Page 17 of Lords of Misrule
“Not really his thing, no. Getting his hands dirty, doing the tedious stuff—that’s what he’s got the rest of us for.”
“You always do his dirty work?”
“Depends on what it is.” He leans over to get a box off the floor for me and when he stands we’re inches away from each other. His face is so close to mine that I could just close the small gap and kiss him. Close enough I can see the flecks of gold in his green eyes.
“Or who it is,” I whisper.
His eyes drift to mine and then down to my lips. I swear he’s about to kiss me when he pulls away suddenly, putting distance between us. I want to ask if I’m imagining things. If this is all in my head, but I don’t want to make it awkward when I sincerely could use his help moving things today.
“Can’t believe he talked you into this.” He grabs another box and helps me put things inside, moving on like nothing happened.
“He’s persuasive. But I imagine you know that since I never pictured you being a thief.”
Finn’s face shifts like he’s considering that.
“Maybe you don’t know me that well.” He shrugs but then he smiles. “Although it seems like that goes both ways.”
“Was definitely a weird way to meet outside of class.”
“I just never see you at any of the parties or games.”
“I’m busy most of the time. Too busy for fun.”
“The professor’s not fun?” He gives me a pretend look of shock and grasps his chest.
I roll my eyes in response and toss a few more things in the box. I know he’s only playing. Despite being in league with Rowan and having a temper that gets him in a lot of fights, the Finn I’ve known in class has always been quiet and thoughtful.
“Don’t judge me.”
“I’m not. I assume you had your reasons.” The smile turns into a more serious look.
“I honestly liked him at first. I guess I fell for the act when things first started. That I was special or whatever. Then I was in deep before I realized what was happening. The way he was manipulating and using me. Not that I can complain too much considering my plans for his paintings. Or I guess our plans now.”
“I thought he was a good guy too. At least until he didn’t pay us back. Then finding out the way he’s been with you… He deserves whatever is coming his way. Probably more.” I see the stormy look on Finn’s face.
“Let’s not do anything rash.” I raise a brow at him.
“I’m not, I just… I don’t know. Guys like that piss me off. Abuse of power pisses me off.”
“You’re kind of hard to read.” I study him for a moment before I try to stop gawking at him and keep my focus on the task at hand.
He laughs. “You think so? I think you’re the first person to say that.”
“You’re just so calm and collected most of the time. Kind of nerdy. But then the right thing sets you off…” I shrug. “And I know your reputation as an enforcer on the team. Hard to make sense of it sometimes.”
“You don’t like guys who fight, I’m guessing? If you found someone like the professor attractive at first, I’m going to guess the nerdy thing is what got you.” He grabs the tape off the top of a dresser and starts working on the boxes that are full.
I glance down at him, trying to puzzle out if he’s asking if I like him or if this is just a generic conversation on his part. Something about Finn has always made my stomach twist but being close to him like this, knowing I’m moving in with him even temporarily is making me hyper-aware of every little thing he does and says.
“I don’t know. It can be hot under the right circumstances.”
“You should come to a game sometime. If you haven’t seen a fight on the ice yet, you’re missing out.” He smirks.
“I’ve always wanted to see you play.” The words are out before I can stop them, and I turn my back to shield my face, worried I’m going to blush.
“Oh yeah?” I can hear the amusement in his voice.
“Yeah.” I smile even though I’m trying not to.
