Page 29 of Niall

I’d let her sleep here tonight and tomorrow make it clear we needed to set boundaries.

Shutting my eyes, I tried to ignore the laughter in my head, the voice that whispered I had blown the chance of any boundaries by taking her. Claiming her as mine.

That voice could just feck off.

In the morning, I was awake and out of bed before Anna stirred. I lingered for a few moments, loath to leave her, but I made myself move away from her. I showered and ordered some breakfast, sitting at the table and sipping coffee so strong, it was midnight in color. The flavor was rich and robust. Exactly what I needed to brace myself for the day. For the conversation I needed to have with Anna.

I heard her moving around, and she joined me at the table. Her hair was damp and pulled back from her face, highlighting the delicate line of her throat.

She was unlike any other woman I had ever been with. My mum always called herself a “hearty Irish woman.” She was fairly tall and sturdy. Her hair was a dark brown, her eyes a verdant green. All the women I had ever dated were much the same. Dark-haired. Taller, curvy. Sure of themselves and capable.

Anna was the exact opposite. Light-haired, dark-eyed, and short. She was quieter. Almost timid at times, although last night, she had shown me a flash of anger I hadn’t expected.

I found myself marveling at how tiny she was, yet how well matched we had been last night. She fit me perfectly, her height and weight not an issue as I had wondered. I had enjoyed discovering every inch of her. And I wanted to explore her even more.

I shook my head at the odd thoughts.

“Morning,” I greeted her, trying not to stare.

“Hello,” she replied, sounding almost bashful.

“I got you tea.”

“Thank you.”

I studied her, making sure she didn’t appear in pain. “How are you?” I asked quietly.

She looked up, our eyes meeting. Her gaze was shy, sweet, but calm. Peaceful. I saw no regret there, and I sighed in relief.

“I’m good.”

Unable to resist, I lifted her hand and kissed it. “You’re more than good.” I nipped the end of a finger. “You were, are, incredible.”

Her cheeks colored a little, but her gaze didn’t falter. “Same to you.”

I indicated the food on the table. “You should eat.”

She pushed up the sleeve of her sweater before reaching for some toast. The top was a pretty pink color. She wore it over a flowered blouse and a pair of ivory pants. I frowned as I ate my eggs, searching my memory. She had never worn that outfit before. I glanced at her feet, seeing shoes that were definitely new.

“You look very pretty today. Did Una loan you some clothes?” I asked.

She looked down, swallowing her bite of toast. “No.”

“Where did they come from?”

“The boutique downstairs. Apparently Finn insisted Una take me to get a few things.”

I gripped my mug with more force than needed, some of the hot liquid sloshing over the top.

“Finn bought you that outfit?”

“I suppose. He and Una. She helped me pick it out. I said no, but she said Finn wanted to do it.” She pinched the hem of the sweater between her fingers. “It’s so soft. And she was right. I needed another outfit. I borrowed the dress I wore to the funeral, and otherwise, I only had the leggings and shirts you’d bought me. She told me I get a uniform once I start next week, so that helps.”

I stood, flinging my napkin to the table, the conversation I planned on having with her no longer important. “I’ll be right back. Finish your breakfast, and then we’re going out.”

“Out?” She frowned. “I was going to go visit with Una again. Where?”

“Shopping,” I said as I walked out the door.