Chapter 60: Chapter 60

C H A P T E R - - T W E N T Y - - F I V E

He then began to talk. "Gia, people speak, and for the past week, you and Falcone have dominated the conversation on the street that isn't about your fuckin' sister. I am aware that your garbage has long been connected to his. I am aware that you stand out from the crowd. It brings me no joy to say this, but I also know that when he's done, he's done. If he stated he's done with you, he... is... done. And I saw your face last night, darling, so I know you're feeling this deeply."

My sinuses began to hurt, foreshadowing tears.

Finn continued. "I also know exactly what I saw and felt when I first saw you, as well as how you felt when I first touched you. Having said that, I'm not a fool or a jerk. You're not prepared. That does not imply that I do not want to wait to enter."  Therefore, as he drew nearer, his hand rose, wrapped around my neck with his head bowed, and his voice softened, "You lick your wounds, darlin', and you got me at your back while they heal," she said. I'm here if you want to look into more active techniques to get him out of your head. I'll be waiting for you when you come through the other side."

With my eyes fixed on his, I said, "Finn -" I could feel tears quivering at the rims of my eyes as I spoke, tears for the loss of my living illusion with Falcone and tears for the realization that the person in front of me was evidently a nice man. There was absolutely no way in hell I was ever going there, even though it was a good and risky option.

He bowed his head even more, his mouth came in contact with mine, and as my lips were opened, he took advantage of the situation to insert his tongue in my mouth.

When I reflexively pushed my tip to touch his, I had an electric jolt of surprise, something quite different raced through me, and another bolt shot someplace else.

He raised his head, and as I opened my eyes, I noticed that he was gazing directly into my eyes despite the fact that he didn't miss his chance or exploit it.

"Now, eat your pancakes, darling," he said softly while gently squeezing his fingers at my neck.

I did as I was told. I took the pancakes and he got me butter and maple syrup. I sat at a stool at his bar, readied them and ate them while he made some for himself.

He was right and I was surprised.

They were the best pancakes I’d ever had.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Just after midday, I was exhausted.

Finn had descended the mountain to see if he could recover my belongings. He had made the decision that I would stay at his house. When I considered this, I felt like I was being abducted. A firebomb had exposed Dad and Melinda's vulnerability since they were homeless. Although Ryan was a police officer, he had to work in order to get compensated, so he couldn't spend his days watching after me. I was still reluctant to purchase a gun, and getting a permit was out because I was very certain that there was a waiting time.

Finn has a mountain hideout and a posse of fierce motorcyclists at his disposal.

I decided on Finn.

I contacted Dad while he was away and left a message, letting him know where I was so he wouldn't be concerned and that I will explain later. In addition, I informed him that the dinner Ramona and I had planned for Falcone, Gus, and Amelia was cancelled and that I would explain why later. Melinda could answer calls at work, and I wasn't prepared to go there, so I didn't call her. I did call Antonette and Mic. Mic yelled at Falcone, claiming that she had a gut feeling that he was a motherfucking jerk. I was experiencing the same level of heartbreak as Antonette.

Enrico wasn't on my phone. He wouldn't boast, I knew that, and he would be nice. Enrico was a lovely person, but he didn't have a team of fearsome motorcyclists at his disposal or a mountain retreat. He would also give me a place to stay. His male buddies were largely bankers, and he had a condo.

I was thinking about taking a sleep that I hoped would last for about fifty years while reclining on Finn's enormous, cushy, comfy, tan couch facing the view when I spotted Finn riding his bike up the driveway. He was riding alone, and his Harley wasn't loaded down with luggage.

Shit.

I stood up and awaited him at the entrance.

He seemed dejected.

"Are you alright? "I enquired.

"No" He replied, moving to a door outside the entrance, opened it, and retrieved a leather motorcycle jacket. He turned and threw it my way, where I grabbed it."

Put it on, peaches. I'm sorry to say, but Falcone is being a jerk. Unless he sees you, he won't release your stuff. I need you to come forward because my lads and his boys are engaged in a standoff at his warehouse, and if you don't, it may result in minor accidents, bloodshed, or hospital stays."

Although my body was frozen, my mouth managed to produce the word "What? ”

Finn entered my personal space, placing a hand at my waist while a second hand curled around my neck. "He is demanding to see you, darling. So, we have to let him see you, his hands squeezed mine. He'll see you, I'll be at your back, and once we go, my boys will enter and remove your shit."

"He's keeping my belongings hostage until he meets me?

"I muttered.

Yes, Finn replied.

“Why?"  I carried on whispering.

"I don't know," Finn retorted.

He had his hands on me as I stood there and looked into his eyes.

Then I went insane.

I took a step back and ripped his jacket off. That effing dick! "I yelled. “God! Why did I think that? I must have been insane to become involved with him. Totally crazy! ”

My foot was just about to step off the decking at the side of the house and into the gravel road when I was yanked up abruptly with an arm around my tummy. I had barely untangled my hair from the collar, stormed out the door and onto his bike.

Finn turned and immediately pulled me off my feet.

When I withdrew and spun around to face him, he exclaimed, "Babe, boots."

I turned to gaze at my socks-covered feet. I turned my head back to look at Finn and noticed that his mouth was moving.

I went back to his house to retrieve my boots after that.