I blink and look up. "He still hasn't woken up," I say quietly, swallowing down the lump in my throat. A tear threatens to fall, but I blink it back.
"He's a strong boy. He'll be fine," Liam says, his voice unusually gentle as he pats my shoulder. I press my lips into a thin line, forcing myself to nod.
"I know."
Liam smirks and leans back, watching me like I've surprised him somehow. "I knew to place my bet on you. You actually pulled it off."
"At the cost of Finn's health," I mutter, guilt rising like bile in my chest. My stomach turns thinking about it, what he endured to make this plan work.
"He'll be fine, Rosso," Liam says again, this time more firmly, before turning away and walking out of the greenhouse.
I watch him go for a moment, the sound of the door clicking behind him oddly final. Then I make my way over to Vito, just as he drops a call with Marco.
"Please, make sure everything goes well," I say, unable to keep the plea out of my voice. Vito slides his phone in his pocket and nods.
"You sorted it all out. I guess you didn't really need my help after all," Vito says, and for the first time, I hear something new in his voice: respect.
"I always needed your help, Vito," I reply, meeting his gaze. "But there are some battles you need to fight on your own."
He nods thoughtfully, like he understands more than he's letting on. Then his brow tightens slightly. "I heard what happened to the Irish boy," Vito says. "I don't like the Irish... and I don't trust Liam fully either, but I'm glad Finn fought to protect you."
I nod, pulling my lips into a thin line. Vito sighs softly. "The girls all say they miss you. Come home, Gianna." His voice shifts on the last part. Quieter. "When you're ready. You can stay wherever you feel safe, but the door at home is open. It's been open."
Something cracks in my chest. I look at his face for the first time really since he showed up at Declan's office. There are circles under his eyes I didn't notice before. He looks tired in a way I haven't seen.He's been worried about me,I realize, and the thought almost undoes me. I've spent so much time being angry at him that I missed it.
"I can't... not yet. Finn is still unconscious. I need to make sure he's fine," I reply, and Vito nods. And just like that, the dynamic between Vito and me has changed.
CHAPTER 33
Finn
My eyes feel heavy,like some boulder dragging down my lids as I struggle to open them. At first, everything is blurry, shapes swimming in fog. I blink slowly, once, then twice. The haze starts to clear. I feel a stab of pain in every part of my body, and the memories of everything that happened come rushing back all at once. Liam, returning to the estate. Getting beaten by William and James, and then Gianna. She came for me. I remember her voice, her touch. Declan's rage. The sharp blow that took everything from me in one breathless moment.
I move my hand, barely lifting it off the bed. But it's enough, I feel her touch. I know it's her. "Finn," she calls softly, and my eyes land on her. "Finn," she repeats like she doesn't believe it's me. I blink again, taking in her face. Her eyes are glossy, her hair a mess, but she's the most beautiful thing I've seen. I try to sit up, groaning as a sharp pain bites into my side. She moves quickly, helping me up with slow, careful hands before wrapping me in a tight hug.
Her body presses into me like she's afraid to let go.
I can't help but groan again, the movement sending pain tearing through my ribs.
"Oh my God, I'm sorry," she pulls back slightly, guilt in her eyes. I reach for her before she can pull too far, wrapping her back into my arms despite the pain. I want her here. I need her here. I sink into her warmth, close my eyes, and inhale the familiar scent of her skin.
We remain like that for a few precious seconds. Long enough for the ache in my chest to soften, if not from relief, then from knowing she's here. She finally leans back, her hand gently cupping my face. "Are you okay?" she asks, her eyes sweeping across my bruises, my busted lips, and the bandages wrapped around me. I can see the pain on her face just looking at me.
"I'm fine, Gianna," I say with a soft smile, reassuring her. I don't feel fine, not entirely, but I need her to believe I'll be okay.
My mind flashes back. The recording. "Did you get Declan on record?" I ask, my voice desperate.
She nods immediately, a flash of determination crossing her face. "Yes, I got it, Finn. I got everything."
Relief crashes over me. I exhale, long and slow, my body sinking deeper into the bed. We did it. She did it. I look around the room. We're at the bungalow house. My eyes land on the drip and machine hooked to my body.
"How long have I been out?" I ask, my voice hoarse, but steadier than before.
Gianna bites her bottom lip, and I catch the subtle quiver in her chin before her eyes begin to brim with tears. "Four days," she whispers, and her voice cracks. "You've been out for four days. You don't know how worried I was." A tear rolls down her cheek. I lift my hand, slow and careful, and wipe the tear away with my thumb.
My fingers brush against her skin as I tuck a few loose strands of hair behind her ear.
"I'm sorry for making you worry," I say, leaning forward to kiss her forehead.
