Finn bit back a smile.
Feisty as ever.
This was the Lainey he knew.
And still loved.
CHAPTER 16
Lainey knewshe was being stubborn and probably wasn’t making sense to Finn, but how could she tell him the truth? How could she explain how stupid and vulnerable she felt? In her eagerness to start her career, she was surprised and thrilled to get the contract in Charleston. It felt like a validation. Like she had a real shot at her passion.
And then Richard happened.
And then everything else.
She put her trust in so many people, only to be betrayed. Richard. The police. The lawyers, with their promises to make it go away. Every time she thought she was doing the right thing. Every time she’d gotten burned.
And if Finn and the Brotherhood got caught in the fallout?
It would all be her fault. Again.
She had already taken the fall once. Her name had been the only one on the contracts. Her signature. Her liability. She believed Richard was the one for her. She trusted his judgment.
And when everything started unraveling, Richard had turned on her. He looked her dead in the eye and threatened her mother. Her son.
Lainey didn’t know where he was now. Didn’t want to know. But she could still see the cold calculation in his eyes and his voice when he said her name like a warning.
She had to stay quiet. Or else.
So, then, who was vandalizing the project?
It felt personal. And she’d kept her word to Richard. She hadn’t said a thing. There was no need for him to retaliate. Was there?
And how would he know? That’s what confused her. How would he know?
“Knock, knock.”
Lainey let out a startled yelp.
She was so lost in her thoughts she hadn’t heard anyone come in.
She turned and saw Autumn in the doorway. “Oh, God, Autumn. You scared me.” Lainey willed her stomach to settle down.
“Well, hello to you too.” Autumn stepped into the room, a small smile on her face. She held up two coffees and a bag. “I come bearing gifts and a proposal.”
Lainey pressed her hand to her chest. “Sorry, I was spacing out and didn’t hear you come in.”
“That much was obvious.” Autumn crossed the room, set the coffee and bag on Lainey’s desk, and sat in the chair across from her.
“I stopped at Lilypad Confections and picked up some Danish and almond croissants,” Autumn said as she placed her shoulder bag next to her.
Lainey gave a soft laugh. “Why do I feel like you’re trying to bribe me with caffeine and sweets?”
Autumn smiled. “Guilty as charged.” She took a deep breath and leaned forward. “I know we skimmed over the idea of mephotographing ‘before’ photos of your project. I’m hoping you’ll say yes.”
“Today?”
“Why not?” Autumn shrugged, then reached for one of the cups. “I’m here. You’re here. And…” she motioned outside. “The project is right outside.”
