Deadly Illusions(4)

“And the clerk there survived, right?”

Finn nodded. “Yes, and now she’s joined at the groin with my other brother.”

Emma laughed, the sound almost musical to Finn’s ears. “So, what, you guys go around saving women and then dating them?”

“That seems to be our current standard operating procedure,” Finn acknowledged. “At least where my brothers are concerned.”

“And what about where you’re concerned?” Emma asked.

“I’m still debating my options,” Finn replied, leaning back in his chair and stretching his long legs out in front of him as he fixed Emma with a cheeky grin.

Emma made a face. “You think you’re pretty cute, don’t you?”

Finn faltered, not sure how to respond. “I’m sorry?”

“You think you’re cute,” Emma repeated. “It’s written all over your face. You’re trying to be smooth and charming, hoping that tales of the Hardy brothers’ exploits will impress me and let you into my bed for a night. Am I right?”

Finn’s face was burning. “You’re the one who asked how you knew our name.”

“I am,” Emma said. “Although, to be fair, you’re the one who has been staring at me for the past two hours. Oh, did you think I didn’t notice? I’m not blind.”

Finn shifted in the hard, metal chair uncomfortably. “I was watching the diamond.”

“The diamond isn’t in my cleavage,” Emma said, getting to her feet. “Like I said, though, you’re cute. I bet a few of the other models would be completely willing to fall for your shtick.”

The emotion flowing through Finn now was anger – not embarrassment. “For a woman who makes her living by trying to get people to look at her, you’ve got a funny way of reacting when they do. Sorry if I offended you, though. It won’t happen again.”

Emma blanched, gripping her hands together as she considered his statement. “You’re right. I wasn’t being fair. That was a mean thing to say.”

“Then why did you say it?” Finn was genuinely curious.

“I have to make a living the only way I can,” Emma replied. “If you think I like this … if you think it doesn’t mortify me that I have to walk around here with my ass and boobs hanging out so I can put food on the table, then you’re wrong.”

Finn swallowed hard. “I … I … .”

Emma waved off his babbling. “It’s not your fault. I’ve had a bad day. The heat in here is getting to me. I just … I get sick of it.”

“Then why do you do it?”

“Because I don’t have a choice,” Emma said. “I can either do this, and save up enough money to put myself through school in two years, or I can sling hash and eggs for more than twenty and never get enough. I’ve decided to debase myself for two years in the hopes of building a great twenty after that. Sue me.”

She started to move away. Finn reached out instinctively to stop her. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Emma sighed. “You didn’t. I upset myself. I always upset myself. It wasn’t you. I’m just … bitchy today. It’s not your fault.”

“I can’t help but feel it’s partially my fault,” Finn replied, going for honestly. “I was staring at you.”

Emma snorted. “You’re meant to. It’s not a big deal. I should get back to work.”

When she didn’t immediately leave, Finn tried to think of something else to say. No words would come.

Emma waited a moment and then tugged on her arm. “I don’t suppose I could have my arm back.”

Finn released her, realizing how stupid he must look. “Again. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be,” Emma said ruefully. “You’re just reacting the way the Madisons want every man in this place to react. If you buy a boat, they’ll figure their investment in me was money well spent.”

“I’m not really a boat person,” Finn said.

“No? I am. I would like nothing better than to live on a boat, far away from prying eyes, and finally have just a few minutes of peace,” Emma admitted.

Finn could picture her on a boat – and it wasn’t just because she was wearing a bikini. “Well, when you say it like that, it doesn’t sound so bad.”

Emma shot him one, last apologetic smile and then returned to her post. She stuck her hip out, extended her left leg, and put her hand on her hip. The smile was back on her face, but her eyes were filled with sadness.

Finn returned to his chair, trying hard to fight the urge to look at her again. Her words had shaken him – although he couldn’t quite figure out why. She was clearly an unhappy young woman. Beauty obviously wasn’t everything.