Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 56875 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56875 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
He looked at me. “You are such an eegit. It was a sweater and some pants, Niall.”
“There was a blouse and a pair of shoes.”
He started to laugh. “Is that what pushed you over the edge? The shoes? Una wanted to do something nice for her. I told her to take her to the boutique.”
“I want to do something nice for her. After last night…” I trailed off. “I just want to do something nice.”
“What happened last night?”
“Nothing,” I lied.
He did the eyebrow trick, studied me, then let out a breath. “Oh. I see.”
“None of your business.”
“As long as Anna is okay. Una is very fond of her.”
“She’s fine. I’m taking her shopping.”
“Okay, then. Have fun.”
I stood to leave as there was a knock at the door. I went to open it, surprised to see Roman there. He carried a small bag. I stepped back, inviting him in.
He greeted us both, then turned to me. “At the risk of being punched in the face, I came to see Anna, then thought better of it. My wife likes my nose where it is.”
I rolled my eyes. “What do you need to see Anna for?”
He handed me the bag. “When we raided the lab, there was a sack of purses in a room by the door. One of the men had the foresight to grab the bag, thinking they probably belonged to those held captive. Anna’s purse was one of them.”
I looked inside the small brown bag. There was a wallet, still holding a few dollars plus a debit card and her ID. Her passport was tucked into another pocket.
“She was talking about that with Una yesterday,” Finn said. “Unsure how to even start replacing all that. Good call by your man, Roman.”
“He took it last minute. Effie helped me sort through them. This one was at the bottom.” He paused. “A lot of them have been returned. The rest, we have turned over to our contact at the police. They can check missing persons records and the like.”
For a moment, I was silent, thinking of what could have been. Anna could have been one of those people. I exchanged a glance with Finn, knowing he was thinking the same thing.
I shook Roman’s hand. “Thanks. I know she’ll appreciate it.”
“How is she?” he asked.
“Doing well. She is going to start working here next week. And she’ll stay here for a while as well.”
He grinned. “A while or permanently?”
I glared at him. “Whatever she decides she wants.”
He nodded, tapping his chin. “You can tell her she would always be welcome at the Maple if she isn’t happy working here. She’s smart and bright. I’d find her something.”
I heard Finn’s muffled, amused chuckle. I stepped in front of Roman.
“She won’t need another place, Roman. You can take your offer—”
Finn cleared his throat, and I rolled my shoulders, stepping back. “Thank you, but it won’t be needed. Thanks again for this.”
I strode away, letting the door slam shut behind me.
I heard the burst of laughter as I walked away.
“Feckers,” I muttered. “Both of them.”
Anna was delighted when I gave her the purse. I explained Roman had brought it, and she clutched it to her chest.
“I need to say thank you.”
“Ah, he left already. He was on his way to a meeting.”
“Oh.” She frowned.
“But he and his wife will be here Friday. Una is singing.”
“I will thank him then.”
I glanced at my phone. “The car is here.”
I escorted her to the elevator, and she turned to me.
“I should make him something.”
“Pardon me?”
“Bake him cookies or something.”
“I don’t think Roman likes cookies.”
She looked confused. “Why would you say that?”
“He doesn’t seem the type. A thank-you is sufficient.”
We crossed the lobby, and I opened the car door for her, sliding in once she was settled.
“I like cookies.”
She turned from looking out the window. “What?”
“I like cookies. If you feel like baking, the kitchen in the hotel is fully equipped. I can get you anything you need.”
“I see. But you don’t want me making Roman cookies.”
I wrapped my arm around her, pulling her close. She gazed up at me, her eyes dancing.
“No, I don’t.”
She cupped my cheek, her fingers soft on my skin. “Okay, then. A thank-you for Roman and cookies for you.”
I couldn’t help it. I kissed her.
And I didn’t stop until we got to the mall.
CHAPTER NINE
NIALL
“Idon’t need all this,” Anna murmured, looking at the hangers in front of her.
“You need clothes. I’m buying you clothes.”
She laid a hand on my arm. “A few things. I agreed to a few things.”
“That’s what this is.”
I had brought her to a store I liked to shop in. I had called ahead, and my personal shopper, Liz, met us at the door, seemingly pleased to be headed to the women’s section for a change. After a few moments, she suggested that Anna look around, then told me she thought Anna was uncomfortable. “Let her look so I can understand her likes,” she murmured. “I won’t be far away.”