Page 109 of Beautiful Revenge

“You’re his little girl.”

“I know.”

“Aria,” Aiden says. “I don’t mean to be persistent but I need to know.”

“No,” I practically groan. “Finn did not hurt me. He did not torture me, unless you count psychological torture a thing.”

“I do,” he says flatly.

“No. Finn did not hurt me. He saved me from Sal Alvin. Since then… we grew closer. I don’t hate your brother, Aiden, so if you’re here to see if your brother is beyond saving so you can side with Dante and Erik and kill him, then think again. You’re not getting that from me. I think Finn has a good side. I’ve seen it. I even met your mom.”

His eyes widen. “You did.”

“I’ve seen the kind parts to Finn. I’m not saying those kind parts are there often and he drives me insane and I don’t agree with his anger to kill Erik and Dante but… I know he has some goodness in him.”

Elena shifts uncomfortably in her seat. “I just find that hard to believe. After everything Finn did to me… I’m worried he’s still out to get me.”

“I don’t think he is. I know Finn hurt you and I would never pretend like he didn’t. But I don’t think he wants to hurt you, Elena. He doesn’t hurt kids. He told me that. And since you have a baby on the way…” I nod at her belly. “You’re safe from him. I believe that wholeheartedly.”

“You’ve known my brother for only a couple of weeks. I’ve known him longer. He’s a man who doesn’t change.”

“Aiden, are you looking for an excuse to kill him? Or are you trying to learn that your brother isn’t as bad as you hope? Which is it?”

“A little but of both,” he admits.

“Finn is a problem, yes. But I think he can be convinced to make peace. It won’t be easy but I think we could do it. You and me. His wife and brother. And no, he’s not fully evil. Hehas some good in him. I’ve seen it. I’m tied to him now whether I want to be or not. That’s the truth, Aiden. Either accept it or don’t.”

It looks like tears are about to well up in Aiden’s eyes before he blinks them away. “Thank you for that. To know there’s someone else out in this world who believes in saving my brother.”

Elena places her hand on his arm for comfort. “I may be afraid of Finn but I know he’s your brother. I know you love him and I’ve accepted that. If Finn has really changed… then it would be nice not to be so afraid of him any longer.”

My dad comes back into the living room. “I’ve put out some lunch if anybody wants something to eat.”

“I’m good,” Aiden says, standing up. “We should get back home.”

Elena meets my eyes and smiles. “I think Aria might need somebody to talk to a moment longer. I’ll stay behind. You can come pick me up in an hour or so. If that’s ok?” she asks me.

“I’m ok with it.” Elena and I haven’t spoken a whole ton over the past two years she and Aiden have been married but it would be nice to get to know her more. And it beats talking to my dad a moment longer.

Aiden gives her a short tender kiss before leaving the house. My dad agrees to give us more space.

“You really love him,” I say to her.

“I do. I fell in love with a hitman.” She pauses. “And I take it you did too.”

I can’t meet her in the eye as I nod. “I don’t know if it’s love. But I do know I care for him.”

“I was able to look past Aiden’s past because he saved me and showed that he could change. If Finn can do the same…”

“How would you be able to forgive him? After what he did to you?”

“I lost my dad almost two years ago now. It still hurts when I think of him but the sting has lessened. I’m not as angry because holding onto anger for so long will kill you. And I wanted to be happy instead.”

“I hope Finn can let go of his anger. I just don’t know if he can.”

A loud bang comes from the front door, making Elena and me jump to our feet. My dad and one of his guards runs into the living room right as the front door is kicked open.

And in walks Sal himself.

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