Penance

by Kristin Harte

  “And you’ll be okay never knowing the whys and hows?”

  “I think it’ll always bother me, but Edge wouldn’t have given them to me anyway. None of the Black Angels would have.”

  “Can you live with that?”

  She nodded, her sigh long and warm against me. “Yeah. I’ll have to.”

  I’d take that as an answer. “I know we haven’t known each other all that long, but I want you here with me. I want to make a life with you. I’d follow you if Justice wasn’t the place you wanted to be, though.”

  “I like it here,” she said, pulling back to smile up at me. “Though maybe someday we can spend some time in a place without snow. And a beach. I like beaches.”

  Me and Jinx and a beach…sounded like heaven. Though, her sitting on my couch with me in Justice wasn’t too far off.

  “I love you, Jinx,” I said, cradling her face in my hands. “I want you to know that.”

  “I do, and I love you too.” She put a finger against my lips when I moved to kiss her. “Let me take a rain check on that right now.”

  Oh. Right. “You vomited on Elijah’s pants.”

  She flinched back. “I did. He’s going to hate me.”

  The very thought made me laugh. I tugged her to her feet, dragging her down the hall toward the master bedroom and the en suite bath where her toothbrush sat. Where it would be staying for the foreseeable future. I liked that idea, and I suddenly wanted to break out my carving tools to make us a holder that would hold both our toothbrushes.

  “Elijah would never hate you.”

  “Good, because he’s important to you. That makes him important to me.”

  “And the rest of my family?”

  She pursed her lips as if thinking hard about it. “I mean, this Bishop guy sounds like a real asshole, but Alder saved me, Elijah let me puke on him, and Lainie seems like a nice enough woman. I think we’ll get along just fine.”

  “Good.” I tapped her on the butt, sending her toward the bathroom. “Clean yourself up, woman. I’m going to get you some ibuprofen and a big bottle of water.”

  “For what?”

  I reached out and grabbed her arm, turning it over to run my thumb over the mark on her elbow from where they’d injected her. “What they gave you, the detox isn’t bad at all, but you’re still likely to feel a little off for a day or so.”

  “You taking care of me, Fish?”

  “Absolutely.”

  And I always would.

  Epilogue

  JINX

  I’d always expected bachelor parties to be like they were within the club—loud, raucous affairs where men drank themselves half to death and partook of the female entertainment provided. Alder Kennard was unlike any man I’d ever known.

  “The bachelor and bachelorette parties are together?”

  “Yeah. Why?” Finn turned his truck—which we still had no idea how Deacon had managed to get back—into a spot along Main Street, looking serious and focused as he parked.

  If we weren’t already committed to attending the festivities, I’d tell him to take me home and drag him back to bed. I still might before the night was over. “Won’t Shye be upset?”

  “About what?”

  “Seeing Alder with the strippers.”

  Finn laughed, the sound one I was still getting used to. One I fell more in love with every time I heard it. “If you think there’ll be strippers tonight, you don’t know my brother.”

  I didn’t. Alder was still a bit of a mystery to me. I hadn’t even met Bishop yet, but Elijah, I’d gotten to know during his few days in Justice. Lainie, too, though over the phone either on a regular or video call. Finn still spoke to his twin and sister every single morning—it was a ritual of his that I refused to let him alter. I envied their closeness and was thrilled when the two Denver siblings welcomed me with open arms. They’d pulled me right into their little family, demanding to see me on the video calls and asking me about my new life in Justice whenever they could. They included me, and I would be forever grateful for that.

  Finn helped me out of the truck, holding my hand as we made our way to The Baker’s Cottage. The sidewalk outside glowed in a golden hue from the light pouring out of the windows, and the sound of men laughing and talking broke the usual silence of the small town. This was definitely an unusual event in Justice—a Main Street business open after dark.

  I was just about to reach for the door—even though I knew Finn would rush forward to open it for me—when I felt a strong hand surround my arm just above my elbow. Finn pulled me to a stop, not saying anything. Just…watching me.

  “What?” I asked, looking up into his storm-cloud eyes. “What is it?”

  “Are you ready for this?”

  A night with his family and most of the town? Probably not, but I’d do it. I had a feeling this wasn’t about me, though. Tonight, Bishop and Anabeth would be at the restaurant. The brother I hadn’t met yet. The one who’d punched Finn the last time they’d been in the same room. Yeah, Finn’s concern definitely wasn’t about me. “Are you ready for tonight?”

  He looked pensive for a moment, obviously giving his answer a lot of thought. “I think so. I’m feeling stable.”

  “Then I’m ready too.” I squeezed his hand a little tighter. “Give me a signal if you need me.”

  “I always need you.”

  Heart. Exploded. This man never failed to tell and show me how much he cared, never skipped the thoughtful things most men forgot about. I loved that about him.

  “You know,” I said, sliding closer. Pressing my body against his. “We don’t have to stay for long.”

  Finn caught on quick. “You’re right. We don’t. We can say hello to a few people, congratulate the bride- and groom-to-be, then head back home.”

  I sighed as his hand landed on my ass. As he grabbed a handful and tugged me closer. “I am sort of tired. We should really spend a little time in bed.”

  Finn chuckled, leaning down to nuzzle my neck. To nibble on my earlobe as that wicked hand kept a firm hold on my backside. “Bed, couch, floor, kitchen table…all good options. Though I think my favorite might be the living room. I can start a fire in the fireplace, then lay you down on the rug.” He nuzzled closer, pressing his hard cock into my hip. Inflaming my need for him with his soft, simple words. “I’d crawl between those thighs and spend a good long time with my face in your pussy. Make you scream my name.”

  I moaned, gripping his shirt. Rocking against where he was so hard for me. “You like to make me scream your name.”

  “No. I love to make you scream my name.” He pressed his lips to mine, slipping his tongue against mine and kissing me deeply. Pinning me to the wall as he overpowered my mouth and owned my body.

  I could hardly catch my breath when he finally broke away. “Hey, Fish?”

  “Yeah, Lucky?

  “How soon can we go home?”

  “I say thirty minutes should do it.”

  “Let’s go for twenty.”

  “Deal.”

  Finn kissed my cheek sweetly then opened the door, guiding me to walk in before him. The room was crowded with just about everyone I’d met since moving to Justice, plus more men and women I’d never seen. What stuck out, though, was the burliness of the men. Justice seemed to be the place where lumberjacks came to procreate. Lots of beards and broad shoulders, flannel and thick thighs. My girlfriends from high school would have been in heaven.

  “There’re my brothers.” Finn pulled me along behind him, saying hello to people as he passed and introducing me as his girlfriend to every man who even thought to glance my way. An odd term to hear for sure, but one I relished. Especially since he seemed to be staking a claim. I liked jealous Finn. A lot.

  By the time I met the fifteenth person who had stopped Finn to say hello, I was fully accepting of the fact that I’d never remember all these names. Except Rusty. That kid was as red as red could be, from his hair to his freckles. I wouldn’t forget him. The r
est? Eh…they’d have to introduce themselves to me again the next time we met.

  Because there would be a next time. Justice was a small town, and I had no intention of leaving it. Not without Finn right beside me.

  “Jinx.” Alder held out a hand in my direction, calling us past the remaining ten flannel-clad men in the room and directing us over to him as he hugged Shye to his side. “It’s like running the gauntlet to try to get to anyone in here.”

  Finn nodded, still holding on to my hand as if I might get lost. “Everyone is here to celebrate with you.”

  Alder grinned, practically radiating happiness. “These assholes just came for the free liquor.”

  Lies. All lies, and he knew it. “I think they’re here to see Shye. You look beautiful tonight.”

  The blonde gave me a smile that practically glowed, it was so bright. “Thanks. You look great in that dress.”

  The one Finn had ordered for me…and promptly tugged off my body the first time I’d tried it on for him. It hugged every curve but flared at my hips, and Finn liked that. A lot. “Thanks. Finn picked it out.”

  “He’s got great taste.” Alder looked up as a redhead walked up with a man right behind her. One who looked an awful lot like a Kennard. “Jinx, have you met Bishop and Anabeth yet?”

  Anabeth, whom Finn had almost killed. And Bishop, the brother who had punched Finn in the face when he’d found out. Yeah, I knew the story, and I didn’t like the idea of anyone hurting my Finn. Ever.

  But I had manners.

  “Not yet.” I leaned in, still hanging on to Finn. Offering my hand to the couple. “I’m Jinx. Finn’s girlfriend.”

  The woman—Anabeth—smiled, nearly taking my breath away. She was stunningly gorgeous, with auburn hair and wide, bright eyes. Finn had said she performed in Vegas—I could see why she was so popular. Looks-wise, at least.

  “I’ve heard a lot about you,” she said, turning that megawatt smile on Finn. “I’m happy for the two of you. Bishop, have you met Finn’s girl?”

  “Not yet.” A man who looked as if he was cut from the same cloth as Alder and Finn smiled stiffly. “Nice to meet you, Jinx. Welcome to Justice.”

  As Alder and Bishop began chatting about something to do with beetles, I felt Finn step away from me. When I turned, he had his phone in his hand, a frown on his face. That couldn’t be good.

  “Everything okay?” I asked, keeping my voice quiet and turning my back to his brothers just in case.

  Finn hummed his affirmation as his thumbs practically danced on the screen. “It’s Parris.”

  I’d barely seen the man in over a week, not since the night I’d gone to the Black Angels to try to save Justice. God, it’s only been a week with Finn. The best week of my life.

  Finn tucked his phone away, still frowning. Looking seriously distracted. “He found Coyote.”

  “Okay.”

  “We’d made a deal—he got me info on Coyote, and I gave him a favor for later.”

  Oh no. “You didn’t lock him in on what that favor could be?”

  “No.”

  “Finn—”

  “I know.” He sighed, shaking his head. “But I owe this to Camden. He deserves the closure.”

  “Parris will make you fulfill your end of the deal.”

  He pinned me with a look, his mouth set in a firm line. His eyes hard. “And I’ll honor my promise.”

  Of course he would. “He’s a shark, Finn. He’ll pull you under with him if he gets the chance.”

  Finn wrapped his arms around me and dropped a sweet kiss to my forehead. “I know that, but I’ve dealt with guys like Parris before. I can handle this.”

  I sighed because I had my doubts, but this was Finn’s deal. Finn’s decision to make. There wasn’t anything I could do to stop him. “So, what info did he have?”

  “Coyote’s in town.”

  “In Justice?”

  “Rock Falls, but yeah. Close enough.”

  Too close. Still. “Did you tell your friend?”

  “Yeah. I sent him a message.”

  “Did he respond?”

  Finn shook his head. “Not yet. C’mon, let’s enjoy our remaining fifteen minutes at this party, then I’m taking you home and forgetting everything other than making you mine all over again.”

  Charmer, thy name was Finn. “Sounds like a plan to me.”

  We rejoined the other Kennards, catching up on the conversation going on between the four of them with ease. At least until Alder cut it short.

  “Excuse us,” Alder said, pulling Shye away. “Deacon’s finally here, and we need to talk to him. Enjoy the party.”

  He and Shye headed across the room, leaving us standing with Bishop and Anabeth. Alone. An awkward silence fell over the four of us, Anabeth looking at Bishop, and Bishop…well, glaring.

  I hated awkward silences, and apparently, so did Finn.

  “I need to say something to the two of you,” Finn said, sounding far more serious than this party called for.

  Bishop and Anabeth exchanged a glance before he replied with a simple, “Okay.”

  “I know I wrote you both letters when I was in prison, apologizing for my past transgressions, but I need to say the words too. I’m sorry. I’m sorry I ever involved Anabeth in my drug use, and I’m really sorry I didn’t say anything to you, Bishop, after she almost died. I never should have let that wound fester for so long.” Finn stood a little straighter, lifting his chin. Looking so damn strong and confident in the face of Bishop’s obvious anger. “I’m sorry for everything, and I can promise you that nothing like that will ever happen again.”

  Oh, my sweet man. Such a brave thing to do. I’d have to tell Elijah about this conversation in the morning. No way would he believe Finn had broken his nonconfrontational streak to be so direct with their older brother.

  Thankfully, Bishop seemed to understand how big of a moment this was for Finn. He relaxed a little, nodding, looking thoughtfully at the man before him. Proudly too. “I accept your apology, and I know nothing like that would ever happen again. You’re strong enough not to fall back into those habits, Finn. I know it.” He tugged Anabeth closer, his frown turning in to one hell of a cocky grin. “Though I’m not sorry I punched you.”

  Finn shrugged, his hand finding mine and holding on. Tight. “I deserved it.”

  “It won’t happen again, brother.” Bishop yanked Finn into a hug, the two smacking each other on the backs. Two brothers mending fences and agreeing to move forward. I almost wanted to cry.

  Anabeth simply shook her head. “I think you’re good for him, Jinx.”

  “Maybe so, but he’s good for me too.”

  And he was. So good for me. And as long as I had him on my arm, I knew things would be okay. With us, with the Soul Suckers, with life. We’d be just fine…together.

  We’d be even better when we got the hell out of this party in exactly ten more minutes.

  Thank you for taking the time to read PENANCE. Finn and Jinx were a delight to put on the page. What’s next, you might ask? Well, the sixth book in the Vigilante Justice series is slated to release in August of 2019 so I have no teaser (or title) for that book yet. What I do have is a little snippet of something new. Anyone interested in second chance romance staring a blue-collar hero? How about this from my July 2019 release, POP THE CLUTCH.

  One month was what I’d promised—thirty days in the place where my teenaged self had imploded on a web-based stage. I hadn’t been expecting to feel a connection to the town I’d avoided for so many years, and I definitely hadn’t been prepared to find myself spending time with someone like Easton Cole. Or falling for him.

  “We’re on your grandma’s couch,” he whispered just before he kissed and bit his way down my neck.

  I threw my head back, eyes closed. “I know.”

  He chuckled, one huge hand cupping my breast and pushing it up to meet his mouth. Even through my clothes, I could feel the heat and the wet of his breath. The pressure of his
lips on me. I don’t think I’d ever wanted to be naked more than right then.

  “Should we go to your room?”

  Good idea in theory, but there were memories in that room. Good and bad, many tinged with Jace. I didn’t want to mar this moment with all that. Didn’t want to taint what we were about to do. “Please. Here. Now.”

  I gripped his shoulders as he nodded once, letting my body wrap itself around him. Squeezing him closer with my thighs around his hips. Rubbing against where he was already so hard.

  “Fuck,” he said with an intensity that made the word sound almost like a prayer, like a chant. Rocking his hips into mine and pressing on just the right spot. “This feels like high school.”

  When he rubbed over my clit in a way that made me see stars, I yanked his head to bring his face back to mine and bit his lip. “High school sucked. Make this better.”

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