Chapter 77. I’d Do It Again, For You

The drive passed in silence. The city unfurled through the rain, all blurred neon and streaks of gold, the streets glistening like wet glass. The hum of the tires, the faint percussion of drops on the windshield—it all lulled Margherita into a shallow, uneasy doze. Her head rested against Ezio’s shoulder, her breath barely steady.

She woke when his fingers brushed her cheek.

“We’re here,” he said quietly.

Blinking herself awake, she lifted her head. His voice was gentle—almost foreign after the day they’d had. He stepped out first and held a hand out for her.

She took it.

The underground garage smelled faintly of concrete and rain. Dario was already pulling bags from the trunk, muttering something under his breath as they followed Ezio toward the elevator.

Margherita frowned. “An apartment building?”

Ezio’s mouth curved. “Yeah. Why? You expected a bunker?”

“Something like that.” She smiled faintly.

The sound of the elevator doors