Favoring Fortuna

Chapter 6

Even though they were expecting it, the door opening still startled them both and they jerked apart.

"What the hell are you doing?!" her ex shouted as soon as he saw them.

"What the fuck does it look like we're doing asshole? The better question is why are you walking in here uninvited?" Finn replied pulling her back in close as if she really was naked under the robe and he was trying to protect her.

"Bayley. I really need to talk to you," he said ignoring Finn.

"What is wrong with you?!" she asked exasperated.

"Please!" She sighed, and knowing it was the best way to get him to go away, she said,

"Fine, but not like this. Go stand outside. I'll come out when I'm dressed."

Once he'd closed the door behind him she made a noise in frustration, and Finn asked,

"Do you want me to make him go away?"

"No. I have to deal with him at some point or he'll never leave me alone."

"Do you want me to come outside with you?"

"Yes, but it's probably not a good idea. If there's any chance of me having a rational conversation with him you probably shouldn't be visible."

"Alright. I understand. I'll be right here if you need backup."

"Thanks. I appreciate that," she said then she went to the bathroom to get dressed.

When she stepped back out, she was walking towards the door, but Finn stopped her. He pulled her up against him and she had to fight the urge to moan in appreciation at how good it felt. He cupped the back of her head, once again burying his fingers in her hair, and leaned close enough that his lips were almost touching her ear. He whispered,

"He's watching through the window," and she felt her heart drop. She couldn't help the disappointment she felt at the reminder that this was all for show, and she knew she was in serious trouble. Now wasn't the time to worry about whatever confusing feelings she was having for Finn though, she had to focus on her ex and finally getting him out of her life. She started to pull away but Finn stopped her again when he said her name. She looked up into his eyes in question and he hesitated for a moment before he said,

"You deserve so much better than what he gave you, and the fact that you're willing to even listen to what he has to say shows just how kind and giving you are as a person. It's a gift to him, one he doesn't deserve and should be grateful he's getting. Please don't let him get away with acting like he's owed anything or let him treat you with anything but respect."

"I won't," she promised and maybe she was beginning to figure out how to read him a little better because his body language was telling her that he didn't like the fact that she was going out to speak to her ex alone, but that he wasn't going to stop her or interfere. She was grateful for whatever force or circumstance that had brought him into her life, grateful that he was the kind of man who wanted to protect her but could also value that she had her own strength and power and respect that she could protect herself. He accepted her answer and let her go so she could go get it over with.

...

"Bayley, what are you doing with this guy? This isn't you," he said as soon as she stepped outside. His voice had dropped low and soft, like some imitation of a concerned friend and she wanted to laugh at him and strangle him at the same time.

"As he said, what in the hell did it look like we were doing? And what do you mean this isn't me. I'm enjoying spending my time with a man who likes and respects me, something my previous partner sure as hell didn't do. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, and either way it's really none of your business."