Page 80 of Mob Princess

I look at Lina, then Cormac and Seamus. She knows them now, and I know she trusts them. I don’t want to send her away because she’ll know why I’m excluding her. I don’t want her where I can’t see for myself that she’s safe. Realizing I was out of it for twenty-nine hours makes me want to vomit because that was twenty-nine hours I wasn’t aware of her safety. I know my cousins and brothers were, but I left her vulnerable. At least, that’s how I feel.

I look at the clock again. “I bet the cafeteria is still open. Could you smuggle me something good? I love Jell-O, but I guarantee whatever they bring me won’t be nearly substantial enough. Cormac or Seamus will go with you. Pick what you want for yourself. Their treat.”

“How long do you need? Thirty minutes? An hour?” She says it without rancor.

“Let’s start with thirty. I don’t think I’ll last longer than that.”

“You’ve been awake a while. Do you need another dose of pain meds?”

For once, my brothers and cousins don’t give me shite as the baby of the family. They step away to talk amongst themselves. She glances at them before focusing on me again.

“Lina, they know thirty minutes without knowing exactly where you are is my limit until we settle this. They know I’ll get out of this bed and look for you.”

“You will not.”

That stops their conversation, and they don’t bother disguising their interest. Finn laughs. I flick him off.

“Be nice to your brother. He flew out here for you.”

That just makes them all guffaw.

“Feck off.”

“I’ll give her Thea’s and Mair’s numbers.” I glare at Finn when he makes the offer.

“Sean?”

I take her hand and smile. “You remind us of Finn’s wife and our cousin Dillan’s wife. I think you’ll like them. I’m certain they’ll like you.”

“You are?”

“Yeah. You don’t hesitate to tell my little brother off. His spoiled arse needs some boundaries.” Finn crosses his arms.

“There can only be one favorite. Too bad it’s never been you.”

“Cause it’s always been me.” Shane butts in, and Finn and I both flick him off. He’s not even remotely selfish or self-involved. We know our roles in situations like this and what helps us get through this shite. A sense of humor helps when it feels like your funny bone is the only one not broken.

“Would anyone like us to bring something back?” Lina looks around the group.

We laugh again. She’s totally lost. I take pity.

“Since I said it’s one of our cousins’ treats, it’s open season. You’ll need a wagon to get it all up here. None of us are exactly skimping on meals, so it’s always nice when it’s someone else paying.” I wink.

She nods before she leans over to kiss my cheek. Her brow furrows, and I can tell she really doesn’t want to go.

“I’ll be all right. Would you feel better if two of the guys go with you?”

“No. Absolutely not. I don’t like taking one of your guards away, let alone two. Can’t I just wait in the hall? You can see me if you open the curtain.”

She’s whispering to me, and once again, the guys give us space by talking amongst themselves.

“No. That leaves you too vulnerable. More vulnerable than me. I don’t like the idea of you being gone more than thirty minutes. You alone somewhere—even right outside in the hallway—will make me come out of my skin. I hate sending you away, cailín.”

“I know, and I totally get why. But you’re not the only one not okay with being apart for long. I’ll give you thirty minutes, but I don’t think I can do more.”

“Out.”

The guys glance at me before they leave without a word. I open my arms—well, arm—to her. She shakes her head but sits on the edge.

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