Three years. That’s how long she’d successfully avoided Finn DeLuca. Apparently, the reprieve was over.
Genevieve Reilly stared at her attorney...waiting for him to laugh. Or tell her April fool. Or pinch her so she’d finally wake up.
“At least the judge recognized the validity of our argument against letting him take Noah overnight.”
Oh, because that was the silver lining in this nightmare.
“How? How could this happen? You promised me he’d never be granted visitation. He’s a convicted felon, for God’s sake.”
“No.” Lance reached across the conference table and placed a soothing hand on her arm. “I told you it wasn’t likely. But it appears Mr. DeLuca has not only influence of his own, but also friends in high places. Anderson Stone spoke on his behalf as a character witness.”
“Another convicted felon.”
“With billions of dollars and a media campaign touting him as a hero who saved the love of his life from a rapist.”
“Whoop-dee-do. That has nothing to do with Finn. Finn isn’t a hero. In fact, I’m pretty sure he’s the devil’s son.”
Genevieve rubbed at the ache lodged right between her eyes. She’d regret the day she ever met Finn DeLuca...except that would mean she’d have to regret her son. And nothing could ever make that happen. Noah was the best thing in her life.
Having Noah had given her the strength to walk away from a life that was slowly poisoning her. Yes, the decision meant she and Noah had to fight for everything they had...but the fight was worth it. She’d do without if it meant raising her son in an environment that was healthy and happy.
Lance shrugged his shoulders. “Devil or not, he’s Noah’s father. And let’s be honest, he has enough money that he could have fought us as long as he wanted.”
That had sorta been her hope...and also what had kept her up at night. As long as they were in a court battle, then she didn’t have to face him. But she didn’t have access to unlimited bank accounts anymore so paying for all those legal bills would have been difficult. She’d have managed. Somehow.
They could appeal the judge’s decision, but in the meantime Finn would get visitation. Which meant she’d have to see him. A reality she’d been both dreading...and dreaming about.
Waking up with her sex throbbing from memories of Finn was something she tried not to think about. She didn’t really want him. Couldn’t, wouldn’t let herself.
Nope, she refused to admit that any part of her wanted to see Finn DeLuca again.
Her last memory of him had been less than happy. Blue-and-red lights reflecting off the forecourt of her grandfather’s estate. The cool, remote expression on Finn’s face as an officer placed a hand to the top of his head and guided him into the back seat of the cruiser.
She’d refused to attend his trial. There’d been no point. And, thank God, the prosecutor hadn’t needed her to testify. Not when Finn had been caught red-handed with a fifteen-million-dollar diamond stuffed in his pocket.
Her diamond. Or, rather, her family’s. Nearly losing the Star of Reilly to the charismatic, smooth-talking devil had almost gotten her disowned...a fate Genevieve had spent her entire life bending over backward to avoid. It was the threat her grandfather had used to keep her in line from the time she was very young.
After losing her parents at an early age, her grandfather had been the only family she’d ever known. He might have been the monster in her closet, but he was all she had. So she’d grown up desperate to please him. Desperate not to lose him, too.
Who knew a few months after Finn’s arrest she’d be the one walking away? Life was funny...and not for the faint of heart.
And the thought of seeing Finn again had Genevieve’s stomach flipping uncomfortably close to her throat. He was handsome, charismatic, dynamic and dangerous. He was temptation personified, and despite everything, Genevieve didn’t exactly trust herself to hate him. Even if she should.
“Mr. DeLuca’s attorney has requested you provide your preferred location for the visit. He expressed his client’s desire for you to be comfortable.”
Well, wasn’t that just dandy? And not a thing like the Finn she knew. The man she remembered had been selfish and self-centered. Generous to a fault with those around him, but only because being charming was innate, not because he gave a damn about anyone else. Even now, she’d bet everything she owned that his generosity had nothing to do with Genevieve’s comfort.
Finn DeLuca wanted something—something more than access to her son. She just hadn’t figured out what. Yet.
At least she could guarantee he no longer wanted to use her for her access to the Reilly estate. He had to be aware of her change in circumstances. In fact, the tiny shreds of the check he’d sent, which were sitting on top of her dresser, were proof that he knew her grandfather didn’t support her anymore.
Like Finn could buy his way back into her life. Or Noah’s life. She didn’t need his money and wouldn’t have taken it even if she had. Noah might not have boarding school in his future, but she could afford to provide for her son without Finn’s tainted offering.
“Genevieve?”
Hell, this was really happening. She’d spent the last couple months hoping this day wouldn’t come. She’d refused to allow herself to contemplate the possibility that it might. So, she wasn’t prepared.
“Tell him to come by my place Saturday morning. Ten o’clock. We’ll figure out what to do from there. But he isn’t taking my son anywhere without me. Not until I know for certain he’s capable of caring for him and keeping him safe.”
“I’m fairly certain Mr. DeLuca will agree to whatever you want.”
That was a lie. Because if it were true, Finn would have respected her wishes and disappeared from her life for good.
Finn DeLuca stared at the file spread across the desk in front of him. His feet were kicked up onto the hard surface beside the eight-by-ten glossy of his son being pushed on one of those baby swings in the park.
He looked exactly like Finn’s younger brother had at that age. Before everything went to hell.
Noah’s pale blue eyes were alight with pure joy as wind ruffled his dirty-blond curls. His cheeks were chubby and pink and the perfect bow of his mouth was open on a peal of laughter.
This wasn’t the first time Finn had seen the photograph. Or the first time he’d found himself staring at it, lost in a complex web of emotions he didn’t have the experience to unravel.
He wasn’t used to giving a damn about anything but himself.
But from the first time he’d seen a picture of his son—the one the hospital took when he’d been born—Finn had been lost.
No, that wasn’t entirely true. He’d had a similar response the first time he’d laid eyes on Noah’s mother. Genevieve...perplexed him. Enticed him in a way no one else ever had.
Unbidden, Finn’s gaze traveled to the image of the woman standing behind Noah. Her arms were outstretched, waiting for the swing to return so she could push him again. Her flame-red hair had been pulled up into a tight knot at the top of her head, but the few strands that had fallen down were fluttering around her face.
He knew it was long...when she chose to let it down. Which was oh-so-rare. He could count on one hand the number of times he’d seen it in anything aside from a knot or a tail. And those few times had been because he’d asked her to leave it free.
He remembered running his fingers through the soft strands, reveling in the silky texture of it. Spreading it out across his pillow. The soft, blurred expression in her pale green eyes with the evergreen ring as his fingers played across her naked skin.
Dammit, he had to get control of himself. Sporting a half-hard erection at the mere thought of Genevieve’s head on his pillow wasn’t going to get him very far with her. In fact, it would have her building her walls even higher and faster.
And he needed her buy-in to have access to his son.
Shaking his head, Finn shuffled the photograph beneath the report he’d just been handed.
“Thanks, man. What do I owe you?”
Across the desk, Anderson Stone frowned at him, clearly perturbed at the question.
“Nothing. You know I’d do anything to help you. I’m just glad you’re finally getting the chance to meet him. It’s been a long six months.”
It had been, but things were finally coming together. He might be reckless, but Finn had always understood the benefit of patience and laying the groundwork for success. Part of what he’d loved most about pulling off heists was the planning and anticipation.
Not to mention the adrenaline rush of triumph.
Running a finger over his lips, Finn sent his friend a chiding glance. “You know, the purpose of running a business is to make a profit.”
“I’m aware,” Stone drawled out.
“Apparently not, since I’m unaware of any other clients you’re currently assisting. See, how it works is, when you provide services you request payment from those who benefit.”
“Oh, is that how it works? Remind me, which one of us holds an MBA?”
Finn scoffed. “Just because I don’t have an overpriced piece of paper with my name scrolled across it in fancy font doesn’t mean I don’t know what I’m talking about. Conversely, it doesn’t make you an expert.”
“I’m not hearing any complaints about the information you’ve been provided.”
No, and he wouldn’t complain. Finn was grateful for everything Stone and Gray, the other leg in their tripod, had done for him.
Who would have expected them to go into business together? Opening Stone Surveillance had seemed unexpected when his friends had first told him they were going to do it. But once he began thinking...it made sense. Both of them had this drive to help people, a need to right wrongs.
Maybe because they’d both been wronged.
Finn, on the other hand, had never felt the need to assist anyone in his life. People got what they deserved. If they were stupid, they deserved to be taken advantage of. Then they could learn. The way he looked at it, any time he stole something pretty and valuable, he was providing a service. Highlighting the flaws in their security so they could correct the problem and prevent more loss.
If in the process he managed to acquire something he wanted...more the better.
The challenge was what drove him. Woe be it to anyone touting security that no one could break.
“You know we’re not letting you pay, Finn. Besides, if you’d come on board like we asked months ago, then you’d be a full partner, anyway.”
“Nope, thanks. I have a job.”
Stone scoffed. “That isn’t a job. When’s the last time you stepped foot inside DeLuca Industries?”
“Uh...” Finn glanced up at the ceiling, seriously considering Stone’s question. “Probably seven years ago, give or take six or seven months.” His lips quirked into a self-deprecating smile. “They obviously don’t need me. You know I review the quarterly financial and management reports. See, the key to running a successful business is hiring competent people to take care of it for you.”
Stone shook his head. This was an argument they’d had many times over the last few years. His friend couldn’t understand Finn’s perspective because he came from a family that was entirely wrapped up in the day-to-day minutia of running the family business. Sure, that business was a multibillion-dollar corporation with a worldwide reach, but that didn’t really change anything.
Finn, on the other hand, had decided early on that he wanted nothing to do with the family business. And felt not a single speck of guilt when he inherited it and handed it straight over to others to run.
Success and money afforded him the opportunity to do exactly as he pleased.
“Stealing things isn’t a job, either.”
Finn let a full-blown smile pull at his lips. “I haven’t stolen a single thing, officer. At least, not since I’ve been out.”
Stone scoffed. “Uh-huh. Is that because you’ve been preoccupied with Noah? I know you, Finn DeLuca. You’re going to get bored. All I’m asking is that when it happens, don’t do something stupid. I promise, we’ll find a way to use your skills in a way that’s beneficial to all of us...and keeps your ass outta jail.”
Finn leaned back farther in his chair, tipping it onto the back two legs. Folding his hands behind his head, he enjoyed the sensation of being balanced on the edge...just waiting for something to tip him one direction or the other.
The precipice was what called to him. The danger of walking on the brink. The potential of being caught was what made the rush so thrilling. Without it...
“Stone, I’m smart enough to keep myself out of jail. I’ve said it before, she’s—” he gestured to the photograph beneath the pile of papers “—the only reason I got caught. I have no intention of ever letting that happen again.”
Stone made a sound in the back of his throat that clearly stated his skepticism.
“I successfully pulled off more than two dozen jobs before her. I let myself get caught,” Finn insisted.
“Uh-huh.”
“I chose to go back. I put myself in that position.”
Genevieve had distracted him. Made him sloppy. And he’d done something stupid. He had no intention of letting that happen again. What he needed right now was to win back Genevieve’s trust so he could have access to his son. Period.
Stone’s eyebrow rose, but he chose not to push him. Smart man. “Genevieve might be starting to make a splash on the jewelry scene, but her finances are precarious at best. What little money she got from her family is mostly tied up in inventory. Loose stones, precious metals.”
His friend wasn’t telling him anything Finn wasn’t already aware of. He’d been going over Genevieve’s financials just as closely as his own. He might ignore his company, but information was knowledge and he wouldn’t let anyone take advantage of him.
What he didn’t know was where Stone was going with this. “Your point?”
“She spent money she didn’t have to hire a damn good lawyer to fight you.”
Which was nothing less than what Finn had expected. And he hated to think of Genevieve putting herself and his son in that situation, but he’d remedy it as soon as possible.
“I tried to give her money. She hasn’t cashed the check.” Which also wasn’t a surprise. But he had a plan to get her an influx of cash...one she couldn’t afford to refuse. “Don’t worry, man. I have everything under control.”
Stone gave him a hard look. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”
Yeah, so did he.
Everything was riding on the next few weeks. One hiccup could cost him everything. But Finn was used to betting everything on a single well-planned adventure.
Genevieve paced through her living room, the heels of her shoes clicking against the hardwoods she’d refinished herself. Hands tucked beneath her crossed arms, she couldn’t stop herself from looking out the open blinds to the street in front of her little house. Waiting.
Down the hall she could hear Maddie’s happy, high-pitched voice as she read a book to Noah. She had no idea what she would have done over the last three years without her best friend. She’d been with Genevieve every step of the way...including being in the delivery room when Noah was born.
Maddie had also been there when Finn first slammed into Genevieve’s life. There’d been something about him, something that drew Genevieve from the first moment they’d met, at a charity gala hosted by her grandfather.
Certainly, Finn was charismatic and handsome. Every female there that night had taken notice of him. But for Genevieve...it was more. She’d sensed the dangerous edge behind the polished exterior. And despite herself, she’d been tempted by it. For someone who’d been raised under a sheltered, strict upbringing that temptation had felt...deliciously forbidden. And so had he.
The sensual pull had only heightened when, without asking permission, he’d pulled her onto the dance floor. The warmth of his smooth palm caressed across her bare back. From that first encounter, she’d craved him.
Unfortunately, despite everything, there was a huge part of her that worried she still did.
Glancing at her watch, Genevieve felt her heart lurch into her throat. Five minutes.
What she couldn’t understand was why Finn had fought so hard to meet Noah. The man she’d known had worked hard to avoid any semblance of responsibility to the point of outsourcing the management of his family’s company. It wasn’t likely he’d suddenly developed a burning desire to be a father.
Her biggest concern was the impact this was going to have on Noah. She really didn’t want her son falling in love with his daddy only to have Finn disappear. Or disappoint. Both highly likely.
A car door slammed. Genevieve glanced at her watch again. Exactly ten. The chime on her front door pealed. Swallowing down the butterflies storming her belly, she stalked across the room to yank it open.
And lost her breath.
Damn him for being exactly as she remembered. His feet were spread, encased in large black motorcycle boots planted on the pale boards of her front porch. Shoulders packed with muscle, nearly as wide as her doorway, blocked her view of the car undoubtedly sitting at her curb. A perverse part of her wondered if he still drove the sleek Maserati he’d delighted in racing through the city at top speed, practically taunting the local police to pull him over.
He’d been reckless and wild. So different than she was, which was undoubtedly what had attracted her in the first place. Finn DeLuca was a force. A storm, beautiful and raging. Uncaring what he destroyed in his path.
His hair was just as dark, almost jet-black, and untamed as the rest of him. A thick scruff covered his chin and cheeks, giving the impression he couldn’t be bothered to shave rather than he was cultivating an actual beard.
But it was his eyes that got to her. Every damn time. So dark they almost appeared black. But she’d been close enough to know they were actually a deep, dark shade of coffee brown. What had gotten her more than the color, though, was the way he’d looked at her...like he’d actually seen her. All of her, especially the pieces she’d gotten very good at hiding from everyone, including herself.
He’d been the devil sitting on her shoulder, tempting her to sin. With him, she’d felt powerful, intelligent and beautiful. He’d convinced her she could be daring, too.
Finn DeLuca had the uncanny ability to make her feel like she had no secrets...and that she didn’t need any. Turns out he’d been right. She hadn’t had any secrets from him because he’d researched every damn aspect of her life. And used each piece of knowledge against her. To make her care for him. Love him.
Trust him.
All so he could steal what he wanted—the Star of Reilly—without regard to the damage he inflicted on her life.
“The neighbors might start talking if you leave me standing on the front porch all day, Genni.”
“Don’t call me that.” Her response was automatic. So was the way she stepped back, doing exactly what he’d wanted her to.
He paused beside her as he moved into her home. For a second she thought he was going to touch her. Genevieve tensed, not certain how she’d react. But instead of reaching out, Finn slowly turned his head and flashed her that dangerous, mischievous grin. The one that always made her knees go weak. Because whatever nefarious thought was usually behind that grin had inevitably left her a naked, quaking, pleasure-infused mess.
Nope, that wasn’t happening now.
Shoving the door closed, Genevieve purposely walked away from him. She stopped in the middle of her living room and swiveled, wrapping her arms around herself in a comforting hold.
“I don’t know what you’re hoping to gain here, Finn, but whatever it is, you can’t have it.”
“The only thing I want is the chance to get to know my son. You look real good, Genni.”
She shook her head. “We both know that’s not how you work, so cut the BS. I haven’t figured out your play yet, but I will. And just in case you’re not aware, although I’m sure you are, I no longer have access to the Reilly estate, including any of the jewels, the business or the art.”
“Yep, I’m fully aware. Why do you think I wrote you that check?”
“Speaking of which, you can have the pieces back. And so we’re clear, flattery won’t get you anywhere with me. We both know you have the ability to spout pretty words with no substance. Don’t waste your breath.”
Finn’s face drew tight. His mouth flattened into a sharp line, giving her an expression she’d never seen before. But that was probably because he’d only shown her what he wanted her to see.
“I meant what I said. And just so you know, I meant every word I’ve ever said to you. I might have done many things, but I never once lied to you.”
Genevieve laughed, the sound of it very out of place. “Sure, except when you told me I could trust you and promised you’d never hurt me.”
He took a single step toward her. Genevieve held up both hands.
“I’m sorry, Genevieve.”
It was tempting to believe he actually meant the short declaration. She heard sincerity in the words. And there was a part of her that thought maybe he was sorry.
At least sorry he’d gotten caught.
“It doesn’t matter anymore. I don’t actually hate you, even though you deserve it. You gave me Noah. And even if it wasn’t the way I would have preferred, you showed me I could have a life I didn’t think possible. And gave me the confidence to fight for me and my son when I needed to. I’m happier now. But that doesn’t mean I intend to forgive you or forget how you used and manipulated me.”
It was Genevieve who closed the gap between them. She walked straight into his personal space, going toe-to-toe with him. She looked up into his dark, swarthy expression and said, “But I promise you this, I will never let you hurt or manipulate my son. So, for your sake, I hope you’re telling me the truth. Because I’m not the naive, malleable girl you knew three years ago.”