“This has nothing to do with you.”
“Possibly not, but answer the question. Because the man you just became is not the man I know. I don’t know what’s between you and your father—and his wife, for that matter—but clearly it’s not pretty. But I’d never have believed you’d ignore a young girl who clearly has nothing to do with what happened before you came to Ryker Falls, as you were here before she was born.”
“It’s complicated.” He looked uncomfortable now. “And you have no idea the cause of it or my family dynamics.”
“Most families are complicated, but she’s your blood.”
“How do you know she is?”
“I see you in her. The shape of her eyes and chin, and the hair color. Am I wrong, is she not your sister?”
“She’s my half sister, and I don’t even know her.” He blew out a loud breath. “My father and I don’t get on, Maggs. Don’t try and get in the middle of that. He makes me act ugly. That’s not an excuse but the simple truth.”
“Is it fair to take out whatever this stuff with your father is on Mallory if she’s not the cause of it?”
He raised his eyes to the ceiling. “I don’t want them here, and just because you have a good relationship with your siblings doesn’t mean everyone else does.”
“I understand that, and I think you made it pretty clear you didn’t want them here.”
“We can’t all live life as happy families,” he snapped.
Maggie fought to remain calm. “You know nothing about the life I’ve lived.”
“Jack told me you were raised with money and love.”
She wasn’t sure what he was accusing her of, but it was there in his tone. He was striking at her because he was angry and off-balance, she knew that too, but she didn’t have to like it or, for that matter, take it.
“I was not spoiled and worked hard all my life.”
“And I’m sure your big strong brothers let you,” he scoffed.
Maggie didn’t like people scoffing at her; it made her unreasonably angry. Which meant both of them were currently in that state.
“You’re being an asshole, and even though I know the reasons why, it’s pissing me off. I have no idea what’s between you and your father, but maybe as he’s come here with his family, your family, FYI, he wants to work it out.”
“There is nothing to work out, so drop it. This is my life, so you can take your do-gooding attitude and leave—unless you want to take up where we left off.”
“What?”
“Sex, Maggs. It would be good, and you know that. So why wait? I could have you naked on my desk in seconds.”
His eyes had a mean glint in them. She’d never seen this side to Fin before and had to say she didn’t like it. He was hitting out at her, he knew it just as she did, but she still hated it. Hated that he was hurting but she couldn’t reach him.
“I’m good with my hands and mouth,” he drawled. “You’ll be whimpering and begging—”
“I know you’re doing this because of your family, Fin.”
“Maybe this is the real me.” He grabbed her, pulling her close. He then very deliberately ran a hand up her body. She couldn’t feel much through her clothes, but her body still responded as he cupped her breast.
“Don’t do this to either of us,” Maggs said quietly. He let her go so quickly, she stumbled back a step.
“Get out,” he snapped.
She did as he asked, walking out into the ice-cold weather and gulping in a breath. She walked slowly down the road to where she’d parked her car. By the time she’d climbed in, she’d forgiven him, her anger turning to sympathy. Seeing his family had caused Fin pain; she just wasn’t sure why. But she’d tell Joe, and he’d talk to him. Someone had to.
Chapter15
Fin walked to his window, having tossed and turned most of the night. He looked at the mountains. Hell of a place to live, he had to concede. As the head ranger, he had a cabin not far from the station. It was quiet, surrounded by nature, and his haven. Small, compact, and perfect for one man. He’d found himself wanting more lately, and when he’d overheard Ted talking about cutting off some of his acres, he’d decided to purchase a piece.
