Page 57 of Beautiful Revenge

Finn releases both of my breasts and sits up. “So, if I fucked you right now, would you stop me?”

I don’t know how to answer that.

I want to say ‘Yes,’ I would stop him. A part of me means it. I want to be worshipped and respected and Finn is not the man for that.

But I also want to say no. That I would not stop him. A dark, dangerous part of my mind wonders what it would be like to be ravaged by a man like Finn. Once I’m taken, I would be free from the shackles I’ve had around myself all my life. From the shackles of my good reputation.

My father never let me date. If I had the choice, I probably would have found a man already. I probably wouldn’t still be a virgin.

I want to live a little.

My lips part but no sound comes out. Fear cripples me. I want to answer both ways but I know I can’t and it’s stopping me.

Finn smirks like he can read my mind. “Thought so.” He lets me go and stands up. I can finally suck in air again.

“Thought so what?” I snap. I resist the urge to put the shirt back on.

“You’re still afraid of me as you should be.”

“One act of kindness doesn’t outweigh all the bad you’ve done.”

“Good. I don’t want you to see me as a good man, princess.”

I sit up and this time, I can’t help but bring the shirt to my chest. Being half-naked in front of Finn is making it hard to think. “Why?”

“I don’t have to explain myself to you.”

“You’re confusing,” I admit. “You relish being disliked. Who wants that? That sounds… lonely.”

My words seem to strike a chord with him as his eyes open wider. “Enough,” he growls. “It’s still dark out. I need to get some sleep.” He leaves the room without another word.

When he shuts the door behind him, I hear it lock.

Finn hasn’t changed at all but for a moment, something got through to him tonight. If he’s not evil, then I can work with him to release me. I can make him see that it’s the good thing to do.

But convincing Finn of doing a good thing is going to be an incredibly challenging task.

Finn

Viktor is back to war with Erik and Dante, just the way I want it. Just the way I orchestrated it.

I need something to do to push Aria from my mind so I go to Viktor the next morning. He tried to kill me in the past and I’m pissed at him for that but he’s still my best chance at taking Dante and Erik down. He has the power to do so.

Viktor’s house is swarming with guards. They force me to stop before I can even reach the front gate.

“Tell Viktor that Finn Murphy is here and he wants to talk.”

They call Viktor and after a minute, motion me on through. They do take my gun with them. Bastards.

Viktor meets me at the front door. “Finn.”

“Aren’t you going to let me inside, Vik?”

“I told you to never call me that.”

“Fine. Viktor.”

“You’re the reason I’m at war with Erik and Dante again.”