Page 88 of Dirty Legacy

“The UBI company you told me about. I noticed there’s always an excess of unaccounted money on the books, like someone’s been trying to hide it, and I think it’s coming from them. Which means the Gallaghers.”

A low, concerned rumble escapes his chest. “Are you sure?”

“I think so. I don’t know. I’ve had my eyes on it all day.”

He sits up and studies me. There’s nothing but love in his eyes. It’s the way Danielle looks at Cathal and the way Cathal looks at her. It’s the feeling I got sitting with their family, laughing with him, acting like I was a part of a normal group of people for once in my life. I feel that now lying in bed with Connor.

I belong. I have a place.

With him, in his bed, in his arms.

It’s the easiest thing in the world, being with him, and it shouldn’t be. This is a nightmare. I’m married, pregnant, and in the middle of a war. It should be hell every time I open my eyes.

But it’s not.

Connor strokes my hair from my face and kisses me.

“Show me.”

27

CONNOR

The smell of coffee fills the room. Men and women in business clothes hurry in, grab their orders, and rush out. Only a few stools are open at the front, looking out the main window. I have one and I’m defending the other from a series of annoyed interlopers. None stick around for long though.

I spot her coming. Tall and beautiful, her blonde hair in a chic bun, a long black coat. Her minders keep a distance. Big men with guns under their jackets. Dangerous, hard men.

Sinead enters, sees me, and lifts her chin. She takes her time though and gets a drink first.

“You don’t strike me as the Starbucks type.” She’s very composed as she takes the stool beside me.

“I’m not. Figured you’d be more comfortable here. Lots of traffic.”

“That’s smart. But lots of people around.” Her elegant eyebrows arch.

“Nobody gives a damn about a couple of idiots like us.” I sip my espresso and sigh. “Tastes like mud water.”

“I actually like it.” She adjusts herself and places her phone on the counter in front of her. “Why did you call me here, Connor?”

I nod at the phone. “You recording?”

“Not yet. But if I tap the screen—“ She leaves that hanging. Those big men will come running and they’ll shoot on sight.

“Understood. We’re only talking.” I run my hands through my hair.

Two days I’ve been thinking about this. Two days since Angie came to me in the middle of the night, fucked me mindless, then walked me through her findings. Two days to obsess and work it all out.

But two days in a war is a long time.

“From what I heard, you haven’t been interested in diplomacy.” Her lips press tightly. “My father is unhappy.”

“No surprise there. I burned down his favorite pub.”

“The Prancing Pony’s been in our family for two generations. I loved that place.”

I wave a hand. “War’s hell.”

“Fuck you, Connor.” That curse is the only hint she gives that she’s stressed. Otherwise, Sinead is measured and calm. Exactly what I need right now. “I’m about to walk out of here.”