Page 41 of City of Wind and Lies

Straightening to my full height, I slip my phone back into my slacks and quietly place a chaste kiss on a sleeping Wren's forehead before heading towards reception.

Rocco has his foot propped up, leaning back on the wall near the Nurse's station. I slip the gal behind the desk my card and a C-note, asking her to call me if Wren wakes up while I'm out. She nods, nervously swiveling her head before discreetly tucking the bill and card into the front pocket of her light blue scrub top.

"Walk with me," I murmur to Rocco, lifting my chin towards the exit.

He kicks off from the wall, silently falling into step beside me until we pass through the automatic doors and find our way to a vacant bench outside.

Fishing a pack of smokes from his pocket, Rocco tilts them towards me, raising a brow in offering. I lean forward from the bench, taking one and rolling it between my fingers in debate. Smoking used to be a vice of mine, something that always seemed to take the edge off when I couldn't get to the gym, speed off in a fast car, or drink half a pint of whiskey. Lately, I've been smoking less because Wren's been around to dull the sharpness of my rage.

But it's been a goddamn day.

I take Rocco's Zippo, flicking back the gold lid and sparking a flame. With an inhale, the tip crinkles, glowing orange as the sweet bite of nicotine coats my tongue. I exhale with a sigh, the smoke swirling around me as I take a seat on the bench, instantly feeling some relief.

"How's married life?" I ask, morbid curiosity getting the best of me.

"Not to sound soft," Rocco shrugs, "But it's nice coming home to someone who lets you shed your skin without judgment."

Puffing on the filter, I shoot him a questioning look.

He tugs on his slacks and takes a seat beside me on the metal bench. "I come home and Isa's happy to see me, no matter what mood I'm in." He flicks the ash from the end of his own cigarette and takes another drag before continuing. "It doesn't matter if the day was piss poor or not, I don't have to wear a mask or check my feelings at the door. I can talk to her…" He shoots me a pointed look. "About some things, or just forget about it and enjoy the little slice of life that doesn't require me to be a hardass."

My head bobs, understanding what he means as I think about how light I felt this morning with Wren in my home.

"Why do you ask?"

I grind the half-smoked cigarette out against the heel of my shoe, tucking it behind my ear as I sling an arm over the back of the bench and twist to face my cousin. "Wren's pregnant."

Rocco's eyes round as he stares at me in bewilderment. His jaw hinges open as he pulls the cigarette from his lips and stabs it out on the edge of the bench.

"Merda," he hisses.

"Yeah."

Neither of us speaks, the sounds of cars zipping past and sirens fading in and out fills the void in the evening air.

Rocco fingers his gold chain. "Does this change things?"

I card a hand through my hair. "Of course it does. It changes everything."

"I'm sorry, cousin." He claps a hand down on my shoulder. "It seemed like you really liked the girl."

My face screws up in confusion. "Liked?"

"Yeah."

I shrug his hand off. "I still like her. If anything, I like her more."

He shifts back, brows drawing together. "You're telling me you're going to keep seeing her, even though she's pregnant with some stronzo's baby? That doesn't bother you?”

"Watch your tone, cousin," I warn as I shoot to my feet, stabbing a thumb at my chest. "That's my child."

Rocco's face goes slack, then his brows furrow together again as he waits for me to explain.

"It's a long story," I say with a wave of my hands before shoving them in my pockets and taking a few steps in front of the bench. "But I met her the night of your engagement party. We fucked, and it fits the doctor's timeline."

"So that's where you disappeared to..." He moves to stand beside me. "I'm sorry, I meant no disrespect, and I mean none now-"

"But?" I interject through clenched teeth.

---