Halligan walked into the kitchen, stopping in front of the sink, clenching his hands on the edge.
That psycho had whipped her—not once but twice. All because she’d outsmarted him so he couldn’t sell her virginity. Halligan wanted to beat him to a pulp then revive him to do it again.
But Loni was fierce, badass, and deserved some retribution too. He’d have to keep in mind that she might need some closure as well.
His shoulders were tense, and the fury was boiling in him. He took a deep breath in for four and out for two. He wasn’t sure how long he stood there employing all the techniques he used to keep his temper during negotiations until he could breathe again.
“Are you about ready?” Loni called from the family room.
“Yep, let me finish the popcorn,” he said, grabbing the bag, tossing it in the microwave, and starting it.
When Loni wasn’t around to hear him, he needed to let his family know what Franco had done. It was another level of danger when Franco was willing to do that to his sibling. They needed to be prepared for whatever he brought at them because when it was over, Halligan planned on Loni living a safe life.
Loni lay in the comfort of Halligan’s arms, watching the movie. He’d picked a couple of her favorites—TwistersandThe Rock.
They had done what she needed. She’d relaxed and pushed aside all the worries about her brother.
She thought back over all she’d learned about Halligan and his family. His dad and uncles had raised all nine boys in the huge apartment over the bar while still building so many businesses. They had the bar, real estate they rented, including these apartments. The size of their interests, with the oil and gas company in addition to their trucking company, was impressive.
Her Gigi would have loved getting to know Peck, Bill, and Burt. She would have probably plied them with questions because Gigi was always looking for ways to expand.
She missed her Gigi, but being with Halligan, though still new, gave her that feeling of home. Her eyes drifted closed before she forced them open again. She’d planned on talking with Halligan tonight, but the exhaustion was dragging her down.
“Hey, sleepyhead, let’s get you to bed,” he said softly. He shifted until he’d lifted her in his arms. She relaxed and let him. It was so nice to have someone take care of her.
Her head hit the pillow, and she drowsily opened her eyes. She ignored the feelings he was stirring in her. She wasn’t ready toface any feelings for him yet. With Franco coming for her, she might not get to keep him. She’d push them down for now.
“I’m going to shut down the apartment. Do you need anything before you go to sleep?” he asked, his warm breath smelling of the buttered popcorn they’d eaten.
“No, I’m good. Thank you,” she said. They were such small words for what he’d already done for her.
“Hey, we’re in this together. No thanks are needed. Now, close your eyes and sleep. I’ll close up the apartment. I have a little work that might need to be done. If I have to leave, one of the guys will come stay in the family room while I’m gone,” he said softly, then placed the softest kiss on her lips before smiling at her.
She nodded. Halligan patted her shoulder, turned off the bedside lamp, and left, closing the door so the light from the other room wouldn’t bother her. She closed her eyes and let sleep pull her under, hoping for a dreamless night.
Chapter Seven
Halligan stood outside their bedroom door, vibrating with fury. He’d shoved it down as far as he could, but now that Loni was asleep, he needed to let it out. He could go downstairs to the gym that he and Quinton shared, but it wouldn’t be quite so satisfying to beat on something that couldn’t hit back. Maybe somebody else was awake to help him. He popped into the group text.
Halligan: I need to hit someone. Anybody up for sparring?
Quinton: McClure’s been a dick lately. Use him.
McClure: What the hell, Quinton? I have not.
Hennessy: Yes, you have. If we have to listen to any more about your women problems, I’m going to tape your mouth shut.
Schaefer: My vote’s for McClure too, but if you promise not to hit my junk or my face, I’ll come spar. I’ve got plans this weekend, and both those places need to be in tip-top shape.
Whiskey: Sorry, guys. I’m rocking Bailey back to sleep. Why do you need to hit someone?
Gaines: Too bad you didn’t say something earlier. I had to kick a couple from the bar. I might have gotten an extra hit in or two.
Crewe: Halligan, Ry wants to know why?
Dillon: Does she see our text messages? I thought this was the men only text.
Halligan: Listen. I need to get some anger out, and I need someone to stay in the apartment so Loni will be safe. Whoever volunteers needs to know I’m barely holding it together. That fucker had her whipped—once by his guards and he did it once. She asked me if it was ugly. I want to rip himlimb from limb and he’s not here. Who wants to step into his place?
