Page 123 of Beautiful Revenge

“Who called them?” I ask.

“I did,” Aiden admits. “They needed to know.”

As the three men approach us, all I can think is great – this is going to cause even more drama at a time when I don’t want it. I prepare myself for what they’re going to say.

“Finn could die?” Dante asks.

“Good,” Erik responds. “We should just let it happen. You never should have called the police, Aiden.”

“He saved my life,” Elena says in a low voice. “Finn saved my life. So before we decide whether he should die or not, let’s wait to see what happens in surgery.”

“You guys might just get your wish,” I say with bitterness. Dante rushes to my side but I pull away from him. I don’t wantcomfort right now. I just want to know if I’ll be a widow by the end of the day.

Chapter Twenty

Aria

The waiting room is tense.

Erik and Dante are hoping for news that Finn has died while me and Aiden and Fiona are hoping for news that Finn has survived.

Elena is somewhere in the middle. Finn killed her dad and yet, he just saved her life. I know that’s something she’ll be processing for a long time.

“Aria, talk to me,” Dante murmurs.

“No. Because you just want to talk about Finn. How I can care for him. How I don’t want him to die while you all want him dead. I’m not going to stand for it.”

Erik sighs. “He’s caused so much pain.”

“But he saved Elena’s life. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”

“It does,” he admits. “I never thought Finn was capable of something like that.”

“He threw himself in front of a bullet for her. He didn’t have to but he did.”

“It’s true,” Elena says. “I’d be dead right now if he hadn’t done that. I’m not sure killing Finn is the right answer.”

Aiden is looking at his lap instead of the people around him. “My brother and I worked together again for the first time in years. It felt… amazing. I actually felt like I could trust him again. I haven’t had that in a long time. Finn showed he’s capable of change. That’s something I never thought possible.” He finally looks up and meet Erik’s eyes. “I don’t want my brother to die. I know I said I wouldn’t get in the way if you wanted to kill him. But I just… can’t.”

Elena runs her hand over his arm.

“Aiden,” Erik says, “are you going against me?”

“No. I’m still loyal. I’ll still work with you and Dante but on the condition that you don’t kill my brother. He can work with us again. And with him at our side, we can easily take down Viktor.”

“Who says he won’t go running to Viktor the second he gets out of surgery?”

“Because I’m here.” Aiden looks at me. “And so is Aria. His family is on this side. He’s starting to come around. He’ll continue to do so. I know it.”

“I do too,” I say, nodding at Aiden. It’s the first time I’ve felt sure of Finn since I’ve met him. “I believe it. I saw him save Elena. I saw him work with Aiden to save my life. If Finn just wanted chaos, why would he save either of us?”

“But he kidnapped you,” Dante says.

“And you kidnapped Nadia but now you’re working with Erik. Change is possible and you know it. I won’t deny the truth. I love Finn. I know that now. And I will not have any of you take himfrom me. I just lost my father.” My throat chokes up, knowing I’ll never see him again. “I haven’t even had time to mourn him yet. I don’t want to lose my husband also. If Finn survives this and is willing to work with you again, let him live. Please.”

Both Dante and Erik stare at me with hard eyes but it’s actually Erik who sighs first and nods. “I’ll consider it. If Finn wants to work with us again. Only then.”

“What?” Dante asks. “You can’t be serious, Erik. I can’t let the man who kidnapped Aria to get off scot-free.”

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