Page 101 of Brutal Heir

“Wait here, I have something for you.”

CHAPTER 39

A PERFECT GIFT

Alessandro

Merda, why am I so nervous?

I march to the back of my closet and jerk open the top drawer of the small armoire, sweat snaking down my neck.

It’s just a Christmas gift. It’s not like I’m asking Rory to marry me.

Marry me. Marry me.

Cazzo.Now all I see is Rory in a flowing, white gown walking down the aisle, her wild, auburn hair like a chaotic halo beneath the elaborate veil.

Dio, do I have a fever? Did I get some sort of infection from the skin grafts? It’s not possible with Rory’s meticulous care.

Shoving my hand into the drawer, I pull out the small teal box, a slight tremble in my hand. It’s a Tiffany original, made just for my little leprechaun. It’s amazing what Serena Valentino and a shit ton of money can accomplish in just one day. Flipping the lid open, I peer at the butterfly pendant winking up at me.Hand crafted in platinum with diamond and emerald accents, it’s an exact replica of her tattoo, only without the chains.

The first time I saw the design etched across her torso, I knew it wasn’t just ink. It was armor. And this necklace? I’m hoping it’s the key.

Turning it over, I skim the inscription.

For the one who broke free.

I’d agonized over the wording and nothing seemed quite right. I couldn’t exactly spill my soul to her in this necklace, right? I couldn’t confess I was madly, irrationally in love with her. Had been for weeks now. It had only been a month and if I told her how much she really meant to me, she’d likely run away screaming. She’d clearly come to Manhattan to escape something from her past, but I still had no idea what. The last thing I needed was to push her away.

“Ale, are you ever coming back or were you planning to leave me here naked in your bed forever?” Rory’s voice tears me from the dark musings.

“Coming!” I snap the lid closed and conceal it behind my back. Without a shred of clothing on, I don’t exactly have a good hiding spot.

Rory’s lively eyes raze over me when I emerge from the closet, and I barely restrain the urge to squirm beneath that disarming gaze. Which is insane since she’s seen me fully naked dozens of times.

“Whatcha got there behind your back?”

“Just a little Christmas gift.” I slide onto the bed beside her, tucking the box underneath the pillow.

Her cheeks heat, the enticing crimson spreading across the freckles. “Oh, shite, I didn’t get you anything.”

“You’ve already given me so much, Red.” My voice is thick beneath the weight of the confession. I don’t think she’ll ever understand how much she’s done for me.

Her bottom lip trembles, bright eyes glossing over. “Now you’re going to make me cry, you sweet eejit.”

“Don’t cry. At least not until you’ve seen the present first. You could hate it.” Grinning, I pull the little teal box out, meticulously wrapped with a white bow.

Her eyes light up, mouth curving into a capital O.

“It’s not an engagement ring despite the deceptive packaging, so don’t get too excited.” I toss her a wicked grin as she pounces like it’s Christmas morning, and she’s five years old again.

I can’t help but note that she doesn’t flinch at the engagement part. Possibly a good sign.

“Gimme, gimme, gimme!” Unlacing the ribbon, she flips open the box and her jaw nearly unhinges. “Oh, Alessandro… it’s beautiful,” she whispers, emotion thickening her words.

A tear spills over as she frees the butterfly pendant from the white cushion, letting it dangle from her fingers. The diamonds and emeralds catch the light, each one sparking like starlight caught in flight.

She claps her free hand over her mouth as she continues to stare. “Feckin’ hell this must have cost a fortune.”