“This is truly amazing. Thank you.” I reach up and kiss him before turning my attention to the breathtaking view. “It’s so beautiful.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
I glance at him, but he’s gazing at me instead of the glittering city. Heat blossoms on my cheeks. My heart skips a beat, then flutters like the wings of a hummingbird.
I love how Cian makes me feel like I’m the center of his world. Being with him is the opposite of how I felt growing up, always being either abused or disregarded. Told I was tooopinionated, too stubborn, too much of everything that my parents didn’t want me to be.
But Cian doesn’t treat me that way. He seems to adore what I’ve always been told are my negative qualities. He makes me feel seen, validated. I can be myself without apology.
It’s refreshing. I didn’t know how badly I needed it, until this moment.
Up here, soaring through the sky, we sip wine as the master chef serves us an eight course meal, all while admiring the sights of the city from a completely new angle. Golden rays of the setting sun light up the stunning architecture. This is an experience I’ll never forget.
CHAPTER 31
Ravenna
Returning home feels like waking from a dream. I stare at the foreboding, heavily guarded compound, noting the distinct differences between this place and all the beauty of Rome. The place I call home is masculine, stark, and downright depressing at times.
That needs to change.
I glance at Cian and announce, “I’m redecorating.” Thoughredecorating is too subtle a word. This space has never seen a decoration since its original construction. Maybe not even then.
“I was hoping you’d make this place your home too. It’s about time.”
“After spending so much time in gorgeous Italy, then coming back to this…” I motion toward the compound.
He gazes out the car window. “Yeah, it’s functional and secure, but that’s about it. I don’t even know if someone can make this place visually appealing. Or inviting.”
“A professional can. Plus, I have some ideas too. But first, is there anywhere in the house that’s off limits?”
“Nope. Every area in the main house is yours to do with as you please. If need be, we’ll build a new structure for the common areas.”
“That’s not necessary.” I hold his hand as the car rolls to a stop. “I just want to rearrange a bit, so that the common areas are confined to the left wing of the house instead of in the main section. That way we’ll have more privacy.”
“I like privacy.” His brow furrows in thought. “What do you think about leaving the compound as-is and buying a place in the city? I know being this far away from your cousins is difficult for you. We could get a brownstone or a penthouse in Manhattan, anywhere you’d like.”
“Are you serious? I’d love that.” My pulse speeds up as I consider the possibilities of moving back to the heart of the city. “Can we? Really?”
“Of course we can.” He drops a kiss to my forehead before climbing out of the car. I follow him, coming up short when I notice Wolfe waiting for us by the door. He has another man with him.
The man looks vaguely familiar, like I’ve seen glimpses of him in passing, but I don’t know his name. He’s tall, broad, and well-groomed. Dark brown eyes scrutinize us beneath his trimmed black hair. His darker features stand in stark contrast to his pale skin. He’s obviously Irish, just a different coloring from all the red-tinted brown haired men and dirty blonds around here.
“Cian, it’s good to have you home.” Wolfe pats my husband on the shoulder, then gestures toward the semi-stranger. “Brendan Dunne is our new security expert. Lad’s quite talented, who knew?”
“Welcome to your new official role, Brendan.”
“Happy to be promoted, sir.”
Cian drops his arm around my shoulders. “I don’t believe you two have formally met, so let me introduce you to my wife Ravenna O’Rourke.”
I nod and smile at the man.
“Nice to formally meet you, Mrs. O’Rourke.” His attention immediately returns to my husband. “Mr. O’Rourke, I look forward to getting to work. I’ve already tested the current security system and have some ideas on how to improve it. There’s new, upgraded technology we can install. But that can all wait until you’re settled in from your travels, of course.”
“That won’t take me long. I’ll see you in my office in two hours and you can show me what you’ve got.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll be there.” Brendan gives a curt nod before leaving us.
