’re two things, but we are sure as shit a matched set. I’m no prize babe. You’ve seen me — I’m just as I am, and I’ll never hide any part of me from you. But, I can’t imagine any more life without you. You dropped on me like a nuclear bomb, and my head’s been twisted and crazy since.”
Lilly felt her heart rise in her throat, the inside of the truck suddenly feeling like a pressure cooker. When Flynn stopped talking, the silence hurt her ears.
Raising one hand to lean against the driver’s door, his other fingers on his mouth, Flynn turned away before jerking the door handle and hopping out.
With a flick of his head, he drew his hand through his hair and came around the front of the truck, his long strides moving him quickly, eyes narrow and chest tight to open Lilly’s door and offer his hand.
“Come on.”
She didn’t speak and neither did he as he drew her down the path back toward the little, abandoned garden shed. He stopped in front of the pond, his lips looking like they intended to speak, then stopped.
Just when Lilly thought she would throw up from the tension, he finally spoke.
“You’re already mine in a way I never imagined. And, I’m fucking yours whether you want me or not. But, there’s more.” He re
ached in his pocket, pulled out a white envelope, then went back in and Lilly felt the hot prick of tears in her eyes.
“This is a marriage license. We’re going to sign it and take it to the courthouse on our way to see Mac.” He held up a small, white box. “This is your promise to me that you will always be mine. All of you. I want it all, Lilly, and I can’t live with less.”
She looked around the small opening in the overgrown garden. The scent of fall was in the air, and birds chirping and squirrels darting away were their only witnesses.
“Marry me, babe.”
Flynn opened the little box, and inside was a sparkling, antique emerald set in a gold filigree band with Celtic knots engraved all around.
There was a sudden burst of warmth inside Lilly’s chest. She felt like everything turned around her, spinning until he raised her hand and slipped the ring in place.
No words would come but all Lilly could think to do was move into him, raise on her toes and kiss the man that had given her wings.
Chapter Thirty-one
She’s so fucking cute the way she keeps looking down at her hand, trying to pretend she isn’t. Fucking dream doll. How’d a fuck like me end up so damn lucky? Brains, beauty, heart, soul — she’s the fucking real deal, and she’s all mine. Nut up, bro, ‘cause you gotta take care of her.
Flynn kept his arm around her in the truck; his hand couldn’t stop moving, rubbing her neck, twisting in her hair. He hadn’t broken contact with her since he’d put the damn ring on her finger.
Even inside the courthouse, he kept Lilly tucked in next to him, his eyes on every fuck around, making sure they were keeping their damn distance. His senses were on alert. Somehow, solidifying their bond only made his predatory instinct explode.
Flynn took Lilly’s shaking hand as they walked into Belmont Arms, scanning the room for Mac.
There he was, sitting at a little, round table in his black and silver wheelchair, sipping a glass of red wine, watching the door. Flynn didn’t miss the way his eyes narrowed when he registered Lilly wasn’t alone.
His girl smiled and dropped his hand to lean down and give the old man a hug plus a kiss on the cheek.
Mac didn’t stop glaring at Flynn. There is a look men have in this world. Even at Mac’s age, some things don’t change. Mac was sizing him up, and Flynn could tell the old man was protective over his girl.
Good, just gotta convince him we’re on the same damn team.
“Sir.” Flynn extended his hand when Lilly stood back.
“Mac, this is Flynn Dunleavy.”
“Yeah, I know who he is.”
Mac paused, then took Flynn’s hand in a tight grip, holding it there for a long moment, locking eyes.
Any other fuck did that, Flynn would have considered it a challenge, a sign of disrespect, but he knew Mac was just letting him know he cared about Lilly. And, given that his girl could use more champions in her life, Flynn allowed the momentary dick swinging.
“Sit down.” Mac finally broke eye contact and gestured for them to sit.
“How are you?” Lilly reached across the table to rest her hand on Mac’s.
“Who gives a rat’s ass how I am? Don’t fuck around. He’s here for a reason. What the hell is going on?” Mac’s eyes were full of fire, and it made Flynn’s knees start to bounce up and down.
Calm down, old dude’s just worked up. She’s his granddaughter. Win his ass over.
Lilly opened her mouth to speak, but Flynn wrapped his hand around the back of her neck, giving her a gentle squeeze.
“Babe, let me. I think he needs to hear something from me.”
“Damn right,” Mac grumbled, his wrinkled fingers starting to drum on the tabletop.
“Okay, here it is. I love her. I’d do anything for her. And, what I need to do is keep her safe and get her free from whatever this fucking family commitment is. I know tradition and all that shit, but that ain’t gonna work. She’s mine, and I’m going to take care of her. So, here’s the deal. We need you. I know you love her, too, and she needs us both.”
“I know you. I know you’re Colin’s bastard son. I also know what you’ve done your whole life. You’re no Prince Charming. You’re dangerous. You’re just as much a part of this world as any of us.”
“You’re right and wrong. No disrespect. Yeah, I’ve been a fuck; I’ve done shit I’m not proud of. But, I’m only dangerous if you are going to fuck with her. That’s it. I’m done with everything else. I’m not living this life with her. She doesn’t deserve that. That’s why we need your help.”
“This what you want?” Mac turned to Lilly.
“Yes.” She looked down, then at Flynn and back to Mac.
“What the fuck can I do?” Mac’s fingers still drummed on the table.
“Okay. Both our families do business. But, I also know there are some businesses that are unacceptable, some things that fall outside the lines. We need you and her father on our side. We need him to understand just how fucked up Colin is and to not want his daughter anywhere near him.”
“Whatever you’re dancing around, spit it out.”
Flynn grit his teeth as the old man pointed a finger in his face.
“He’s got girls. Like, girls, little-fucking-girls.”
Mac squeezed his eyes half-shut trying to process. He stayed silent and Flynn decided it was time for the brick.
“He’s fucking little girls. Then he’s selling them. Young, I mean young, you get it? It’s sick.”
Mac’s fingers fell still. The look in his eyes even set Flynn back in his chair. For a ninety-four-year-old dude, he could still be scary as shit.
“You need proof. You can’t get what you need with just your word. Don’t take this the wrong way, but you don’t have the credibility. Your reputation is that you’re not one-hundred percent loyal. You gotta get more. My son is a fuck; Topher’s as much part of this life as your father. But, if he knew about this, I don’t know.” Mac’s eyes glanced toward Lilly, giving her a sympathetic, sorrowful glance before darting back to Flynn, all business again. “This kind of shit will start a war. It will blow up whatever civility has been built between our families. Topher — so you need him, right? You need proof, like I said. What else do you want? I’ll try to push my son, but I don’t know what else I can do.”
“I need to be out. And Lilly, too. Out without having to look over our shoulders the rest of our fucking lives. And, I need to get her mother here; I need to take care of her. I promised Lilly that.”
“Okay. Look.” Mac pointed a crooked finger right in Flynn’s face. “You need proof. Black and white. Then, I’ll be behind you. Topher’s never been a father to Lilly, but he loved her mother, and he’ll come around. We just have to do it right. He’s got a lot to lose. This new venture is going to make him a lotta money, and that still has to happen. You aren’t going to get what you want and not fulfill that commitment. Sorry, Lilly.”
“I know. That’s fine. I want to do the work. It’s not exactly how I wanted to do it, but I want to finish, see it launch.”
Mac wagged his finger in the air again, his eyes narrow. “You better not get her hurt. I’ll come after your sorry ass myself, got that?”
Flynn felt his defenses go up, but he knew that he and Mac had the same goal.
“Not on my watch.” Flynn sniffed and pulled his shoulders back.
Flynn saw Mac look him up and down, staring intently at all his ink.
“I fucking mean it. If anyone dies, it’s you.”
“Absolutely. I’ll even hand you the damn knife.”
“Good. Okay. Then, get proof. I’ll start laying some seeds with Topher. I’ve not been involved in business for a long time, but I’ll make some calls too. I’ve still got a few friends. We’ll see, okay?” Mac reached across toward Lilly, tapping his palm on the table to be sure she was listening. “I don’t give a shit about this kid,” Mac jerked his head toward Flynn. “But if it’s what you want, I’ll do whatever I can to help.
Now, get out of here. I’m going to drink some wine and try to get my blood pressure back down. Get outta of here.”
Mac looked at Flynn again, the old man’s eyes softening.
Flynn stuck his hand out. “Thank you.”
Mac accepted the gesture, shaking his hand without the extra squeeze that he’d given him when they’d met. When both men gave each other a quick nod, Flynn grabbed Lilly and they made their way out the front doors, leaving Mac hollering at the staff for more wine.
***
“Just do your thing, babe. I’ll be back at 6:30 to pick you up.”
Flynn was trying desperately to fight the urge to take her to the closest corner for a quick dick feeding, but she needed to get back to work.
His little siren put her hand on his thigh, and he knew she was thinking the same thing.
“I want to do my thing,” she teased, her hand moving to press on the hard length already drooling for her inside his pants.
“Fuck, babe. You’re killing me.”
Flynn’s mouth took hers, dragging her body along with it, pulling her as close to him as he could with the damn steering wheel in the way.
He couldn’t deny her, it was not in his program, but putting her in a position to get caught fucking in the parking lot wasn’t going to happen.
When they pulled back to take a breath, Flynn saw the deep need in her eyes. His fingers felt the softness of her skin just below the hem of her skirt, sliding up and watching her tongue trace on her lip.
“You want my fingers?”
He grazed ever so lightly where her thighs pressed together, and she answered him by opening her knees and closing her eyes.
The slip of white fabric between her legs was already wet.
“Spread your legs, babe. Tell me what you need.”
Flynn teased her, his fingers lightly moving outside the fabric, toying at the elastic around her leg.
He listened to the subtle changes in pitch and inflection of her breathing, the little halts.
“Tell me, babe. Ask for it.” He kept her eyes on his, challenging her to ask for what she wanted without any shame.