Chapter 383

Hogan’s heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might leap out of his throat. He jumped to his feet, scrambling to explain. “Finnian, I don’t know what you’ve heard, but I was drugged that night! Someone tricked me into that room-Amara was there too—but nothing happened between us, I swear! If you don’t believe me, you can ask Amara yourself p>

Finnian hadn’t attended Emma’s party tonight-he’d had no interest in the event- but just now, someone told him that Emma had stumbled upon a scandal: his ex- wife and his younger brother caught in bed together.

The moment he heard that, he nearly lost his mind. He’d immediately called Emma, who confirmed the story in a flat, unwavering voice. Without another word, Finnian had come straight to find Hogan.

Now, hearing Hogan insist that nothing had happened between him and Amara, Finnian regained a sliver of composure. He looked him dead in the eye, voice clipped, “Are you telling the truth p>

“Of course! Both of us were set up, but Amara never lost her head-she was clear the whole time. That’s why nothing happened.” Hogan rushed to reassure him, voice shaking with urgency.

Finnian lowered his hand, studying Hogan’s face for any sign of a lie. Finding none, he shot him a cold, hard look before turning away and leaving without another word.

Back at home, Amara wasted no time. She stripped off her cocktail dress, tossing it straight into the trash. The whole night had been a mess-someone had tried to use her, and they’d dragged Hogan into it as well. Just thinking about it made her skin crawl.

She took a quick shower, scrubbing away the lingering smell of alcohol and

smoke from the party. As she wrapped herself in a thick bathrobe, a loud, insistent knock sounded at the door.

She padded over and opened it, not even getting a full look at who stood outside before a pair of arms pulled her into a tight embrace.

“Mm p>

Amara’s nose nearly collided with a hard chest. She landed a sharp smack on his shoulder. “Finnian, let go p>

She’d checked the peephole before opening the door, and only agreed to let him in because she’d seen it was Finnian.

After everything that had happened, Amara knew exactly why he was here. She didn’t want Finnian thinking she was tangled up with the Everly family, and she’d planned to let him in and set things straight.

She hadn’t expected him to catch her in a hug the moment the door opened.

In her flustered state, she hadn’t even realized she’d used his full name— something she’d never dared do before.

Finnian finally let her go, his gaze lingering on her freshly washed face, pale collarbones, and though the robe covered most of her, he couldn’t help but notice the gentle curve of her figure, the delicate line of her waist.

He closed his eyes for a moment, steadying himself, and when he spoke, his voice was calmer. “What happened tonight p>

Amara let him inside, motioned for him to sit, and poured two glasses of water. She took a slow sip, then recounted the night’s events as coolly as she could.

Finnian’s eyes darkened as he listened. When she finished, he stood abruptly. “I’ll look into this. You don’t need to worry p>

Amara stayed quiet, her hands wrapped around the glass. Every time something happened, Finnian always seemed to appear by her side, telling her, Don’t worry, I’ll find out the truth,” or “I’ll protect you.” And each time, he truly did return with answers.

He was a man who made her feel utterly safe-but he wasn’t hers.

A strange ache welled up inside her. She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “Alright p>

After all, this mess had started with

the Everly family, and Emma was caught up in it too. It made sense that Finnian would want to investigate… Amara repeated this to herself over and over trying to convince her heart.

to

Downstairs, Finnian slid into his car but didn’t start the engine right away. He just

sat there, lost in thought, staring out at the night.