A Highland Heist A Contemporary Highland Romance Book Three by Cali MacKay Page A

“What’s this about, Aidan?”
    “I don’t want to go worrying ye, but I thought ye should know. Seamus Flaherty ran into Da at the pub and was asking about you and your work.” He ran a rough hand across his chin. “Ye know what Flaherty’s like, aye? Figured ye might want to keep an eye out.”
    She groaned. This was trouble she didn’t need. Few knew that her father spent his formative years as a thief-a damn good one, too, until he met her ma, fell in love and abandoned his old life for one on the straight and narrow. Not exactly the sort of information she wanted getting out when she ran a security firm-even if her father was a big part of why she was so good at her job. And what the hell would Conall think when he also dealt with company securities? It certainly wouldn’t do his reputation any good either.
    Unfortunately, Flaherty ran the crew her da had been with and had yet to abandon his career for more honorable and legal pursuits. “Did Da mention the Hope-the necklace?”
    “No, but I imagine Flaherty already knew about it if he was asking after ye.” Aidan tugged at one of her loose locks, as if hearkening back to the days when he was just a wee lad and used to pull her hair. “Ye’ll be careful, yeah?”
    “Yeah.” She looked at her little brother, all grown up and worrying about her. It was hard to be away for so long, always on a job. Seemed he’d become a man when she had her back turned. “The Flaherty crew is always snooping around, but it seldom amounts to much. They usually have enough to keep them busy without pissing on their home turf. And they know not to anger Da. Still…with a big enough prize, they might risk it, and the Highlander’s Hope is certainly that. Don’t go worrying about it too much, though.”
    “I’ll keep an eye out and an ear to the ground. If I hear of anything more, I’ll be sure to send word.” Aidan stuck his hands in his pockets, his brow still furrowed with worry.
    “I appreciate it. And don’t go worrying yerself. It’ll be fine.” She reached up and ruffled his thick hair, just like she used to when he was little.
    “By the way, I like yer fella there. Doesn’t say much, but seems like he’ll do right by ye.” He gave her a crooked smile. “Though I hope ye realize, it’d be a hell of a lot easier on us if every guy didn’t go falling in love with ye.”
    She burst out laughing. “As if that’s ever been the case, ye wee gobshite.”
    ***
    “Thanks for doing that, love.” Maggie mumbled the words between kisses, as Conall leaned against the hotel door, pushing it shut. All morning long she’d been looking forward to getting him alone.
    “Och, ye’ll be making it up to me, lass.” Conall laughed against her lips as his hands slipped under her shirt, hot against her skin, his touch making her heart race. “I thought they might take me out back and string me up by my ankles for having the audacity to seek yer company.”
    She smiled between kisses. “They liked ye.”
    “Bloody hell. I’d hate to see what they’re like when they don’t like one of yer boyfriends.” Trailing slow kisses down her neck, they moved farther into the room while she tugged at his sweater, desperate to get the man naked.
    He was so unlike anyone she knew, let alone dated, and despite his brusque exterior, he left her breathless now that he’d let his guard down and she’d gotten to know him better. Each moment spent in his company, in his arms, left him claiming yet another piece of her heart. And she was happy to give it to him-except for the fact that he’d made it clear he had no interest in that sort of thing.
    So what the hell was she doing? It was one thing to live her life to the fullest and another to foolishly risk her heart on someone who’d made his stance clear.
    “What’s wrong, love? Ye’re distracted and yer smile’s faded.” He cupped her cheek in his hand, and brushed a thumb across her skin, his brow drawn with worry. “I