“Well, it’s too bad you already married Halligan because you’re gorgeous and you’re obviously brilliant with all the moves you made,” Quinton said.
“Back off. She’s mine,” Halligan couldn’t stop himself from growling, moving closer to Loni. He might not completely trust her yet, but he wasn’t allowing any of the unmarried men in his family to think they had a chance.
Quinton chuckled, holding out his hand. Schaefer, Whiskey, and the others handed him twenties.
“What the hell, dude? I thought it would take you at least until tomorrow to warn us off,” Schaefer said.
“I think it’s great you changed cars and did that. But we have the marriage license that was filed. He’ll be able to trace Halligan to here. But he’ll probably make the mistake of thinking we’re just small-town folks who don’t know anything. Schaefer, I want the information on any and all properties owned by the Rossellini empire. Concentrate on the US for now. Whiskey, contact Justice and Pit. Put them on notice we might need their help. Hennessy, you let Bluff Creek know what we might have heading our way. Let’s all sleep on what we’ve learned. Think about whether you want the kids to stay here or if we should send them somewhere else. And since I’m not sure if I remembered to say this, welcome to the family, Loni, and congratulations on the wedding,” Bill said, holding out his arms.
Trust his dad to get to the heart of what they needed to do but also allay his wife’s fears. It wasn’t like their family hadn’t dealtwith things before, but Halligan wasn’t sure they’d ever had to deal with an organization this large.
Chapter Four
Loni came out of the master bathroom in Halligan’s apartment. She’d showered and finally let the emotions wash over her about Icilio. He wasn’t just her protection; he was one of her cousins and a confidant. He was Icilio to the rest of the world, but he was Icy when they were alone, and she wanted to tease him. She’d let the tears roll down her face but refused to make a sound. She was worried that if she let Halligan comfort her, she’d fall apart and never be able to put the pieces back together.
From the small amount of time she’d been around Halligan, she knew down to her soul that he’d comfort her. He might be the rough man who managed his family’s oil and gas interests, but he was a protector at heart.
Loni cataloged the room. Halligan had shown her the entrance, the back exit in case of a fire, and the exit that led to the rooftop patio. She walked over and checked the locks on his door to the balcony. She hadn’t slept well while on the road. She couldn’t fully relax, worrying that at any time, her brother might break in.
Halligan joined her by the door.
“This side of the building doesn’t have any balconies besides mine and Quinton’s. If all other places were compromised, there’s a small ladder stored in this chest to hook to the balcony and go down. There aren’t any drainpipes nearby for someone to climb up. I also have motion detectors on the roof and the balcony. Schaefer, my cousin who does tech and security, had fun when I said he didn’t have a price limit. What can I do to make you feel safer tonight?” Halligan asked.
His words had alleviated some of the fear, but she still worried about being caught unaware while she slept. Her brother had a habit when they were growing up of standing over her at night and then covering her mouth with his hand. He always said it was to make her more aware of her surroundings. She wondered if it was just his sick personality enjoying the fear in her eyes.
“I know you offered to give me the master bedroom to myself, but I don’t want that. I’m not ready for anything besides having you sleep beside me, but I don’t think I can settle if I don’t know that you’re there, protecting me,” Loni said softly, watching Halligan’s face. People gave so much away without realizing it.
His mouth tightened. “I will do whatever it takes to make you feel safe. I would be honored to sleep beside you.”
His words sounded almost old-world but didn’t fit the look of the man in front of her. He hadn’t changed yet and was still in his boots, jeans, white T-shirt, and open chambray shirt. His brown hair, shot with red highlights, was continually getting inhis eyes before he’d run his fingers through it to push it back. He looked rough, but his eyes pledged to keep her safe.
He took her hand and led her to the kitchen. “There’re snacks in the cabinets, fruit in the refrigerator, and multiple items to drink: hot cocoa, tea, water, juice, soda pop. I’m going to grab a quick shower before bed.”
At her nod, he headed to the bedroom. She perused the cabinets. She wasn’t hungry but she was thirsty. She and her Gigi had always met for a cup of tea before bed. Loni found a tea she liked and looked around for a kettle. She’d need to use the microwave. Gigi had always wrinkled her nose if they didn’t heat the water in a kettle like she’d used growing up.
Loni swallowed and admonished herself not to cry. She needed to think of something else if she was going to sleep well tonight. She desperately needed sleep, especially if she was going to help the Nelsons keep everyone safe. She guessed she better include herself in that now. She wasn’t Apollonia Rossellini any longer. She was a Nelson now too.
Even though she’d thought she knew how Halligan would react when she showed up, she’d relaxed just a little when he hadn’t immediately thrown her out. She had a plan B and a plan C but hoped she wouldn’t have to use them.
She brewed her tea, wondering what her brother was doing and if Icilio was dead. She’d lost her Gigi, then her cousins. She didn’t want to lose Icilio too, but her brother had a temper. If Icilio didn’t give him what he wanted, he’d probably shoot him in a fit of rage.
“You look lost in thought,” Halligan said.
She hadn’t even noticed the shower had shut off or heard him walk up behind her. She was losing her edge. Hopefully, sleep tonight would put her back to rights.
“Just tired,” she said, taking Halligan’s offered hand.
He led them back to the bedroom. The covers were already turned down on the bed. She hadn’t noticed the room earlier when she went to the shower, but now she admired the dark wood bed. The headboard was interesting. The wood seemed to have nail holes that had been stained over.
“Gaines likes taking reclaimed wood and making furniture to relax. He made my bed, dressers, and the rocker in the corner,” Halligan said.
She sat down on the bed, looking at the side table. Her phone, keys, and a flashlight were on it. A set of clothes and her shoes were there too. She looked over her shoulder at Halligan, cocking her eyebrow in question.
“I thought you’d feel safer if you knew you had everything to get out of here and take your car if needed. I don’t think you’ll need it, but I wanted you to feel safe,” he said, lying down in the bed and tugging the covers up on his side.
He turned toward her. “Do you need anything else?”
She shook her head, sliding down to lay her head on the pillow. Halligan pulled the soft navy-blue duvet up over her. He leaned over, dropping a kiss on her forehead. His mischievous grin was wide, framed by his beard. He winked, lay down, and turned the light off.
