Finn (Blue-Collar Billionaires #2)

by M. Malone

  "Another bath?"

  Suddenly self-conscious about my obvious love for this decadent bathtub, I poke my tongue out at him. "I'm pampering myself before our date. I didn't get to relax last time. I was too busy being ravished by this insatiable caveman."

  "Cavemen are so demanding, aren't they?” His eyes roam over every inch of my exposed skin. "I could definitely get used to this view."

  I draw my knees up teasingly, blocking my breasts from his view. "You can't just watch me! If you want to see then you have to get in."

  "If I get in there with you, we won't make dinner." But that doesn't stop him from sitting on the side of the tub and stroking his fingers over my skin.

  "Hmm, are you sure?" Because I'm starting to care less and less about going out now that he's here and his hand is making its way slowly up my thigh.

  "I'm sure. But that doesn't mean I can't play a little." His mouth covers mine just as his hand cups me. I arch into the touch and when I gasp, he chuckles against my mouth.

  "So soft. So sweet. I could just play with this all day." He croons between kisses.

  The water laps against the side of the tub as his arm moves, dancing over my pussy lips, teasing me until my hips lift of their own accord, trying to get more contact with his fingers. When I open my eyes, he's watching me. That sends my desire skyrocketing. I've never come like this, while I'm lost in ecstasy and he's so still. Watchful.

  "I just want to see it. The moment when you fall apart. It's so beautiful."

  Suddenly he thrusts one thick finger deep inside me, pressing and holding it there while his palm grinds against me. I explode against his hand, my cry swallowed when he kisses me again. The pleasure rolls through me like a wave until I'm leaning against Finn's arm completely boneless. When I open my eyes again, his carnal stare is fixed down at the water where his hand is buried between my thighs. He gently pulls his fingers out and I shudder at the small shocks of pleasure caused by the movement. He sees my reaction and grins, looking completely pleased with himself. I laugh weakly. I can't even fault the man for his arrogance in this particular case. He really is quite talented.

  "This memory is going to keep me on the edge of my seat all night," he comments. He reaches for the towel and then extends his hand. I stand and step out of the tub, shivering as the cool air hits my skin. He rubs me briskly with the soft towel and then when I'm dry, tosses it on the floor. I just shake my head and bend over to pick it up and hang it back on the rack.

  "Come on, we're going to be late."

  "Late? Does that mean reservations?"

  He chuckles at my attempt to pry our destination out of him. "Perhaps. But first we have a very important appointment."

  I put on my best lingerie and at Finn's indication, the more formal dress. It's long and black with a sweetheart neckline that frames my chest perfectly.

  When he sees me standing in front of the mirror, he pauses. "Every time I see you, I wonder how the hell I ever got so lucky."

  The compliment sends a warm shiver through my veins. With a chest my size, it's hard to find dresses that don't make me look like a wannabe porn star but this one gives me a classic hourglass silhouette and I always feel beautiful when I wear it. Finn emerges from his closet wearing all black. A black suit, black shirt and a slim black tie. On anyone else it would probably look depressing but on him, the effect is magnetic.

  "You look good, too. Very James Bond."

  He laughs at that and then offers me his arm. When we walk out to the elevators together it all feels so magical. I want to giggle a little because I feel like I'm in a movie, getting whisked off for a night on the town with a handsome man.

  The Bentley is at the curb and I smile at Jonah. He gives me the tight-lipped version of a smile that I've come to realize is just his way. I was sure he didn't like me in the beginning but then over time I observed that he's like this with everyone. He seems to take his job very seriously and I'm grateful for that.

  It makes me feel better to know that Finn has someone watching his back. He worries about me but I worry the same way for him. Especially now that he has money because after my time in the Carrington's world, I know just how many people are willing to lie, cheat, steal and even kill for it.

  After we climb in, Finn gives Jonah a signal. I pout. I'd figured that I'd finally learn where we were going once we got in the car but it seems Finn has thought of that, too. My mind goes back to what he said earlier about having an appointment. I'm not sure what that even means but the excitement of not knowing has me practically bouncing in my seat.

  Finn watches me squirm with an amused grin. "We're almost there, angel."

  The car slows and turns. I peer out the window, reading the signs as we pass. Finally we pull into the driveway of a modest brick house.

  "You're taking me to a house?" I look over at Finn. Then I realize where we are. "You're taking me to see Claire?"

  "Yeah, I hope that's okay. She could really use the pick-me-up and I know she'll get a kick out of seeing us in our fancy clothes."

  "Of course it's okay. I can't wait to see her again."

  He opens the door with his key and ushers me into the living room. "Mom? We're here."

  The house is cool and quiet. If I didn't know anyone was here, I would think it was empty. I glance over at Finn. I can feel the change come over him. I wish there was something I could do to help him but I don't know what. If my mother was sick, I'm not sure how I would handle it.

  Finn squeezes my hand. "Have a seat. I'll just go make sure she's awake."

  I nod. "Of course. And if she's not up for visitors, I completely understand."

  He kisses my hand and then disappears into one of the bedrooms at the end of the hall. I walk to the couch and sit down to wait. A few minutes later, Finn leans his head back out. "She's ready now."

  As soon as I walk into the bedroom, Claire lets out a little gasp. "Rissa Blake! Look at you. All grown up." Her voice is softer than I remember and she looks delicate. The scarf tied around her head makes her seem even smaller and fragile for some reason.

  My heart breaks a little but I'm not here to remind her of how crappy she's been feeling. So with bravado that I don't really feel, I do a little twirl so she can see the full effect of the dress.

  Claire claps and her smile widens. "You look so beautiful. Come here."

  Dutifully, I approach and lean down to give her a hug. "It's really good to see you again, Claire. I was so sorry to hear about you being sick when Finn told me."

  She glances over at her son. Finn has lowered himself to sit on the other side of the bed. I can tell that his leg must be bothering him again by the way he's got it stretched out. He never tells me when it's hurting but I'm starting to pick up on the signs.

  "I can't believe Finn has been keeping you a secret all this time. I should have known there was something going on when he looked so happy the last few times he's visited. You always could make him laugh."

  "He makes me laugh, too. And drives me crazy. He tells me to get dressed up but won't tell me where we're going!"

  She looks over at Finn. "That sounds like him. But you both look wonderful. I love the neckline on this dress, too."

  Fashion was always one of the ways Claire and I connected. She'd welcomed me with open arms and declared that now she had someone to talk about "girl things" with. I know Finn and Tank both used to complain that their Mom would tell them stories with way too much romantic detail in them. But I personally loved hearing her stories. Claire was always animated and fun, a lot like my mom.

  Funny how I never realized how much I missed this, being a part of Finn's family until now.

  "I know my mom would love to come visit you sometimes, too."

  Claire reaches out for my hand. "Oh that would be wonderful. Gloria was always a lot of fun. You kids don't even know some of the fun we got into when you weren't around. Two hot mamas on the prowl!"

  Finn groans and I can't contain my laughter. "Gloria is sti
ll on the prowl. I'm sure she'll tell you all about her newest boyfriend."

  We chat for a little bit longer and I give her mom's cell phone number since I know my mom won't mind.

  After about half an hour, Finn glances at his watch. "Well, I guess we'd better get going."

  He leans down and kisses Claire's cheek. I do the same.

  "We'll let you get some sleep now, Mom."

  "Thank you for coming by. Now take this beautiful girl out and show her a good time." Claire's eyes are already drooping so I know it's definitely time for us to leave.

  As we walk back down the driveway to the car, Finn suddenly pulls me into his arms. "Thank you."

  "For what?"

  "Making her smile. For making me laugh. For being you."

  The tears I made myself tamp down in front of Claire spring to my eyes again. The reality that Claire might not recover scares me. Because Finn has already had to deal with so much tragedy in his life. "I really hope she gets better."

  "Me too. Now come on. I have something else I want to show you."

  CHAPTER NINE

  FINN

  A week later, Jonah drops me off in front of the StarCrest hotel. It's time for another one of my scheduled visits with my father. After spending the past week with Rissa, it's hard to get back to the real world. Time seems to suspend when we're together. After visiting my mom, I'd taken her to the most expensive, most exclusive restaurant in the area. We'd spent about ten minutes admiring the beautiful atmosphere and sipping champagne.

  Then she'd leaned across the table and told me proper dates were boring and she'd really rather I took her home and fucked her in the Jacuzzi again. I left five hundred dollars on the table and didn't bother waiting for the check.

  Ever since then she's been delegating more of her work and spending more time at home. We've been encapsulated in a glorious little bubble, isolated away from everything except the way we feel about each other.

  But there are certain obligations that can't be neglected. My father definitely falls into that category.

  When I first learned of my newfound inheritance, I was surprised to find out that my father owns a large amount of local real estate. Not just hotels but restaurants and businesses. Considering that he left us alone to fend for ourselves for the better part of two decades, it was a shock to learn that he’d never really left the area. He’s been investing heavily in Virginia for the majority of his life.

  I walk slowly through the lobby to the elevators, cursing the need to use my cane. Some days I can leave it behind but when walking on these slick polished floors, I need the stability. As I step into the elevator, I ignore the blatant stares and pitying glances from the other people on board. A young man with a cane is always a sight, no matter how hard people try not to notice.

  Finally I’m the last one and the elevator dings as I reach Max’s floor. The petite redhead who answers his door smiles brightly at me. “Finn, come in. He’s waiting for you.”

  “Thank you, darling.”

  Rissa’s words about my flirting come back to me. Flirting comes naturally to me and I never think about it as anything serious. But hearing from Rissa that my behavior played a part in the way things worked out made an impression on me.

  I follow her into the living room of the suite. My father is already there, his wheelchair positioned next to the window. I know he hates being in it just as I hate using my cane. But since he’s fresh out of the hospital after a heart attack, he should be happy just to be home.

  “Finn. Come in.”

  I move to the couch facing him and lower myself carefully, stretching my leg out. These weekly meetings are basically bullshit but they make my bank account happy so I show up every week. I got a reprieve for the last few weeks since Max was fresh out of the hospital and still recovering. We all visited him while he was there multiple times and that seemed to make him happy.

  “They won’t bring me a burger. I should fire them all. Start over.” Max grumbles.

  I stifle a smile. He looks so disgruntled, like a child who’s been denied his favorite toy. Then I imagine the juicy burger his chef prepared for me the last time I was here. Maybe he’s not entirely unjustified in his desire. I could easily get spoiled eating like that.

  “You won’t be firing anyone today, Max. Just relax.” The redhead smiles down at him affectionately which seems to settle him down a little. That’s one thing I’ve noticed about my father, he seems to inspire a great deal of loyalty in most of his staff members. I’m assuming he’s probably paying them pretty well.

  “I saw Luke.” I don’t mention that I’ve been visiting him every other day.

  Max immediately perks up. “You did? What did he say?”

  “I don’t think you want me to repeat some of what he said.”

  He wheels himself to the sideboard and pours himself a drink. He holds up the bottle to me and I shake my head.

  “Luke thinks you’re hiding something.”

  His hand pauses in mid-pour and some of the liquid sloshes over the side of the glass. “What do you mean?”

  “That’s why he doesn’t want to see you. He thinks you’re up to something. That there’s a good reason that I should stay away from you. Is he right?”

  Max pours a little more in the glass before he turns to face me. “Probably. Does that mean you’re going to stop coming?”

  This is the first time he’s acknowledged any wrongdoing. Even though it’s a small concession, it makes me feel better anyway.

  “No, I’m not going to stop coming.”

  For a moment, his eyes flash with joy and then he turns back to his drink. This seems to be an obsession of his, getting all of his children back together, making contact with all of us. Not that it’s not a fine sentiment but I can’t help but wonder why it matters to him so much. It’s been years and all of our lives have been progressing just fine. Why the sudden need for a family reunion? Why the urgency?

  “Whatever it is, you might as well just tell us. It’ll come out in the end anyway so why fight it?”

  He grunts. “Only young people think that way. We older folk know there’s something to timing. To waiting for the perfect moment.”

  “I’m not sure I believe perfect exists anymore.”

  All I can think of is Rissa’s face this morning. She'd looked so right in my bed, as close to perfect as I think exists in this world. The first time I loved her, I would have done anything, given anything for her. I've had her on a pedestal in my mind for all the wrong reasons. Both of us have used time to twist our memories and only focused on the good things. We'd dreamed of so much together, building a home, filling it with kids someday. But that's all they were. Dreams.

  None of those dreams took into account our very real flaws and the inevitable pitfalls of just living life. Maybe it was because we were so young or maybe it was just our destiny to walk away from each other before we could find our way back. But I've come to the understanding that just because things weren't perfect between us doesn't mean that they were wrong.

  Or maybe that's what perfect really means in this world. Seeing the flaws in someone yet loving them anyway.

  My father is struggling to reconnect with the people in his life after manipulating and lying to them. I don't want to end up like that. I pull out my phone and quickly compose an email to Patrick Stevens.

  Patrick,

  My plans have changed. Put all company acquisitions on hold until further notice.

  I send the message and then look up to see Max watching me. His eyes narrow. "I see a lot of me in you."

  “I'm nothing like you, Max."

  His eyes glaze over slightly and I move forward, worried that he’s having another attack.

  “Max? Are you okay?”

  He nods quickly. “Just short of breath sometimes. This old body is failing me. And I don’t have the time to right all the wrongs I’ve done. I’ve done bad things, Finn. Hurt people. Mainly people who loved me. I’m just trying to
make it right.”

  “Some things can’t be fixed that easily.”

  Max watches me with sad eyes. “I know. But we can try.”

  * * * * *

  After I leave my father, I head over to the hospital. Mom was scheduled to have another procedure this morning but she assured me it was nothing serious. I would have rescheduled my time with Max anyway if Tank hadn’t told me he would be there with her. He already texted me her room number.

  Having Rissa at my place in the mornings has altered my schedule slightly. I smile wondering if Mom has figured out that Rissa is practically living with me yet. Usually she’s on top of these things. She’s always noticed everything, especially when it’s something I’m trying to hide.

  My smile fades as soon as I enter her room and see the look on her face. Something is wrong.

  “I’ll be back later when we get the latest test results.” Dr. Singh, her oncologist, nods at me before leaving the room.

  Mom smiles brightly when she sees me. “Finn. I told you, you really don’t have to come every time I'm scheduled for a procedure.”

  Suddenly she claps a hand over her mouth. The action doesn’t cover her soft cry. She takes another deep breath in and out. Then she squeezes her eyes shut and tears spill over her cheeks and onto her hand.

  “Mom?” I rush to her side and sit awkwardly on the edge of the bed. She grabs my arm and that sends a cold shaft of fear arrowing straight through my heart. Throughout this entire process, she’s been steady and positive. No matter how much comfort I’ve offered, she’s always seemed as though she doesn’t need it. I knew it was because she just didn’t want me to see her cry. But the way she’s holding on to me now means she’s too distraught to hide it anymore.

  Eventually her sobs slow and then taper off until she manages to catch her breath. Her fingers unfurl from the sleeves of my shirt and she raises her head. When our eyes meet, she manages a shaky smile. “I’m glad you’re here, Finn.”

  “Me too.” There’s really nothing else I can say. I have no idea how to process what’s just happened.