“We’re here to prove a point. Do what you’re supposed to, or no one around Les is safe,” the guy responded, flicking Adam’s arm with his index finger.
Adam took a step back and dropped his hands to his sides, but I noticed his fingers remained tucked into his palms. The muscles in his jaw twitched, the veins were prominent in his throat. I’d seen that look before—it was the look of a man who was ready to attack. “If you ever come near her again, I’ll kill you. Do you understand?”
The man tipped up his chin and straightened the lapels of the black biker jacket he wore. “Then you know what ya need to do.” The man looked over at me as he sniggered and then brushed past Adam.
Adam stood firm, watching the two men as they started down the street. When they were out of sight, he turned his attention to me. “Anna.” He knelt down next to me, his chest heaving up and down. “Are you okay?” He took my hands, but I flinched and retracted from his touch, pulling them to my chest. I snapped my eyes shut, fear still swelling harsh inside me.
“I’m so sorry, Anna. Are you all right? Did they touch you?” There was an edge of anger to his voice. His hand came down over mine, but this time I didn’t pull away. I opened my eyes and looked up into his blue ones as I pushed up to my feet. He rose with me.
“I—what . . . what was that? Who were they?”
“Let’s get you inside, and we’ll talk.” He punched the code, and we went up the three flights of stairs in silence. My heart rate began to normalize as we entered the apartment and locked the door.
I dropped my purse on the floor and moved to the couch, still in shock at what had happened. But what exactly had happened? And what did they want Adam to do?
“Jesus Christ, Anna. I’m so sorry about this. I’m gonna kill Les.” Adam came into the living room and slumped down in the chair. He popped open the top two buttons of his dress shirt and wrapped a large hand around the back of his neck. “You can’t stay here. Les—Leslie . . . he’s in a bit of a jam, and anyone connected to him—”
“I’ve never even met him.” A breath of air rushed from my lips as I tried to digest the situation. This was crazy. Where would I live? I had started looking for a new place but hadn’t found anything.
“You can stay with me.” Adam was staring at the ground beneath his feet. His elbows rested on his knees, his hands clasped, hanging in the air between his thighs.
“No,” I managed.
“Why not?” He looked up at me now.
“It wouldn’t be appropriate, for one. Plus, I don’t know you.” I bit my thumbnail and crossed my ankles, regretting the fact that I’d worn a pencil skirt. It was difficult to sit on a couch and not worry about flashing him. Of course, that appeared to be the least of my problems right now. “Maybe I should go back to Kentucky. Maybe I shouldn’t be here.”
But God, I didn’t want to be there, either.
“No.” Adam shook his head as he stood. He folded his muscular arms across his hard chest and bent his head, his eyes finding mine. They were a soft blue. “You shouldn’t let my idiot friend’s problems ruin your time here or your opportunity with the company.” He made a tsk noise. “I can stay at my home outside the city, or even in a hotel, while you stay at my flat.”
My mouth opened round in shock. “I would never ask you to do that. And what if those guys show up at your place—what if they find me there?” Or just as bad, what if someone at the company found out I was staying at Adam’s?
He blew out a loud breath and rubbed his hands down his face again. His skin flushed slightly. “What’s all this about, Adam? I should know what I’m caught up in.” Was it something illegal? No, a billionaire businessman wouldn’t get caught up in something like that—would he?
He turned his back to me and moved to the opposite wall. He pressed his palms to it, just beside the TV, and he lowered his head. I wasn’t sure if it was anger or sadness—maybe both.
His shoulder blades pulled together as I moved with careful steps up behind him. “Adam.” I cleared my throat. “Sorry. Mr. McGregor.”
Adam faced me. He was entirely too close. I could almost smell the autumn leaves and cool breeze on him, as well as a deep, masculine smell. It was intoxicating . . . and distracting.
He looked down into my eyes, his lips a hard, straight line. “Pack your bags, Anna.”
So he had no intention of telling me anything, huh? I took a small step back, trying to break free from his magnetic pull. “I’ll go to a hotel. If I can’t find a place to live within a few days, I’ll have to go back home. I can’t afford much.” My eyes lowered to the floor, but Adam’s hand beneath my chin had me looking back up at him.
“I’ll take care of you.”
“You don’t even know me,” I whispered. “And I could never accept that kind of help.”
“Les got you into this mess—the least I can do is help you out of it.” He angled his head, his eyes dipping to my lips for a moment before lifting back up again. My entire body warmed. What was it about this man that made me excited when I should be scared shitless?
“Besides,” he allowed his hand to drop, “I protect what’s mine.” He chuckled a little, breaking the tension. “I mean my employees.” He smiled. “I’m very protective of the people in my life.”
It was sweet but unacceptable. “I’m sorry, but I can’t let you do that. I really appreciate it. Just because you’re a billionaire doesn’t mean you need to fork out money for me. I don’t like handouts.” I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth and thought. “Maybe I can get a second job—a waitress or bartender thing on the weekends. I did that in college.” Well, for a little while, anyway.
Adam shoved his hands in his gray slacks pockets and shook his head as his lower lip turned down. “No.”
“No?” I perked a brow in surprise and folded my arms across my chest.
I didn’t need someone bossing me around. Someone controlling me . . . Chills wrapped my spine as my body shuddered.
“You shouldn’t be dealing with a bunch of drunk blokes. That scene can be rough.” Then a sudden glimmer came to his eyes, and my stomach sank. “I know how you can repay me if it means that much to you.”
I glared at him in sudden disgust.
He held his hands up and laughed a little. “I didn’t mean whatever it is you’re thinking. Get your head out of the gutter.”
“What is it then?” I asked, relief making a quaver in my voice.
“I’ll give you an address, and you can meet me there after work tomorrow.”
“That’s all I get?”
Another smile skirted his lips. “Aye.”
I shook my head no. “That doesn’t work for me. I need to know what I’m getting into.”
He stepped back in front of me, and I gasped at the quickness of his movement. “Just trust me.”
I swallowed. “Trust a man I barely know?”
“You came to Ireland for a job you’d never tried, at a company you didn’t know. And you agreed to live with someone you met online. I’d say you have a bit of experience with trust.”
“And you think that means I should trust you?” I accused.
“Yeah, I do,” he said in a low, smooth voice, his eyes holding mine for a long, torturous heartbeat. Then he left my side, taking all the air with him.
***
“I don’t know what to say right now.” I fidgeted with the hotel key card in my hand, not sure if I could look Adam in the eyes.
We’d taken a cab to a hotel because he only had one helmet for his bike, and I wasn’t about to get on the back of one of those death traps, anyway. He’d been texting someone the entire way over, and I did my best not to peek at his smartphone. He had a right to his privacy, after all. But his face had been tight, and anger rolled off him in waves. Whatever kind of trouble Les was in had Adam riled up. And I still couldn’t help but wonder what it was.
It was all so strange. A few weeks ago I was at my parent’s farm, riding Java, wondering what I’d
do with my life. And now I was standing in some ritzy hotel at the city center of Dublin, swapping numbers with my boss so he could protect me from the thugs who were after my roommate.
What a mess.
“Are you good?”
I glanced over at his large hand on my shoulder, and he immediately retracted his arm.
“Aside from the fact that two sasquatches cornered me at my building, um, yeah, I’m peachy.” I puckered my lips and made a strange, half-growling noise. I suspected it was completely unattractive, but he still smiled.
“I won’t let anyone hurt you.”
“I appreciate that you want to keep me safe.” I perked a brow as his lips parted, but no sound escaped. “But—”
“Oh no. There’s a but?”
I slapped at his chest, and his eyes darted down to my hand. I pulled it back like he was on fire. I hadn’t meant to do that. Jeez. How could I already feel like I was on a touching basis with my boss?
“I’m nervous someone at work will get the wrong idea about us. If anyone finds out you’re helping me pay for this place . . .”
He dragged his gaze up to meet mine. “My name’s not on the room—yours is. And I paid in cash.” He took a step back and scratched the back of his short black hair, which was close cut around his ears, but a little longer on top. “And to be honest, I’d tell someone to go eff themselves if they said anything to me.”
“And what about if they said something to me? Or if I’m offered a job at the end of this, and they think it’s because . . .” I tipped my shoulders and pulled my lip between my teeth, tasting sweet cherry lip gloss on my tongue.
“Because of what?” His right brow lifted, and there was a hint of amusement in his eyes.
Oh he loved to make me uncomfortable, even after everything that had happened today. “I won’t give you the satisfaction of saying it.” My lips spread into a smile, and I almost forgot about what had brought us here.
“No worries, Anna. Nobody would ever think you and I would be together.”
My lungs deflated at his words.
The back of his hand touched my cheek, and I sucked in a breath, my head reeling. “You’re far too innocent. Too good. No one would ever believe you’d put up with a man like me.” His voice was raspy enough to harden my nipples.
Before I could say anything further, he took a step back. “Goodnight, Anna. I’ll see ya tomorrow.” His hand dropped, and he turned. My eyes remained on his back until he disappeared around a corner.
Once he was out of sight, I tilted my head back, staring up at the ceiling for a moment, trying to find my bearings in the sea of Adam. I wasn’t the type of girl to lose control over a guy’s looks—these were uncharted waters.
I realized I was just standing in the hall, which was not exactly the best idea after what had happened only an hour ago with those two assholes. I quickly swiped my keycard and rushed into the room, dragging my bag behind me.
I flicked on the lights, and my eyes widened at the size of the suite. Adam had said he’d get the smallest, cheapest room.
Ha. What a liar.
The suite was bigger than Les’s apartment, not to mention nicer. This wasn’t just a hotel room—it looked like a corporate rental, complete with a large kitchen, dining area, and living room. There was another door off the living room, which I assumed led to the bedroom and bath.
I grabbed my cell and scrolled to his number. My fingers moved in quick, angry jabs.
Adam, you’re in so much trouble!! Whatever you have me doing tomorrow better be good!!
I was about to chuck my phone on the couch, but it started to vibrate against my palm.
That was quick.
Anna, I promise, it will be one of the best things you’ve ever done.
The winking emoji made me smile, which was just wrong, given the circumstances. I groaned as my mind began to imagine all the things I could do with him.
Damn you, Adam McGregor.
Eight
Adam
I parked my bike outside the auto shop, which had a small black sign with white letters that read, “Hannigan’s Auto Body.” I braced my legs on each side of my bike and removed my helmet.
Drips of what looked like thick, red paint rained in my mind. Only it wasn’t paint. It was blood. I could taste the metal flavor of it in my mouth.
Biting down on my lip, I swiped the memories from my mind and made my way into one of the businesses that Donovan Hannigan used to cover his scuzzy business dealings. I stalked to the garage at the side of the red brick building and tapped at the door three times. I looked up at the camera to the left of me as it shifted toward my face with a buzz.
I pointed my middle finger at the lens and, a moment later, the first garage door sprang up slowly.
I ducked under when it was waist high, too impatient to wait. I set my helmet down just inside and made my way past the mechanics who were working on cars—or, I should say, illegally chopping cars for parts. A few of the guys looked my way, but none of them were familiar to me. It had been five years since I’d set foot in this garage. I never thought I’d do it again.
Donovan was in his office, and the two arseholes from Les’s place sat in front of his desk. They looked over their shoulders at me, and my hands immediately clenched at my sides. I almost wanted them to give me a reason to spring at them. Of course, Donovan’s place was swarming with men who’d be eager to take me down.
“So, I see you changed your mind.” Donovan leaned back in his seat and clasped his hands on his chest. The guy was still jacked, even though he hadn’t fought in ages.
“I’ll fight Frankie in November in place of Les.” I didn’t waste time—I wanted to make this quick.
“It’s about damn time. It’ll be the fight of the year. Our two undefeated champions.”
“What’s his record?” I couldn’t help but ask.
“Eighteen wins.” Donovan’s lips split into a grin. Frankie had two wins over me, but I wouldn’t let it get to me. I wasn’t that guy any more. At least, I didn’t want to be that guy any more.
“I’ll need a few practice fights before then. I haven’t stepped into a ring since . . .” I couldn’t bring myself to finish.
“I knew you’d be itching to get back in sooner.” He laughed. “But I don’t want you blowing your perfect record before fighting Frankie.” He stood up and tipped his head, his eyes squinting my way.
I relaxed in my stance, allowing my hands to become loose at my sides as I stood on the other side of the large oak desk. “And what makes you think I’d lose?”
“Because I have a lot of hungry men who’re dying to shred you apart. You’re thirty now and rusty. Hell, you’re more than rusty—you’re practically a virgin again.”
I lowered my head, unable to look at him. I couldn’t let his words get to me. “I may not have fought in a long time. And I may not have a camp, or a coach. But I’m in damn good shape, and I’ll throw down tonight if I have to.” I scratched the stubble on my jaw. “With you, if you’d like.”
Donovan came around the desk, and I shifted to face him head on. Would the fifty-year-old throw a punch? No, he was afraid of me. I could see it in his eyes as they darkened. “This Saturday night, then.”
And that’s what I got for opening my mouth. How would I be ready for a fight in five days? But I couldn’t stand down now. “Fine.”
Donovan’s fingers curved over my shoulder, and he leaned in. “If you fuck this up and lose before November, that pretty American will know what it feels like to have Irish blood in her.”
I knocked Donovan’s hand down and grabbed hold of his red dress shirt and scrunched the material in my hand. “If you lay a Goddamn hand on her, or even think about her in any way . . .” I gritted my teeth. His two thugs grabbed me from behind, roping their tree trunk arms around my elbows, pulling me backward.
Donovan smirked. “Empty threats.” His voice was a whisper as I tried to jerk free from the men.
“Le
t him go. He won’t do anything to risk his chance at getting back in the ring.” He took a step closer to me as the guys loosened their grips. “You know you want it—the feel of your fist cracking against someone’s skull.”
I kept my eyes trained on him as his words moved through me. My heart pounded in my chest, and the blood rushed to my ears. “When this is all over,” I said, glancing over one shoulder, and then the other, “I’ll be coming for you two arseholes.”
***
My bike wheels moved almost with grace as I rounded a sharp corner. The darkness of the night hovered all around, and I squeezed the handles tight as I focused on the road, trying to keep Donovan’s words from battering my brain. Thinking of him touching Anna was more than I could handle. I’d have to keep an eye on her—Donovan was a man of his word.
I rolled up to the keypad at the gated entrance to my home outside the city, tapped at the numbers, and then waited for the black wrought iron gates to part.
Inside, I fumbled with the lights. I rarely came to this place; it was much more convenient to stay at my flat in the city. I undressed in the master bedroom, freeing myself of the façade of normalcy I’d carried every day for the last five years. The life of a businessman. A man who didn’t knock the shite out of other people with zero reward.
As I pulled on my sweats I stared into the mirror above my dresser. I worked out every day, religiously, even though I hadn’t fought in years. But working out was different than prepping for a fight.
I stared into my blue eyes, wondering if I’d find the man I once was staring back at me. I needed him right now, even though I didn’t want to be him. But I needed him because I had to win. I had to win for Anna, for Les.
How the hell had I gotten myself back into this situation? And why didn’t I feel more remorse for the fact that I was planning to do what I promised I’d never do again?
I raised my hands in the air and stared at them. They were clean, smooth, unmarred. Not like the inside of my arm. I wore the tattoo as a reminder . . . and now I had to ignore it. I didn’t have a choice, did I?
Or was I giving in to Donovan because I wanted to fight?
Forever Dublin (Forever #2) Page 6
