Mafia King (Young Irish Rebels #2) - Vi Carter Page 0,81

Marta’s attention swings to me. “I didn’t believe him, so I had to come right out here and see for myself.”

Shay doesn’t seem put out by Marta’s words but sits back down.

Marta smiles at me. “You’re a beauty. Are you treating him good?”

Fear shoots through me. I don't know why. What the fuck had he said? I glance at Shay, not hiding my horror.

Shay’s laughter is so unexpected. My face blazes.

Marta’s laughter joins Shay’s. “I’m only jesting, love. You must be a good catch. You’re the first female that Shay has brought here.”

“Okay, Marta.” Shay’s tone is still playful, but Marta gives his shoulder one more squeeze and leaves us.

“Are you a weekly visitor here or something? Or is this another safe house?”

I can’t decipher the look that Shay is giving me. “It’s my restaurant.”

“Oh.” That explained their friendly approach to him.

“Do other people come here?” I ask.

“Not many. Marta and Leo have run it for years, and I always loved coming here with Frankie. So when the recession hit, they were going to close.”

Frankie again. His brother’s death had played an enormous role in his life. My heart hurts just thinking about the loss of Frankie.

“So I bought the place with the promise they would work here. Marta makes the best food.”

Emotions swell up inside me, and I can’t hold Shay’s dark stare. The heat has me pulling at my blouse. ”Thank you.” I start before I refocus on him.

“Thank you for sharing this place with me.”

He doesn’t respond, and once again, Marta’s timing is impeccable, almost questionably so. Two large plates of shepherd's pie are placed in front of us, and the smell has my stomach grumbling.

“Okay, I see why you bought the place.” I tease when my plate is cleared.

Shay looks satisfied, too, as he sits back in his chair.

Leo arrives, and I thank him as he removes our plates. Two pints of Guinness are sent to the table.

“Thanks, Paddy,” Shay says, and I’m staring at the huge pint.

“It’s not very ladylike for a woman to drink from a pint.”

“I think it’s sexy,” Shay responds.

I pick up the pint, and he grins as I take a sip. It’s a strong taste, but I’ve always liked Guinness chocolates. So the taste, I know.

I’m watching Shay, wondering what kind of life he would have led if Frankie hadn’t died. Would he still have joined the Irish Mafia? Would he have carved a different life for himself?

I’m lost in thought when he gets up and walks over to a jukebox.

I smile as the song ‘Lady in Red’ fills the space. Shay holds out a hand. “Dance with me.”

I’m getting up. “You dance?”

“I have rhythm.” I take his hand, and he spins me in towards him.

“Good choice of music.”

“It was more the title that caught my attention. I’m not exactly a Chris de Burgh fan.”

Shay twirls me again and spins me back into his chest. I rest my head there as we sway, and it’s another moment. I realize I’m gathering a lot of moments with Shay O’Reagan.

“Is this normal enough for you?” Shay asks after a brief silence.

I look up into his handsome face. “It’s not even close to normal.” I touch his bare cheek. “It’s perfect.” A lump forms in my throat again as I look up into his face. “You’re a good man.” A good man who made a lot of bad decisions that were driven by grief. I don’t voice everything I want to voice. I didn’t want to change the mood that was set here.

Shay runs his hand into my hair and places my head back on his chest. His way of not knowing how to deal with a compliment. I lie there swaying as the music changes from one slow song to the next. When I look over, I see Marta leaving the jukebox. She’s been the one playing the music. I can’t stop the smile.

“Long song.”

The laughter rumbles through Shay’s chest. “It’s like someone keeps putting on new songs.”

“Odd, isn’t it?” I lean out so I can see Shay. My heart hammers as he lowers his head and captures my mouth with his.

This kiss is different from all our other kisses. It’s gentle; it’s slow; it’s perfect. It’s a moment.

Shay breaks the kiss and places one on the crown of my head before he resumes dancing.

“Marta, you could make yourself busy and get me some of your pie.”

I look over to see Marta at the jukebox again. Shay’s voice carries the love he has