Page 124 of Beautiful Revenge

“He was your friend once,” I remind Dante. “And I’m fine. I’m alive. I’m right next to you. You were able to forgive Erik for killing you years ago. Why can’t you forgive Finn for kidnapping me when I’m the one saying you should forgive him?”

“Because you’re like a daughter to me.”

“But I’m not your daughter. My real dad is dead.”

Dante flinches. “I know.”

“So make this work, Dante. You want me in your life? Then make peace with Finn. Or… I’m going to choose him. Because I don’t have my dad to stay around here any longer.”

“You can’t ask that of me.”

“Just do it.” I stare Dante down.

“You think I’m just going to give in to you?”

“Yes,” I answer plainly. “I do. So do it. If you want me in your life, you will do this for me.”

Dante mutters to himself and looks around at everyone in the room. Matteo shrugs when he looks to him for help. With a sigh, Dante turns back to me. “Fine. I’ll let Finn live if he survives this. But he needs to work with us again, Aria. It’s the only way.”

“I’ll get him to reason.”

If he survives.

The doctor finally tells us that Finn is out of surgery and recovering. “Only one visitor at the moment.”

Aiden and I look at each other. We both want to go see him.

Fiona turns to me. “You go. I can wait to see my son. You’re his wife now. It should be you.”

“Thank you.” I rush to Finn’s room and find him in a bed, asleep. He looks so at peace, like he almost didn’t just die a few hours ago.

“Finn?” Slowly, I touch his hand. His eyes flutter open and focus on my face.

“Aria?” His voice is groggy. I’ve never seen Finn look so vulnerable before.

“Hi.”

“Am I dead? Is this heaven?”

“You’re alive. And I’m here. You were shot in the chest but the doctors and nurses saved you. You’re going to be ok.”

“That is if Dante and Erik don’t kill me first. I’m assuming they’re out there.” He nods towards the door.

“They are. But they promised to not kill you if you agree to work with them. Finn, please. My dad is dead. Sal killed him. I can’t lose you too.”

His eyes widen at my admission. “I’m so sorry, princess.”

“Sorry for my loss or sorry you can’t make peace with Dante again?”

“Sorry for your loss. You really can’t lose me?”

Might as well say it. “I love you, Finn. I realized that when I thought I could have lost you. I love you and I don’t want to give you up. So come work with Dante and Erik. Make peace. Choose your family again. Be happy.”

“I never thought I’d hear you say you love me.”

“Things change. I know I have and I think you have too.”

He squeezes my hand. “I have changed. But to work with Dante and Erik again? It would mean pissing off Viktor and he’ll come at us with a vengeance.”

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