Page 45 of Finn

She’s quiet for a minute, and I realize the noise level has disappeared. “Finn, I don’t know what’s going on, obviously, but I can’t go through this shit again. Not with Riley and not with you. There’s tension in the air, and I don’t fucking like it.”

Christ. We need this handled quick. All the women in my life are going to drive me fucking insane. “Gillian, we’ve got it handled. Don’t worry that gorgeous head of yours, alright?”

She sighs, clearing her throat. “I told Mia I’d be her best friend too.”

I laugh and glance over at Mia. “Oh yeah?”

“Yeah, I like her, and she needs someone. You cool with that?” she asks.

“Yeah, Gillian. I’m definitely cool with that,” I say, shaking my head.

“Good, ‘cause I was starting to feel guilty like I was going behind your back. You know ‘cause she’s gonna tell me shit you never would,” she says, laughing.

I laugh, causing Mia to look at me. I give her a wink, and she smiles. “She deserves to have that.”

“Finn, promise me things are gonna be alright?”

She’s worried and trying to hide it like all the girls do. So, I finish off my beer and turn my back to Mia. “You know I can’t promise that, but I will promise to do everything in my power to make sure it is.”

“Thanks, Finn.”

We hang up, and I sit on the couch while Mia continues to talk to her mom, giving directions and looking out the window.

This is gonna be over soon. Having Vic here will lure out Jim, and we’ll convince him to call off the feds. Things will go back to normal soon, and I can focus on my relationship with Mia.

The end is coming. I can feel it.

14

Mia

I’m staring out the window, waiting on my mom. Finn is sitting quietly on the couch, and I know it’s because he’s giving me the space he thinks I want. The thing is, I don’t want space. Not from him.

The way he just fucked me. His angry words, rough hands, and possessiveness did exactly what he wanted. He wanted to prove I couldn’t always get what I wanted, and all I wanted was to feel my release. The longer he held it off, the more pissed I got, but in the end, it was a relief. When he wrapped his hand around my throat, I felt fear for a second, but when I looked into his eyes, I knew I was safe. I’m always safe with him. I get it now. He needs my trust. He’s proven I have his, bringing me to meet his mom and sharing with me what he can. I need to prove he has mine.

I turn away from the window, watching and looking at him. His eyes are on me as always, and I grin. “I don’t want you to sit on the couch. I’d like you to be right next to me. I want my mom to meet the man I’m falling for,” I say, holding out my hand.

He grins and stands up, grabbing my hand and pulling me against him. His fingers sink into my hair as his blue eyes bounce between mine. “I told you the other night I was giving myself to you, and I meant it. I’m yours, Mia. I’ll do whatever the hell it takes to make you happy.”

I fight back the tears as I stare into his soft eyes. “I am happy, Finn. Being with you, a part of your world makes me happy.”

He presses his lips to mine and kisses me. It’s slow, soft, and deep. Possessive and protective. Just like him.

When he pulls back, he rests his forehead on mine. He searches my face and sighs. “Tell me your biggest fear,” he says.

“Being alone,” I whisper.

He kisses my nose and pulls back slightly, sinking his fingers into my hair. “Why?”

My brows dip in confusion, and I fist his t-shirt in my hands. “I guess because most of my life, I’ve been alone. Sure, I had my parents and relationships to some degree, but I never felt a connection to anyone. I went to bed feeling alone and woke up feeling alone. Ivy was my first genuine friend, and she left. I just want what all the girls in the club have. The friendships and relationships. I just didn’t know that part until I was here.”

A small grin hits his lips as he nods. “You’re not alone now, angel. You feel that, right?”

I smile as he tightens his hold on my hair. “Yeah, Finn. I don’t feel alone anymore. I feel alive, accepted, and loved.”

He wraps his arms tightly around me and whispers, “Good.”

When he pulls back, I grab his shirt, keeping him close to me. “Hold on. I shared mine, so it’s only fair you share your biggest fear.”

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