Page 43 of The Devil's Price

"Finn! In here!" I scream over and over. The noise is so loud I can't even hear myself think. The gunshots rattle me, each one making me jump out of my skin. I push the chair back and crouch under the table, praying none of the rounds pierce the walls and reach this far.

Tears well up and I'm shaking as the firefight continues. They’re closer now, in the house. There has to be a dozen of them, and all of them are firing at once. Doyle must have been taken by surprise. I know he wasn't expecting this.

The gunfire continues to tear through the air, but now, it's closer. The floor shakes with each shot, rattling the walls and my bones. I’m trembling, crouched under the table, hands still chained to it. My pulse is so loud, I can barely hear the shouting outside, but I know Finn’s out there. I know he’s coming. The sound of his voice cuts through the chaos like a beacon.

“Siobhan! Stay down!”

I barely manage to swallow the scream building in my throat. I want to shout, want to run to him, but my legs feel like lead, and the cuffs are a cruel reminder of my helplessness. I grip the edge of the table, heart racing. The sound of heavy boots grows closer, the door rattling in its frame, and then—crash.

Finn bursts into the room, and I can’t stop the sob of relief that escapes me. He’s here. His eyes lock on mine, and his face is a mix of fury and determination. He doesn’t waste a second. Without saying a word, he kicks the leg of the table, and it breaks under the force. My arm jerks to one side, but I quickly slide the handcuff from the table leg and free myself.

“I’ve got you,” Finn says, pulling me to my feet.

I stumble, but Finn’s hands are steady on my shoulders, guiding me. His brothers are right behind him, Declan and Ronan, guns raised and scanning the room. Shots ring out from the hall, and I flinch, but Finn doesn’t even hesitate.

“Move!” Finn growls, and I don’t need to be told twice.

The air is thick with gunfire, but Finn keeps me close, his body shielding mine. I can barely keep my balance, but he’s pushing me toward the door, not giving me a chance to breathe. Declan and Ronan cover us, their guns barking, and the sound of tires screeching fills the air.

The car is close, and I can hear it, the engine roaring to life. Finn doesn’t slow down. He shoves me toward the back door, his grip tight around my wrist.

“Get in!” he demands.

I dive in without thinking, Finn right behind me, and in an instant, the world is a blur as the car roars into motion, speeding away from the madness. My breath catches in my throat as I glance back toward the house, but Finn’s arm is already around me, pulling me close, his voice low and urgent.

“We’re not out of it yet, Siobhan. Stay with me.”

I nod, holding onto him as if my life depends on it—because it does.

The car speeds through the streets, tires screeching as the driver expertly navigates the tight corners, pushing the car faster. I keep glancing behind us, but there's no sign of anyone chasing us—yet. My heart pounds in my chest, the weight of the night catching up to me. Finn sits beside me, tense, his eyes scanning the road ahead, his jaw clenched.

“Almost there,” he mutters.

I cling to his side, the shock of everything threatening to overwhelm me. Finn’s arm wraps around me, pulling me close, offering the only comfort he can. His voice is soft, but steady. “You’re safe now, Siobhan. I’ve got you.”

The car turns down a narrow, tree-lined road, and I realize we’re pulling into a driveway—one I’ve never seen before. The house looms ahead, large and quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos we just left behind.

Finn exhales, his shoulders relaxing for the first time all night. “We’re here.”

I don’t move at first, the weight of everything still sinking in. But Finn’s hand gently squeezes mine, and I nod. I'm still shaking. Everything happened so fast, I don't even know where we are. But Finn is at ease, his shoulders still taut but his face calm.

"Where?" I ask, looking around. It's so dark now. I can't see anything but lights streaming from the windows of a large house we're parked in front of.

"Home," he tells me, and as he says it, he opens the door. His home is massive, a sprawling expanse of brick towering over us. I climb out of the car but never break contact with him. He is my refuge, the safety I've needed to feel all day.

He leads me inside, leaving the door of his car open. I hear him talk on his phone, telling his brothers we're safe, that we're at his house now. Everything is a blur now, like my life flashed before my eyes and now I'm not sure what to even think.

Finn babies me, walking me straight into his bedroom and into the ensuite where he starts the water for a hot shower. "Strip off. Let me clean you up," he says, and his hands are already working to undress me. I feel like things are moving in slow motion now.

Cormac Doyle's scarred face haunts me. Every time I close my eyes, I see it looming over me, threatening me. I must be in shock. I'm moving on autopilot, struggling to make it all make sense.

Until the steamy water hits my flesh and awakens me. Finn steps into the shower with me, wrapping his arms around me as I begin to cry softly.

"You came for me," I mumble against his chest, and he kisses the top of my shoulder while tipping my head back into the water to dampen it.

"Of course I did. I love you." His words begin to sink in as he lathers my hair and rinses it. His hands are gentle, touching the bloodied scabs of my knees as he kneels and washes the dirt away. "My God, those animals," he growls, but I grab his hand and pull him up again. I need his arms around me now.

"Thank you," I tell him, pulling him in for a kiss.

---