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Chapter Four
Olivia
This is the type of stuff that only exists in the movies or in the occasional romance book I read. I stand here in complete awe at what he’s done. He seriously did all of this . . . for me? I almost can’t believe it. I’ve treated Finn like crap since my brother told me about the arrangement, and he’s trying to prove himself to me, obviously. Hell, the man doesn’t even have to. He could literally force me to marry him.
A shiver runs down my spine at the thought, and the feelings of hands over my body come in strong. It’s like I’m back in that room, reliving everything those disgusting men did to me. I can’t just blame them. Deanna deserves the blame too. She gave them orders and her monstrosities of minions did as she commanded.
“Olivia, are you alright?” Finn’s soothing voice brings me back to reality, and I’m met with his dark eyes. They’re the perfect mixture of chocolate and bronze. So much so I almost think they aren’t real, like they’re contacts or something. But I should know better. I’ve known him for most of my life and they’ve always been this beautiful.
Beautiful. Wow. For the first time since this agreement was made, I’ve internally complimented him. Maybe it shouldn’t be so hard with how he’s treating me, but it feels odd to even let him in. Ever since the night I was attacked, I don’t want to let any man break down my walls. I’ve even had issues with my brothers, and while it’s a shame, you can’t just flip a switch and turn off trauma.
“Yeah.” I nod and swallow hard. “Sorry, I just . . . something like this hasn’t ever happened to me before. You know?”
Finn’s concerned expression immediately shifts to a disappointed one. “Well then, you haven’t been treated in a way you deserve. Not if I have anything to say about it.”
His words catch me off guard and we both kick off our shoes as we walk over toward the setup. As we grow closer, I realize the table is maybe a foot off the ground, and there are pillows, a blanket, and candles. On the outskirts of our little setup, there are tiki totem sort of sticks in the ground, giving us ample light.
Finn offers me a hand like he has all night, and I gladly take it this time. I haven’t every other time he’s offered this evening, but it’s only because I’m damaged as fuck. The sad part is I’m not even kidding. Getting close to any man in the way I’m going to eventually need to, is none other than absolutely terrifying.
As I’m on the ground, I lean on the side so I’m not flashing my ass to anyone who walks by. Finn must notice my concern because he smirks and grabs a blanket, then hands it over to me. “I’ve made sure no one will bother us tonight, though I’m sure this will make you feel much more comfortable.”
I thank him with a smile, and he helps me wrap the blanket around my legs. Honestly, I’m so glad he thought of this. He takes a seat beside me, and I finally notice the chilled bottle of wine in a metal ice bucket. It’s beautiful with elaborate designs down the side.
Finn grabs the bottle of wine and uses a corkscrew to pull the cork from the bottle. He pours me a glass and hands it over and then one for himself. “My friend owns a vineyard in France and when the arrangement was made, I wanted to do something that would be a token of what’s to come. Simply another way to prove myself to you, and so I did this.” Finn holds the bottle to me, and I read it. I see the year ‘2007’ and ‘Rose’, and then my eyes scan up a bit more. My eyes expand at the shock of this.
“You didn’t . . . did you? I mean, there’s no way,” I say, shaking my head as complete denial takes over me.
Finn cackles in the most carefree way since we’ve been on this date. “Olivia, when have I ever been the type who does things half-assed?”
“Never, you’re as stubborn as Félix in that regard,” I murmur as the realization sinks in. My soon-to-be husband bought me a winery. “Why would you do this for me? And, I’m not trying to be rude, I just am generally curious.”
“Can’t a man buy a woman something he thinks she might appreciate?” Finn raises his brows and smirks.
While I appreciate the chivalry, I know he’s full of shit. “And can’t a man answer a question a woman asks of him?” If he wants to start this reverse psychology Yoda bullshit, we can. I am a DeLancy after all, and my brothers have taught me loads over the years.
Finn breaks out into laughter and after a few moments, I find myself smiling. He clears his throat and finally gives me the answer I’ve been seeking. “I wanted to buy you something that had some sort of meaning behind it. I could’ve bought you jewelry, but it would’ve been materialistic. And, as someone from the same lifestyle, I know as a woman in a powerful family you don’t have much to call your own, so this is something you can call yours.” Finn reaches under the pizza box and hands me a manila envelope.
I open it and see the title transfer paperwork. Holy hell. Finn is serious. He’s so serious about making things good between us and proving himself to me. At the end of the day, I’m going to be tied to this man for the rest of my life, so I need to try and put some effort in here too. It’s obvious he is, and Finn hasn’t ever made me feel like he’s a bad man.
Not everyone is like the ones who haunt my dreams, and I need to give him a chance, even if it throws me out of my comfort zone.
