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“I don’t know.” I squirm a little. “I’m not sure I feel right buying stuff.”
“Didn’t he tell you to get an all new wardrobe? Not a few pairs of shoes, not a couple blouses, but an entirely new wardrobe.” She taps my shoulder. “Spine, remember?”
“Yes, but—”
“Let’s take the man at his word and get shopping.” She holds out a hand. “Come on. You want to do this, right?”
I hesitate, smiling to myself.
Do I want to do this? Do I want to take Finn’s money and dig myself deeper into his world? I feel like I’m the one taking advantage of him somehow, even though he offered without me ever asking.
That’s the poor girl still locked in the back of my head. I remember the days where my family had to scrimp and save for everything, clip coupons, buy dented cans, dig for change in pants pockets, all that stuff. I remember the stress, the anger that spending extra money brought out in my parents. And I remember the resentment they felt toward each other as every day brought new stresses and new problems.
I don’t want that relationship. Even if what I have with Finn ends up all business, I want things to be cordial between us at the very least. Maybe we don’t end up deeply in love, but at least we can be friends.
Money makes things harder.
Although usually it’s when people don’t have money, and it seems like Finn has plenty.
“Well, when you put it that way,” I say, taking Kathryn’s hand. “You know how I feel about needless spending.”
“You let me worry about the cost, okay? Just sit back, relax, point at the most expensive things you can find, and I’ll do all the swiping.”
“You’re such a wonderful help,” I say with a dramatic sweep of my arm. “What ever would I do without you?”
“Be homeless,” she says, grinning.
We walk arm in arm up the escalator and into Fendi.
Chapter26
Finn
Iorder a car that night to take us out to the Crowley family mansion.
Dara’s quiet beside me, wearing a new cream blouse and a pair of dark slacks. She looks gorgeous with her hair down, her lips pink and her eyes bright, staring out at the night as we wind our way from the city toward the affluent suburbs.
Without thinking, I put my hand on her thigh, which makes her flinch.
But she doesn’t knock it away.
“I need you to know something,” I say, looking at her, holding her gaze. I hit the button to raise the privacy screen, blocking out the driver. “No matter what happens, I’m on your side. Do you understand?”
“How bad is this going to be?” She tilts toward me, eyes wide.
A fair question. I tighten my grip, digging my fingers into her slightly, before shaking my head. “I don’t know,” I admit. “But it won’t be good.”
“Your father—your family—you’re all, uh, you know, criminals, right?” She hesitates, picking her words carefully. “Does that mean violence is a possibility?”
I smile tightly. “If I were anyone else in the organization, then yes, my father wouldn’t hesitate to kill me. Disobedience and betrayal are the two greatest crimes we can commit.”
She pales. “But since you’re his son, you’re safe?”
“Mostly.” I don’t mention that there are things he could do which are worse than killing me. “You don’t have to stress. I promise, no matter what, I’m going to take care of you. We’re married, and I don’t plan on going back on that commitment. Besides, I have contingency plans.”
Dozens of them. From running to Mexico to bribing him with work.
But she doesn’t seem reassured. “Even if he threatens to kill you? Or me?”
