Page 63 of Burn It Down
Coming to Cage first had been a mistake. But he was my big brother who always protected me. Finn seemed to be reading my mind as he spoke next.
“Don’t come to Cage next time, Sweet Girl. You’re mine to take care of now, you get me? You come to me first when shit happens. Fucking hurts that you came to him first, but I get it. No more, you get me? It’s my fucking job to take care of you now.” I offered another nod and snuggled closer.
“I didn’t want you to go to jail. Or get in trouble. You, uh…don’t have the best track record with your temper, baby.” Finn smirked and cupped my face in his large hands.
“I know. I appreciate you trying to protect me, but not if it costs us something. You got me? Come here, Sweet Girl. I was fucking scared. Let me hold you awhile.” So, I did.
Soon, though, he and Cage were talking, devising a plan. Apparently, those calls earlier had gotten Cage some info on Jordan Dexter. Where he lived, where he was from, even a little bit about his past.
Evidently, he had been suspected of having an affair with a student in Boston. Explained why he had come here this year. The boys promised they would do nothing but keep an eye on me. Then Finn made it very clear who was in charge.
“I take you to work or school. If you’re not with me, you’re with Cage or Charli. Here or the condo. Never alone, you got me? I don’t know if this pretty motherfucker is even dangerous, but let’s play it like he is. You hear from him, find anything else, you do like you did with the photo. I’ll tell Diggs to look into it, but keep it quiet. Don’t want to alert the fucker.” Cage just nodded along as Finn decided how we were going to deal with Jordan.
“Call me or Charli if you need anything. Or even Harper or Stella. Don’t stay at the condo alone, Red. He knows you live there.” Charli soothed a hand over Cage’s back as he tensed.
“I’m so stupid for taking him to my place that night,” I shot a look at Finn who bowed his head, “it was childish.” Finn sighed and hooked a thick arm around my neck, kissing my temple.
“My fault. Besides, he might have found out some other way even if you hadn’t. That pretty motherfucker has wanted you forever. Too fucking bad. You’re mine, and that’s how it’s staying.” Cage and he shared a look, and I shared my own with Charli.
It was the first time he had out right claimed something between us. I felt exhilarated. Alive. Turned on as shit, too. We sat around the fire talking about Cage’s own similar situation.
It almost cost him his relationship with Charli; not because of the girl, but because of lies. I should have learned from their example and told Finn right from the start.
Charli and I offered to make dinner, but both guys had to head into work. Charli and Cage stepped out on the porch to say their goodbyes. I was glad, because one, I got some alone time with Finn for my own goodbye. Two, I had seen their goodbyes and would rather not see them again. Gross.
“Sweetheart,” Finn growled low and deep as he held my face in his hands, “I am about to go caveman as shit on you. You’re mine, Gigi. I won’t let someone take you away again. You let me know when you come and go. For now, till we figure out how serious he is. I won’t let you get hurt.” I nodded and lifted on my tip toes to touch my nose to his, my arms hooking at his neck.
“I should have told you. I wasn’t hiding it, baby. I mean, I was, but I thought for good reasons. It was not a good enough reason to lie to you. I won’t again, I promise.” Finn let out a soft sound and lifted me against him.
“Don’t lie to me again, Gigi. I can’t take it. Lies have almost torn us apart more than once. Let’s kick the habit, yeah? Don’t you forget this.” Finn hooked his left hand around my wrist, flashing the tattoo he’d gotten to claim me as his.
“How could I forget, baby? It’s all I have ever wanted.” I cooed before letting him crush me to him, his mouth taking mine.
For longer than I am sure he had time for, he kissed me. Desperate and deep, his tongue tracing my mouth, then plunging inside.
Finn was scared, but he had no reason to be. I had taken my chance to try something else; not only did it land me a crazy stalker, it clarified what I had always suspected. I truly was Finn Cooper’s. I didn’t want to be anything else.
“When will you be home?” I whispered as I rubbed against him, needing more than his kiss.
“Late, Sweetheart. Stay here for me, yeah? I’ll come get you here, okay? Have your girls’ night in with Charli Doll. I…I’ll see you soon.” I pouted up at him, and he laughed the first laugh since he had walked in the door.
“Tarzan act might have made Jane hot.” I pressed closer, and he growled, cupping my backside.
“Well, shit. Might have to go caveman more often, yeah? Mmm, don’t be naughty without me. Keep your pussy locked up tight till tonight. I promise I’ll remind you just why I have the key for it.” That left hand slid between my legs and cupped me roughly, and I moaned.
“Tease. Fucking tease. Go. Save lives. Rescue kittens. Think about how hot you’re leaving your woman.” Finn laughed again, and I smiled before he swatted at my backside.
“I’m supposed to leave you hot and wanting me. That’s what keeps you coming back for more. Be safe for me, yeah?” Finn’s eyes were cloudy, and I hated to worry him so I knew I would obey whatever demands he made now.
“Yes, baby. I’ll stay right here till my Tarzan comes for me. Night, baby. You be safe, for me.” One last lingering kiss, then he was yanking Cage away from his goodbyes to Charli.
We watched them go, and I realized I felt on edge once they were gone. Jordan had me more scared than I had realized. Charli and I ordered in some Indian food, then she rented some movies from pay-per-view.
Settling in beside Charli, we curled beneath the same blanket as we shared food and popcorn. It wasn’t mani-pedis but it was still a pretty epic night.
Sometime during the night, I dozed off. I woke up with a warm body wrapped around me. It was dark, and I felt groggy as panic shot through me. Then I felt his hand work up my front to close around my throat.
Finn. The tattoo caught the moonlight, and I calmed just like that. I twisted into him, snuggling back as he breathed deeply into my neck. I wanted to go home, wondered how I had missed half the night. Finn murmured something at the back of my neck.
