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Heat climbs my cheeks because my mind puts him in the ring bare-chested, inked, hands wrapped, sweat on his skin, and absolutely winning.

His mouth curves into a smile. “That’s what I thought.”

I turn back to the window before he gets the satisfaction of watching me blush any harder.

The Kinnane house comes into view a few minutes later, pale stone beyond black railings, with the drive sweeping toward the front steps. Fionn slows the car at the main entrance.

His left hand rests on the wheel, cuff pulled back a fraction so his gold watch peeks out.

My gaze lingers on it before I look at him.

He notices.

His fingers tighten around the leather, and his tongue drags over his lower lip before he looks through the windscreen again.

I reach for the door handle. “Thanks for the lift.”

“Sera.”

I glance over my shoulder at him. “What?”

“Go straight in.”

“Really? And there I was planning to do a wee lap of the driveway first.”

The corners of his mouth twitch. “You’re terrible at taking instructions.”

I push the door wide. “Enjoy ruining someone’s morning, Fionn.”

“I will.”

I climb out and hurry to the door, refusing to look back at him.

The Kinnane doorman nods. “Miss Tallon.”

“Morning.”

He steps aside, and I walk in without waiting to be announced. I’ve been doing that since I was eighteen, and the staff are used to me coming and going.

I take the stairs and check my phone, seeing a message from Rafe telling me I’m needed in the yard today and that later we’re collecting gambling debts.

I take the stairs to Eilish’s room. And after what happened with her and Lorcan, I make sure to knock this time.

“Eilish?” I say, peering around the door.

She’s sitting amidst scatter cushions on the big bed with her knees tucked to her chest, hair loose around her face, eyes red and watery.

There are crumpled tissues on the duvet beside her, and a half-drunk cup of tea sits cold on the bedside table.

“You went somewhere with Fionn last night,” she says, sniffing. “Didn’t you?”

I close the door behind me.

“Please tell me that’s not why you’re crying, Eilish… I didn’t do it to hurt ya.”

Eilish presses her lips together, and tears track down her cheeks. “I’m so sorry, Sera.”

I stop halfway to the bed. “Why are you apologizing to me?”