31. Ravenna
Ravenna
R eturning home feels like waking from a dream. I stare at the foreboding, heavily guarded compound, noting the distinct differences between this place and all the beauty of Rome. The place I call home is masculine, stark, and downright depressing at times.
That needs to change.
I glance at Cian and announce, “I’m redecorating.” Though re decorating is too subtle a word. This space has never seen a decoration since its original construction. Maybe not even then.
“I was hoping you’d make this place your home too. It’s about time.”
“After spending so much time in gorgeous Italy, then coming back to this…” I motion toward the compound.
He gazes out the car window. “Yeah, it’s functional and secure, but that’s about it. I don’t even know if someone can make this place visually appealing. Or inviting.”
“A professional can. Plus, I have some ideas too. But first, is there anywhere in the house that’s off limits?”
“Nope. Every area in the main house is yours to do with as you please. If need be, we’ll build a new structure for the common areas.”
“That’s not necessary.” I hold his hand as the car rolls to a stop. “I just want to rearrange a bit, so that the common areas are confined to the left wing of the house instead of in the main section. That way we’ll have more privacy.”
“I like privacy.” His brow furrows in thought. “What do you think about leaving the compound as-is and buying a place in the city? I know being this far away from your cousins is difficult for you. We could get a brownstone or a penthouse in Manhattan, anywhere you’d like.”
“Are you serious? I’d love that.” My pulse speeds up as I consider the possibilities of moving back to the heart of the city. “Can we? Really?”
“Of course we can.” He drops a kiss to my forehead before climbing out of the car. I follow him, coming up short when I notice Wolfe waiting for us by the door. He has another man with him.
The man looks vaguely familiar, like I’ve seen glimpses of him in passing, but I don’t know his name.
He’s tall, broad, and well-groomed. Dark brown eyes scrutinize us beneath his trimmed black hair.
His darker features stand in stark contrast to his pale skin.
He’s obviously Irish, just a different coloring from all the red-tinted brown haired men and dirty blonds around here.
“Cian, it’s good to have you home.” Wolfe pats my husband on the shoulder, then gestures toward the semi-stranger. “Brendan Dunne is our new security expert. Lad’s quite talented, who knew?”
“Welcome to your new official role, Brendan.”
“Happy to be promoted, sir.”
Cian drops his arm around my shoulders. “I don’t believe you two have formally met, so let me introduce you to my wife Ravenna O’Rourke.”
I nod and smile at the man.
“Nice to formally meet you, Mrs. O’Rourke.
” His attention immediately returns to my husband.
“Mr. O’Rourke, I look forward to getting to work.
I’ve already tested the current security system and have some ideas on how to improve it.
There’s new, upgraded technology we can install.
But that can all wait until you’re settled in from your travels, of course. ”
“That won’t take me long. I’ll see you in my office in two hours and you can show me what you’ve got.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll be there.” Brendan gives a curt nod before leaving us.
Wolfe eyes me as he speaks to Cian. “Hope you had a relaxing honeymoon and you’re ready to get back to work. Things have been a bit more exciting around here since you left.”
“Walk with me. What’s going on?”
I linger behind them, half eavesdropping, half studying the foyer and considering the pros and cons of moving. The only con I see is Cian being further away from his men.
Wolfe and Cian head in the direction of his office. “We had a bit of a skirmish with some new Irishmen in town. The Monahans. Ever heard of them?”
“I haven’t.” Cian’s voice echoes down the hallway.
“Well they’re trouble. Skirmish almost got us killed.”
“Tell me everything. Spare no detail.” His office door clicks shut.
We just entered a peaceful time between the Irish and Italians, don’t tell me we’ll be at war with some other Irish mob soon. Hopefully a skirmish is like a misunderstanding or something easily resolved. Thought it doesn’t sound good.
Even after a long day of traveling, I’m not tired, so I dig right in to searching for real estate for sale in Upper Manhattan on my phone.
Brownstone or penthouse? Newly renovated or fixer upper?
The place needs to be large enough to raise a family as I want this to be our forever home.
There are so many details to figure out.