Page 46 of Dublin Devil

The idea of giving them my phone—my only link to my family—makes me uneasy, but I’m not even sure I would call them if I could.

Technically, I’m sure I could borrow a phone or use a landline if I truly wanted to speak to anyone.

I’m not sure I do.

“Or not.” Laine raises her palm to Bryan who has his hand out waiting for me to hand over the rice and the phone. “You can keep it, but I can tell you right now, Tag won’t be happy if you have it. He’s protective of his family and won’t like you having the opportunity to betray our kindness.”

I straighten and hand Bryan both. “I would never do that. When I go home—ifI go home—it won’t be a secret or a strategic maneuver. It’ll be because I have a plan and want to see my father’s face when I tell him what I think about him and what he did to me.”

Laine frowns. “I’m so sorry. The entire ordeal must’ve been devastating for you.”

Words could never express how much, so I say nothing. I don’t want to cry in front of Sean’s family. They’ve been good to me—better than I imagined possible—but they’re still strangers.

“I hate to be rude, but I’m not feeling up to much more. Is there somewhere I can lie down?”

Laine nods. “Of course. Cora got one of the guest rooms ready for you. Come. I’ll get you settled.”

I follow Laine upstairs, each step making it harder to lift my feet. Whether it’s my injuries, the adrenaline let-down after the car chase, or worrying about Sean, all the life has drained out of me.

We get to the top of the steps and take a right. After passing a couple of bedrooms, Laine stops at an open door and gestures for me to go in first. “This is you. You have your own bathroomand there’s a little terrace behind those sheers that overlook the pond.”

“All I care about is that there’s a bed.”

Laine nods. “I remember that feeling all too well.”

I’m not sure what she means by that, but I don’t have the energy to ask. My feet are already shuffling toward the grand, four-poster, and I’ve never seen anything more inviting. “If you get any news about Sean, will you let me know? He’s been so good to me. I hate the idea that he’s hurt because of my family.”

Laine steps toward the hall and reaches for the handle to close the door. “I promise. Now, get some rest. You’re safe here, Piper. We’ve got you.”

When the door clicks shut, I half-expect to hear a lock shifting into place, but the house is quiet.

So quiet, I don’t even have time to pull a blanket over me before I’m out cold.

It must be hours later when Laine comes to wake me because it’s dark out and my stomach is growling like a bear coming out of hibernation.

“Did you sleep well?” she asks.

“Too well. My father would smack me for letting my guard down and leaving myself vulnerable while behind enemy lines.”

Laine shakes her head. “But you’re not behind enemy lines, Piper. No one here faults you for the actions of your family. None of us controls the family we’re born into. It’s the luck of the draw.”

I don’t want to think about why fate gave me to people like Matthew and Samantha McGuire. It certainly wasn’t to be loved. It’s crazy but I’ve learned more about love and acceptance inthe past few days than I did the twenty years of living with my family.

My stomach gives off a long cry for sustenance, and Laine chuckles. “How about we get you a quick sandwich before the boys get here? It’ll take them a few minutes to get Sean upstairs and settled, anyway.”

“Get him settled? So he’s good?”

“The doc said surgery went well, and that the blade didn’t perforate any vital organs. If he takes it easy for a few days and doesn’t pull the stitches, he’ll be back on his bike and tearing up the streets before we know it.”

I press a hand against the lump in my throat and my eyes well up with tears. Staring up at the ceiling above the bed, I fight to rein in my emotions. “I’m so relieved. Brendan said Billy and his crew were here looking for me. If Sean died because of me, I would never survive it.”

“Well, he’s expected to make a full recovery, so you can let yourself off the hook.”

I don’t think I can, but I’m still relieved.

Sitting up, I give my side a moment to protest me moving around. Once the aches and pains ease, I slide off the bed and join Laine by the door.

It takes longer than I thought before Brendan comes to the kitchen to tell us Sean is settled. So long, in fact, that I’ve not only eaten my sandwich, but also two pieces of the most incredible raspberry mousse chocolate cake.

---