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I brush a hand down his arm, the contexts of our grief so similar even with our worlds so vastly different. “Tag told me about your dad. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
He takes a deep breath, blinking quickly as he wipes his fingers over his eyes. “Let’s talk about something else. Tag mentioned you have family in Brittas Bay. Do they know you’re here?”
I hesitate, surprised by the question. “Uh…no. Even though I was planning my exit strategy, my departure was rather sudden.”
“Do you want any help tracking them down? I’m handy with a computer.”
“That’s not necessary. I have the contact information from my mother’s things. She spoke with them several times over the years. Thank you, though. Once I buy a phone, I’ll be in business.”
He blinks. “You don’t have a phone?”
I give myself an inward shake. It’s too easy to talk to him. I’m saying too much. “So, your brother’s office is…?”
He smiles and gestures for us to get moving again. “Right. This way.”
We continue the rest of the way through the wide, stone corridors and I take in the tapestries and photos and antique pieces mixed with modern furniture. It’s quite eclectic.
We stop before a sturdy oak door and Finn sets his hand on the heavy, silver handle. “I know what people say about us and what they think from the outside, but give Tag a chance to prove he’s more than the Dublin Rogue. He likes you, Laine, and he will look out for you, too. No matter what’s going on. Trust in that.”
“It’s been a long time since I put my trust in anyone, Finn, but it’s nice of you to say. And thanks for the escort.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Tag
Istand with Aiden in the cool shadow of the morning, the pea gravel underfoot crunching softly beneath our feet as we process the confrontation about Laine’s money out on the driveway.
“I know why you did what you did, but it wasn’t your call to make, mate. If you think I’m missing something, tell me. Don’t act outside of my orders, and don’t ever involve Siobhan in my business. You know I don’t like her, and I have good reason. Believe me when I tell you she’s a wily, deceptive player.”
“Agree to disagree.”
“And that’s your prerogative in your personal life, but not in mine.”
“Understood. I’m sorry for it and it won’t happen again. I just thought she might get the woman to reveal something. Siobhan is one of our best infiltrators.”
“All she did was piss Laine off and make my life more difficult. She’s playing you, brother. I’ve lived it. I’ve seen it. And I just hope you realize it before she shreds you.”
His lack of response ends that line of conversation. “All right. Next problem.”
He holds out his hand and his next revelation catches me completely off guard—a tracking device, small and ominous, in his outstretched hand. “I sweep the trucks every morning. This is from yesterday…likely last night,” he states firmly, his eyes fixed on me, gauging my reaction.
“And you think it’s Laine? When did she have the chance?” I ask, my voice even, though inside, my mind races.
Laine involved in this? It seems far-fetched.
Aiden’s frown deepens. “Maybe while she was spying on us tossing the McGuire boys into the back of the van?” His tone suggests he doesn’t fully believe it himself, but he’s not ready to dismiss the possibility either.
I shake my head, more in frustration than disbelief. “You’re reaching, mate. She’s a tourist, not a spy. She’s here because she left a deadbeat husband two days ago and got swept into my life. She’s not Mattie’s attempt at Mata Hari.”
“There’s something at play here, Tag. I feel it.” Aiden’s usual calm demeanor is edged with a hard line of tension. “I’m asking you to consider that the woman isn’t who she says she is and get some distance from her until we know what the McGuires are up to.”
He’s my second in command for a reason—loyal, smart, and he tells me things I don’t always want to hear. I trust his instincts, even when they go against my own desires.
Still, the thought of Laine, with her haunted eyes and quiet strength, being part of anything underhanded chafes against everything I’ve seen of her.
“Fine. I’ll keep my eyes open,” I concede, pinching the bridge of my nose in thought. “But keep Siobhan away from Laine and out of my house. I won’t have her interfering in my life. We’re not seventeen anymore, and while she’s a female, she’s definitely not innocent. My patience will only stretch so far before it snaps.”
Aiden nods, his expression smoothing into that controlled mask he wears so well. “Fine. That’s fair.”
