CHAPTER NINE

FINN

A man like me has no right to be so happy, yet here I am fucking bursting with contentment and joy because I got the girl. Damn, my girl . We have filled the past week with conversations ? serious and light-hearted ? and fun outings. Not to mention the sex.

So. Much. Fucking.

But instead of spurring a waning of interest, my need for Abby keeps rising higher and higher. I don't think I'll ever be able to satisfy the well of need living inside me.

"And that's the last of the finishing touches. What do you think?" Abby agreed to let me draw another design on her other wrist this afternoon. This time I decided on a thicker, more intricate wristband suited for a Norse goddess ? strong and beautiful, just like her.

"You've outdone yourself." She traces the outer edges, careful not to smudge the ink. "Now, I kind of wish I had a matching one for my other wrist."

"Next time," I promise, already imagining unique designs. Hell, I have a notebook chock full of Abby; ideas are never from mind when it comes to her. She's become my muse.

"I'll hold you to that." She smiles and leans forward to peck my cheek in a soft kiss. The ease of which astounds me. A week ago, I was getting her off without a hint of touching due to her hesitancy, and now? She fucking kissed me in public. My girl's brave and grown in confidence; something I love and take pride in helping her accomplish.

"Looks like you took the bet, after all." A snide voice breaks the intimate moment, and my blood freezes at the familiar arrival. Fucking Michael. What's he doing here?

I specifically check the books to make sure he's never around when Abby is, so she doesn't have to deal with his bullshit. Especially after she disclosed more about their brief relationship.

"What's he talking about?" Abby asks, her gaze darting between us.

"Didn't he tell you? I bet Finn that you wouldn't let him touch you. Guess I was wrong, huh?" His arrogant swagger pisses me off ? not to mention the distress he's causing my girl.

"That's not true. I mean it is, but I didn't ?"

She jerks her arm away from me and struggles out of the leather chair. "All of this was based on a bet?" Hurt clouds her features as my heart sinks to my gut at seeing her pain. "It was all a lie? God, Finn. We…" The words stutter to a halt, but their meaning is clear. We made love. She gave her virginity to me, and I betrayed her. Except I didn't.

"No, what we have is very real. Let me explain ?"

A sharp hand raises to stop me. "Not now. Not like this." She motions to the small crowd of onlookers, staring curiously at the minor altercation. "We can talk later after I've had a moment to process through this."

Grabbing her purse, Abby tries to leave, but Michael blocks her way. "Come on now. Don't be mad. You should thank me for pushing Finn to take you on; we both know you needed help."

That's it.

Fury rages in my body, and my fist clenches before slamming into the bastard's face. Normally, I don't make a habit of assaulting customers, but Michael's pushed too far by insulting Abby.

"Finn!"

"What the fuck, man!"

Multiple exclamations of reprimand bombard me, but I don't care. He got what's been coming to him for weeks now. Abby grabs my stinging hand and gently prods the knuckles. "Are you alright? What were you thinking?"

"No one speaks to you like that," I growl.

"So, you were defending my honor?" She rolls her eyes, a huff of exasperation hitting the back of my hand. Satisfied with what she sees, Abby lets me go. "It doesn't look like you're too badly injured, and don't think I've forgotten this whole ‘bet' debacle. I'll let you clean up this mess."

Sidestepping a whining Michael, she leaves, and I focus on controlling the damage I created. There will be plenty of time to grovel and beg for forgiveness from her later.

"You're going to pay for that; someone call the cops!" Michael shouts, gesturing wildly.

"There's no need to bring in the police, Mike. Just relax." Kyle tries calming him down. "You came in here with guns blazing and asking for trouble."

"Seriously? You're siding with him?"

"He's my boss, and on the right side of things here, though his choice of retaliation is questionable." Yeah, probably shouldn't have decked him, but I don't feel too badly about it. It was worth it to hear the crunch of his nose under my fist.

"I'll comp the rest of your tattoo." The grating concession slices down my throat. "But after that, you're not welcome here." I shoot Kyle an apologetic look, but he shrugs, knowing it's for the best.

Now, to figure out how to explain this clusterfuck to Abby without losing her forever.