Billie Bossa Nova

59.

"I'm guessing you got that from him?" Finneas gestured at Shark in Billie's arms.

It was past midnight and they reached Paris and they were now walking down the hotel lobby towards the elevator. Billie didn't give him the satisfaction of a reply, maintaining the silent treatment to show him that she was not at all happy about any of this.

When he noticed this, he shook his head and said, "Funny how you're mad at me when you're the one who snuck out after being given specific orders to stay away from him. Not even a thank you for sparing his life?"

She scoffed, "Oh please. You couldn't do anything to him even if you wanted to."

"Would you like to test that theory? I sure as hell would love to!" His finger jammed on the elevator button after they had entered, going to the sixth floor. The doors shut.

"Sure, Finneas do it. See what fucking happens." Her voice was rising too high and making Shark restless, so she huffed out the remainder of her rage.

"Don't need to. You're not seeing him again after this. Pout all you want. I don't need to remind you that this is for your own good."

"Fuck off."

"Gladly. You'd better tone a lot of that attitude down tomorrow morning. We have work to do."

Billie grimaced. She was genuinely disgusted by him. More than she had been by anyone in her life. Which was very unlikely because she adored her brother. Looked up to him and sought his approval. For her whole life, that had been the case. Not today though. He was all but brainwashed. Just like everyone in CRO. They were enslaved to a lifestyle until they had no choice but to like it.

Immediately when the elevator doors opened, Billie was out. She searched for her room number with Finneas following quietly behind her. His looming presence never failed to tick her off. She was well fed up when she finally found her room.

Just as she opened it, Finneas found the need to open his big mouth again. "Grace should come in tomorrow morning to pick the dog up."

Her head turned to him sharply. "No," she spat. "Nobody from that place is touching him."

"That place? The one you grew up in?" Her reply was a spiteful scowl. "What's going on with you? If you want to withdraw-"

"I never said that-"

"Then get your mind in order. We can discuss all of this when the work is done. By then, scream at me all you want. But he" Finneas gestured towards a jet lagged Shark. "Was not part of the plan. His presence could jeopardize everything we worked for, it'll all be for nothing. So let Grace take him in tomorrow and you will get him back when you're done. Got it?"

She snarled. "Crystal clear." Billie walked into her room, but halted when he called for her once again. "What?!"

"Phone." He held a hand out.

She stared at it, then returned her gaze to his eyes. Clearly, he meant no trouble. In fact, he appeared to pity her. He felt bad. Perhaps he even questioned whether or not he really was doing the right thing. That was enough for Billie. Him showing signs that he was aware that he was hurting her and that it was difficult to do. Maybe it was for the best.

She pulled her phone out of her pocket and placed it on his palm. "Have you texted him, or anyone connected to the Riveras?" She shook her head no. Watched him remove the SD card from its slot before handing the device back to her. "I really wish he'd have stayed the fuck away from you."

"It wasn't his fault entirely."

He broke the little card in half and put the pieces in his pocket. "Don't try to contact him again."