Page 98 of Dublin Brute

In the time it takes for me to wonder about that, the driver—I think he said his name is Aiden—has rounded the SUV and opened my door. He escorts me inside the building and waits at the bottom of the stairwell as I climb.

“There’s my girl.” Brendan stands at the top of the stairs, the door to Tag’s loft open behind him. “I thought you’d never get here. Thanks, Viking.”

“Of course,” the man behind me says.

I was wired and anxious on the way over here, but now that I see Brendan and we’re both safe, the drain of the night takes hold.

I climb the stairs, each step of the short distance taking more out of me.

The moment my feet crest the last riser, Brendan wraps me in his arms. I sink into his embrace and groan at how the comfort of his scent edges all my tension away.

“That’s right, angel,” he murmurs against my hair. “I’ve got you. Let me take all your troubles away.”

I nod against his chest, letting him guide me inside. The moment the door closes, he taps the security screen, and the familiar clicks, snaps, and high-pitched whines lock us down. Good. I don’t want anyone getting in and neither of us is in any rush to leave.

Brendan takes my purse and sets it on the little table by the door, then helps me with my coat. “I figured you’d be knackered by the time you got here, so when Tag texted that you were on your way, I drew you a hot bath. My plan is a quick soak to wash away the night, then I’ll wrap you up in a fantastically fuzzy bathrobe, and we’ll draw the drapes and snuggle-sleep the day away.

I let out a long sigh. “That sounds perfect.”

“I called Jay and told him we found you and Kate. Neither of you will be expected back until you’re both ready. At which point, your jobs are waiting for you.” He’s saying all the right things, but his deep voice is laced with a subtle growl.

“Thanks, big guy, but I won’t be going back. Turns out, the money isn’t worth it. I wanted to experience the nightlife, but I’m not cut out for it. My goal is to pursue my art, and working nights makes me too tired to have any creative thought. All I want to do is sleep all day.”

“Thank fuck.” Brendan exhales and bends over at the waist. “The idea of you going back to that place was killing me, but I didn’t want to stand in your way if you loved it.”

I laugh. “Not even a little. Do you know how sticky cosmos are when they spill down your cleavage?”

He straightens. “I can’t say that I do. Though I would happily volunteer to lick you clean.”

I could get behind that. I sway back into his arms. “Didn’t you promise me bath and bed?”

Brendan leads me through the apartment to the master bath where the oversized soaker tub is already filled with steaming water. The scents of citrus and vanilla fill the air, the golden flicker of a dozen candles dancing around the room. Bubbles pile high on the water’s surface, glowing golden in the soft light.

“I never would’ve pictured your brother as the bubble bath type.”

Brendan grins sheepishly. “He’s not, but do you remember those bath bombs I sent you? I grabbed a few for myself and have gotten quite addicted. It’s no wonder women like to soak and be pampered. They’re amazing.”

“Youare amazing.” Emotion pushes hard at the last of my control and there’s no holding back the sting building in my eyes. “Thank you for this. It was so thoughtful.”

“Hey now.” Brendan cups my face in his hands, his thumbs brushing away my tears. “If you’re crying because of what happened, I’m here, but if this is because I’m good to you, that’s a problem. If that’s it, you’ll be bawling all the time because angel, I’m going to spoil you like no one ever has.”

A watery laugh escapes me. “You already do.”

He hugs me for a moment and then tugs at the hem of my jumper and pulls it over my head. When my top is off, he steps in behind me and unbuttons my jeans. “How about we get you naked, so you can get in before it gets cold?”

I don’t miss that he made the getting naked a singular event. “How about webothget naked and soak away our troubles?”

He kisses the back of my head and tugs my jeans down my thighs. “Not this time. You went through a traumatic event tonight and I see how exhausted you are. When we take our first bath together, I don’t want any remnants of fighting off attackers in your subconscious or for you to be about to fall asleep.”

I yawn, disappointed but also not. “You’re an incredibly wise man.”

“I know, right? Could you tell my brothers that? They refuse to acknowledge my genius.”

I step out of my pants and finish removing my clothes before stepping over the edge of the tub. The water is perfectly hot, and I let out a long sigh as the warmth seeps into my tired muscles.

Brendan settles onto the floor beside the tub, his back against the wall.

The candlelight plays across his face as he watches me with gentle concern. “Do you need anything, angel?”

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