Page 46 of Finn

He grabs the back of his neck, a nervous habit I’ve realized, and looks down at the floor briefly before lifting his uncertain eyes to mine. He rubs the top of his head and nods. “The dark. I don’t like the dark.”

I smile, thinking what a childlike thing it is. He, however, frowns and turns to grab his cigarettes off the counter. Shit.

“Why are you scared of the dark?” I ask.

“I don’t get scared, Mia. I said I don’t like the dark. Everything bad happens in the dark. I got beat in the dark. I got locked outside in the dark. I fought men off my mom in the dark. The dark has a way of pulling you in, and once you’re in, there’s no way out,” he says, turning his gaze away as he looks out the window in the kitchen. “I think your mom is here.”

I don’t rush to the door to let her in. I slowly walk toward him and grab his hands in mine. “You told me I’m your angel, the light in your darkness.” He nods, and my heart swells. “I’ll never allow you to be in the dark again.”

He crushes out his cigarette and kisses me too quickly. “I know that. Now go let your mom in.”

This time I do rush to open the door, and just as I do, she steps onto the small porch. I smile and step out the door, wrapping my arms around her.

“Mom, I’m so happy to see you,” I say.

She holds me tight, running her hand down my hair. “Me too.” She pulls back and looks behind her before catching my eyes. “So, this is where you’re living, huh?”

I shake my head, feeling immediately defensive. “Don’t do that. Don’t act like you’re better than this. We both know that’s not the case.”

“Mia, please,” she says, moving her blonde hair off her face.

“I’m sorry, but please don’t come here judging because I’m happy. You always said I shouldn’t settle, and believe me, I haven’t. I’m in love with him, Mom,” I say, smiling.

“Christ,” she mumbles.

“No, actually, my name is Finn,” he says, standing in the doorway.

I don’t know if I’m more embarrassed he heard what my mom just said or that I admitted to her that I love him. We haven’t said it yet, just said we’re falling in love.

“Victoria Woodward,” she says, sticking her hand out.

Finn shakes it and moves to the side. “Nice to finally meet you. Please come in.”

She steps inside and doesn’t say a word as she takes it in. I can see her struggling to keep her opinions to herself, and to avoid any further embarrassment, I stand in front of her.

“We have a lot to talk about, but first, I need to know that you’re alright,” I say, looking her over.

Her brows dip, and she gives a fake laugh. “Of course, I’m alright. Why wouldn’t I be?”

I glance over at Finn, and he shakes his head. It’s slow and almost not noticeable, but I know he’s telling me I can’t say a word about my stepdad.

“Well, it was a long ride alone, and I know you don’t like traveling by yourself,” I say.

She smiles, grabbing my hand. “Oh, sweetie, I’m fine. Your father wasn’t thrilled I was coming, but he understood you need me.”

“You told him you were coming?” I whisper, widening my eyes.

My heart races, and I feel like my knees may give out.

“Of course I did. I’d never just get up and leave,” she says, walking toward the kitchen. “How long have you been a Shattered Soul, Finn?”

“Mom, what did he say?” I ask, moving to stand in front of her again.

Her focus is on Finn, though. I can see the anger in her narrowed eyes, and it is pissing me off.

“Mom,” I hiss.

Finn lights a cigarette and grins. “It’s good, angel.”

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