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
