Page 36 of Hustle

“I shouldn’t have let him hurt you, Evi. If he wasn’t dead now, I’d…”

“Sue him?” I say, my laughter near hysterical now. “Seamus, come on. And you were lecturing me on approaching the Carneys?”

Immediately, he’s on guard. His eyes are filled with shock. Doesn’t he see how absurd this is?

No. Oh my god. He doesn’t.

I stop laughing.

“Jesus, you’ve been carrying that weight for a long time.” I caress his face, turning it so he’s looking at me. “Seamus, you did the right thing. I never would’ve forgiven you if you’d let Murphy kill my father. I knew we’d never reconcile, but if you’d taken that chance away from me prematurely…” I pause and press my lips to his. Suddenly my heart feels heavy. “I’m sorry you felt like you had to protect me, Seamus. You were just a kid too.”

He wraps his arms around me. And I know now that I can’t leave saving my shop up to him. I have to get outside help so he doesn’t have to feel this guilt ever again. Not because of me and my shitty circumstances.

I care too much about him to be another of his burdens.

11

Evi

Finn Carney is sitting in my shop. He’s a good-looking man: tall, black hair and dark blue eyes. He has a scar through the middle of his left eyebrow which somehow only adds to his allure. His long, jean-clad legs are stretched out nonchalantly. He’s such a contrast to Seamus, relaxed, wearing a white tank top under a flannel shirt, a scally cap pulled over his head.

“I’m sorry, Finn,” I say, wiping my hands on a towel. “I didn’t mean to keep you waiting.”

Finn went to school with Seamus and me, though Seamus didn’t know I’d kept in touch with him. Nothing serious, just a coffee once a year, maybe.

We’d never hooked up, but we’d come close.

“Not a problem, lassie,” Finn says, smiling roguishly. “Always glad to help a friend. Especially if that friend is you.”

I sit in one of the plastic chairs next to him. “Finn, you know the Stacys are after my shop. They’re after this block.”

“Ol’ Murphy Doyle can’t like that,” Finn says,tsking.He’s chewing on a toothpick. “A shame he’s so sick.” He can’t keep the smile off his face. “A real shame.”

“Murphy’s been like a father to me,” I say, my voice a warning. “I want to keep the Doyles out of this.”

Finn leans forward, his eyes glinting. “Even Seamus, love? I hear he’s taken the case. Ol’ Pretty Boy Esquire going to take care of things for you?”

Heat rises to my cheeks at the mention of Seamus’ name, and Finn nods.

“Taking care of lots of things for you by the looks of it.”

My head snaps up. “Don’t fuck with me, Finn. You know better.”

“Of course, Evi. Of course.” He holds up his hands. “Since you called me then, love, what can I do for you?”

I wring my hands, wondering if I’m doing the right thing. But then I remember the look on Seamus’ face after his confession, and it strengthens my resolve.

“How do I keep my shop, Finn? If the legal ways don’t work out?”

“The Stacys are going to win the legal war, Evi. Even your fancy lawyer boyfriend can’t outmaneuver them.”

“He’s not my boyfriend,” I hiss.

“No?” Finn’s mouth quirks up. “There’s hope then, hmm?” He presses his hands to his chest and I want to slap him.

“If you’re not going to help then you can get out.” I stand up, and he tsks again.

“Love your fire, Evi. Always have. I knew you wouldn’t be happy playing it safe.” He crosses his long legs at the ankles, his casual posture infuriating. “Okay. My family and I will help you.”

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