Only Mine (Fool's Gold #4)(78)

“If I can’t imagine hating her, how am I going to kill her?”

“Are you talking about Aurelia?” Dakota’s eyes widened. “You can’t kill anyone. Not only is it wrong, it’s not in your nature.”

“It could be. I’m very capable of protecting my own. I knew she was a cougar. I knew it and I should have done something right away. She was so sweet the last time I talked to her, pretending she cared about Stephen going back to college. It was all an act.”

“You’re going to protect your brother from the woman he’s probably in love with? That makes sense. Finn, sit down. Take a breath. This isn’t the end of the world.”

“She’s nearly ten years older than him. Her life is established. What is she doing with my baby brother?”

“I’m sure she’s asking herself the same question. I don’t know Aurelia well, but I’ve met her several times. I saw her in school. She’s not aggressive. She has a horrible mother and lives a very small life. I’m sure she’s as upset about this as you are.”

He deliberately looked at the television screen where the couple in question was still kissing. “Yeah. I can see she’s really broken up about it.”

Dakota shifted the baby in her arms. “Maybe she’s not upset right now, but I’m sure…”

“She wants something from him. Whatever it is, she’s not going to get it. She’s using him. She’s probably been planning this from the beginning.”

Dakota didn’t look convinced. “Don’t do anything rash.”

He ignored her request. “Are you going to tell me where she lives?”

“No. And you shouldn’t go looking for her or your brother until you’ve calmed down.”

“That’s not going to be for a very long time.” He started for the door, then turned around and came back. He kissed Dakota on the cheek and Hannah on the top of her head, then stalked out.

Once outside of Dakota’s house, he paused, not sure which way to go. He had no idea where Aurelia lived. He’d have to start with Stephen.

He moved toward the center of town. His brothers shared a room in a small motel opposite the park, just off the lake. Fifteen minutes later, he was knocking on the door to the motel room, but no one answered. No doubt Stephen was hiding from him. A smart move, considering Finn’s mood.

He started back across the parking lot, only to see Stephen and Aurelia approaching. The couple was holding hands and came to a stop when they saw him.

He stood his ground, waiting.

About forty feet separated them. Stephen whispered something to Aurelia, then the two of them walked closer. As they passed under a streetlight, Finn could see that Aurelia had been crying.

The information didn’t change anything, he told himself. She was a good actress. Too bad she hadn’t been paired with Sasha. They could have found fame and fortune together.

“Obviously we have to talk,” Stephen said when they were close enough to have a conversation.

“We can have it out here or in your room.” Finn glared at Aurelia. “Or we could go back to your place and you could tell me your plan.”

Aurelia’s eyes widened. More tears slipped down her cheeks. “It’s not what you think,” she whispered.

“Do I look like I believe that?”

“Don’t,” Stephen told him, then led the way to the motel room. After using his key, he pushed open the door.

Aurelia went in first. Finn followed.

The space was small. Two double beds, a long dresser with an old television sitting on top, a chair in the corner and the door leading to an even tinier bathroom. The digs weren’t impressive, but then Geoff didn’t feel the need to pamper his contestants.

“I know you’re upset,” Stephen began.

“You think?”

His brother ignored that. “Despite how angry you are, you’ll treat Aurelia with respect. If you don’t, this conversation is over.”

“You’re going to make me?”

Stephen stepped between him and Aurelia. “Yes.”

There was quiet determination in his brother’s voice. A strength in the way he stood. Finn was careful not to let his surprise show. Neither of his brothers had ever tried to stand up to him before. They preferred to sneak off rather than confront him directly. Maybe Stephen was finally growing up.

“All right,” he said, folding his arms across his chest. “Tell me why I shouldn’t believe the worst.”

Aurelia and Stephen looked at each other. Finn was aware of silent communication between them, but he couldn’t interpret it.

“We never meant for this to happen,” Aurelia said quietly.

“You came on the show,” Finn reminded her. “It’s a show about meeting someone. Obviously, you wanted to meet someone. I agree that you probably had no control over who you were matched with.”

He could feel his fragile control slipping. The anger returned and with it the need to lash out. “Look at him,” he demanded. “He’s twenty-one. He’s still a kid. His running away to be on this show proves that. If you think there’s anything to be gained, any money, you can forget it.”

Stephen stepped between them again and put his hand on Finn’s chest. “Don’t,” his brother growled. “Don’t push her, don’t threaten her, don’t make this end badly.”