Page 31 of Finn

“Una.”

She looked up.

“Tell me.”

“My savings… I loaned it to Brian.”

I narrowed my eyes, instantly suspicious. “You loaned it to him?”

“Yes. He admitted his debt was larger than you knew.”

“Una,” I bit out. “I knew the figure from Lopez himself. The only way the debt was larger was if Brian paid some of it off before I found out. And since you were shocked when I told you about the situation, that means one of two things. You lied to me about not knowing, or he took your money without your knowledge. Which was it?”

She lifted her eyes to mine, and I knew.

“He fucking stole your money.”

“He’s going to pay it back. He promised.”

“Yes, he is. Every penny plus interest. I’ll make sure of it.”

“Finn, stay out of it. It’s between us.”

“No—”

She stood, angry. “I didn’t want to tell you because I knew how you’d react. This is between Brian and me. Stay out of it.”

“And when he doesn’t pay you back?”

“Then I helped my brother.”

“When are you going to open your eyes, Una? Stop letting him take advantage of you!” I roared.

“He’s my brother. My family. He’s all I have left of my dad,” she said, her voice broken. “I have to help him.”

I rose to my feet, staring down at her. “You are too good for him. He’s going to drain you. Financially, emotionally. I fear for you if you don’t break away from him.”

“My brother doesn’t scare me.”

I shook my head. “Then you’re deluding yourself, Una. You refuse to allow me into your life based on the what-ifs, yet you allow him full access, when his what-ifs and past behaviors are far more dangerous to your well-being. Why can’t you see that?”

“It isn’t only the what-ifs,” she replied, her eyes glimmering. “I was there, Finn. I witnessed your world firsthand.”

I shut my eyes at the pain in her voice.

“So, it’s easier to live without me than take a chance with me?” I asked quietly.

“I can’t be the cause of your demise.”

I chuckled without humor. “Since you insist my world is so violent, then someone is going to take me out at some point.”

“Don’t even say that!” she yelled, jumping to her feet.

“They could come after you to get to Brian,” I pointed out.

“He is of no consequence to anyone,” she insisted, crossing her arms. I knew the mulish look in her eyes far too well. She wouldn’t listen to me. When it came to her brother, she never would. I bent and brushed a kiss to her forehead.

“Thank you for dinner, mo chroí. Until the last few moments, it was the best evening I’ve had in a long time.” I paused. “I miss you. I miss us.”