Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
And he deserved it.
Simply thinking of his words made me angry all over again. I finished my shower and got dressed, glancing at the clock. It was just after five, and the one thing I knew would relax me fully wasn’t available to me for three hours. I returned to my office, starting on the mound of paperwork. It would keep me busy until then.
At eight, I took the elevator to the main floor, striding through the lobby to the music room. I slipped in the back, the lights already low, and made my way to the alcove that was for my use only. I sat down, a tumbler of whiskey waiting for me, the bottle ready for another when I was. I sat back, sipping the golden liquid, the Irish liquor coating my throat. Hearing the piano music starting, I opened my eyes, resting my elbows on the table.
Una walked onstage, a vision. Gone were the simple hairstyle and uniform. In their place, a figure-hugging dress that touched at her waist and hip, the low neckline showcasing her incredible breasts. The emerald green of the dress highlighted the red of her hair that was swept up in a sophisticated knot, wisps of curls and long tendrils floating around her face and neck. Her creamy skin glowed under the lights, and I waited, barely breathing, until she opened her red-stained lips and began to sing.
Instantly, I was transported to another time and place as she sang a traditional Celtic song. Her voice was pure, soaring in the high notes, haunting in its richness. I listened, enraptured. It didn’t matter how often I heard her sing. How many times I heard the same sets. Each one was magnificent. Old songs, new ones. Celtic folklore. Reworked popular songs. She made each one her own. Every single one reached me on a level I couldn’t explain to anyone. She didn’t know I was there. I came in just before she started, and I would leave as she took her bow. I sent flowers every week without a card.
Respecting her wishes, even as it killed me.
I loved her with a passion I didn’t know I was capable of. Desired her. Wanted her time and attention.
I was totally and utterly obsessed with her.
And she wanted nothing to do with me.
So I stole these moments. Created a place where she could showcase her talent, letting her think it was part of the plans for the hotel all along, when, in fact, I’d made it for her alone. Others graced the small stage during the week and when she was away as well. Just as popular and loved as she was.
But not by me.
And they never would be.
CHAPTER THREE
UNA
He was there. As he always was, sitting in the dark in the back alcove, watching me. I sensed his presence even if I couldn’t see him. The same way I knew he was observing me at the front desk. I could feel his eyes on me. There were times when I was sitting by the waterfall, and I knew he had zoomed in on me with one of the security feeds. Or spotted me while walking through the lobby. He rarely stopped, and if he did, he was courteous, polite, and distant. The consummate boss.
Exactly what I requested of him, even if it made me sad.
Finn O’Reilly was everything I wanted in a man, except for one thing.
His ties to the underworld and the violent environment he chose to live in. I had been forced to live that way my entire life, hating every aspect of it. I swore once I was old enough, I would leave it behind me and find a regular life. One not filled with blood and fear.
And every day, I strove more and more toward that goal.
I finished my set, bowing to the applause. The green of my gown shimmered in the bright lights as I stepped from the small stage, heading toward the private room in the back. I planned to have something to eat, sip some tea and honey to soothe my throat, and rest until the next set at eleven.
It was the same every Friday and Saturday night. The moments I lived for. I loved to sing and had since I was a child. It was the one thing no one ever criticized me for.
I wasn’t the world’s best singer. I had no aspirations of a career in the music industry, but I loved the chance to lift my voice and make people smile. Here at O’Reilly’s, I was given that chance every week. They had other performers the rest of the time, but Friday and Saturday were mine.
A gift from Finn. One of the few I would accept since I knew how much he enjoyed my performances. I felt it was an equal partnership. He took what I could give, and I did the same by accepting the spots.