Page 77 of Heir of Fire
“Why do you say that?” he asked.
Gianna sighed. “Because my mother isn’t someone I ever want to become. She left when I was a baby and only comes backto visit once a year as a cruel reminder that she exists, but not with us. Not with the family that she helped create.”
“Why does she come back to visit?”
“Probably to try to fill the guilt in her conscience.”
Finn only nodded his head as if he was taking everything in. “Well, for what it matters, I don’t think you’ll ever become like her.”
“Why?”
“Because you have too kind of a soul to ever want to inflict that type of hurt onto anyone the way you’ve had to deal with it throughout your life.” He moved back until he was able to look at her face and it made Gianna swallow harshly. “I’ve never met your mother, but I think she missed out on knowing a wonderful woman. The fact that you keep yourself open to those visits with her every year shows that you are every bit as wonderful and fantastic and breathtaking and enthralling as I know you are.”
Her heart felt like it could erupt out of her chest at any moment. One more word from Finn’s mouth and she was done for. The way he viewed her was the way she wished everyone would. Hell, it was the way she wished she could view herself. Maybe one day she would and maybe it would be Finn showing her the way to do so.
“I never know how to reply to you,” she admitted. “Words don’t seem enough.”
“I don’t need anything in return,” he said. “Ever.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Well, this isn’t in return, this is answering your question from before. I don’t think you’ll ever become like either of your parents either.”
His lips pulled up into a small smile. “And why do you think that?”
“Because as hard as you’ve tried to fight it, there’s a heart inside of you. One that demands to be let out, that wants to feel and love. And despite what everyone may say about yourquick impulses, you weigh out all your options before you make a decision. Not to mention that you have such a strong sense of loyalty. It’s the type that once you have it, you never want to lose it. One that makes you worth following and trusting. All of that makes you a better man, hell, a better person than either of them ever was.” The words slipped from her mouth without having to put much thought into it. She had always thought this; it was like muscle memory to say it at that point.
His eyes gleamed with something Gianna couldn’t make out fully, but it sent butterflies hurling throughout her stomach. “Careful, princess. I’m starting to think you might actually like me.” He leaned in closer until his lips were only a few inches away from hers. “Or maybe you’re finally starting to feel more.”
Her eyes widened, but his kiss served as a distraction from what he’d said. His insinuation that she was starting tolovehim made her nervous. That was the next step after like, wasn’t it? Love. The four letters that terrified her to the core.
She kissed him back passionately, desperately trying to forget about what he’d said. But then she started to think about whetherhefelt it or not. His ‘finally’ made her think that maybe he was waiting for her to catch up.
Did Finn love her?
The thought that he could sent a rush of warmth throughout her body. She was jumping ahead and needed to slow down. He hadn’t even used the word, so for all she knew that could be the last thing he was referencing. When that thought crossed her mind, she expected to feel relieved, not disappointed.
Finn pulled back, pushing her hair back. “Are you ready to go home now?”
She nodded her head. Sleep was definitely what she needed. She’d missed her classes for the day, she’d missed lunch, and now it was almost dinner time. “Are you sure you’re ready to go back?”
“I am. I’m going to take what’s mine and go from there. Everything else can follow along afterwards.”
She grabbed his hand, holding him on that promise that she would be there right beside him the entire time. For the first time in her life, it wasn’t a question of whether she would or wouldn’t. It was a clear answer.
She was choosing Finn.
THIRTY-FIVE
FINN
When Finnfinally stood from the hard ground, he realized just how much time had passed. His mind felt clear, but there was still something there that was almost nagging him. He had finally made the decision that he was going to be the Kingsley Don, but it was almost as if there was one last thing he had to do.
She stood beside him, her hand soft in his as they looked out into the empty lot of land. “What about this area? Do you know what you’re going to do with it?”
He shook his head. “I have no clue. I’ll probably keep it under the Kingsley estates for now until I decide to get rid of it. I doubt I’ll be back down here for a long time though.”
“Well, is there anything else you want to say to him while you’re here?”
Finn raised his brow, turning to look at her. “What do you mean?”
