All Chapters of Protecting My Heart: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Finn had seen this woman around town for the last three years and never had the courage to speak with her until today, when he finally didn't have a choice.  He didn't have a freakin' choice!  Fate made sure of that.   There was something about her that terrified Finn although it was extremely allusive.  Maybe it was her mannerisms; standoffish, cool, aloof.   Maybe it was her beauty; her freckled cheeks that blush so easily, her smile or her gorgeous wavy red hair.  No! It was her eyes that bore into his soul and were constantly saying, 'Stay away!' None of that mattered now!  None of it! He needed to focus on her and not his rejected or hurt feelings.  He was not the type of man to leave someone in need because his ego had been bashed or bruised.  He let out a deep breath, that he didn't realize he was holding, as he assessed the situation.   Her black SUV was sideways in the middle of the road.

Finn felt the anger building inside of him.   He wanted revenge and it didn't matter that Hal was dead. Someone else was going to have to pay for his sins. Who should he go after for killing Jude? and Lili! She was brutally violated and someone would pay! Oh someone would pay... Shaking his shoulder gently, Billy woke Finn saying, "Hey man!  Wake up!" Finn looked around and was disoriented.  Where was he? Rubbing his eyes he looked at Billy for a few seconds until the trauma of the day hit him like a ton of bricks.   Billy continued, "Come on, man.  You're being discharged so you can get up and get dressed.  You're clothes are in your bag along with your keys to the apartment." Finn was still groggy from his nightmare sleep and he was still trying to register where he was and then looked at Billy again before he grunted.  He swung his legs over the side of the

Elle just started her shift and was making her way around the floor to catch up on her patients when she saw Finn walk up to her with his duffel bag."Mr. Finnegan are you leaving?" Elle asked."No, but I was hoping you would let me into the family shower room so that I can shower and shave." he replied.Elle pulled out her keys and smiled at him saying, "Sure, right this way.  While you are in there, I will make sure to keep two eyes on Lili for you."He let a small smile flicker across his face before saying, "Much appreciated." He closed the door and showered as quickly as humanly possible.   He was thankful that Billy took him several outfits and he wondered when he would have to give in and go home to get more clothes. He dreaded that thought of leaving her for a few hours.  Walking back to the room, he saw Billy standing outside waiting patiently for him. "Billy, what's up?" Finn asked.Billy took off his h

Finn kept rubbing her hand and whispering encouragements to her as she started to stir.  He looked at Dr. Berkeley for affirmation that things were moving in the right direction and he gave Finn a thumbs up. Elle walked in and stood in the doorway, monitoring her progress.  The monitors were showing increased activity and her eye movements were increasing.  Finally, Lili let out a groan and twisted a bit in bed.  She was still sound asleep but Finn was ecstatic, smiling ear to ear. Leaning over Lili, Dr. Berkeley checked her heart and stepped back, pleased with her progress so far.  More restlessness and another groan.  Her eyelids fluttered and almost opened before she settled in again.   Her covers had come undone so Finn straightened them out and pushed her unruly hair out of the way.  Just as he was sitting back down he heard, "Finn, Finn, where am I?" "Lili, oh my Lili.  You're in the hospital.  D

Several nurses rushed to Finn's side and one of them managed to revive him.  After an initial screening he was whisked in a wheelchair down to the ER and they insisted on doing a full work up on him.He protested that he was fine and was just tired and hungry.   Doctor Hill finally agreed that Finn was alright but insisted that he have a full meal and a few hours sleep before he would release Finn to care for Lili.When Doctor Hill left and he was alone, Finn mumbled, "It's okay doc! It's ok.  I am checking out and going back to Philadelphia.  I know when I am not wanted."He barely managed to speak the words as sleep took over his exhausted brain.  Finn slept for seven hours and no one in the hospital dared interrupt his sleep.  Finn was unaware of his newfound reputation; local hero.  He had avoided the newspapers and the gossip stories that they wrote about Finn and his drug addicted past and his new life. &nbs