Page 28 of Liberating Mia
“I did say that, didn’t I?”
“Yep, you did. And I’m going to hold you to it. Let’s get out of here, and you can show me how you intend caring for me.” Waggling his eyebrows at her, his dimple popped out as his grin turned suggestive. He felt that particular brand of warmth he only experienced with her spread through him as she grinned back at him.
“Well, come on then, Superman.”
Chapter Nineteen
Mia laughed and smiled, bantered and joked. Deep inside, though, her thoughts and feelings were in turmoil. Anxiety lurked in the background, waiting to snare her in its nasty web as soon as she let her guard down.
Since Finn had rescued her from the hellhole she’d been caged in, she’d been worrying about where she’d go, what she would do, when he cut her loose. Dylan was dead. But Mason was still on the loose. She hadn’t liked him from the beginning. Something had always seemed off with the man, and now she understood why she’d felt that way about him. With him still out there, she was still too afraid to return to her family. It would kill her if anything happened to them because of her.
She wasn’t sure how to feel about Dylan’s death. She’d fancied herself in love with him until he’d shown himself to be nothing like she thought he was. Unwittingly having revealed the evil monster that lay beneath the urbane exterior he showed the world, he’d shattered her dreams of a happy ever after in suburban bliss.
Wrapped in her unhappy thoughts, Mia startled violently when Finn laid a hand on her arm.
“Hey now. You okay there, Sugar? I didn’t mean to scare you. Where’d you go?”
Not wanting to share her troubled thoughts, she simply said, “Sorry, was just wondering if the hotel has room for me since I don’t have anywhere else to go around here.”
“No need to worry. You can stay with me. Besides, you promised the good doctor you’d make sure I took care of myself, and I’m holding you to that promise.”
“If you’re sure?”
“Of course. Come on.” Taking her hand, Finn led her back to the waiting area. “Dammit. I just remembered I don’t have my own ride. I need to make a quick call.”
Mia watched him pace away from her as he waited for his call to connect. He spoke briefly to whomever he was phoning before returning to her and leading her over to the chairs.
“My partner’s on his way.”
“Thanks.”
In the bright light of the room, she studied Finn. He was leaned back in his seat, eyes closed. The man looked tired, his color grey under his tan. Her heart clenched at the sight. He’d been injured saving her and the many others who had been awaiting a fate worse than death on that wharf tonight. She hated that it had happened to him
The automatic doors opened, and she saw his partner stop just inside, clearly searching for Finn. She lifted her hand to snag his attention. Spotting them, he came over.
“Hey.”
“Hi.” She gave him a shy smile.
“About time you got here, slowpoke,” Finn spoke, eyes still closed.
“Quit your bitching and get your ass out to the car.”
Laughing, Finn flip Desai off as he got to his feet and offered a hand to Mia. She lay her smaller one in his, bracing for the buzz of electricity she knew she’d feel at the contact. His touch did things to her. She couldn’t deny it. Now just wasn’t the time.
The drive back to the hotel didn’t take long. Finn and Desai bantered back and forth while Mia sat quietly in the back, completely absorbed in her thoughts. So much had happened in the last short while that her brain scrambled to process the gamut of emotions.
When the car stopped in front of the hotel, Finn repeated his chivalrous gesture. He opened her door and held out a hand, rock steady despite everything that had occurred. Smiling her thanks, Mia alighted, following Finn into the lobby. It seemed like a lifetime ago she’d left this very hotel, so surreal to have come full circle.
“Finn.”
She heard a voice that sounded like gravel crossed with hot, melted chocolate. A voice to make a woman sit up and take note. Turning toward it, she saw what could only be described as a silver fox standing over near the door to the bar. He sounded American, like Finn.
“Boss,” she heard Finn reply. “Wasn’t expecting you back so soon.”
“Yeah, I wrapped things up sooner than expected back home so hopped a flight day before yesterday and here I am. In fact, I was in the airport when you phoned for permission to raid. A word?” She saw the older gentleman gesture to the bar behind him.
Since Finn was still holding her hand and refused to release it when she tugged, Mia had no choice but to follow him. She almost bumped into him when he stopped suddenly at a table.
