by Reana Malori
Taking a deep breath, his thoughts immediately turned to the woman waiting at home for him. True to her word, Tatiana had stood by him without blinking an eye. The late-night meetings, the blocked calls, and the things he could never tell her. Things that he feared would make her turn away from him in disgust. She knew some of it—there was no other option. Telling her enough to keep her safe, to make sure she was aware at all times, was absolutely necessary.
Tatiana was unlike anyone he’d ever met before, but he would never let her go. Not only because she was loyal, but she was a fucking goddess. Making love to her was explosive. His body craved hers. At night, as they were lying in bed, exhausted and sweaty as he’d finished claiming her body once again, his hands would tingle with the need to touch her. Their connection was that strong. Tonight, after all this mess was done, he would go home to his woman.
It was time he made an honest woman out of her. He laughed at the thought. She didn’t care about those things, but he did. It was time. And after they finished tonight, he’d claim his woman again.
* * * * *
The brothers lined up—Conall, Fionn, Kieran, Shannon. It had taken a few months, but once they located the old man it was a simple case of hunting him down. In the end, the bastard never left South Boston. All the wrongs perpetrated against them came down to that moment.
Paddy gazed up at them, defiance and hate clear in his bright green eyes. Gone was his crew—there was no one left to protect him. The layers he’d built over the years as a shield disintegrated. Dead men were the only testament left to their da’s crumbling empire. A warning that the O’Shea brothers now controlled the area. It was time for a new era.
Their father straightened, squaring his shoulders. His coat hung off a gaunt frame. The once large man was a mere shell of himself. Slowly, each brother raised his arm. Their guns varied from a thirty-eight to a 9-millimeter to a couple three-eighties. Paddy met the gaze of each man, his sons. A wistful smile lifted the corners of Paddy’s mouth. He raised his arms out from his body. They pulled the triggers, riddling his body with bullets.
Falling back and to the ground, their father lay dying as they continued to rain down fury on a man who had done everything in his power to destroy them.
It was done. The devil had his pound of flesh.
* * * * *
Conall walked into his penthouse and was immediately hit with the sound of soft jazz playing in the background. Candles were lit and cast a glow over the living room.
He was tired, but he knew what Tatiana was trying to do. He would need her tonight. She knew it just as much as he did. Thinking back to that first day he met her, he never realized they would be here. He was damn glad they’d made it. She could have turned away from him at any point, but she never did.
Loving her made this life easier. Walking into the living room, he saw her lying on the couch facing him. Naked, but wearing a pair of red stiletto heels she’d purchased a few weeks ago at his request. Fuck, he loved this woman.
“Welcome home, baby,” she purred.
“Is that for me?” he said, motioning toward her.
“Always,” she responded and then took a sip of red wine. “Hard day at work?”
“Nothing I couldn’t handle.” He began taking off his shirt as he walked toward her. “Why are you still awake?”
“I wanted to surprise you.”
“I’m definitely surprised. Tatiana, baby, I need you tonight.”
“You have me. Always.”
That’s what he liked. His woman didn’t ask questions, she just knew that he needed her. And for her, that was enough. Watching her unfold from the couch and begin walking slowly over to him, he inhaled deeply.
“Yeah, that’s it, sweetness. Come to Daddy.”
The future would not be easy, and Conall and his brothers would have to find that balance to keep things moving and not run things as their father did. But at night, at home with Tatiana, this was his beacon. She was his light. His safe haven. Gathering his woman in his arms, Conall thanked whatever heavenly entity had brought her into his life all those months ago.
Picking Tatiana up in his arms, he walked them back to their bedroom. The rest of tonight—hell, the rest of his life—was all about the woman in his arms.
He may be a wolf in sheep’s clothing, willing to kill—and die—for his family, but within these four walls, he was just Conall O’Shea. Her man. Her protector. Her lover. With a wicked smile, he realized that he was just fine with that.
The End
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The characters I write will not be perfect. None of us are. They will make mistakes. All of the hero's will have redeeming qualities, but on the outset, you may not be their biggest fan. My heroine's will be the kind of women you want to hang out with. They're the women next door, down the street and around the corner. They are the ladies you would want to spend time with on a Saturday night drinking a martini.
I have been an avid reader of romance novels since the age of 14 and know what appeals to me as reader. My goal is, and will always be, to provide that same experience for the women and men who read my novellas and short stories.
I’m a former Marine and served for 8 years, so strong military men will always be a favorite topic of mine. I will continue to write stories with military heroes front and center. I’m also a fan of Alpha-males and strong women who love with everything they have.
Love and Hugs,
Reana Malori ♥
Main Website: www.reanamalori.com
Facebook Author Page: www.facebook.com/Reana.Malori.Author
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Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Epilogue
