Page 27 of No Going Back

Piper stood. “We need to let you get some rest. Why don’t we go and let Marcus do his thing? We can come back tonight and let you in on what’s happening. And maybe talk about something that isn’t awful.”

That almost had Branna smiling. Piper moved around the table while the rest of them stood. Piper pulled her into a hug. “I’m sorry for what you’ve been through, and I’m glad you’ve got people on your side. We left a small bag for you upstairs. I wasn’t sure if you were allergic to anything, so there’s some hypoallergenic shampoo and stuff. Troy said you were having things shipped here, but I also left you a few of my clothes. They might be a little big, but they should hold you over until your things arrive. If you need anything, please ask.”

More tears threatened, so Branna nodded and hugged Piper tightly.

Troy hugged her as well. “This place is safe, and I’ve left some temporary alarm stuff you guys can set up when we leave. Once Sean agrees to do the major renovations, he can integrate the security system into the build.”

That helped to lighten the mood, and Branna waved them off without tears streaming down her face.

When Sean closed the door behind them, he flipped the deadbolt, set the temporary alarm, and opened his arms. She wrapped her own arms around him and felt the tears burning again.

Sean kissed her hair. “Let it out, honey. It’s just us. You haven’t had a chance to grieve. Just let it out.”

The dam burst and the sobs overtook her.

CHAPTER 9

Front To Back

Sean held Branna while her tears flowed. Hearing Seamus O’Dea’s thick brogue on the video had brought tears to his eyes, too. The man’s accent always thickened when he felt strong emotions. And having his life, his livelihood, and his daughter threatened would have brought out the strongest of emotions.

That Hawley prick had killed him because Seamus wouldn’t succumb to his extortion demands.

Marcus was right. It was going to be a pleasure to get this bastard locked up where he would spend the rest of his life without breathing free air even once.

Sean wanted to rip him to pieces with his bare hands, but he’d been trained to do better and to be better. He would work within the system and make sure it did its job.

Branna’s tears didn’t last long, but she didn’t let go of the fierce grip she had on him. He continued to rub his hands up and down her back, offering whatever comfort he could give.

When her breathing slowed, he kissed her hair. “Let’s go get some sleep.”

She nodded, but before she could step away, Sean lifted her into his arms. She let out a small laugh of surprise and then leaned into him.

At the top of the stairs, they found hallways leading in both directions. He turned to the left, and they peeked into each room they passed. Most held old bed frames with mattresses and a dresser or two. Branna wiggled to her feet to peek into a couple of them. “It looks as if the family just up and left. The home must have been sad to see them go.”

She had such a tender heart. He took her hand as they toured. At the end of a second hallway, they found a large bedroom with windows looking out onto the fields and the barn out back.

Branna let out a happy sound and moved to the window. Winter in Vermont was far prettier than he’d expected, but his own attention snagged on the bed. A king-sized mattress with clean linens and a deep blue comforter that somehow matched the house.

An open door showed an adjoining bathroom that had been cleaned until the old fixtures sparkled. Someone had left bottles and toiletries on the sink and in the tub-shower combination. Clean towels rested on another wooden dresser.

Branna’s arms wound around him. “You have the best friends.”

He chuckled and turned in her arms. He lifted her chin gently until she was looking into his eyes. “I do.”

Her face flushed softly as she smiled.

He stepped back. “I’m going to grab my bag. Should I find another bedroom?”

Her eyes widened, and her flush deepened. “No.”

Yes.

Possessiveness surged through him, and despite the exhaustion, his body was ready for action. But that action would wait until Branna was rested and clear-headed.

He kissed her head. “I like that answer. I don’t know about you, but I’m dead on my feet. Let’s grab a couple of hours’ sleep.” If they slept more than that, they’d never get their bodies reset to normal times.

When he returned to the bedroom, he found Branna emerging from the bathroom in a T-shirt and maybe nothing else. It must be one of Piper’s. The hem was long enough to cover the essentials.