Page 48 of Mob Star

The second woman speaks again as I hear water running. “I just can’t get over how loving he was. Like, she’s his entire universe. The place could have burned down around us, and he wouldn’t have taken his eyes off her. And it was obvious she feels the same way. I didn’t see any rings on their fingers. I definitely looked at her hand. I wonder how long they’ve been together. It’s gotta be years.”

“Yeah. Not that new relationship everything’s roses and passionate sex. It was like a lifetime together, but they’re still only in their 30s.” The first woman sounds like she’s directly outside my stall.

“Maybe college sweethearts or something.”

I can barely hear the first woman as they walk out. “Maybe.”

I realize I need to hurry because I’ve been in here too long. I stuff my panties in my purse and rush to wash my hands. Good thing I didn’t actually need to go. Finn’s outside the door, flashing a quick smile to the women as they walk past. But he’s looking at me as I step out. He doesn’t expect me to slide my arms around his waist for a hug, so he doesn’t get his arms under mine fast enough.

I freeze.

Chapter Eleven

Finn

And there went an amazing date.

Thea’s staring at me as we embrace. I don’t know if it’s she’s simply too shocked to move or too scared. Probably both.

“Will you let me explain in the car?”

“Let you?”

“Yeah. Please don’t bolt.”

She blinks three times before her brow furrows. She lowers her arms and nods. I guide her out of the converted warehouse and out to the town car. I open the door, but she doesn’t get in.

“This isn’t something I want anyone to overhear. We won’t leave. We’ll just sit and talk. If you want to end the date, then I’ll make sure you get home however you want.”

“We haven’t decided where to have dinner.”

Now it’s my turn to blink and furrow my brow. Huh?

“Finn, I thought we were going to have dinner, too. We just never talked about it.”

“You still want to have dinner with me?”

“You asked me not to bolt. I haven’t. You asked me to let you explain. I will. But wouldn’t it be more efficient for you to explain in the car on the way to the restaurant? I admit I’m a bit hungry.”

She turns and slips into the car, and I’m left catching flies with my mouth open. I slide in after her and pull the door shut. Before she can fasten her seatbelt, I lift her onto my lap. I lower the privacy glass just enough to tell Joey the name of a restaurant. I don’t own it, but Cormac does. It’s the best Japanese restaurant in Queens. He has the best chefs and everything.

“You’re not scared of me now? Scared of what it means that I carry a gun on a date?”

“I’ve never been scared of you. I don’t believe for a second you will ever physically hurt me. I don’t think you’d intentionally do that to any woman.”

Physically hurt me. She’s worried I’ll hurt her emotionally. I probably will. But I pray it’s not enough for her to end things. I pray if it happens, it’s something we can work out.

“I only want to keep you out of harm's way.”

“I know. But I suspect that, now I know you’re carrying a gun, you always have one.”

“Not always. I didn’t at McGinty’s either time you were there, but that’s a controlled space for me.”

“But you did at the casino, right? And on our last date, right?”

“Yes.”

“Are you always in that much danger? Am I now in that much danger? Will I be a target?”

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