Page 64 of Hidden

Jaiyi had been right! I might not have known about the truth of Finn’s life, but I did recognize his mannerisms.

Noteverythingwas a lie.

“What do youwant?” he asked again.

Damen had moved to the counter, crossing his arms as he rested his hip against the edge. He scowled at Finn.

I held my breath, because Damen hadn’t saidhowhe felt. Outside of his initial reaction, it had been impossible to tell if he was angry, or something else. But when he’d held me, thanking me, I hoped it was because he was grateful.

“I’m going to ask you this only once.” His voice was calm, but his gaze steady as he watched his brother. “Why didn’t you come to meimmediatelyafter your contract with Kiania changed?”

Finn stiffened; his breath locked as his gaze remained steady on Damen’s. I was right in front of him, but I had no idea how to warn him. I was the worst ex-best friend ever.

“I’m sorry…” I couldn’t think of anything else to say. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry…”

His focus shot to me. The dread had left his expression, replaced with surprise. “Why are you sorry?”

My heart lurched. Didn’t he realize? “I told them what happened. I didn’t know…”

“Oh please.” Finn rolled his eyes. “Like anyone is going to blame you. It’s notyourfault she was waiting for you. You’re so naive.”

I stared at him, not feeling any better with him acting like a jerk. How was it possible to feel so guilty, yet also want to punch him in the face?

Why was he so infuriating?

“Finn!” Damen’s voice was commanding, and Finn’s attention shifted back. “Stop acting like an idiot and answer my question. Why didn’t you come to me?”

“I don’t know!” Finn threw his hands in the air. “I didn’t know what to do! Everyone was trying to figure out what happened and how to deal with it. Plus, if we went to you, you’d have found out who Bianca was, which they didn’t want.”

This seemed to mollify Damen. His severity melted into contemplation, and he paced. “This has never been successful before… You never cursed her, did you?”

“Of course not!” Finn sounded genuinely offended. “I was angry! My emotions affect the bond. When she’s on her medication, it seems to control it better.”

When he was emotional?

“When we were in school…” My pulse picked up, fragments of memories flashing through my mind. “Was that what happened when you beat up Cory?”

His voice was curt. “Yes.”

I touched my mouth. I couldn’t believe how stupid I’d been. This had happened before, but I never made the connection. “I thought it was just a bruise.”

“It wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t jumped in.” Finn frowned, his eyes flashing. “You have no business getting into my fights.”

A loud bang echoed through the room, cutting off my response.

Damen still rested his hand on the counter, his expression severe.

“Everyone into the living room.” Damen pointed to the door. “We are not having this discussion standing around the kitchen, but we’re getting to the bottom of this right now.”

Chapter Fourteen

Bianca

Secret

Finn, surprisingly, made himself right at home and headed toward an armchair. I started to follow him, but Titus snatched my arm, pulling me to the couch to sit between him and Miles.

Bryce and Brayden, still silently observing, had claimed two other armchairs. Anthony, on the other hand, stood next to Finn.