Page 34 of Finlay

Reid shook his head, tears welling in his eyes. “No. Well, I knewofhim, but we’d never met. Evan’s the only one I’ve ever met from…”

His voice trailed off as a tear rolled down his cheek. I crouched down beside him, wrapping my arm around his shoulders again. “I’m so sorry, Reid.”

“Don’t you apologise.” He wiped his nose with the back of his hand. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I know, but I’m sorry all the same. I’m sorry for whatever you went through as a child. And I’m sorry that seeing Evan has brought it all back up for you.”

His chin touched his chest in a move that was achingly familiar. “It’s okay. I’m sorry I reacted that way in your shop. If you wanna fire me, I understand.”

“Oh fuck that. I don’t give a shit. If I’d known who Evan was to you, I would’ve given him the boot before he’d opened his mouth.”

I still wasn’t sureexactlywhat had happened, but it was enough to know that Reid had been a scared child who’d asked for help.

And Evan hadn’t taken it seriously. Who knew what Reid had gone through after that?

That was enough to have me on Reid’s side.

He gave me a watery smile. “You would’ve done that for me?”

“Of course. I might be your boss, Reid, but I’ll always have your back. If that means banning Finn and anyone who knows him from the shop, that’s what I’ll do.”

“Not Finn.” Reid’s eyes widened. “Finn’s great. Don’t letthis colour your opinion of him. You should give him a chance. Ask him out on a date.”

Just like that, normal business was resumed. “Reid, I haven’t even seen him since he picked up his order.”

Not technically true, but I wasn’t telling my employee about my morning peep shows.

“You will though.” Reid sighed. “After what just happened, I suspect it’ll be sooner than you’d think.”

Chapter 10

Finn

Iwas in the office, riding the high from spending another morning in Chester’s company, when Evan burst in. My hair stood on end at the sight of his ashen face.

I was on my feet in a second, my wolf poised to take over. “Evan? What’s wrong?”

Evan didn’t answer, dropping into one of the chairs and yanking at his hair. “Fuck!”

Alarmed, I rounded the desk and perched on the arm of the chair next to him. “Talk to me. Are ye in danger? Is anyone we know in danger?”

He shook his head roughly and my wolf retreated.

“Adamanthea?” Normally, we drank whisky. Didn’t get us drunk, but it was traditional. My instincts told me something stronger was required for whatever Evan was dealing with.

He gave a curt nod, pressing the heels of his hands against his eyes. I poured him a double measure, glanced over to see him rocking back and forth, and added the same amount again.

“Here.” I pushed the glass into his hand. “Drink some of this and tell me what happened.”

Evan reached out with a shaky hand, almost spilling the liquid. My brows shot up. When was the last time I’d seen him this affected?

Never.That was when.

“It’s so bad,” Evan said, his eyes haunted. “So fucking bad, Finn. I feel sick.”

It hit me then that he’d been going to Thistle Do Nicely today. After stalking Reid from afar and not getting any hints as to his story, he’d decided to introduce himself. “Is it Chester?”

My wolf was pressing at my skin, trying to force the shift. I held on to the lead tightly, needing to know whatever Evan could tell me.

---