Page 14 of Brazen Obsession

His gaze flicks to Finn, but Finn just takes another swallow of wine.

Colin shakes his head and returns his gaze to Natasha. “Alexander still wants to take over your father’s business. That will be easier with your dad behind bars.”

Natasha swallows and her hand covers her stomach. “There should be enough evidence to take him in too.”

Colin laughs and it’s bright and cheerful. Not like this subject. We’re all still in danger until the rest of Sokolov’s men are arrested. We know that. But what is Colin implying?

“My dear child.” Colin’s tone is patronizing. “You grew up in this world. You know not everyone falls in times like these. There are protections in place. Scapegoats ready to do their duty and take the fall for someone else, as is their job. They’re just waiting for their opportunity to serve.”

Colin takes a bite. “Alexander can try to take over your father’s business. After all, he had your father’s blessing to marry you and become the head. But to do that, he needs you. Preferably without a husband.”

I gasp slightly.

Finn sighs and rubs his hand down his face. “What do we need to do to protect her?”

Colin smiles and claps his hands. The sound is loud and startling. But the servers come forward to remove our barely eaten salads and return with dinner. A small steak dripping with gravy accompanied by asparagus and a vegetable medley is set before each of us.

When the servers withdraw again, our glasses are full. Colin leans back in his chair with his wineglass.

“You would protect the woman that put the woman you love in harm’s way?” Colin looks like he wants to watch the fireworks. Like he wants to watch Finn turn on his best friend Tom. Will he? Neither Dante nor Finn are fond of Tom right now, but will Finn shove Tom under the bus?

Finn takes a deep breath and straightens. He looks over at Natasha and Tom before meeting his father’s gaze. “What Tom did was shitty.”

The room remains silent, waiting for Finn to gather his words. What Tom did was shitty. Not just running off, but everything he did to make sure Natasha was his. Setting up Wyatt with Verity Baron. Leaving us underprepared and in more trouble than we thought. Getting wrapped up in a crime family and hoping to escape the consequences.

“Does he deserve to die for it though?” Finn meets Tom’s eyes and I’ve never seen Finn more serious. He lets that hang in the air, because that’s what his father is implying. What Tom put us through, put Wyatt through, was fucked-up, but I don’t want my brother dead because of it. Finn’s gaze softens. He shakes his head. “No, I don’t want Tom to die. Nor do I want his child to become another pawn in this fucking game. So yes, I do want to protect Natasha and Tom.”

Finn gives his father his full attention. “So tell me what it will cost me. Because nothing comes for free, even for family, isn’t that right?”

Finn stands up with a scowl on his face. He storms to the door before his father clears his throat.

“I meant what I said, Finn.” Colin sighs. “It’s hard not to play the game, but I do want to have a relationship with you where every favor doesn’t have a cost.”

Finn’s back muscles loosen and he turns to look at his father. “Tom is family. He’s my family, with or without Sara. No, I don’t want him dead because of his stupid, impulsive decisions. I don’t want that for me or for Sara. I just want to live my normal life and not be involved in this world you’ve created.”

Colin releases a breath and nods. “Please return to the table.”

Finn’s eyes meet mine and he comes back to me. He takes the chair next to me and lifts my hand to his lips. “I would do anything to keep my family safe.”

My heart warms at the look of love in his eyes. He would do anything for me and I’d do anything for him.

“We’ll do what we can to hold off Alexander and hope he gets carted off with the rest of them.” Colin rubs his chin. “But there are no guarantees. He’s a dangerous man who’s been backed into a corner. Men like that are unpredictable.”

My pulse thrums hard. That means we’re not out of danger. I knew that. Knew there would be some time before we were free and clear, but living with Tom and Natasha adds an extra level of danger I didn’t take into account.

“Alexander Petrov is a hard man.” Natasha sets her fork on her plate and sighs. “My father chose him because they think alike. Sometimes, I think he wished Alexander Petrov had been his child and not me.”

Tom takes her hand and she smiles at him.

“So we’re basically up against your father?” Dante says. “Again?”

Natasha shakes her head. “Not my father. Worse. My father loves me. That’s why it was a hard decision to turn him in. He cares for me and doesn’t want harm to come to me. Alexander isn’t that man. He cares about nothing more than power. He would do anything to hold on to it.”

Colin leans forward with his elbows on the table. “You’ll have my best men at your residence and following you. If we have an opportunity to take down Alexander, we will.”

“For how long?” Dante asks. His hand slides onto my thigh beneath the table. I take his hand, letting his calm wash over me.

“As long as it takes.” Colin smiles and his eyes find mine. “Let’s eat this delicious meal and have dessert. Tomorrow will be soon enough to discuss logistics.”