Liam groaned and put his arm over his eyes, trying to banish the image from his head. But it lingered in his mind, and rather than fight it, Liam decided to enjoy it. She had incredibly long legs, slender and perfectly shaped, and hips that curved in a way that made her seem instantly seductive. And her breastsher breasts were just Liam swallowed hard, his fingers clenching into fists.
Hell, it wasnt as if she was the prettiest woman hed ever seen. Not even close. In truth, her features just werent that remarkable. Though she did have very nice eyes, her mouth was just a little too wide, her lips too lush. And her dark hair fell around her face in a way that made her look as if shed just gotten out of bedwhich she had.
As he thought about their encounter, he realized it was more than her looks that attracted him. But what was it? Was it the breathless way she spoke when she was nervous? Or the way she moved, almost amusing in her awkwardness?
Maybe it was the fact that shed never once responded to him the way other women had. She hadnt cozied up to him and found any excuse she could to touch him. She hadnt sent him teasing looks or seductive smiles. No, Ellie Thorpe had hit him over the head with a lamp then tied him up like some S & M fantasy man. And even after he was certain hed convinced her of his innocence, she still hadnt fallen prey to his charms.
I just wasnt trying hard enough, Liam murmured.
A cell door slammed nearby and Liam glanced up to find a uniformed officer watching him from behind steel bars. He quickly stood and crossed the cell. Can I have my phone call?
You had your phone call, the officer said.
Liam had decided Conor was his only option when it came to straightening out this mess. But the late-night call had been answered not by Conor or Olivia, but by their voice mail, and Liam had hung up without leaving a message. I couldnt get hold of my brother. It doesnt count if I didnt talk to anyone.
Are you making the rules now, Quinn?
Liam shook his head. No, Im just saying that
You got caught breaking and entering. Right about now, you should be sitting in night court and thinking about how youre going to make bail.
Liam pressed his forehead against the cold, steel bars. This isnt exactly the way I wanted to spend my Friday night. I had a date that I canceled. I should have just gone on that date and not even bothered saving Eleanor Thorpes life. Youd think shed be at least a little grateful.
The cop reached down and unlocked the cell door. Well, I guess she was. Her story checked with yours. And we paged your brother. Hes downstairs talking to the two guys who arrested you.
Im free to go?
Were not booking you. But that doesnt mean you shouldnt try to keep your nose clean. The next time you see someone breaking and entering, dial 9-1-1 and wait for the police.
Liam smiled. Right. Thats exactly what Ill do. By the book next time. I promise.
The cop swung open the door, waiting for Liam. Without wasting any time, Liam grabbed his jacket and walked toward the exit. But at the last moment he turned and took one long, last look. There were times when he wondered just what kind of guardian angel sat on his shoulder. His childhood hadnt exactly been the best in the world. Theres no telling what kind of wrong turn he might have taken had he made just one or two bad decisions.
But instead of a life as a petty criminal, hed actually survived a shaky childhood and become a responsible adult. The kind of adult whod try to save a woman from an intruder. Maybe the Mighty Quinn tales had done some goodnot that he was planning to take up a career as a superhero.
Liam followed the cop to the door of the holding area. Hes downstairs at the desk, the officer said. You need to sign for your stuff.
Thanks.
Liam saw Conor before he even reached the bottom of the stairs. His big brother stood below, his eyes dark with anger, his arms crossed over his chest. Liam grinned as he hurried down the steps, but he could tell that Conor was in a foul mood.
Hey, bro, he said, giving his brother a playful clap on the shoulder. I knew I could count on you.
Dont say a word, Conor warned. The next thing out of your mouth better be an apology or Ill take you out back and beat the crap out of you.
Sorry, Liam murmured. I didnt know who else to call.
Conor turned on his heel and strode to the door, nodding brusquely to the desk sergeant as he passed. Thanks, Willie. I owe you.
When they reached Conors car, Liam slipped in the passenger side, watching in silence as his brother pulled out into traffic. My car is in Charlestown. If you could just drop me
Im not taking you to get your car. You can do that in the morning.
Where are we going?
To Das place.
Good, Liam said. I could use a drink.
Im going to have the drink and youre going to explain why you got me out of bed at one a.m. on a Friday night. Since Riley was born, Olivia and I have averaged about three hours of sleep a night, and when my beeper went off, he woke up and started crying.
How is the kid? Liam asked.
Probably still awake. Hes either sleeping or eating. And when he isnt doing one or the other, he cries. Olivia is exhausted.
The mood in the car remained tense and Liam was glad when they finally reached the pub. Friday night business had always been good in Southie, and the bar was still packed when they walked inside. Two pretty girls sitting at the bar called Liams name as he entered and he waved, trying to remember their names. He found himself comparing their rather conspicuous beauty to the subtle attractions of Eleanor Thorpe.
She wasnt pretty in the traditional sense. She didnt have pouty lips or sultry eyes or a body designed for a mens magazine. In truth, she was the exact opposite of the type of woman he was drawn toa little up-tight, a little goofy. But there was something about her that he found undeniably attractive.
Maybe it was the fact that shed single-handedly subdued an intruder. She hadnt cowered in a corner or locked herself in the bathroom, shed picked up a lamp and hit him over the head. Liam rubbed his wrists, still chafed from the ties. She hadnt known who he was or what his intent had been. For all shed known, he could have been a crazed serial killer out to do her harm, but shed stood up for herself.
Seamus, tending bar, drew two pints of Guinness and set them down in front of his sons as they each took an empty stool at the far end of the bar. Didnt expect to see you out tonight, Con. He turned to Liam, his snow-white hair falling across his forehead. As for you, I could have used your help behind the bar, boyo. Your brother Brian was the only relief I had and he left an hour ago with a blonde. And where the hell is Sean when I need him?
Hes out of town, Liam said.
Seamus shrugged, then wandered off to talk with another customer.
Conor took a slow sip of his Guinness, then licked his upper lip. What were you doing in that womans apartment?
Exactly what I told the police. I was trying to protect her.
Conor slowly shook his head. Go back to the beginning.
I saw this guy sneak inside her apartment.
From the street?
From the street?
No, from the attic of the building across the street.
And what were you doing in the Conor paused. Dont tell me. You were on a case with Sean, werent you? You know damn well that he skirts the law every chance he gets. What was this, another one of his divorce cases?
Well, as Sean would say, his clients expect a high level of confidentiality. All I can say is that I was watching the apartment. I told the cop I was walking by and he bought the story. As long as you vouch for me, I think Ill be all right.
Did you get a look at the burglar?
Liam shook his head. Nah, it was dark and he was wearing a ski mask. He wasnt very tall. About five-eight or nine, maybe. Not very heavy. And he was kind of clumsy. Not much of a street fighter. I told this all to the cops.
Youre not going to tell me what kind of case you and Sean are working on?
I think it would be better if you dont ask. And we havent broken any lawsnot yet, anyway. I swear.
Conor rubbed his forehead. And except for the reason you were on the street, did you tell the police the entire truth?
Yeah.
Conor nodded. Fine. As long as the woman doesnt insist on pressing charges, I think youll be all right.
Eleanor. Ellie Thorpe. Shes really nice. Kind of goofy, but nice.
Conors brow shot up. What? You had a conversation?
Well, there wasnt much else to do once she tied me up. It took the police forever to arrive.
This brought a laugh from Conor. Jeez, Liam. You break into a womans house, she ties you up, and you still manage to charm her. Did you get her phone number?
No, Liam replied. He shrugged, then smiled. But I know where she lives.
Conor took a long drink of his beer, then slid off the bar stool and grabbed his keys. You know what this means, dont you? When a Quinn rescues a woman from harm, hes pretty much done for. Youre stuck with her now, Li. Theres no going back.
You dont think I believe all that Mighty Quinn garbage, do you? Liam said. I did a good deed and thats the end of it. Im never going to see her again.
Liam wasnt afraid of being vulnerable to love. Hell, he knew better. Hed always been the one to walk away from a relationship when it got too serious. Besides, he wasnt about to get involved with a probable felon.
Stay away from her, Conor warned. She might just decide to press charges and I only have so much juice with the guys downtown. He sighed. By the way, were having a little get-together for Rileys christening. A brunch. Olivia sent you an invitation. Did you get it?
Yeah. I thought Id stop by. Who else will be there?
Everyone.
Ma, too?
Of course, Conor said. She is Rileys grandmother. And Olivias parents are coming up from Florida.
Since Fiona had reappeared in their lives over a year ago, family gatherings had become regularly scheduled events. First, thered been Keelys wedding, and after that a birthday celebration for Seamus held at Quinns Pub. And last May, Dylan and Meggies wedding. And then Christmas at Keely and Rafes. And everyone had gathered at the hospital the night Riley was born, a large, noisy family still learning how to be a family.
Even though Liams father was gradually making peace with his runaway wife, not all the old scars had healed. Conor had accepted his mother back with no questions asked, as had Dylan and Brian. But Brendan had maintained a cool distance and Sean was outright hostile toward Fiona. Liam wasnt sure where he stood yet. Though he wanted to get to know his mother, he had no past to remember. Shed left when he was just a year old.
Ill be there, Liam said.
Good. And see if you can convince Sean to come. Dont tell him Fiona is going to be there, though. Oh, and bring your camera.
Anything else?
Just be sure you stay out of trouble until then.
Hey, you wont mention this to Sean, will you? Hes paying me pretty well to help with this case. I could use the money.
Conor smiled. No problem. With that, he turned and strode out of Quinns Pub, Seamus shouting a hearty good-night.
Liam finished his beer, then followed Conor out the door. He zipped up his jacket and glanced up and down the street. He and Sean had a flat seven blocks from the bar. He could go home and get some sleep or he could go back to the attic and keep his eye on Ellie Thorpe.
Liam shook his head as he headed for the bus stop. He wasnt going back for her. He had a job to do and he promised Sean hed do it. The fact that he hadnt been able to get Ellie out of his head since hed met her made absolutely no difference at all.
DOUBLE AMERICANO, half caf!
A man in a business suit pushed past Ellie to retrieve his coffee from the counter. Ellie raked her fingers through her hair and yawned. She leaned over and counted the number of people in front of her, deciding shed get four shots of espresso in her latte rather than her usual two. Since her encounter with Liam Quinn three nights ago, she really hadnt gotten a good nights sleep.
Her mind flashed back to a memory of him tied up on her living-room floor. A tiny flush warmed her cheeks. She certainly hadnt expected her next encounter with a handsome man to include a little bondage. Just the thought of indulging in sex games with a man like Liam Quinn was enough to start her blood pumping much more effectively than any form of caffeine could.
Luckily, the police had dragged him away before shed had more serious thoughts in that direction. When shed left New York City, shed vowed to take a break from men. It wasnt that she didnt like men, they just never seemed to like herenough. Shed had five serious relationships in as many years and all of them had fallen apart for reasons unknown to her. One day everything had been perfect and the next shed been single again.
After the second breakup, Ellie had decided that men were just fickle. After the third, shed determined that shed have to be more careful with her choices. By the fourth, shed started to wonder if there was something wrong with her. And after her breakup with Ronald Pettibone, shed come to the conclusion that she just wasnt any good at romance.