Page 110 of Finally Forever
Ainsley’s hand falls to my lap. “Are you okay?”
The smile and ease of her expression and posture has me breathing easier. This is all I’ve ever wanted for her. True happiness. No fear. Friends. And my love and devotion.
“I’m good.” I bring her hand to my lips and kiss her ring, which is back where it belongs.
She blushes, her sage eyes sparkling in the bright afternoon sun.
“Lowell invited us to a masked ball,” she says.
“When?”
“Tomorrow night.”
“Where?” I ask him.
“A venue near the Palais Garnier. It’s a fashion show that follows the theme of a masquerade. The ball is after. You’re welcome to attend both.”
Based on the glee radiating from Ainsley, I know she wants to go. The fact that it’s masked works in my favor. I’m more comfortable in disguise and would be able to enjoy the evening with less concern. Damn old habits and suspicions.
Baby steps. I repeat in my head the words Xavier said to me earlier.Trust out in public will come in time.
We had a nice talk before Ainsley and I made plans to have lunch with Lowell. He knows the perfect person to work as a personal assistant. The man has training for protection too, which Xavier suggested due to the wealth and privilege of our lifestyle. Can never be too careful. He also thinks I’d adjust better to this new, freer life knowing someone has our backs. I offered him the position, but he likes more action than what my future will involve. I get it.
I thread my fingers with Ainsley’s tiny ones. “I’ll do whatever you want to do.”
“Both. I want to go to both!” Her fingers squeeze mine, and she gasps. “I need a dress, and you need a tux.”
“I can help you with both of those,” Lowell says and eyes my physique. He then spits out my exact measurements.
“Impressive.”
“It’s my superpower.” He grins, and Ainsley giggles. “I’ll need you to come to the boutique for a fitting, of course. And you, ma chérie.” He bats his lashes at Ainsley. “I will need you to come in to try on gowns.”
She releases my hand to clap. “When?”
“Soon. We’re short on time and will need to do any alterations. I’m sure I can arrange a private fitting this evening. I need to go in to oversee the progress on a few designs. Would that work?”
Again, Ainsley looks to me. She still seeks approval, her way of struggling to adjust as well.
“We have nothing but time,” I tell her.
She turns to Lowell. “Tonight, then. What time?”
“Tentatively seven, but I’ll know for sure once I get to the boutique.”
She claps again. “I’m so excited. This is a dream.”
It will also give me time to reach out to Francesca. Xavier got the news of my father from his informants in Italy. I want to hear from her the details, as twisted as that sounds. I also want her code of silence to keep my being alive a secret. Had she attempted to claim the role of godfather for the Gianni family, which she could have done, that would have posed a problem for me. I would be a potential target for anyone who disagreed with her takeover of the family. She was smart to relinquish our family name from the title and offer it to whomever the top-level members choose to appoint.
I want to hear from her that the Gianni reign is officially over with no pressure from any followers of the family line. Only then will I be at complete ease. If I were to be discovered alive by a chance encounter with previous Gianni members, they won’t see me as a threat. My hope is, should that ever occur, they’ll think I’m someone familiar but not realize who I am. Over time, the threat of that will lessen too. The new godfather will fill roles with his family and confidants. Many of the current members will either pledge loyalty to the new boss or to another family or leave the business entirely if they’re able.
So many cards in play still, which is why I need confirmation from Francesca that the Gianni reign is as dead as my father.
I keep waiting for sadness or some form of regret to push forward over his death, but it doesn’t.
Lowell stands. “It was a pleasure as always, Ainsley. I’ll text you later and confirm a time for your fitting.”
She grabs her phone from the table. “I’ll be waiting.”
