Page 59 of Beautiful Revenge

I knock on Aiden’s door.

But it’s not Aiden who answers.

It’s his wife, Elena.

Long brown hair, doe-eyes, beautiful. I can see why my brother fell in love with her.

Her face contorts into utter terror at the sight of me as she tries to slam the door closed. I killed her father a few years ago and she’s never forgiven me for it.

I shove my body into the door and push it open, making her stumble back.

“Finn, what are you doing here?” she demands.

I slam the door behind me. “Is your husband home?”

She hesitates a beat too long and it tells me everything I need to know. Aiden is not here.

“He’ll show up if you call him. So why don’t you call him for me.”

“Just get out. You won’t hurt me.”

I tilt my head to the side. “Is that why you think I’m here? To hurt you? I want to talk to my brother so call him. Don’t piss me off, Elena. You know I’m not your biggest fan. You stole my brother from me.”

“If you kill me then -,”

“Then what? Aiden will kill me? I’m not going to kill you, Elena. Stop being stupid. Just call my brother.”

With shaky hands, she picks up her phone from the coffee table and calls Aiden. “Finn is here,” she says after he answers. “You need to hurry.”

“Hang up,” I snap.

She does as I say. “Aiden will be here soon.”

“Good. Good. You and me are going to wait until he returns.” I place my arm around her shoulders. “So, how have you been?” My eyes land on her belly. It’s larger than I remember it being. I suck in a breath. “You… You’re pregnant.”

She places her hands over her stomach. “Don’t hurt me. Don’t hurt my baby.”

I let Elena go. “I hate you. You know that. But even I won’t kill a pregnant woman. Get a fucking grip, Elena. Stop begging me. It’s fucking annoying.”

“Sorry,” she cries.

She’s so different from Aria. So afraid. How the hell does my brother even stand her? Aria is fierce and bold and brave. That’s the kind of woman I like. Not this scared, simpering girl that Elena is.

Elena and I stand in the living room, facing each other until the front door bangs open and Aiden enters. Took him long enough.

“Aiden,” I say. “Nice to see you again.”

He lifts his gun. “Step away from my wife.”

“I’m not here to hurt her. I’m just here to deliver a message. I’m coming for Dante. He should get his affairs in order because I’m going to kill him.”

“No,” Aiden says, right before he pulls the trigger. The bullet hits me in the shoulder, knocking me to the ground.

Aiden grabs Elena and gently pushes her to the door.

My brother shot me. He actually shot me.

He’s never done that before.

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