“We need someone who can get to Whitfield,” Finn replies.
“And that’s me is it? I’ve never even met him before.”
Finn is careful with what he says next. “No, you’ve not met Whitfield before, but you are very well acquainted with his second in command.”
A clammy sweat slicks itself over the palms of my hands. “And that would be who exactly?” I ask. Although I think I already know the answer.
“Ethan Cristescu,” says Finn smugly.
I push myself up from the table. “This is ridiculous Finn, I feel bad for your Governor, believe me I do. I wouldn’t wish for anyone to have their own child taken away from them. But I’m not the solution to this. I can’t go back there. Too many people know what I am.”
Finn’s brow furrows. “What are you talking about Tegan? Nobody knows what you are. Almost everyone who was on Ridley Island that night is dead now, with a few exceptions. There’s only Ethan, Delilah and Lucas left, and that other vamp Dru, she works for Ethan now. Cristescu would never have allowed any of them to reveal your secret. He’s far too infatuated with you.”
“What about Rita and Gabriel?” I ask with worry.
“Rita and Gabriel are fine, and I know for a fact that neither of them have told a soul about what you are.”
“What about you Finn, have you told anyone?”
He grins. “I thought about it, but I decided not to.”
I breathe a sigh of relief. Then I begin to think. So if the only people who know about me are going to keep my secret, does that mean I can go back to Tribane? It surprises me how hopeful that makes me. But I push the thought away, it’s still far too dangerous for me to return, especially since there’s a full blown war going on.
“I still can’t go back Finn, it’s not safe.” I tell him in a shaky voice, and at the same time I’m willing him to give me a good enough reason to go home.
“I’ll protect you,” he says steadily, and it takes me by surprise. I never thought I’d hear those words from Finn. After all, I’m just some stupid girl who used to hang around with vampires.
I think of that little ten year old girl, Rebecca. She must be so frightened being held captive. Something twists inside of me, telling me I have the ability to save her and making me feel guilty for not having the courage to do it. I stay silent for a long moment, just thinking about her.
“So, are you going to help us?” Finn asks, his eyes wide and almost hopeful.
I let out a nervous yawn. “I’m tired Finn, let me sleep on it and I’ll decide in the morning.”
“Fine, but I’m staying here tonight. I can’t take the chance that you won’t try to run off again.”
“You’re not staying here Finn, there’s only one bedroom. And, I trust you about as far as I can throw you.”
He smiles, slow and seductive. “Ah you can trust me, I’m a decent guy, and don’t worry, I’ll take the couch.”
“No.”
He stands up and walks over to me, he keeps coming toward me and backs me up against the wall. “Oh, so you want me to stay in your bed then?”
“That’s not what I meant and you know it.”
His hand grazes my hip, then slides down to my thigh. “Are you sure about that?”
I swallow and put a hand to his chest to push him away, he’s only wearing his t-shirt now, and I can feel the muscle beneath it. His frame is too solid, and me pushing him doesn’t achieve much. Instead I find myself lingering, my hand still pressed hard against him.
“Stop it Finn.”
He dips his head to my neck and breathes in, his lips touch me, feather light. I tremble and let out an involuntary sigh. He pushes into me and a heavy breath comes from both of us at the same time. He kisses down the side of my neck to my collarbone, and his hand wanders under my blouse, his palm spreads out over my stomach. Okay this has gone way too far. I need to stop now. What on earth is wrong with me? I can’t allow myself to get carried away with lust. I push away from him. He looks at me, eyelids lowered.
“You can stay here tonight – on the couch.” I tell him, knowing that I could be making a huge mistake. Damn him for being so tempting. Can lust somehow override fear?
He shoots me a predatory smile. “Sure.”
Then I turn away from him, my cheeks flushed, and go into my bedroom. I bring him out a spare pillow and a duvet without saying another word. I go back and close my bedroom door, locking it for good measure. Then I get into the long baggy t-shirt I wear to bed. It takes me a while to fall asleep. I can’t stop thinking about how Finn touched me, and how much I actually liked it. Embarrassment fills me up. Then my thoughts wander to Rebecca and going home. I have to help her.