Page 101 of Savage Promises

“You’ll be fine,” Shane says softly, leaning closer so only I can hear. “Ma already adores you.”

The idea that this bustling, chaotic family could ever accept me feels far-fetched, but I nod anyway, trying to steel myself. And be ready for anything.

The house feels alive, bursting at the seams with noise and energy. The main living room to the left of the sweeping staircase is already full of Quinlans. Shane’s older brother Ewan is the first to greet us, a wide grin splitting his face. He hugs Shane andthen claps his youngest brother on the back.

“Hi, Lennox,” Ewan lays a gentle kiss on my cheek.

His wife Darcy smiles, balancing their infant daughter Baby Norah on her hip while their other two daughters, Sadie and Maggie, dart around her legs. Darcy’s warmth feels genuine as she hugs me tightly.

“It’s so good to see you again,” she says, in her melodic Irish lilt.

“You, too,” I manage, smiling at her before glancing down at the girls. “You’ve got your hands full.”

Darcy laughs, brushing a strand of long dark hair from her face. “Always. But that’s the joy of family, isn’t it?”

I nod in agreement. “It sure is.”

In a wingback chair in the corner by the fireplace like she’s the queen, Norah Quinlan senior sits, her eyes glassy with tears as she surveys the chaos. Two other women around her age lounge on either side of her, engaged in heavy conversation.

I greet Norah and wish her a happy birthday, but feel stupid for not bringing a gift.

She doesn’t seem to care and introduces me to the two women. “This is Trace and Rhys’s mum Freye Quinlan, and you know, Clara O’Rourke.”

I freeze, seeing the wheelchair-bound mother of the O’Rourke sons who took over the Irish Mob from her husband here in Astoria. The husband who is now dead.Thatexplains the extra guards standing around.

I say my hellos and spin around, hearing the front door open. Griffin arrives with his gorgeous Greek wife Ava. Their twin toddler sons sway in front of them like little drunkards balancing on stubby, unsure legs. Within seconds, they cause mischief, finding a table of knick-knacks to toss about and stick in their mouths and noses. After Ava prevents a choking accident, the two boysdecide to race around the living room while dodging legs and furniture.

The adults laugh and catch up.

Sabine comes out of the kitchen chasing after her son Aiden, who appears anxious to play with his little cousins. Her husband Grayson Hart follows, smiling at his family. The idling limo on the street must be his. He’s a billionaire and brother to Luke, The Sterling hotel’s CEO.

I say my hello to the Harts and then make eye contact with Shane’s enforcer Trace, who arrived before us. He sort of introduces me to his father Patrick, who sits in a corner chair, nodding off.

From another room ending a business call, Trace’s wife Shea,theShea O’Rourke, now a Quinlan, makes eye contact with me. A flicker of excitement rolls through me at the idea of meeting her. She planned my small and intimate wedding, but she and Trace were out of town when we got married. I didn’t have a chance to thank her.

Shea is confident, poised, and from what I’ve heard, a powerhouse in the event planning world. We both grew up here in Astoria, but the O’Rourke princess is older than me.

“Lennox Donnelly!” Shea walks right up to me like we’re old friends and hugs me.

“Shea, it’s nice to finally meet you. My wedding was beautiful. Thank you.” I hug her back.

“Don’t mention it. It’s what I do.” She pops out a hip, looking all business. “So, Luxe. Talk to me. I drove by the other night. Wow. Wow. Wow. I have clients who would love to rent out your VIP balcony.”

A thrill shoots down my spine at the idea that she and I can do business together.

“Absolutely.” I dig into my purse and hand her a business card. “That’s my direct line. I don’t have a sales manager yet.”

“Get one. I plan to keep you busy.” She winks and then turns her smile to Shane getting his mother something to drink. “And congratulations. Here’s to being a Quinlan.”

I bow my head. “To being a Quinlan.”

The Quinlans are a force to be reckoned with. They gave their name to the only O’Rourke sister and now a Donnelly. The Donnellys have always been a powerful family in Astoria. Dad and Garrett only blackened our name in our immediate circles.

“Let’s toast our wise and fierce mother.” Ewan raises a glass, quieting the room. “Happy Birthday, Ma!”

Before I feel empty without a drink, Shane slips a flute of champagne into my hand.

“It’s so good to see the house like this again,” Norah says softly, her voice trembling. “I miss it. I hope we can resume our Sunday dinner tradition.”

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