Finn (34 page)

I don’t sit; it seems too invading. Instead, I lean into Reese and hold on to Johnny’s elbow. No one speaks as all our eyes are glued to the television.

The shrill ring of a cell phone breaks the silence, and Jenna jumps up, yanking her phone from the coffee table.

“James.” Her voice is low and full of fear. She grips the phone, then looks at Raven and Ember with a small cry of relief. “They’re okay.”

Ember drops her head to her chest, cradles her stomach, and starts to tremble. I go to her, hunching down, and hug her. She cries softly in my arms, and I soothe her gently, feeling the fear radiate from her body. We rock back and forth until she starts to hiccup and whispers words of thanks in my ear.

There’s a hand on my shoulder, and I look up to see my brother’s face, pale and shadowed in worry. Every eye in the room is on us, and I sense a familiar fear start to strangle me. I curl away from Johnny and Ember and crawl backwards until my back hits the fireplace.

“No,” I croak, my throat suddenly bone dry.

“Presley, honey—” Jenna starts to talk, but I shake my head violently, drowning out her voice.

“No! He’s in surveillance. He wasn’t in the line of fire. He promised me he’d be safe. There’s a mistake! It has to be a mistake!” My voice starts to crack, and the rest of the words get lost.

It can’t be…

He promised me…

“Presley, look at me.” Johnny gets on his knees and leans into my line of sight. “He’s alive.”

Alive! Alive! Alive!

The words bounce around my head, and I breathe deeply, launching myself into my brother’s arms.

“Sweetie, he’s been shot and is in surgery.”

“H-h-how?”

“We don’t know any details. James will call back soon.” Jenna’s voice is controlled, too controlled.

“Evelyn? Tim?”

“I’m going over there now. James has already talked to them.”

“I’m coming with you.”

“Of course.”

“Johnny, can you call Dad? Ask him to meet us?”

“Sure.”

“Tell him to bring Whitney here. She can stay with me,” Ember offers, and I shoot her an appreciative glance.

Johnny helps me to my feet, and I lean into him for support as he takes me to the sofa and goes to the kitchen to make the call. Raven cries quietly on Declan’s shoulder, and I place a hand on her knee. She covers it with her hand and squeezes tight.

“He’s going to be fine, Presley.” She leans in to comfort me.

I don’t answer but nod dully, falling into her body for support.

A few minutes later, Johnny comes in and we pile out of the house, following Jenna. Tripp and Reese climb in the car with us, while the others stay behind waiting for more information.

The whole ride is a blur. Tripp makes the necessary calls to the guys and watches out the window, not focusing on anything.

Evelyn is waiting in the doorway, with Tim holding on to her shoulders when we drive up. Jenna gives them a brief hug and moves into the house as I stand to the side, allowing Tripp to do the same.

When it comes time for me to walk in, my feet won’t budge. Evelyn looks at me with understanding and comes to me, embracing me gently.

“One foot in front of the other, honey. I’ll help you.”

It’s then I know she really gets it. Her son was in a deadly accident in Iraq. She got the call that he was alive.

My brother was in a deadly accident. I got the call saying he wasn’t alive.

Now, we both fear the unknown of Finn, and she’s comforting me. I shudder slightly and reach around her waist, raising my face to hers.

“I love him, Evelyn.”

“I know, and he loves you, too. For that reason alone, he’ll be all right.”

I nod, and we walk into the house together, waiting for news.

Presley

T
he whole flight I cling to my dad’s arm. He tries to get me to take a nap, but every time I close my eyes, I see Finn’s handsome and flawless face, his blue eyes piercing into mine. Then the image turns to him writhing in pain, lying in a pool of blood. I’m haunted by the image and refuse to give in to sleep until I know for myself he’s going to be okay.

James arranged to have a private plane bring us to Baton Rouge. Tim, Evelyn, Jenna, Dad, Johnny, Tripp, and I boarded within four hours after hearing Finn was listed as critical. Reese offered to stay behind with Winnie, and we graciously allowed her to. I knew she was torn on her obligation to Tripp and me, but Winnie needed normalcy, and she was our only hope.

There’s a group of cars waiting for us when we deplane, and I purposely choose the last car. My nerves are on edge, and I’m grateful for a few extra minutes to gather my composure. Seeing Finn is on the forefront of my mind, but I’m terrified.

When we get to the hospital, news vans are parked near the entrance, with reporters staking out the doors. I get out of the car and don’t wait for my family. Instead, I go straight to Tripp and link his hand in mine, squeezing it in support. We walk in together, hand in hand, both of us needing the comfort.

James meets us in the lobby and leads us to the elevator, explaining we have a private waiting room on Finn’s floor. Once the doors open, the hospital smell hits me, and my knees go weak. Tripp urges me forward, and we enter the private room where Evelyn and Tim are talking to a doctor. Robbie’s hugging his mom and notices us immediately. He comes to us, giving Tripp a one-armed hug, and pulls me into a full embrace.

“He’s through surgery. The shithead scared the hell out of us, but he’s expected to make a full recovery.”

My breath hitches, and I let out an injured cry, sinking into Robbie. “Thank God.”

“He’s going to get a fucking earful from me, babe. Fucker always has to be a hero.”

“What do you mean?”

I move away as the doctor leaves, and James motions for us to sit.

“You all have questions, and I think we’ve pieced it together now. Finn was in the surveillance van with Robbie and a few of the FBI agents. The agents thought the raid was successful, so they left to help round up the members of the gang that were running from the back. By this point, we believed everyone was safe. Our team had infiltrated the hideout and had most of the perps on the ground. The shootout had already ensued, and our operator on the inside had three of the kidnappers down. It was completely by the book.”

“What the hell happened then?” Tim sounds as confused as I feel.

Robbie tenses beside me. “Finn and I saw a man coming out a side door. He was struggling with one of the children, who was resisting. I started out to lock him down, but Finn shoved me back and ran out, gun drawn. He was swift, moving through cars to stay hidden until the last minute. The guy saw him and started shooting. With the attention on Finn, the kid got loose and ran. It happened quickly, but I saw the kidnapper shoot off a few rounds before Finn got the kill shot. By the time I got there, Finn was down. Took a shot to the stomach and the arm.”

My heart stammers against my ribcage, ringing in my ears. “He saved the child?”

“Yes, he most likely saved the life of that little girl.”

On this note, I crumble, my hands flying to my face. My wails fill the room, and arms, hands, and voices try to calm me.

I cry hard, not caring that I’m making a scene. Knowing that this man, this selfless, beautiful man, saved a young life rocks me to my core.

Finally, I start to calm, the overwhelming need to see him taking over. Someone shoves a tissue in my line of vision; I wipe my face until I get my breathing under control.

“When can we see him?”

“The doctor said we could go in a few at a time. Would you like to go in with Tim and me?” Evelyn gives me a watery smile that seems forced.

“No, I’ll wait.”

Dad sits in the seat vacated by Evelyn and hesitates before speaking. “You going to be okay?”

“I’ll be fine.”

“He’s a strong, healthy young man. They expect a full recovery. He’s seen a lot in his young life. He’ll bounce back. My concern is you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Finn made a snap decision that is ingrained in his blood. He’s always going to be a protector, knowing the risks. But you, you’re not a risk taker. I’ve spent the last few hours with you, terrified out of your mind. Even now, we know he’s okay, but there’s fear searing off your body. I’ve witnessed this fear before. Don’t let it consume you, Presley. Talk to me before you let any apprehension decide your fate.”

“Dad, I’m not following. It’s been an exhausting and petrifying few hours. Can we save the life lessons until my mind can comprehend your abyss of wisdom?”

His lips twitch, and he leans in to kiss my forehead. “You got it. I’m going to look into some hotel rooms.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

The clock on the wall ticks by at a snail’s pace as I watch each excruciating second pass. Finally, Evelyn and Tim walk back in. Her cheeks have regained some color, and her swollen eyes have a light shine.

“He woke up for a few minutes, remembers everything. Asked about the little girl and the rest of the team. Then he asked about you, Presley.” She points over her shoulder. “He’s eager to see you.”

I jump up and rush out, squeezing her hand as I pass. When I get to his room, I peek through the window and almost break down again at the sight. He’s watching for me, and our eyes lock instantly, his piercing into mine. My hand trembles as I open the door.

“I know what you’re thinking,” he tells me when I stop a few feet from him.

“I find that virtually impossible, since I don’t even know what I’m thinking.”

“Then come closer.”

I go to him and sit where he pats the edge of the small bed.

“Can I get you anything?”

He shakes his head.

“You scared the shit out of us. I’ve never been so frightened in my whole life. I think my heart stopped beating for a few seconds,” I admit on a whisper.

His hand covers mine, and I almost cry at the warmth of his touch. My fingers rub over his wrist, stopping when they find his pulse.

“I’m sorry.”

“Why’d you do it? What were you thinking?”

“Robbie and I saw that little girl, and my instincts kicked in. It was a split second decision.”

I search his face and know he’s holding something back. “What else?”

His hand moves to the back of my neck and pulls me lower. “She was scared, so scared. Her face was twisted in pain and absolute fear. I thought of Winnie, so innocent, so sweet. Then I thought of Robbie’s unborn daughter, and it was a done deal. I went after the motherfucker.”

“Oh, Finn.” I lean in and grip his head gently, kissing all over his face. A few tears fall down my cheeks when I lay my forehead against his. “That is beautiful and reckless at the same time.”

“You’ve missed a spot.”

“Huh?”

“You kissed everywhere but my mouth. Since I woke up, I’ve been craving your lips on mine. Well, unless you want to kiss my dick… that would be good, too.”

“Finn!” I try to hold back my laugh and fail.

“Sorry, must be the anesthesia talking.”

I nibble and lick across the seam of his lips until he parts them enough for my tongue to slip through. He lets out a groan as the grip on my head tightens. Our tongues twist together as he angles my head to delve deeper.

I forget we’re in a hospital room because he was shot less than eight hours ago. Instead, I pour myself into the kiss, arching my body into his. His free hand skims up my stomach, cupping my breast. Heat surges through me at the touch. He breaks away with a growl.

“Even with a gunshot wound and being doped up, you make my dick hard as steel, aching for you.”

“Sorry, Mr. Black, we don’t condone sex right after a major surgery.” A male nurse walks in with a smirk.

I scramble away, nearly falling off the bed in humiliation.

“Come on, Doug. Look at her. You think you could keep it down with her around?”

“Stop, you’re embarrassing me,” I grumble.

“Not a chance, but I didn’t have a bullet removed from me.” The nurse shakes his finger, scolding Finn.

At the statement, my arousal from a few seconds ago disappears. “I’m sorry, we’ll be better. Promise.”

“What? Why?” Finn looks at me, horrified.

“Pretty lady, I need to check his vitals and the dressing on the wound. Would you mind waiting in the waiting room?”

“Don’t flirt with my girlfriend, Doug, or I’ll rearrange your face.”

“Okay, tough guy, I’ll take that ass-whooping willingly. I’ll even make sure you get an invite to our wedding.”

Finn snaps his head to Doug and tries to grab his scrubs but misses terribly.

“Doug, he’s a little possessive. Maybe we shouldn’t tease him when he’s clearly in no position to comprehend.”

“I’ve taken care of all walks of life in my job, but his kind is the most fun. The possessive types seem to get better quicker when challenged with me stealing their women.”

I bite my bottom lip and drop my head to my chest to hide my smile. Doug is cute in his own way, but he doesn’t hold a candle to Finn.

“I’m requesting a new nurse,” Finn mutters.

“The way I see it, you should thank me. That beautiful woman walked in here ten minutes ago, white as a sheet, her hands and knees shaking. Now, she’s walking out with a smile.”

Finn and I exchange a look, and his face softens. “Thanks, man.”

“Now, I do need to perform an assessment.”

I scoot in to kiss Finn’s cheek and assure him I’ll be back soon. The grim and grey cloud from earlier is gone.

He’s going to be fine. Let’s hope I will be, too.