Page 71 of Exile and Embrace

Though I can’t find the words to tell him how I feel about him right now, accepting the date seems like enough for him.

Finn is a good man. He’s not going to hurt me the way his brother did.

Nobody could compare to that level of hurt.

But Finn is still a man with a commitment to the mob. He goes to work every day, and I never know if it’s going to be the last day I see him.

I wouldn’t recover if he was killed. I know I wouldn’t.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been the fool who has allowed another Byrne boy to worm his way into my heart. I’ve allowed him to get close and see me fall apart while I go on a wild goose chase.

I’ve given him the power to hurt me like I swore I would never give anyone ever again.

Yet, he hasn’t taken advantage of that power once.

Hopefully, letting this Byrne boy in won’t break my heart.

Finn pushes off the table, taking a few steps back. “Go get changed, Ava. As much as I may like the little sundress, it’s not going to be practical for the fair.”

Excitement surges through me. “We’re going to the fair? I haven’t been to one in years.”

He laughs and nods, giving me a gentle nudge toward the bedroom. “If you keep taking this long to go get ready, the fair is going to leave town before we even get there.”

I hurry down the hall, disappearing into the bedroom to get changed. I pull out a pair of black leggings and a lilac crop top, swapping them for my dress quickly.

As soon as I have a pair of high-tops on, I head back out into the living room.

Finn grabs the black and white flannel from where I tossed it on the armchair earlier today. “You’re going to want this. It’s cold out, and it might rain before we get home.”

I take the flannel and slide it on, stuffing my phone and wallet into one of the pockets.

Finn takes my hand, lacing his fingers through mine.

My heart skips a beat as we leave the house, grabbing the motorcycle helmets on the way by.

We stop beside the motorcycle, and Finn takes my helmet.

His touch is soft as he puts it on me before snapping the buckle beneath my chin. He does the same, putting his visor down and getting onto the motorcycle.

He nudges the kickstand with his foot before starting the motorcycle. It roars to life as I climb on behind him.

I’m too aware of every inch of my body pressed against his as he drives us to the fair.

My hands press against his toned stomach, and my thighs bracket his. As I press closer to him on a sharp turn, my core aches.

I need him.

Finn reaches down and puts his hand on my thigh, squeezing it as we enter the parking lot.

Bright and colorful lights ignite the night. Cheery music plays, and the scent of funnel cakes wafts through the air.

My mouth waters at the delicious smell while Finn parks the motorcycle.

We get off, and Finn takes the helmets, stashing them in the saddlebags.

I’m bouncing on my toes beside him, already eyeing one of the rides that locks you in a cage and flips you upside down.

Finn takes my hand again, his palm rough and warm. “What do you want to do first?”

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