Finnian, on the other hand, nursing what was barely half a ss of whiskey, was the only one who seemed to be mostly sober.


    Luna had downed two sses already. Finnian had been lukewarm about her, even when she was trying to break the silence between them; she''d be pitifully embarrassed if not using the alcohol to ease up. Despite the drinks, she held herposure well.


    Finnian nced at her, contemting that thetter must have done some surgery to her eyes, which seemed to have that sultry allure. If it weren''t for those eyes, the heavy makeup would have seemed entirely out of ce.


    Suddenly, Amara crossed his mind. Amara''s eyes had that same allure, but with a rity that made any thoughts of disrespect seem impossible. What was he thinking,paring Amara to someone from this kind of ce?


    He straightened up and finally spoke, "Your name''s Luna?"


    It was the first time since he entered this lounge that Mr. Everly had addressed her, and Luna was almost moved to tears with relief. "Yes, I''m Luna," she responded quickly. "I noticed you''re not drinking much. Want a cigarette instead?”


    "No," Finnian replied coolly, getting to his feet. "Come with me."


    Luna gazed up, eyes imbued with surprise. The whole point of escorting these men was not just to drink. But given Mr. Everly''s aloof demeanor, she hadn''t expected to be the first one he''d ask to leave with him. She hastily stood up, thrilled by the unexpected turn of events.


    "Sure thing, Mr. Everly. Let''s go," she eximed as she quickly followed him out, leaving the other men in the room, who weren''t totally stered, gaping in disbelief.


    Finnian had never shown interest in these kinds of situations before. Even when Luna joined them, he had been as indifferent as ever, to the point where some of the guys had felt sorry for her.


    But now, he was doing somethingpletely out of character, leading the girl out. What was going on?


    "Hey, where are you going?" Hogan jumped up, charging over and blocking Finnian''s path at the door.


    "Move," Finnian said, his face steely.


    "No way!" Hogan stated angrily. "Are you really going to take her out?"


    He shot Luna a re and turned to Finnian. "Man, you''re not like this. What''s


    gotten into you? Are you really gonna let Liliana down?"


    There were a few chuckles from behind. Someone tried to calm things down. "Hogan, lighten up. It''s just a bit of fun. Not like he''s betraying anyone."


    "Yeah, let him have a break. He''s never done this before, and now finally got the chance. Let him enjoy it."


    "Break my ass Hogan snapped


    back at them. He turned to Finnian again, still holding the door


    stubbornly as he dered, "Finnian, you''re not going to get through the door if you wanted to take her with you!"


    The words hung in the air, awkward and harsh. Luna looked


    ufortable, Finnian''s expression sour. He was taller and much stronger than Hogan. Without a word, he gripped Hogan''s shoulder and moved him aside.


    He opened the door and walked out with Luna. Hogan''s eyes widened with


    disbelief. "Finnian! Stop right there!"


    "Come on, man, what''s your deal?"