Page 71 of Finn

She sees the horrified look on my face and laughs even harder. “Yeah, that’s the same look Enzo gave me when I told him my theory. He said he saw you as the less annoying sister.” Her laughter cuts off and her eyes well with tears.

“I’m so sorry.”

God, why do I keep saying that?

“I’m not, and neither would Enzo be if he was awake. He loves you, Alessia. And we all know my brother would gladly lay down his life for the people he cares about.”

My own eyes fill with tears, but I feel foolish letting them fall in front of Emilia. Until tonight, I haven’t cried in front of anyone since my brother died. What’s the point? Tears wouldn’t have brought him back, and they won’t help Enzo now.

“I met your husband. Nice guy.”

A scoff escapes me. “That’s usually not the first impression he gives off.”

“Enzo always had good things to say about him.”

“Those two like to give me shit, so it makes sense.”

“He said you were different with Finn.” She shrugs. “I don’t know, but he made it seem like you were happy. Said he thought there was finally someone in your life who understood what made you tick. Also, he said Finn was the only person he knew who could give you a run for your money on the mat. That’s high praise from my brother.”

I roll my eyes, but it’s in good humor. Typical Italian man.

Finn peeks his head in the door and tilts it toward the hallway, silently asking if I’m ready to go. I nod and turn to Emilia, who is busying herself, fussing over the sheet covering her brother.

“I’ll give you some time alone with him. If you need anything, call me or Finn. Again, Emilia, I’m so—”

“Please don’t apologize again. All I need to know is whoever did this doesn’t get away with it.”

Standing from my chair, I walk to her and lay a hand on her shoulder. “This is one of many things I promise they’ll pay for.”

Finn and I pull up to a nondescript brick building. It’s a large square structure in the more industrial part of the city. The other buildings surrounding it look like small, closed-down factories.

“I have to say, Finn. So far, I’m not impressed.”

He turns to me with a smile. “Just wait.”

Finn presses a button in his car, and a steel garage door opens. Driving into the underground parking, we’re met with two guards holding semiautomatic rifles.

When he parks the car, he greets the guards and heads to the elevator. After putting his hand on the scanner, the doors open, and we’re carried to another floor. Finn steps out first and presses his hand to another scanner, which unlocks yet another door. The telltale sound of a lock disengaging fills the small hallway. If I was in a better headspace, I’d probably appreciate all the safety measures he has in place here. But as it is, I can barely keep my eyes open.

“You know, wife, there is a small matter of a marriage custom we overlooked.”

My brow quirks as I stare at his knowing grin. “What’s that?”

Instead of answering, he picks me up and holds me bridal style, carrying me through the doorway before his booted foot kicks the door shut.

“I never carried you over the threshold.” Finn bends his neck and kisses me softly on the mouth.

“You decided the best place to do this was at your penthouse?”

“I plan on doing it at every home we own.”

“Jesus. Marriage has made you sentimental. Or just plain mental, I’m not quite sure which.”

He smirks and sets me on my feet. I spin around and take in the penthouse. It’s an open floor plan with tall brick walls throughout. Stairs lead up to what looks like an open loft. Giant windows cover one wall, letting in a beautiful glow of natural light that reflects off the stainless steel appliances in the kitchen. This space screams Finn. There’s only a small dining table with four chairs, and black leather couches along with a few club chairs make up the living area. There’s no overpriced artwork on the walls, empty glass vases or anything equally useless. The function of the space is more important to him than having it overly decorated. The only thing that surprises me is the large television on one of the walls with a gaming console on the shelf next to it.

“I never took you for a gamer.”

“Eoghan spends time here when I’m in the city. He owns another building not too far from here.”

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