Page 230 of Intense
And then those pale eyes of my husband cut to me again.
This time, he smiles.
I wonder what the world will hold for us once this is over.
The next thing I know, the men are carting guns, knives, throwing stars—every weapon you could imagine—straight from the adjoining room and dumping them across the dining table like it’s nothing more than a buffet spread.
“Come and pick your weapons,” the British one announces with a grin, like this is his idea of hospitality.
I watch as Finn’s pale hand hovers, deliberate, before he plucks a small handgun from the pile. The way he tests itsweight, the way his eyes find mine—it’s not just a choice. It’s a lesson.
“Ever shot someone?” he asks casually, but I feel the weight of the question in my bones.
I shake my head. “No. But I know how to use one.”
I reach for it, fingers brushing his, but he doesn’t let go. Instead, his hand tightens over mine, holding it there, eyes boring into me.
“Think you could shoot someone?”
“Yes,” I answer without hesitation. Because I’ve thought about it. Lived it in my head a hundred times over.
The corner of his mouth curves, wicked and proud. He dips close enough that only I can hear. “Good girl.”
The whisper slithers through me, hot and sharp. His lips brush mine in a fleeting kiss before he finally releases the gun into my hand.
“Keep it in your purse,” he instructs. “Just a precaution.”
My stomach twists with nerves as I slide the weapon into the depths of my bag. Precaution. Nothing about this night feels like precaution.
Finn’s arm circles around my waist, pulling me into his side as though he can feel the thoughts racing in my head.
“We’ve got a quick meeting with Theo now to cover all the bases before we leave.” He tilts his head, watching my face, reading me the way only he can. “Want to listen in?”
“I’d love that.” I fake a smile. I can’t show him how nervous I am deep down. I want to be here. I want to see this side of him.
His smile is sharp and feral, full of something only I get to see. “Then stay close, temptress. Tonight, you’ll see everything.”
I nod and follow closely behind him into the living room.
Chapter 81
FINN
The room sharpens when Theo enters. His presence has that effect; every conversation dulls, every glass stills on the table, and all eyes shift his way. The man doesn’t need to raise his voice to command an army. He’s been doing it his whole life.
And that’s what makes him the perfect ally now.
“We go in separately,” Theo starts. “The guest list is tight, and they’ll be checking every name. You’ll use the covers provided.” He glances at Enzo, who nods once, sliding slim envelopes across the polished oak table.
I catch mine before it hits the edge. My alias stares back at me in bold letters. A name that isn’t mine, but tonight it will be.
Amy Beck and David Beck.
“The second Arthur steps foot inside,” Theo continues, “I’ll give the signal. Then it’s over to the Quinn brothers—” His gaze cuts like glass, locking on me, then Declan, then Conan. “He’s yours.”
A low burn settles in my chest. Mine. Ours. The bastard’s life has been circling this drain for decades, and now it ends. Not quick, not merciful. Justice, Quinn style.
“The rest of you are on standby,” Theo says, sweeping the table with his eyes. “No unnecessary theatrics. No heroics. If it goes loud, we’ll adjust. We have already taken down the majority of Bowen’s army here. But as Finn has informed me, they seem to respawn. So keep your eyes peeled. He’s been in hiding for weeks; this is our first solid lead to get to him.”
