Chapter Forty-Nine
J
In the space of forty-eight hours, I was attacked in an elevator and then saved by Finn Cross, of all people.
I tore my hair out trying to build an infrastructure that mirrors cellphone data to a secure server—total game changer, by the way.
AndI was an intricate part of a negotiation between Finn and the same gang bangers who almost tried to kill me.
In short, I need a bath and eight hours of peaceful, uninterrupted sleep.
Sol drives to the villa, and The Kings spill out of their royal carriage like celebrities. They’re all so big that every time they step down, the van tips slightly in their direction and bounces back on its four wheels.
I climb out last since it takes me a long time to move. To my surprise, Finn, Dutch, Zane, and Sol are right outside the van.
Were they waiting for me?
“Keep the van parked here, Sol,” Zane says. “I’m too tired to carry the money back inside.”
“As long as Abuela has her ride back before mass, it’s fine here.”
Dutch yawns. “I’ll take you home.”
The Kings walk ahead.
Finn remains halfway between his brothers and me. His back looks especially broad in the moonlight. A slight breeze ruffles his dark hair, and I battle the urge to run my fingers through it and set it back in place.
As attractive as Finn is on the outside—and he’s really, really gorgeous on the outside—the brilliant way he took control in the shed, all without violence or threats, is what makes him ten times taller in my eyes.
I didn’t evenseehim while he was in there, but listening to him deal with Ace was the hottest thing I’ve ever experienced.
“Finn,” Sol teases, punching his friend in the arm, “how are you going to reward J tonight? She played a big role in getting those guys to back off.”
Finn’s dark, shadowy eyes meet mine.
I raise both hands, hoping that my face isn’t red. “All I want is a bath and a bed.”
“Is there room in your plans for one more?” Sol asks, nudging Finn in the arm.
Finn gives him a dark look.
Sol’s smile drips away and he mumbles, “I was just kidding, man. Relax.”
“About that.” I clap my hands together. “I wanted to ask if you guys have a guest room I can use? I don’t want to keep Finn from his room any longer.”
Zane grins. “Yeah, we have lots of—” Suddenly, the drummer trips and goes sprawling. “What the…” He pushes up from the grass and shoots a glare at Finn who’s randomly stretching his legs on the driveway.
“Watch your step, Zane,” Finn says calmly.
Dutch smirks. “What Zane is trying to say is that we have lots of—” A white blade of light suddenly blares in Dutch’s face.
I look for the source and find that it’s coming from Finn’s phone.
“Damn, Finn. Are you trying to blind me?” Dutch blinks rapidly, a dazed look in his eyes.
“My flashlight app is glitching,” Finn explains, straightening to his full height.
I glance at each of The Kings. What’s going on right now?
