CHAPTER 37
Finnigan’s soft kisses still linger on my lips half an hour later, mixed with the words we spoke to each other in the heat of the moment. They sounded more like oaths… vows.
Mine…
All yours…
Until then, I never allowed myself to acknowledge how much I crave exactly that. I want to be his. God, I need to be his. Because this infuriatingly gorgeous and smart man has my whole damn heart.
“So you’re okay?” Maya’s little voice pulls me back into the car as Finn drives us through the bright streets of Queenscove.
“I’m perfectly fine. I’m sorry I didn’t wake you up to say goodbye last night.” It’s a lie since I was gone before she actually fell asleep, but she doesn’t need to know that. I’m also wearing a long sleeve shirt so she can’t see the bandage wrapped around my arm.
“Okay, then,” she says, seemingly satisfied. “So where are we going, Finn?”
“Asking me for the third time is not going to make me tell you, Maya,” Finn answers, shaking his head with a smile on those enticing lips. He puts one on mine instantly.
He hasn’t told me where we’re heading either.
After he screwed my brains out and turned me into a mindless puddle of euphoria, he wrapped my arm and we took a hot shower together before he helped me get dressed. It’s just a flesh wound, but he’s been fussing over me like a mother hen. It’s endearing really. Then he told me he had something to show me. My curiosity spiked since it was barely seven thirty in the morning.
He’s been kind of jittery since, flexing his fingers around the steering wheel every time he lets out a heavy, charged breath. He dismissed my questions, insisting it’s a surprise for both me and Maya, which only spiked my curiosity further. But I relented, it was a lost cause. On our way to pick her up we stopped at the pharmacy to buy the morning-after pill he suggested, and I strongly agreed with since I don’t want any surprises, and drove to this mysterious location.
I don’t know how close or far we are, but he wouldn’t be so secretive if it wasn’t big. Something about this whole affair both frightens and excites me.
“Are we close?” I give up and ask the question.
He slows down and takes a left on a tree-lined street, but apart from gates at the end of it, there’s nothing else.
“We’re here,” he answers, stealing a glance at me.
My eyes widen and mouth falls open when the car slows down in front of a huge set of shiny black gates that are probably over fifteen-feet tall, surrounded by towering brick walls. That’s not what makes my stomach jump with nerves, but the elegant, gold lettered sign screwed to the wall—Queen Anne Sanctuary. The cryptic name won’t mean anything to most people, but to me, it does. I’ve looked into it. It’s probably the most prestigious and expensive assisted living institute on the South coast, if not beyond, for both the elderly and those who require extra care. Above all, they specialize in a variety of conditions from Alzheimer to MS.
And it’s beyond any scope of imagination in terms of monthly fees. More money that I could ever dream of seeing, not just having.
“Finnigan, what are we doing here?” I ask, unable to keep my eyes off the gate as it opens to what pretty much looks like a well-kept park, filled with tall trees, and flowerbeds flanking the weaving paths that cross through.
I turn to him when no response comes, and he looks at me for a brief moment, then focuses back on the slow drive up the narrow street.
“Wow!” Maya exclaims behind me. “Look at that mansion!”
My head whips back ahead and a beautiful, massive house springs to life through the trees. The fa?ade seems to be built in the same highly decorative period style of Lulu’s building, with tall windows, and beautiful iron work. I’ve seen the place in photos, but it’s something else in real life. Finnigan parks right at the front, completely ignoring the visitors car park sign that points to the right.
He exits first, signaling me to wait as he walks around the car and opens the doors for us.
I have to ask again. “Seriously, Finnigan, don’t mess with me. What are we doing here?”
“Visiting.” The cryptic answer spills nonchalantly off of his lips, and I would smack him if my sister wasn’t here.
Instead, I follow him through the black double doors looming over the few steps up to them, and we’re immediately greeted by a stylish, black-haired woman, wearing a beige skirt suit.
“Mr. Hennessey, lovely to see you again.” The woman shakes his hand with a wide smile, way too enthusiastic for my liking, then turns to me. “Miss Shaw, it’s a pleasure to welcome you at Queen Anne’s.” She reaches over, delicately shaking my hand.
She knows my name? What in the hell is going on here?
“Evelyn, this is Ms. Campbell, the director of the institute.”
Director? The woman runs the entire place. I nod, forcing myself to remain polite, but a lump quickly makes its way into my throat, urging me to scream my questions.
“Please, follow me.” She turns, swiping a card over the access pad of one of the French doors that lead away from this foyer.
I briefly see the reception desk and a few people caught in conversation, but she ushers us through the door she holds open, and I don’t have time to process. Dragging Maya along with me, we follow through the corridor lit only by the picture lights above replicas of famous oil paintings, and then through another locked door.
Only, this space is bustling with activity. A large common room with a mixture of normal tables and chairs, comfy sofas and armchairs around coffee tables, with lots of people caught in chatter and laughter as nurses watch over them or help them around. Everyone looks calm and happy. Content.
I can’t help the slight smile pulling at the corner of my lips.
“This way.”
Ms. Campbell directs us through an open door, down a corridor covered on one side with floor to ceiling windows, and I almost run straight into Finnigan’s back when she halts.
“The meeting room is right here and, of course, privacy is ensured.”
What in heaven’s name is happening? What is this meeting about?
God, I have so many questions.
She points delicately toward an open door, signaling me to walk in. I wait for Finn to take the lead, but he just turns and looks at me.
Laughter echoes past that open door, deep and rich, pure and so damn familiar my heart stops as my mouth falls open, prickles tingling the back of my eyes.
“Daddy!” Maya shouts, pulling free from my hold.
“What did you do?” I whisper to Finnigan, heat filling my chest, spreading through my nerves like wildfire, and I have to clench my fists, digging my nails in my palm to keep from letting it out.
I don’t wait for his answer, even as his gaze softens, brows pulling together with a silent apology I can’t bear to hear right now. Whipping around, I find my father holding his youngest daughter to his chest with small tears in his eyes as he kisses the top of her head.
Oh god, Daddy.
I’m running to him before I finish the thought, and wrap both of them in my arms, burying my head in the crook of his neck. His scent is so utterly him, even after all this time and through devastating memory loss, he still uses the same aftershave—musk and lemon.
“My sweet Evie, I’ve missed you so much. You changed your hair!”
“Daddy, are you okay?” I pull back, checking him all over, before I grip his cheeks to hold him to me.
“Perfect now.”
His warm smile brings a fresh set of tears to my eyes. He puts Maya down and pulls me in the warmest, tightest hug, dropping sweet kisses on the top of my head.
“I’m okay, my sweet. Thank you for arranging the private plane. Jackie was squealing the whole way, and I think she ate all the peanuts.”
Private plane?
“Jackie?”
“Hi, baby girl!” The melodic voice of the older woman sounds from somewhere behind him, and I pull back to find her standing with Maya in her arms, all smiles.
“Oh, Jackie! It’s so good to see you!” Daddy lets me go and I rush to her, pulling her in a tight hug. “Are you okay? Is he okay? Were you—” I whisper on a rushed breath.
“We’re fine, honey. He’s fine too. The trip went by okay, he had a mild sedative at one point when he got a little confused, but it’s all good.”
I let out a charged breath clutching a hand to my chest.
“What about you?” she asks in a matching whisper. “I was told that it was going to be a surprise for both of you, but I must admit, I fought back quite a bit. At first I thought they wanted to kidnap us.”
I stifle an awkward laugh. She has no idea.
“But all the paperwork checked out. I had an interview and everything.”
Interview?
“Thank you for looking after him. For keeping him safe,” I finally tell her.
“Safe? Evelyn, it was them who kept us safe.” She nods toward where I know Finnigan stands. “It felt like a presidential escort. And I got a wonderful job thanks to Ms. Campbell.”
“You work here now?” I ask much louder, turning to the door where Finnigan and the woman pause their quiet conversation. It explains the interview.
“She came highly recommended. Plus, we heard that your father and her have a great bond, and at Queen Anne Sanctuary we believe in nurturing these connections. They help a great deal in certain cases,” the Director confirms.
“Well, I, for one, am happy. Thank you very much for having us in this lovely place.” My father nods his head in reverence to the woman. “Sweet Evie, did you see? They even have a fully stocked kitchen, like the ones you see in the movies for cooking courses, for us to use. We can make meringues again.”
He’s beaming, a smile so wide, I choke up. He’s clearly having a good day today, his Alzheimer’s allowing us some moments of beautiful clarity.
“Evelyn would love that. She’s baking more and more these days.” Finn steps up when I can’t form any words.
“And who might you be?”
“Finnigan Hennessey, sir.” The devastating man sports his softest smile as he extends his hand to my father and they shake. “We saw each other on video call, with the lovely Jackie, a few days ago.”
I’m sorry, he did what? I’m going to strangle the man. Not now, though. Not when my dad is next to me. Happy. Safe. Maya clings to him now, looking up at him like he’s the moon in the sky.
“Right. And to Evelyn?” my father asks.
“Sorry, sir?”
“Who are you to my sweet Evelyn?”
Finnigan’s cheeks turn a lovely shade of pink against his blonde curls, and I’m stepping toward them to intervene.
“Oh, apologies, I’m Evelyn’s boyfriend.”
I stop dead in my tracks, choking on my own spit when I try to swallow the gasp.
“Need some water, darling?” The man turns to me, a devastating smile dimpling his cheek.
“Finally!” my sister says with a cheeky sigh.
“Maya! I swear… one of these days.” I shake my head at her, but she giggles in response and clings tighter to our father.
“Well, it’s nice to meet you, son. You’re taking care of my girls, yes?”
“Of course. I hope you’ll be comfortable at Queen Anne. I’ve inspected all the facilities and services personally.”
“You did?” I ask, unable to hold back anymore of the shock.
“Thoroughly,” Ms. Campbell says with a soft chuckle. “We’ve never been scrutinized quite like this before. Your father is in safe hands. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll give you some privacy. Please feel free to explore. Jackie here is starting to know her way around, but there are others to assist if you get a little lost. Mr. Hennessey has my contact details if you need anything at all in the future.”
“Thank you,” I say to the woman, still flabbergasted.
“My pleasure. Welcome to Queen Anne Sanctuary.” Her smile is soft and warm as it touches her eyes.
This woman is genuine, and I wonder if she knows how much documentation Finnigan faked to get him here. Dad sits down, pulling Maya on his lap, and they start talking, and I grab Finn’s arm and yank him out of earshot.
“What the fuck did you do, Hennessey?” I whisper in a hissed tone.
He cocks his eyebrow, probably at my use of his last name, but amusement brushes his lips.
“I wanted to surprise you—”
“Surprise me?!” I interrupt. “Is that another way of saying that you did something stupid behind my back and without my permission?” My nails dig into his bicep, but it’s the only thing keeping me leveled. I don’t want to make a scene in front of my father and Jackie.
“Depends how you look at it.”
“Is this how you intend on manipulating me into staying in Queenscove?”
His brows lower, gaze darkening at my accusing question.
“Trust me, Evie darling, I have better manipulating techniques than this.” He quirks an eyebrow, gaze drawing down my body before it meets my eyes again.
“Don’t mess with me; I can see right through you.”
He takes a deep, slow breath, cocking his head as he inches closer to me. I tense, but hold strong. Pulling this is completely out of order, though my father’s warm laughter filtering through doesn’t help my case, especially when it makes me unnaturally giddy.
“Listen to me, Evelyn”—Finn’s tone shifts to a low rumble—“I did what I needed to see that beaming smile your father puts on your lips, the tears in your eyes at the sight of his own, and the sheer happiness on your beautiful face, that you can’t hide even with your anger. You were devastated, and it broke my fucking heart. After all you’ve been through, you and Maya did not deserve to suffer through the pain of also being away from your father.”
My lips part as I release my hold on his bicep, his declaration leaving me slightly stunned.
“This feels like bribery. I know how much this place costs, and you know for a fact I cannot afford this.”
“Don’t you even dare mention money to me right now,” he argues as his eyes narrow to a straight line. “You don’t understand how much I yearn to make you happy. It’s fucking worrying, Evelyn, and I can’t make sense of myself. But here I am… trying to make you happy. To make your life easier. Better. You can fight me all you want, but this isn’t gonna stop. I’ll do whatever I need to do to see that addictive happiness beaming in those gray eyes of yours.”
I swallow a lump in my throat as emotions heat their way through my chest at the declaration that feels a lot like he’s baring his soul to me. Maybe even his heart.
So many possibilities turn from black and white to full color in my mind, dreams I didn’t allow to surface; a high-school degree, my own business, Maya safe in a school, baking with Mamaw June, and regular dinners with all these people who have become family. All of this could happen now.
I just have to allow myself to experience them.
“Finnigan, I—”
“Now is not the time. Go, spend it with your father. Take as long as you want. I’ll wait for you in the car.”
I drop my gaze, chewing on my lips, and nod. There’s plenty of anger and confusion inside of me, but his explanation almost urges me to apologize. Almost.
Turning, I smile once more at the sight of my father and sister beaming as they laugh together, and head over to them. But before I can join them, I halt, and whip back around.
“Stay.”
The word spills from my lips like a plea. He answers with the sight of that stunning dimple on his cheek, and a slight nod. I can’t deny it, he did make me happy. Devastatingly so because I missed my father more than I allowed him or Maya to know.
“My sweet Evie.”
“Daddy,” I say, pulling a chair next to his and leaning to press a peck to his cheek.
“How about we go for a walk on these beautiful grounds? I have yet to see them.”
“Let’s go then.”
* * *
Apart from Maya’s humming in the back seat, the whole ride to Mamaw June’s house, to drop her off, was spent in silence.
Now, as he drives us back to his penthouse, the tension in the car is thicker, charged with unspoken words. I hope we’re not making a habit of this, though I was purposefully keeping my mouth shut, so I didn’t go off at him for crossing this line.
Only, my heart is full after spending all those hours with our dad. We had lunch there, went out to buy him a few things, like clothes, toiletries, and others, since I could barely afford more than thrift-store stuff before. He woke up from his nap and we spent even more time with him until the sun was setting and we could tell that it was becoming a bit too much for him. When the confusion started to hit, we decided it was best to let him rest.
Most of the car ride I spent thinking of when I’ll visit him next, instead of being angry at Finn. Because I can do that now, I can see him whenever I want. And he’s safe. Happy.
I’m still mad at my boyfriend, but I think I’m wishing the sentiment more than actually feeling it, because I think I have to. I should be furious. But the man did all of this for me and my sister. He talked to my father’s main caretaker, a woman he knew I trusted, paid off god knows how many people to falsify documents, organized a private plane, and brought my father to one of the leading care homes in the whole country. All at his expense, without even batting an eyelid.
“Come on. Lay it on me. I can’t take the damn silence anymore.” He huffs, squeezing the steering wheel in his fist as we drive out of the forest road and back into civilization.
I take one deep breath, sifting through all the thoughts and questions I have. But after spending all this time with my dad, some of them don’t seem as important anymore. One in particular does weigh on me, though.
“Do you think that by bringing my father here you’re going to sway me to decide to stay?”
“No.”
“Bullshit,” I call out immediately. “You’re trying to convince me to stay.”
“I definitely want you to stay, Evelyn, but it’s not why I brought your father. I wanted to eliminate that worry for you. Now that he’s here you can focus on what you want for yourself. For Maya. Whether it’s work, saving money, baking, or just enjoying yourself, you can do it without missing your father, or worrying about being able to pay for his care.”
“You’re saying all the right words, Finnigan, but I’m struggling to accept that there are no strings to this. That you’re not forcing my hand to stay here.”
Realistically, if this is what he was doing, he wouldn’t admit it just because I asked. So this is futile. But I can’t help but wonder if this gesture is going to sway my decision, regardless. Christ, I’m not even sure a decision was ever necessary. I think I’ve been governed by fear and lack of options. More and more I feel like there is a world of possibilities here, and it’s all due to this man. His Sanctum, too.
But it’s him who keeps my soul alive and my heart full.
Him who I want to wake up next to every morning and see each night before I drift off back to sleep.
It’s him who I want to share my dreams with and the craziness of raising my little sister.
I want this man by my side.
I want to be his. But most of all, I want him to be mine.
All mine.
After a slow, deep breath, he finally answers, “The spot at the old care home in Fleeton is still reserved for your father. Until you make your decision, it will stay his. So if you wish to return there, he can also return with you without issues. Jackie too, of course.”
“Oh, that’s…” I trail off.
“Impressive?”
My head whips to him in time to see an annoyingly striking grin pulling at his lips, and I snort, shaking my head.
“Do you not see how worrying it looks to me that you were able to pull this off?”
He shrugs as he drives us through one of Queenscove’s main boulevards. “It’s nothing.”
“Not in my world.”
“Our.”
“What?” I frown.
“Our world, Evie darling. Fight it all you want, but you’re one of us. You fit. More importantly,” the car stops at some traffic lights, and he turns his gaze to me, “you’re mine.”
A shudder rips through me as goosebumps bloom over my spine.
“Will I still be yours if I decide to leave?”
His gaze sears through me, but no answer comes. As strange as it seems, I know why. If he answers the question, he’ll risk doing just that—manipulate me. Even without trying.
He drives off when the traffic lights turn, and my breaths lighten as his attention shifts.
“Look in the glove box,” he tells me.
“For what?”
Is this his answer to my question?
“An envelope. Open it.”
Confused, I do as told and pull a large, brown envelope out. Parting the end, I start to pull out a bunch of papers and frown as I look at Finn. Something about the feel of the paper seems a bit too official. A little too thin, yet freshly printed. He nods, signaling me to keep going, even as my hands gently shake. I’m not sure where my reluctance is coming from, but it takes me a few seconds to look over the documents.
I gasp, my hand rushing to my mouth, blinking repeatedly like those words are a mirage and I expect them to disappear any moment now.
“This can’t be,” I mutter to myself, blinking excessively like that black-on-white ink is going to rearrange itself back to the real words.
Surely this cannot be.
But the words stay put.
Tears brim my eyes as they widen with every new sentence, every set of words, every single time mine and my sister’s names are mentioned.
“How?” is all I manage to whisper, as Finn’s phone rings, making me jump.
“We have friends in high places,” he answers as he rejects the call.
I don’t even care if what he means is that he blackmailed a bunch of people, or broke some legs, because these documents state, nice and damn clear, that I am Maya’s official guardian.
“You did this for me. I have custody,” I say in disbelief, heat flooding my soul and wrapping around my heart. This man…
His phone rings again, and he mutters curses as he presses a button on his car screen.
“Where are you?”
That sounds like Vincent barking on the other line.
“About a minute away from home.”
“Turn the fuck around now! Your building is being stalked. Two of our men are down. They’re waiting for you,” Vincent urges.
“Shit. Where are you?”
“Loading up, underground. There’s something else.”
“What?” Finnigan asks, a deep frown settling between his brows.
“It’s happening. Bartiste is coming for us.”