Fionn smirked in a way that reminded me of Sloan. He stepped forward, hands stuffed lazily in the pockets of his pants. He stopped at my side. “Sounds perfect to me. While we’re at it, though, maybe Cillian and Aspen and ourloyalsoldiers can have some fun. Take some skin off. A few fingers. A tongue or a dick.”
Pender’s eyes widened and he struggled against Senan’s hold.
I chuckled. “I love the sound of that. Let’s do it.” I nodded at Senan, and his grin widened as he shoved Pender toward the door. I was sure Ronan or Daire would show him the way toward the basement. I turned my attention on Tiernan. “Want to tell me how this happened?”
Tiernan’s eyes darkened, and I couldn’t read his expression. “As I said, we came here to see ye. Mr. Hopper let us in because he was dealing with these three and needed help. We came at theright time because they were only starting to make trouble. Mr. Hopper didn’t know who else he could trust.”
“Why were they here? Why did they suddenly grow a set of balls?” I asked.
Tiernan chuckled. “Because we were asking questions they didn’t like until we landed on them. We had a weechatearlier this afternoon with Pender. He’s a banjaxed little eejit. We warned him to be loyal, but he told us to go to hell. We came to tell ye about him. That’s why we were here. Mr. Hopper said ye were at a fight with most of yer good blokes, so wewaitedwith our friends until ye got home.”
“How long was that?” Fionn demanded, eyes narrowed suspiciously.
Tiernan snorted. “Not long. Half an hour. Ask yer butler. They were effin’ and blindin’ real loud, but we kept them here. Thought ye’d want a talk.”
“Why?” I asked bluntly. I shifted closer to him, and even though he was taller, I didn’t let him intimidate me. It was my turn to ask the questions.
“He doesn’t seem the type to be in charge, does he?” Tiernan shrugged. “If ye were creatin’ a group of men who were goin’ to betray the boss and his family, do ye think ye’d just come here with only three of ye? It’s a bit stupid, innit?”
“He’s not the ringleader.” Fionn hummed.
“Nah, he definitely ain’t.” Tiernan pursed his lips. “We’ve been talking to some of the lads and they ain’t warming up to us. There’s a couple who are scared of us, so we’ll use that and lean a bit of weight on them. Get them to squeal. If that’s what ye be wantin’, bosses.” He crinkled his nose at me. “Ye all right there? Ye’re wobblin’.”
The world tilted and I nearly tipped over, but Tiernan grabbed me. I shook him off but offered him a nod in thanks.
“Conall,” Fionn started, but I glared at him.
“If anyone asks me if I’m okay one more time, I’ll put them down in the basement with Pender and the other bastards.” Despite my anger, the fatigue hit me hard and I sighed, brushing a hand over my face. “Do what you have to, Tiernan. You have my permission. That’s the only reason you’re allowed. We can deal with Pender and the others later. I’m tired. Fionn, walk with me?”
Fionn didn’t argue. He slipped his arm through my elbow, as though he thought I’d fall, and I didn’t fight him. My knees and legs suddenly felt weak and I needed my bed. Daire arrived as we were leaving.
“Can you please ask Mr. Hopper to have the staff make up rooms for the cousins? I want them close. To watch them,” I said.
Daire inclined his head as Fionn and I exited. We walked a lot more slowly than we usually would, but it was all my body would tolerate and Fionn didn’t rush me.
“Conall...if something happens to you, Sloan will never forgive me.” Fionn’s voice broke and he smiled sadly. “He hasn’t said it yet, but he loves you so much.”
Fuck. I hated that he was right. I’d been holding off, believing it was stress or heartache over missing Sloan, but my symptoms were getting worse.
“I’ll call Rory tomorrow, but I’m telling you, I’m just a little stressed. I miss Sloan.” I nudged him gently and smiled. “Don’t worry, son, your papa’s gonna be just fine.”
He rolled his eyes, but amusement shone in them. “Even I want you to stick around.”
“Aw, you love me, too. I’m your best friend, aren’t I?” I singsonged, then chuckled as we made it to the stairs. We took one step at a time, and I was careful to lift my feet up all the way. Yesterday, I’d tripped and landed on my stomach and chest, and it hadn’t been fun.
“Maybe.” Fionn cleared his throat and waited until we got to the top of the split staircase before he continued. “Daire proposed to me.”
I nearly stumbled despite being on the landing. I yanked my arm out of his and gaped at him. “He did? And? You said yes, right?”
Fionn’s cheeks bloomed a bright red and he ducked his head, rubbing his cheek. “Yeah, I did. But we don’t want to wait. We’ve beat around the bush for too many years already. We want to get married at the courthouse. Make it official as soon as possible.”
I stared at him, sadness seeping into me and poisoning the happiness. Sloan was going to officially adopt Fionn, which would make him Sloan’s son, but he wouldn’t be here for Fionn’s wedding. That would break Sloan’s heart, though he would never say it.
“I understand, but couldn’t you wait until Sloan gets out of jail? He’d want to be there.” My stomach churned at the thought of how upset he’d be to lose this family moment, and I did something I’d never done, I cupped Fionn’s face. “You’re his son, Fionn. He would do anything for you, and I know he’d want to be there for you on your wedding day, even if it was only at the courthouse. Please wait.”
Fionn blanched. “I’m worried he won’t get out any time soon. That he’ll?—”
“Don’t say it,” I whispered desperately, my heart speeding until I thought it would rip right out through my chest. “He will. He’ll be out soon. You heard Daire. Our inside man got rid of the gun from evidence.”
