Page 28 of Mob Star

“Finn, your heart is racing. It sped up when I mentioned the subway. Now it’s racing.”

“I understand you might not want me to come back to your place, but I’d prefer it if you’d let one of my drivers take you home. I know you can catch a cab, or take the subway or a rideshare just fine on your own. But I can also admit it makes me anxious now that I know you.”

“Because I know you?”

“Because you’re gorgeous.”

“Thanks?”

“Traveling alone in the city at night isn’t something to avoid just because it’s New York. But your appearance is eye-catching. You must draw attention. The idea that something could happen to you that’s avoidable when I have chauffeurs available makes me anxious.”

“You seriously overestimate my attractiveness. It’s flattering, but no one else is paying that much attention to me.”

“Cailín, just because you don’t notice doesn’t mean other people don’t. I’ve seen the way people look at you when we walk past.”

“That’s because they can’t figure me out.”

I know there’s an element of truth to that. Her complexion, her eye color, and her hair probably lead people to want to know more than is any of their business. They make her alluring, and in just the time we’ve been at the restaurant and outside, I’ve seen how men and women look at her. It’s not all rude curiosity. A lot of it is appreciation. I mean, fecking hell. Louis nearly lost his job and half his teeth.

“Or they’re attracted to you just like I am. Except I’ll always accept no from you. I’m not trying to be controlling, but I get that’s how I sound. I’ll back off. But you can always have a car take you wherever you want. Let me know, and it’ll be there any time. Day or night.”

We’ve started walking to the comedy club that’s two blocks away. We’re holding hands now, and it feels so completely natural. I’m not sure if I took hold of hers or the other way around. Our fingers just wound up entwined.

“I don’t think you’re being controlling. I think it’s sweet that you worry. You haven’t issued me ultimatums or threatened to punish me or coerce me. You aren’t guilting me into anything. You’re expressing your concern, and I know there’s a ton I don’t know about the world I’m entering. I’ll defer to you.”

We’re at the club’s door, and there’s a line. I don’t bother looking at the end. I walk straight to the door. Just as the bouncer’s about to greet me, the arsehole at the front of the line has something to say about it.

“Hey, dude. Back of the line.”

I ignore him.

“I said the back of the line, dude. You and the bitch can go and wait like the rest of us.”

“Mikey, send him home.”

I grin at the bouncer who’s shooting the guy a warning expression. But fuckface isn’t paying attention. The teddy bear at the door— he’s the size of a grizzly and looks as fierce but is a complete gentle giant when he’s not on the clock —opens it for us. The guy grabs the sleeve of my suit coat and yanks. I’m wearing my gun holstered at the small of my back. It’s been a bit awkward, but I’ve kept Thea from wrapping her arms low enough to feel it. If my gun were holstered under my arm, like it often is, everyone would see it. This is why it isn’t.

“Let go.” I stare at him, but my usual intensity does nothing to the guy who’s now enraged.

Before I can stop her, Thea’s hand goes around the guy’s wrist. She gets a pressure point, and he releases me.

“You’re an idiot to attack the club owner.” She turns away from the guy. “Hi, Mikey.”

She acts as though she’s been here every day of her life as she takes my hand and draws me in after her. It completely diffuses the situation. Or at least long enough for us to get inside. Mikey’ll take care of whatever we left in our wake. The guy won’t be enjoying a show here ever again, and that means the pack of twats with him. They all look like the stockbroker type.

“Thea, he could have hurt you.”

“He won’t get feeling back in his hand for at least ten minutes. And no, I don’t know martial arts. I know human anatomy.”

“Promise me you won’t do that again. Please.”

“No.”

“Thee—”

“I refuse to promise not to intervene if someone’s threatening you. I know you weren’t in any danger, but I ended what was about to be a standoff or the idiot getting his face bashed in by your bouncer.”

“He could have swung at you.”

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