Page 16 of Finn

He rolled over, grimacing in pain. I stepped back at the sight of his bruised face.

He pulled himself up, running a hand through his hair. His chest was marked as well, wrapped in bandages, the dark bruises peeking out from the wrap.

“Holy shit,” I breathed out.

Brian reached for a cigarette, and I slapped his hand away. “I told you no smoking in the apartment.”

He rolled his eyes, picking up a piece of gum and chewing. “It’s been a bad day.”

I shook my head. “What were you thinking, Brian? Gambling?”

He huffed out a dry laugh. “Oh, so he told you, did he?”

“He did.”

He slid from the bed, holding out his arms. “Look what the bastard did.”

“He could have let the other guy punish you. You wouldn’t be standing.” I swallowed hard. “Or breathing.”

Brian waved his hand. “I had it under control. Fucking Finn had to remind me who was boss.”

I crossed my arms. “He is your boss. And mine.”

“After our father died saving his life, you would think that would give me some leeway.”

I shook my head. “He paid off your debt, Brian. Thirty-five thousand dollars. You put him in a terrible situation.”

“And he beat me.”

I had to admit, he looked terrible. “Who wrapped your ribs?”

He sat down with another grimace. “Niall had me looked at. The doc wrapped me up and gave me some painkillers.” He rubbed his eyes. “And I had to listen to Niall’s fucking lecture on how I got off lightly and I should be grateful.” He huffed an angry breath. “I still have to fucking pay the debt off. Fuck. Thirty-five K to Finn is lunch. He could have let it go.” He looked at me. “He would if you asked him, Una.”

I shook my head. “No, he wouldn’t. And I’m not asking.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Jesus, you too. I thought at least you’d take my side on this.”

I had thought so too. I was furious with Finn for beating Brian. “I tried. I offered to pay him the money I had saved, but he refused.”

Brian looked uncomfortable. “About that…”

I frowned. “About what?”

He shut his eyes. “My debt was higher.”

My blood turned cold. “Higher?”

“Yes. I paid him some with what I won at the Maple. But he added more penalties and interest since I couldn’t pay it all. I made another payment of twenty.”

“Where did you get the twenty?” I asked, my voice shaking.

He didn’t look me in the eyes. “I hacked into your computer and got into your account. I sort of borrowed it.”

I stepped back, covering my mouth with my hand and stifling the gasp. “No!”

“I was gonna pay you back, Una. I was on a streak!”

I shook my head wildly, the tears in my eyes burning. “That was for my future.”