Page 51 of Redemption

“What do you think?” Words are out of my mouth before I can consider whether I should be seeking her opinion.

“His terms aren’t terrible. The issue is that you can’t fulfill them without getting Charles involved.”

“Yeah. Small glitch.” I use my fingers to indicate it’s not a big deal even as my heart pounds. “He won’t agree.”

“Doubtful.” She peers into the distance, across the remote fields of the property. “You need Demid.”

“What if my father offers to protect them,” I whisper the words, not sure they’ll be true.

“Your father works with bad men, and maybe he’s not agoodman, but he’s not abadman. He won’t inspire terror in the PLA. He’s no Finn.”

I should resent the comparison, as though Finn is the worst of the worst. Instead, a streak of longing runs through me. When my back is against a wall, there’s no one else I’d rather have on my side. He’d walk through hell and welcome the flames if it meant protecting me. It’s a level of comfort and security I never thought I’d get from a man. “I need to talk to Finn.”

“They should be back now. I’ll have to meet Lachlan out front. I’ll walk you to your room first.”

We make our way into the mansion and up the stairs in silence. My mind keeps seeking another way to protect Lucas, Luciana, Rosa, Lena, and Sofia, but I fear Kim is right. My father won’t be enough to deter the PLA from coming after my family. We need real consequences.

When I return to the room, the door is ajar. Kim shakes her head and gently shoves me aside to prod it open with her fingers. Finn is packing a bag on the bed with his back to us. At the creak of the hinge, he turns.

“Are we going somewhere?” I step around her.

“I am. You’re staying here.”

“By yourself?” I ask.

Finn’s finger goes to his lips, a reminder about the bug. I suppress a sigh. The worst thing about our time here has been the constant vigilance. Considering how he’s packing, it doesn’t seem like I’ll get to talk to him about Demid or my father. I might have to make that decision on my own.

“Lachlan’s coming. Kim, he’s waiting for you in the car.”

She disappears from the doorway, closing it behind her.

“I was hoping we’d have a chance to talk.” I sit beside his bag, wishing I could blurt out the details of my phone call.

“About face creams or blow jobs or something else?”

I give him a wry smile but don’t answer. The only positive of the nameless listener is Finn’s joking manner. Witty remarks live in him, but most of the time they’re hidden under a serious, menacing demeanor.

“Hand jobs?” He shoves the last item of clothing in his bag and zips it up.

“You’re putting me to work before you leave me?”

His grin is wicked. “I don’t mind doingsomeof the heavy lifting.”

Butterflies of anticipation flutter around my stomach. I can’t get enough of him. The mere mention of sex, and I’m aching with desire. “Are you calling me heavy?”

“Never.” He scoops me up and tosses me farther onto the bed. He rises over top of me, and his lips connect with mine. Our tongues tangle, and I ease him between my legs. He rocks against me, already hard and ready.

“How long will you be gone?” My voice is breathy with need.

“A week at most.” His lips slide along my neck. “I’ll call you every night to make sure you’re missing me enough.” He draws away and lifts my skirt, tugging my panties down. His fingers skim my slick folds, and he groans. “We don’t have much time.”

“I’ll take any time we’ve got if it means I get you.” I unzip his pants to release him and run my hand along his shaft.

His eyes close, and his jaw tenses with pleasure.

“What kind of job do you wish me to perform?” My voice is husky. I want to clamber on top of him and ride him until we both get the release we crave.

“Surprise me.” A hint of a smile tugs at the edges of his lips, and I close my own around him. “Fuucckk,” he mutters as his hands dig into my hair. “God, I love you.”

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