His Ruthless Revenge (A Dark Bully Romance)

Chapter Forty Two

"Thanks so much." I say sincerely, giving the lady I've been chatting to a genuine smile. "I really appreciate you listening to me and I'm sorry if I ended up boring the life out of you."
"Don't be silly, Dear. It was my pleasure." She replies sweetly, squeezing my hand as we get off the train together.
"Talking everything through really helped and it was exactly what I needed." I admit to her, realising how much lighter I feel now I've unburdened myself to a complete stranger.
"Just follow your heart and you can't go wrong." She assures me, waving me off as we part ways.
I remain on the platform and watch her walk away. Part of me doesn't want to go anywhere; refusing to move an inch as I know exactly what I have to face as soon as I step out of this train station.

Deciding to grab a hot chocolate to go, I decide to walk home instead of calling Finn or getting a taxi back. It's not a long journey and I could do with some air after being on the train so long.

It was so kind of Marjorie to give up her time and let me rant on to her just now. She turned out to be an excellent listener and didn't interrupt me at all. She was a lovely lady and I hope she finds her own happiness in life as she also seemed to carry a certain sadness within her. God, I hope I've managed to sort my life out by the time I reach her age as she must have been in her seventies.

By the time I get home all I want is a nice hot bath to help me relax. Dumping my suitcase by the front door, I let myself in head straight upstairs.
Finn isn't home from work yet and won't be back for a few hours which gives me some time to think about what I'm going to say.

I submerge myself beneath the water once my bath is full and stare aimlessly at the cold tap as it drips onto my foot.
I've no idea what I'm going to tell Finn but know it's pointless trying to rehearse it in my mind. What will be will be, I guess...

I hear his car pulling into the driveway a couple of hours later. I'm sitting on the sofa and try to compose myself before I see him.
His footsteps come to a standstill the second he opens the front door and I presume he's noticed my suitcase in the hall which is right where I left it.
"April?" He calls out nervously, a slight tremor in his voice.
"I'm in here." I reply quickly, clearing my throat.
He enters the living room and freezes as soon as he spots me, blinking a few times as though I'm an apparition.
"W-when did you get back?" He stammers, struggling to believe it.
"I've been home a couple of hours."
"But why didn't you call me? Why didn't you let me know you were coming?"
"I was going to when I first got on the train but then I got talking to this old lady called Marjorie and time ran away with itself."
"Marjorie? Who the hell is Marjorie?" He demands bluntly, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Long story." I chuckle, smiling weakly. "How are you anyway?"
"How am I? How do you think I am, April? You just vanished and took off without a word. I had no idea what to think and I've been worried sick about you."
"Finn, I'm really sorry but I did let you know I was safe and told you where I was." I point out gently, patting the space beside me so he can join me on the sofa.
"That's not the point." He complains bitterly, rubbing his forehead as he takes a seat.
"Finn, we still really need to talk." I murmur softly, wringing my hands together.
"I can't right now, April. I've got to be somewhere." He replies curtly, refusing to look at me, despite our close proximity.
"Where are you going?"
"I promised I'd meet a mate of mine for a drink after work." He responds coldly, jumping up onto his feet before making his way upstairs.
"Then we can talk later." I persist stubbornly, following him as he heads into the bathroom.
"Maybe."
"Finn, don't shut me out. I know this is difficult but we do have to talk." I insist firmly, frustrated that he won't listen to me.
"Miranda's coming over later so it will have to be after that." He informs me, raising his voice so I can hear him above the shower he's just switched on.
"Miranda? She's coming over tonight?" I blurt out frantically, horrified by the idea of having to face her as well.
The thought fills me with dread and I can't help wondering if she knows what almost happened between me and Chase the day before. Has he told her already? Is she coming over so she can tell Finn?
"That's what I said." He answers brusquely, refusing to give anything else away.
"But why? Is something wrong? Is she alright?"
"She's fine." He answers impatiently. "She called me earlier to ask if she could come round and I said yes."
He's only wearing a towel when he enters the bedroom and I try to stop my eyes from wandering. It's actually a struggle because Finn has always been ridiculously attractive. The fact that he's dripping wet also emphasises just how gorgeous he is. He spends most of his time at the gym now and it has definitely paid off. His rippling muscles and remarkable physique quite often leave me speechless.
Get a fucking grip.
"Does that mean she's coming over with Chase?" I retort sharply, stepping aside so he can walk past me.
"I don't know." He replies flippantly. "Why do you care about that?"
"I don't."
"Good." He concludes coldly, bringing an end to our discussion.
He throws on some clothes before he's out the door again and doesn't even give me a second glance. Finn's behaviour is unsettling and I can't help but wonder what changed since he sent his message which was full of concern for me.
I guess I only have myself to blame for all of this but I'm still deeply concerned about Finn. We've been together a long time and can't just switch my feelings off for him now Chase has reappeared.