Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 93929 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93929 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
It’s hard not to laugh. I barely control myself. Dermot was right—his algorithm really did identify a problem—but Mal is so paranoid and angry that he can’t see it. I bet none of them can. They probably aren’t even asking why a bunch of random civilians shot back.
“That’s pretty bad,” Finn says carefully. He steps closer to the island and picks up his drink. “But I don’t know what that has to do with us.”
Mal’s look is pure loathing. “You think I want to be here? But I have nowhere else to turn. Dermot’s going insane. I think he’s coming for my position. Why else would he hire security? Why else would they shoot first? He’s gearing up for war.”
Finn spreads his hands wide. “And again, I ask, what does that have to do with me? That sounds like your problem.”
Mal’s face tugs into a sneer, but he quickly gathers himself. “I know you don’t like me, Finn. I get it, we had some issues when we were kids. You hold a grudge. I can’t blame you for it. But we’re brothers now, and family helps each other.”
It takes all my willpower not to scream in his face.
The audacity of this motherfucker.
Finn doesn’t have my tact, however. “You’re a hypocritical prick.”
“That’s your problem. You’ve always been emotional. Try to think about it for a second. If Dermot takes me down, you think my family is going to be worth anything to you anymore? My brother’s smart, but he’s not capable of handling our business. Dad trained me to be the heir. Dermot will fuck everything up. You need me as much as I need you.”
“I doubt that.”
“Imagine the good will you’ll earn from my father. I need your help, Finn. I need you to help me get proof that Dermot’s trying to take me down. And I need you to help me kill him first.”
Even Finn’s got nothing to say now. He stares, eyebrows raised in surprise. And again, I have to fight not to laugh out loud.
Malachy has no idea the beautiful little present he just dumped in our laps.
To his credit, Finn plays it perfectly. “I already said this wasn’t my problem. Why not go to my brother? Declan would probably be very interested in this shit.”
“If I do that, Dermot will hear about it. You’re my brother-in-law. Caroline is the only family I have left that I trust.”
I have to turn away and cover my disgust by drinking. This stupid asshole. I’d happily shoot him in the face, but he’s got zero clue.
“And what do we get if we help you?” Finn sounds almost lazy about it, like he really isn’t interested, even though this is the perfect opportunity.
“You’ll have my gratitude… and I’ll owe you a favor. Please be reasonable. This is important. The stability of the Flanagan family depends on what you say next.”
Finn pretends to consider it. And then he nods sharply. “I’ll have my people look into it.”
“Thank you.” Malachy visibly deflates. He finishes his drink with a sigh. “Dermot’s a menace. I just need proof… I need something to use against him… or else my father is going to keep sitting on his hands until my brother puts a gun to my head.”
“Here’s to our partnership then.” Finn raises a glass.
Malachy reluctantly toasts with him. When the drink’s over, Mal practically runs out of the house like he can’t wait to get away. The door shuts and when we’re alone, I stare at Finn, unable to comprehend what just happened.
He grins at me. Finn’s whole face lights up. He walks over and pulls me into his arms.
“I think I believe in miracles,” he says, burying my mouth with a kiss.
I laugh, kissing him back in a frenzy. I paw at him, tugging at his shirt, head dizzy with excitement. I want him, right here and now. I don’t care how precarious our position is.
Malachy just offered his throat and now we’re going to chop off his fucking head.
Finn drags me over to the island. He lifts me up. I wrap my legs around his waist and his hands grip my ass tightly. I whimper as he bites my lower lip and strips off my top. He palms my breasts, luxuriating in my skin. I love the way he looks at me, like he can’t get enough of my taste.
I grind into him, pulsing with need.
“We’re going to do it,” I whisper as he pulls me down and tugs off my jeans. He unbuckles his belt.
“You’re damn right we are.” He turns me around roughly and bends me over. His palm finds my ass hard. “And this is for nearly blowing it.”
I gasp, back arching. “I did not!”
He grabs my hair and spanks me again. “You were laughing. I fucking heard you.”
“Can you blame me?!”