Page 103 of Dublin Brute

“Is everyone home?”

“Aye, in for the night, I’m told.”

“Good enough. Thanks.”

“Safe home, Mr. Quinn.”

The gates have been slowly edging open during their conversation and when Brendan rolls his window back up, the engine rumbles and we’re speeding up the long, winding driveway.

“This place looks like something out of a fairy tale,” I say quietly, gazing at the old stone walls that loom closer as we drive up the laneway.

Brendan gives a half-smile but doesn’t look away from the road. “Our Mam insisted on her boys having a true home with enough space to run wild, a barn for horses, and a pond to swim in. She understood the importance of Da’s….”

As his words break off, I reach over and squeeze his leg. “I’m so sorry.”

He shakes his head. “There’s nothing for you to apologize for, angel. If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t even know the truth about Da’s death.”

“Still, I’m sorry for stirring up your pain.”

He casts a sideways glance. “Och, that’s not on you. I’d rather know the truth than believe in a lie, any day of the week.”

Me too.

Brendan pulls up along the side of the house and parks beneath a large overhang car port. He hops out first and rushes around to my side to open my door. Extending his hand toward me, he helps me to my feet. As we make our way, I study the entrance adorned with intricate carvings over the doorway.

“I’ll give you the whole tour another time, angel. I promise.”

“I look forward to it.” I take his hand, a mix of warmth and apprehension swirling deep in my belly as he leads me inside. He sits to unlace his boots, and I toe off my sneakers. When he finishes, he sets his boots neatly on the mat next to a dozen other pairs.

Wow. These boys are truly housebroken.

“Master Brendan. Miss Kelly.” Cora greets us warmly as we enter a wide corridor lined with family photos.

“Cora, could you do me a favor? I need to talk with everyone. Can you take Nora to the living room while I try to round everyone up?”

“Of course. It would be my pleasure.”

“And stay there. What we have to say involves the whole family.”

It warms my heart that he considers Cora a part of his family. Then again, how could he not if the woman had been taking care of his household and him and his brothers for his entire life?

Brendan kisses my forehead and then bends to look me in the eye. “Everything will be fine. I’ll meet you in the living room in two minutes.”

When he rushes off, Cora gestures for me to follow her down a wide corridor lined with ornate paintings and family memorabilia.

The interior of the home is vast and I’m sure if Cora wasn’t guiding me, I would be lost by now. In the end, we end up in a large but cozy living room with deep leather sofas and bookshelves crammed full of volumes I’d love to dive into if given half a chance.

Piper and Finn are playing video games—wearing headphones while their laughter punctuates the air.

They pause when they notice us entering.

“Nora!” Piper shouts, setting her controller down and peeling off her headphones. “It’s great to see you again. Welcome to the Quinn compound.”

Finn stands and rushes forward, holding out his hand. “Aye, welcome, Nora. It’s nice to meet you properly. I don’t know if you remember, but we spoke briefly at the charity match a few weeks ago.”

I accept his handshake and chuckle. “I remember. I’m sorry I didn’t realize who you were at the time.”

“Och, from what Brenny said, you didn’t know who any of us were at the time, including him.”

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