Page 155 of Captive Audience

“Finn,” I said again, this time more firmly.

Finally, he snapped out of it.

“You didn’t fuck anything up.” My voice stayed steady, even though my chest ached for him. “And you did protect me. You fought back, and you took a bullet trying to save me.”

He shook his head, staring at his ruined leg. “Doesn’t matter. You still got hurt and nearly died because of me.” His jaw tensed, bitter resolve toughening his features. “Which is why I’m quitting. If I’m not already fired, I’ll tell the boss after this.”

I stared him down. “No.”

He blinked. “Excuse me?”

“Did I stutter? You’re my bodyguard, Finn. That means you work for me, and I don’t accept your resignation.”

He could try to quit, but I wasn’t having it. “You think Rook can just replace you? That I’d let him? Not a chance.”

He exhaled a sharp breath. “I can’t fight. I’ll probably have a limp for the rest of my life. What good am I to you?”

The defeat in his eyes nearly undid me. Gone was the man who’d only ever greeted me with a warm smile and kindness. Ihated how this had hardened him. I wouldn’t give up on Finn, or let him give up on himself, either.

“I’m sorry your MMA career is over, Finn. If you feel guilty about me getting kidnapped, believe me, I feel just as bad that your dreams were crushed because you were protecting me. But you will fight again. Maybe not professionally, but I doubt anything could keep you out of the ring.”

“Octagon,” he corrected.

“Whatever. All I’m saying is, if you love MMA, there must be other fulfilling ways to keep the sport in your life. Maybe once we’re both better, you can teach me some moves so the next time someone tries to mess with me, I can go full badass bitch on them.” I made a fist and punched it into my palm.

“Lord help us all.” Finn shook his head. “There won’t be a next time.”

“That’s right, because you won’t let there be.” I gave him a meaningful stare. “And you’re not just my bodyguard. You’re my friend, and you’re my sanity when Rook is being an overbearing jerk. I don’t want anyone else guarding me.”

“Maybe that’s what you want, but you deserve better.”

Were all Irish mobsters such stubborn asses?

“Shut up. I already have the best.”

“Look at the pair of us.” Finn threaded his hands together in his lap. “Shot up, can’t walk.”

“On the upside”—I pointed to my face—“I won’t need a Halloween costume this year.”

“Christ, lass.” Finn pinched the bridge of his nose. “Too soon.”

“And you’re going to have women all over you. Do you know that Ted Bundy used to wear a cast or use crutches to lure in his victims?”

“Just grand. Now you’re giving me serial-killer dating tips.”

“I’m just saying, the ladies love a vulnerable man.”

That got a chuckle out of him. “Finally.” I raised my hands in the air, praising the sky. “I made an Irishman smile.”

“The boss still torn up about it all?”

“I think if he weren’t so determined to supervise my recovery, he’d pick a fight with the nearest rival just for an excuse to commit multiple homicides.”

Finn grunted. “I know the feeling.”

“Rook will snap out of it. And if he doesn’t, I have a plan.”

I just needed to get better first.