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Chapter 27: Clothing Optional
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When Gargoyles Love Chapter 28: A New Case
The little Collen did know of him might mean, he truly may not have committed the murder, but he most likely ordered it. He was known as a hothead in some circles so maybe he let his temper get the best of him. She dressed then rode a SEPTA bus to work. Pausing before the door to her law firm, she steeled herself for what may come. Since she cut her vacation short, this better be a good case in the sense that it should work in her favor. Help her get back into the good graces of the partners. She didn't relish being back nor did she truly want to defend this person. This could too easily be another setup.Otherwise, it would be a waste of time. What she hadn't asked, but would today, is why O'Shannon didn't use his father's lawyers. Something was fishy. She was going to determine what it was before she agreed to anything. If this was a no-go she'd head back to Ireland. Yanking open the door to the building where her law firm occupied the whole fifth floor, she almost ran into a
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 29: Brothers
"Gargoyles or Foleys?" Sean said."Either.""I don't know if there are any gargoyles, but there is one more Foley.""So he's in stone in Ireland?" Tex ventured, parking in a spot near the office."Aye. I'm hoping to bring him here when I'm done with whatever my purpose is."Tex turned off the car. "Donal told me about having to protect Meg.""You seemed to handle all of this stuff that must be crazy to you," Sean said.Tex didn't answer until they were out of the car. "I was homeless for a year. I have seen some odd things. I also saw your brother fly onto a building.""I guess that would make you a believer," Sean said, chuckling.Jenkins Security was in a non-descript five-storied building. Only a small sign which indicated the firm inside. Sean was eager to see his brother again as he hadn't had a chance to talk to him since his first night here. "Donal should be in the office on the second floor," Tex said. "If there's anything I can do, let me know."Sean shook Tex's hand then wa
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 30: The Case
Colleen laughed. Delilah knew where she stood and she knew how to get what she wanted. Colleen could only admire that about her assistant. Sometimes she felt as if she'd been swept up in someone else's dream. Her advisors in school had pegged her as lawyer material from the moment she stepped into high school. When those same advisors told her what a lawyer made Colleen was on board. The idea of never being poor again made her work very hard towards the goal.She liked what she did, but she often thought there was more to life. That she should do more pro bono work. It might be more satisfying than defending spoiled rich kids."Don't fret, Colleen." Her voice softened and a wry smile curved her lips."Am I?""Yes," Delilah said. "I know you've been questioning what you are doing, but you'll figure out what you truly want.""You are wise for someone so young."Delilah waved a hand. "Oh, there was a package left earlier. I didn't open it because it said 'Confidential' on it.""Bring it i
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 31: The Ride Home
Protecting anyone was the same anywhere and in any time period. Always know what you were going into and always have an escape route. They could go back into the elevator. They could run up the stairwell and as Sean glanced out, he saw an exit. Three ways out. He didn't see anyone lurking around. "Which one is your car?""The gray Mercedes."He looked around for a gray car and hoped that was the one. "To the left?""Yes."He glanced around again then ushered her out of the elevator. The car beeped then unlocked. He held open the driver's door for her. She glanced at him. "I'm driving?""Yes. I can keep an eye on the surroundings better that way." She paused as if she was going to question him, then climbed into the car. He closed the door, looked around again then rushed around the car. He hopped into it."Are we good to go?" she said."Aye. Let's go."She started the car then pulled out of the space. They were into traffic in a few minutes. Sean looked around the whole time. He didn
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 32: Asking Questions
"It's safer if there's more than one of us," Sean said.She nodded, not knowing much about being protected. She'd never been in danger before. "You're from Ireland?""Aye. County Galway.""I was just there.""Oh?""Yes. Leenane. Such a pretty part of the world."He rose and put his plate in the sink. "You need me to wash it?""No. I can do it later.""You did cook for me."She waved a hand. "No. I'll do it. Besides, the maid will be in tomorrow. I can leave it for her."He tilted his head slightly then stood in the kitchen as if he had no idea what to do next. "Is my apartment secure?""Yes."He was a large man, taking up most of the space on that side of the island. Colleen waved a hand towards her television. "Feel free to watch if you want."He put up a large hand. "I don't watch.""As you saw I have a second bedroom. You didn't bring any clothing with you?""I'll get it later. I'll be fine with what I have now," he said.His expression never changed and she was once again reminded
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 33: She Gets to Work
Donal answered this one. "When he does something more to reveal himself, but don't worry, you are safe no matter where you are. We have people in your office besides Sean."Colleen bobbed her head then looked out the window again. Sean wanted to convince her that he was an expert at protecting fairies, but that would require her to know who she was. He and Donal exchanged a look in the rearview mirror. Donal wanted her to know as soon as possible because he'd almost died before he told Meg what she was. Meg had ultimately embraced her fairyhood. Would Colleen be so open-minded? Donal pulled into the underground garage at Colleen's law firm. He stopped by the elevator. "Your firm has gone to a lot of trouble to keep you safe. We're good at what we do and you are in good hands with Sean."Colleen nodded as she jumped out of the car. Sean followed her into the elevator. "Will he drive us home?""Someone will. Most likely a different vehicle."This was all more complicated than before he
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 34: Ride Home
Colleen laughed. "I guess it does. This protection is temporary. My life and happiness in it is more long term.""I guess we aren't going to solve any of your problems here." He lowered his gaze, looking at the top of her head. She could see him reflected in the glass wall behind them.She didn't argue. She just followed him out to the elevator. "The driver is here?""I sent a text as soon as O'Shannon left," Sean said.She studied his profile as they rode down to the parking garage. Once again, she was reminded of stone. Some artist had chiseled this man's jaw. Something about him drew her in a way she'd never experienced. Is this what women said when they met the one? The man they were supposed to marry? She searched her brain for what Meg had said about Donal. "What?" he stopped for a second. "You're staring at me."Had she been anyone else, she might have blushed, but she had never been shy about her interested in a man. "I just think you're attractive."He blinked. "Okay." He tur
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 35: Her Wish
Colleen stepped closer to him and he was powerless to move away. It was as if she had used magic to enchant him. He'd have to ask Donal if that was possible. She stood on her tiptoes, her lips inches from his. "I've made a wish for you."He took in her gorgeous green eyes, now a little darker. "Oh?"Then as if a hand had pushed his head closer to hers, he kissed her. His hands, of their own accord, dug into her hair, keeping her close to deepen the kiss. When he came up for air, he didn't feel as if he'd made a mistake. "Did you wish for that?""I wished that you wanted to kiss me." She stepped away, his hands letting her go and he felt the loss to his soul. "And you did. Maybe there is something to this wishing thing."She turned away and walked to the kitchen. Had the kiss not affected her? His heart raced and his body was on fire. Damn. This wasn't good. He didn't lose control normally.She looked at him from the doorway to the kitchen, an innocent smile curving her lips. "Lunch?
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When Gargoyles Love Chapter 58: To the Rescue
Declan banged on Colleen's door, knowing full well that Fiona wasn't there. He figured if she was with her friends, he could check out Brent a little more. Then he felt some distress from her, but couldn't tell where it was coming from. It was there, some kind of link, even if she said she hated him. Yes, something was wrong. His phone was dead so he couldn't locate her that way. Damned new technology. No, this was different."The feckin' goblin is blocking me."He didn't know how, but he knew it was Brent. Something more than a gut feeling overtook him. Why hadn't listened to the lessons he'd been supposed to learn? Declan banged on the door again then tried the knob. It opened in his hand. He looked up to see Colleen on the other side. "Where is she?"He stormed into the apartment, feeling like a caged animal. He could feel that Fiona was in some kind of distress, but he couldn't tell what. "She left us. She ran out and I assume she went home, but she didn't pick up when we called,"
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 57: No Protection
Declan wouldn't own Fiona. No man ever would. Which made her mind turn to Declan and it still made her mad that he thought some fancy story would get her into bed. Couldn't a guy just like her for who she was first? Men were poopyheads.Fiona pushed open the door. She found Colleen on the other side, a wine bottle half uncorked in her hand. "Hey."They hugged. Fiona felt relief wash over her. Meg yelled from the balcony. "Hey, Fi."Snacks were arranged on a low table between three lounge chairs. "Go out. I'll be there as soon as I wrestle this wine bottle."Fiona hugged Meg tightly, then plopped onto one of the chairs. "How's the job hunt going?" Meg asked. Fiona shrugged. "Not great, but I have a few weeks before I have to worry." She paused, not sure why she was reticent to tell them about Brent. "I had dinner with this guy.""A date?" Colleen said, walking out with the bottle and three glasses in her hands. "Nah. He wants to sponsor me and my art."A smile broke out onto Meg's f
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 56: Goblins Again
The goblin was trying to distract Declan. "I want you to leave Fiona alone. Don't contact her. Don't talk to her."Brent laughed then sipped some of his drink. "You know that I can kill you right now."The goblin could and it was arrogance and maybe youthful exuberance that had brought Declan to his door. He began to back away, closer to the door. "Then it won't be as fulfilling for you if you can't kill her in front of me.""I could live with that."Declan had underestimated his opponent. A rookie mistake for sure. Brent had been right about his inexperience. He'd made a tactical error and now not only was Declan going to die, but Fiona would, too, without having any idea why. His brothers might never know what happened to him since he'd never told them who the goblin was. Feck.Without a glance backward, Declan hurried to the balcony, unfurling his wings as he went. A rush of air almost enveloped him, but he was out of range fast enough. The surge of energy bypassed him as he flew a
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 55: Questions or Lies?
Fiona held her breath. Why did his opinion matter? She'd just met him, but he had seemed concerned about her from the beginning. Genuinely. Not that fake concern to get into her bed. She picked up her wine glass again to have something to hold."I see. Did you at least meet him in a public place?"She responded with a tilt of her head. "I'm a single girl living in the city. I'm not stupid."He picked up his wine glass and leaned back. Staring at her over the glass, he sipped. "The one I warned you against.""Yes. You're not my keeper, Declan. I can do what I want.""Even if it puts you in danger?"She rolled her eyes at him then let out a breath. "Declan. You're so dramatic. He's a nice man who just likes art." And maybe me a little bit, but Brent would get past that. "You aren't my brother or a boyfriend. You have no say."He nodded then sipped. After putting down the wine glass, he placed his hands on the counter. "I have something I need to tell you.""You aren't going to give me a
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 54: Down To Business
Brent leaned back in his chair, his gray eyes looking as if they were memorizing her features. "Business first.""Business, Brent. I don't mix that with anything else. I'm a serious artist and if you're serious about your offer, I want to know exactly what it is."He snagged his wine glass then swirled it in his hand. A wry grin creased his face. "I like you, Fiona. You know what you want.""I do and if you aren't my means to that then I need to move on and not waste either of our times."She glanced out the window again. They sat at a table for two and the streetlights were below them, illuminating the sidewalk. Fiona didn't notice anyone lingering. The building across the street was dark, but she couldn't see on the roof. When had she become paranoid?"Pragmatic as well as beautiful.""Seriously Brent. This isn't a date. You don't need to flatter me. You know I have no job and you have the upper hand. Let's get to what we need to discuss."He chuckled as he put down his wine glass. "
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 53: A Sponsor
She'd only ever done art for Damien. Her stuff never left her apartment. She looked around her bedroom to make sure none had left on its own. Silly as that idea was, she couldn't figure out how he would know what was hers and what was Damien's. "I've been around the art world for a few years. I know what goes on. Even if it has Damien's signature on it, I know it isn't always his. The colors you use are more vibrant than most of his paintings. I've been drawn to them and finally figured out that was the difference. You keep to his style, but his colors are more muted. As are those other assistants he has."Okay. So he knew what went on with artists. Fiona wasn't going to confirm or deny anything, but then she remembered Damien had fired her. That let her out of her contract. He'd broken it not her. "Okay. I'll admit that we often battled over color."Brent let out a guffaw. "I've known Damien for a few years. I think battled is a good word.""You know Damien?"Was this a setup? "Yes.
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 52: Carrying a Fairy
Declan's heart was beating fast. Not because of the exertion, but because of holding his fairy in his arms. He didn't want to feel this way. He should be detached, but Fiona had already gotten under his skin. As if she belonged to him. He unlocked the front door of her apartment building then carried her up the steps. She was singing the whole time. Hopefully, no one was sleeping.He put her down to unlock her apartment door. She fell against him, but he was able to get her into the apartment and lock the door behind them. He looked around having been too busy looking at Fiona when he'd picked her up the other night. He dropped the keys on a table then picked her up again. "Declan, you're carrying me to bed?""Just to sleep."Not that he wouldn't want to be with her. She was a beautiful woman. He'd never get tired of looking at her. He set her down on the bed, then went to work on her shoes. She leaned down and grabbed his hair. "I'm up here, buddy.""Fiona, let go of my hair."She d
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 51: What Now?
Damien must know about her conversation last night. She could lie and blame it on Declan, but she didn't. "Oh?""I know that you were checking out possible sponsors last night."Had she been set up? Had the man who approached her told Damien for some reason? Did her potential sponsor want her to be in a crappy position to negotiate? "I spoke to one man about making some art for him. Nothing was agreed upon."He smacked his hand on the desk, making her jump. "You know you can't create art for anyone else while you are under contract with me.""That contract will be up this year. There is nothing in it that says I can't lay the groundwork for that now."She'd read it again last night just to cover her butt. Damien shook his head. "I think you think that you are better than you are, Fiona. On your own? Mediocre. Maybe slightly better with my tutelage."God, he was arrogant. What had she seen in him? She remained silent, letting him get out whatever he wanted to say so she could go back to
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 50: Trouble Ahead
The nerve of him! was all Fiona could think as she scoped out the ballroom. There were only fifteen minutes left in the cocktail hour and then people would populate the tables. If she made contact with the person here, would it get back to Damien? This was a public place as Declan suggested. Feeling angry and petulant, Fiona wanted to leave Declan in the dust. Were he just some guy she might. Too bad he was the brother of her best friends' significant others. Get-togethers would be awkward. She roamed around the ballroom, deciding that settling at the bar might help her chances of someone talking to her. This was different than just picking up a guy. She could do that without breaking a sweat. No, this was business and important to the rest of her career. Hopefully, she wouldn't say something stupid.Fiona stopped at the bar and ordered a soda. "Make that two," Declan said next to her. "I never said you didn't have talent, Fiona."He hadn't. She'd read into his words and come up wit
