Finn (25 page)

He stays quiet, too quiet.

“What?”

“I hesitate to say this, but she’s got a lot of responsibility. Is moving in together the right move without thinking about more of a future?”

“We really doing this? Talking about this shit?”

“Oh yeah, we have some time left on the road. I’ve put up with your sullen ass for five days. And let’s not forget my wife will want answers when I get home. She adores Presley. There will be a lot of questions, and I figure I can use them to my advantage.” He wiggles his eyebrows with a grin.

“You’re a dick. But, if you must know, the future is all I think about with her. Last weekend at brunch, it was like our parents were already family. Mom is in love with her and Winnie. Jeff, Johnny, Dad, and I were outsiders to that threesome. Mom even went school shopping with the girls. You’d have thought Jeff had hit the jackpot. He gave Presley his credit card and cracked open a beer.”

“Seems like a cool guy.”

“He’s a scary motherfucker. The second they were out the door, he gave me a look that sent me back ten years to the day we arrived at boot camp. Drills in the sandpit came to mind.”

“No shit?”

“No shit. He didn’t say a thing, just questioned me with his eyes.”

“What happened?”

“I promised him I was in this for the long haul and Presley was my life. Told him I wasn’t going anywhere. He and Johnny both seemed satisfied, but not without threats to my life and my manhood. Dad got a kick out of the whole thing.”

“Wish I could have been there. At least Thad was in prison when he met me. Not much he could threaten.”

“Well, they seemed to soften a little when I showed them the latest GPS tracker with two receptors that they could also download the app to their phones and tablets.”

“Same ones we put on Governor DeSantis’ kids?”

“Yep. Winnie will have one in her backpack and in her earrings.”

“A little overboard, are we?” He chuckles in amusement.

“Laugh all you want, but we can never be too careful. Winnie won’t be in danger, but I believe in precautions. Predators hang around schools.”

“Sick fucks. When we have kids, I’m doing a full check on every family in their class.”

It’s my turn to laugh, because he’s completely serious. After Dane got to Ember so easily last year, he’s taken his protective streak to the extreme. Ember finally put him in check when he asked for each week’s appointments at the shop to run background checks. I don’t even want to know what she threatened, but he backed off reluctantly.

“So…” He hesitates and grips the wheel a little tighter. I know immediately what’s coming. “Raven called.”

“She called me, too,” I admit. “I haven’t called back.”

“You going to?”

“You asking as her brother? Or my best friend?”

“That’s not fair, Finn. She’s your family, too.”

I sigh and think about how to handle this. Robbie has never pushed me. Even worried and concerned, he’s always been careful, not crossing a line.

“Robbie, I told you when she married Declan, she was where she belonged. I was content and happy. Life was good. Meeting Presley knocked me on my fucking ass. I don’t have to explain it to you, because you know.”

He nods in understanding.

“So you also know, when she was hurt, I felt it all the way to my bones. For the few days she ignored me, I watched the damn phone like a junkie needing a fix. Even with the trace on her phone, knowing where she was, I had to think of what I’d say to convince her she was the one.

“I may have said it, but I’ve never fully explained to you. She’s the strongest woman I know. She gave up so much for everyone else and never looked back. I knew I needed to prove she was loved and worshipped. Raven hurt her, and in turn, that hurt me. Not to mention, Raven decided to form opinions without asking me first. Those opinions were indirectly a reflection of my judgment.”

“I get it.”

“Not even close, because when Ember’s sister showed up and crushed Ember’s heart, you went into beast mode. I didn’t have that option because RJ is family. So yes, I will call her back, but I need to make sure Presley is ready to make things right. It’s important to me.”

“Jesus, I wanted to kill that night. Ember looked so broken, so defeated. I would have done anything to take away that pain.”

“Then you know where I’m coming from. Presley holds the cards. We need to give it some time.”

“Gotcha.” He looks like he wants to say more, but my phone rings.

“What’s up, Tripp?” I answer.

“Man, where are y’all?”

“Not far, why?”

His hysterical laughing sets my nerves on edge. There’s a woman’s voice in the background, and he covers the mouthpiece. I give Robbie a sideways glance, and he raises an eyebrow.

“What the fuck, Tripp? Are you drunk?”

“No! I am getting a good seat for the fireworks. Remember my intern?”

“Yes.”

“She has a friend who asked for a favor. He’s thinking about expanding his facility and wanted her to look for architectural reasons. I agreed to come along and help advise.”

“Good for you, man, but what the fuck does this have to do with me?”

“Apparently, it’s the same gym Presley comes to for kickboxing.”

The hair on the back of my neck stands up. “So?”

“Did you know he’s an MMA trainer? All the girls seem to like him an awful lot.”

“What the fuck are you talking about? Who’s ‘he’? She has a female instructor.”

“Not tonight.”

“Is he touching her?”

“Not now. See you soon.” He hangs up, and my blood starts to boil.

“Change of plans. Go directly to the gym.”

Robbie speeds up as I fill him in on the conversation. He’s tense by the time we pull into the parking lot, both of us running for the door. Tripp and a woman I assume is his intern are in the waiting area, watching an arena filled with women. He gives us a slow grin and jerks his head.

The second I spot Presley, my heart starts racing. She’s wearing her normal workout gear, but there’s a man standing by her, holding her leg at an angle while using his other arm to show a swing. She stumbles into his body, and he catches her easily. I breathe deeply, waiting for him to right her, but instead, he twists so she’s in his arms and he’s helping her sidestep. Ember, Reese, and the other women watch with concentration as he uses Presley to demonstrate a side-kick-jab combo. His arm stretches across the front of her sports bra, rubbing against her tits, and there’s a low rumble that grows up my throat.

“What the fuck?” I spew, moving quickly.

All eyes land on me when I step onto the mat, crossing my arms and glaring at the man touching Presley.

“I’ll give you one second to get your hands off my girlfriend. After that, all bets are off,” I growl, and Presley falls back into him, shocked to see me.

“Finn!”

“Presley, come here, babe.”

“Finn!” she repeats, cutting loose from his hold. “Stop being rude!”

“I’ll stop being rude when another man isn’t groping you. Get over here.”

Her face starts to heat as she puts her hands on her hips. I can practically see the steam rolling off her as she narrows her eyes. The air in the small space changes. Her body stiffens, and she glares, challenging me. My dick grows hard at the thought of throwing her down on this mat.

I take a step forward, and she inhales sharply, realizing what I’m about to do.

“Finn Black, if you take another step, I’m going to kick your ass!” She tries to sound strong, but the crack in her voice gives her away.

There’s a collective gasp, and I vaguely hear Ember mutter something about Presley ‘making a mistake’. Robbie and Tripp come to my side.

“Sweetness, I’ve been gone for five days. I walk in here and see another man with his hands all over your body. Unless you want to put on a show, I suggest you get over here.” I move my eyes to the space in front of me and look up in time to see her face flash with understanding.

She finally relents and moves toward me cautiously. When she’s close enough for me to touch, I tag her behind the neck and gently bring her face to mine. “Not sure I like your kickboxing class.”

“You’re being a Neanderthal. I’m embarrassed. Everyone’s staring.”

“Would you rather I throw you down on this mat and give them something to stare at?”

“Stop.”

“Kiss me.”

“No, we are making a spectacle.”

“Okay, I’ll kiss you.” I tilt her head and nibble lightly on her bottom lip. Her breath hitches, and I dip lower, slipping my tongue into her mouth and moaning when I taste her. Her body loosens as she moves a hand to my chest and kisses me back. I pull away when a throat clears behind us.

She gives a squeak when she turns around and sees every eye on us. The instructor is staring at me with a smug grin.

“Take it you’re the boyfriend.”

“Obviously.”

“You serve?”

“Marines, you?” I recognize a few of his tattoos.

“Army,” he confirms.

“She’s taken.” I cut to the point, wrapping my arms around Presley’s waist, and feel her brace.

“I gathered that. Think you’ve made your point.”

“Have I?”

“Will you stop?” Pressley wiggles free and slaps at my hands. “You’re being ridiculous!”

There’s a giggle from the group of women, and Ember and Reese cover their mouths to hide their amusement.

“Don’t encourage him! And you two aren’t helping matters.” Presley points at Robbie and Tripp, who are both smiling widely.

“Babe, I think he’s showing a huge amount of restraint. If I walked in here and found this guy fondling Ember, we’d be looking at manslaughter.” Robbie gets serious and cuts his eyes to the man still grinning behind Presley.

“This guy has a name. It’s Sam.” He gives a chin lift.

“Sam, I am so sorry these insane, over-bearing, and extremely rude men interrupted your class,” Presley gushes an apology.

“Don’t mention it. We were almost done anyway. Let’s do a cool down.” Sam goes to the front of the mat and starts a series of stretching exercises.

“I can’t believe this. It’s mortifying. You’re insane.”

I try to feel guilty, but I remember Sam’s body wrapped around hers, and the guilt disappears.

“Babe, I think we already established I have tunnel vision when it comes to you. Before you go into a full on hissy fit, think about what I saw.”

She bites on her lower lip and looks over her shoulder then back at me. Her expression softens as she realizes I have a point. “I’m never going to be able to take his class again.”

“I’ll give you a workout… every single night. We don’t need him.” I wiggle my eyebrows and see her lips twitch, fighting a smile.

“You are out of your mind, but for some reason, I can’t stay mad.”

“Good. Finish your cool down and let’s go home. I think you mentioned something about blue lace.”

“That was before you showed up and acted like a barbarian.”

“Good point. We’ll go straight to being naked. Save the lace for another night.”

“Finn!” She fails miserably at sounding aggravated.

“Presley, go finish your workout before I pick you up and carry you out of here. Your attempt to act irritated is cute, and it’s turning me on.”

Her eyes grow wide and rake down my body, landing on my dick. She gives me a wink then backs away, joining the group.

“As always, man, you pussy-whipped fools provide great entertainment.” Tripp slaps me on the shoulder.

“Glad you think this is funny.”

“Oh yeah. Didn’t think it was possible, but you’re worse than Robbie.”

I open my mouth to argue, but it’s useless. He’s got a valid point, and I don’t give a shit. Even if I did act like an overly-possessive prick who was insanely jealous, it got my point across.

There’s no denying it, Presley Chambers officially has me by the balls.

Presley

T
he warmth of his breath sends a tingle down my spine as he kisses a trail to my shoulder.

“Mmm,” I moan, snuggling closer to him.

“You’re so beautiful, even in your sleep,” he says softly against my skin. “I could stare at you for hours.”

I crack open my eyes and notice immediately it’s still pitch dark in his room. The only sliver of light is coming from under his bathroom door.

“What time is it?” I croak.

“It’s not even five am.”

“Why are you awake?”

“There’s a problem at work. I’m going in for a few hours.”

At the word problem, I jolt fully awake. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes.” He moves his lips to my jawline, continuing to kiss me delicately.

“Can you talk about it?”

“Someone tripped a silent alarm we installed in Governor DeSantis’ personal residence. I’m going to meet some of the guys at the office to look at the footage and see if we can get an idea of who’s snooping around. Then we can call the men we have planted in his team and see if they can get some answers.”

“It’s Saturday,” I stupidly point out.

“I know, baby, and I’ll be home in a few hours. Go back to sleep. It’s my goal to be back before you wake up.”

“I don’t have my car here. Can you drop me off at home on your way?” I try to roll over, but he stops me.

“Why?”

“Well, it’s probably inappropriate to be here without you. What will Tripp think?”

“He won’t give a shit.”

“You sure?”

“Absolutely. Although, I should worry about his blatant infatuation with you. Maybe I should take you home.”

A giggle escapes, and I sink into his body, feeling the soft cotton of his t-shirt and realize he’s already dressed.

“On second thought, take your time. Tripp’s really fun.”

“Presley, don’t be smart. You know I’m a possessive man, even if he is my best friend.”

“It’s fun to rile you up.”

He flexes his hips into my back, and I feel the outline of his erection. “I’ll show you riled up as soon as I get home.”

“Something to look forward to,” I practically purr, remembering the four orgasms he gave me last night before I passed out on top of him.

“You’re making it fucking hard to leave you right now.”

“Hard fucking, that sounds fun.” I run my hand up his leg and rub gently over his cock.