Page 89 of Manacled Hearts

“I wouldn’t mind the answer to that question either.” Morri pops up at my side, then joins the scarred man before me.

I roll my eyes at both of them. “Absolutely nothing. Clearly.” I want to slap my hand over my mouth because I’m giving far too freaking much away.

They exchange a curious look, and it feels like a silent conversation about me.

“Nothing at all?” the redhead insists.

I’m not quick enough to answer and her brows shoot up, and yet again she exchanges a look with Maddox.

“Hey! Stop that!”

She chuckles at my outburst and shakes her head.

“I knew it. Christ, it’s about time. Isn’t it?” She looks to Madds for the answer.

He nods and leans against the bar, a thoughtful look in his eyes, like he’s drifting somewhere in the past. But then he shakes his head.

“He’s a player, Evie. He fucks a new girl every week, sometimes every night. He doesn’t date. He’s not for you.”

“You cannot decide what is and isn’t for me,” I push back. “If I decide I wish to sleep around with Finnigan Hennessey, I’ll do however I please. But just so you know, no, there’s nothing going on between the two of us. Nothing at all.” No matter how much I tried.

Madds is about to argue, but Morri sets a hand over his forearm stopping him. “I hate to tell you, big guy, but Finnigan hasn’t fucked around in a while…”

“What?” Both Maddox and I exclaim at the same time, and he scowls.

“It’s just an observation. Though, it is coming from me, Vin, and Carter. Finn lacking a woman on his arm every other night is something noticeable.” She shrugs. “And I believe the reason he hasn’t is standing right in front of me.”

“Come to think of it…” Madds trails off. “Oh, for fucks sakes! I’m gonna kill him!” he bursts.

“Oh, settle down. Christ, you really do take your big brother duties seriously.” Morri laughs.

I feel all fuzzy with affection for the man, but I catch a hint of sadness in his eyes too. It’s gone just as fast as it appeared. He mentioned a sister once, but the subject was shut down before it barely started. Maybe one day I’ll pry.

“Madds, seriously. There’s nothing going on with him and I, he just… pisses me off. Kind of like what you’re doing right now.” I fold my arms over my chest, cocking my head at him.

Is my act working?

Yet, my mind drifts to their words—Finnigan hasn’t been seen with a woman in a long while, which they find abnormal. Something swells inside my chest at the thought that I could be the reason why. Not only that, but there’s a hot tingle deep between my legs that revels in the idea of it.

He can reject me all he wants, but the man is lying to himself. And I would smile from ear to freaking ear if it wasn’t for these two watching me.

“Should we go home?” I ask, eager to end the night now.

“Great idea,” Morri says, downing her drink and setting her glass on the bar.

“Well, I don’t know how you feel about this”—Maddox speaks as he looks at his phone, then at me—“but he’s there, at your apartment. Waiting for you.”

“Excuse me?” I exclaim.

My belly flutters at the sound of it, and I sneak a peek at his screen, then fall back, wobbling a little. I think the alcohol is messing with my head, because the words I read make both annoyance and excitement resonate through me.

WHO THE FUCK WAS SHE DANCING WITH?!

Maybe I’m an idiot for flinging myself at this guy, but I can’t explain the pull I have to him. I crave to unravel him, even when his rejections are constant, and his words bite harsher than necessary. After today, I was sure I was ready to give up and move on with my life, but I think all I wanted was a bit of revenge. Rouse him up like a petulant child just to get a reaction.

Well… technically I didn’t get a reaction. Madds did. But I’ll take it, nonetheless.

“Let’s get Lulu then,” Morri speaks and my attention goes to her.

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