"That it is." She wasn't talking about the lake, her eyes lingering on him for a long moment before she moved to claim her bag and open it up, rummaging for pajamas and a toothbrush.

He didn't realize she was talking about him, gaze lingering on the lake before he finally pulled the curtains closed, doubting the thin material would do much to block the sunrise. Maybe you were supposed to get up early in a place like this, but he'd never been much of an early riser.

"Are you sure about this, Addie?" he asked, frowning over at her as she rummaged in her bag.

"Which part?" she asked, looking up with a handful of fabric in one fist. "Are you having second thoughts? Because I can go and sleep in with Nora if you're not comfortable." Odd, how her first thought was everyone else's comfort over her own. It wasn't a common habit in this world of theirs.

Though he might not realize it, he was doing the same thing in putting her comfort over his. Or at least, that was his intention. "I'm fine if you're fine," he said, just a little defensively.

She paused, her expression gentling. "I'm not expecting anything, Matt," she told him softly. "Not that I would object, but even I know it's too soon for anything like that. I'm tired, and I feel safe with you. So get your ass changed and get into bed, okay?"

He couldn't help smiling at that, even chuckling a little. He was usually the one giving orders, though he was pretty good at taking them, too. He just wasn't used to getting orders from a woman, especially one who he was technically now married to. "Yes, ma'am," he replied with a mock salute before turning away to get himself ready for bed.

She chuckled herself, taking her belongings into the bathroom to quickly change and brush her teeth, emerging just a few minutes later in shorts and a tank, and her hair brushing her back as she ran her fingers through the dark fall. "Bathroom's all yours."

He'd already shrugged off his jacket and loosened the front of his shirt. No, he didn't always wear a suit, but somehow he never felt like he was working unless he was dressed for the part. He'd left his shoes on the floor beside the dresser, the contents of his pockets scattered across the top, the gun still in a holster against his shoulder. He glanced back as she rejoined him, gaze briefly looking her over before forcing his gaze away.

"Thanks," he murmured, as he headed for the bathroom.

Her gun was in her hand, set down for a moment on one of the bedside cabinets as she turned back to fold her clothes neatly on the chair with her bag. By the time he came out of the bathroom, she was already in the bed, the gun out of sight but no doubt where she could get to it with ease as she rested her head down on the pillow.

He was almost relieved to find her already in bed, where he didn't have to look at the soft curves of her body that her tank top and shorts did little to hide. He went over to the other side of the bed to finish getting undressed, the gun and holster the first things to go. He laid the gun aside on the night stand, before unbuttoning his shirt and peeling it off. He leaned over and flicked off the lamp before stepping out of his pants, leaving himself dressed in a t-shirt and shorts. It seemed he wasn't big on pajamas either.

Tempting though it was, Adriana forced herself not to watch him finishing getting undressed, letting out a slow sigh of breath to calm herself as she relaxed into the pillow. Strange house, strange place, husband ... she had a feeling this was going to take some getting used to.

There was no point in making a big deal about it. After all, they were both grown adults, and married adults at that. It was awkward, sure, but it wasn't the end of the world. "You okay?" he asked, as he climbed under the covers beside her, careful to make a note of the invisible line that ran down the middle of the bed.

Her head turned toward him as she felt the bed shift under his weight. "Tired," she admitted. "Little bit restless, too, but I'll stay still. I'll try not to disturb you too much as you sleep."

"You're not going to disturb me, Adriana," he assured her. Once he was asleep, not much bothered him really. He was lucky like that anyway. "You should get some sleep," he said, as he adjusted the blankets over them both and tucked an arm under the pillow as he turned to face her. He didn't seem to mind sharing a bed.

"So should you," she said, her smile just visible in the darkness. This didn't feel as awkward as she had expected it to. She wasn't worried about sharing a bed with him at all. Settling her hands on her stomach, she let herself relax fully into the bed. "Some day, huh?"

"Yeah," he said, feeling suddenly awkward where conversation was concerned. "Addie, I know we're supposed to be married, and I know you said you that marriage isn't a business proposition to you, but I don't expect anything from you that you don't want to do," he told her, needing her to know that he wasn't going to make any demands, especially where bedroom rights were concerned.

Her smile deepened as she looked up to the ceiling. "Let's just ... see how it goes, shall we?" she suggested. "I like you, Matt, and God knows, I'd love to romp a bit with you, but I want to get to know you better before that happens. If that's okay?"

Matt smiled, a little amused at the admission that she wouldn't mind a roll in the hay, so to speak, though he was glad she wanted more than just that. "I'm not gonna lie. I wouldn't mind that either, but I'd like to get to know you, too. Friendship first, right?" he asked, repeating something she'd said a little while ago.

"Sounds like we're on the same page," she agreed, her smile audible in her voice, finally shifting over onto her side to face him, one hand tucked beneath the pillow. "I guess I'll see you in the morning, Mr. Alessi."

"See you in the morning, Miss Cavarello," he said, the smile heard in his voice. "Don't shoot me if I snore," he added, half-teasing.

"Mrs. Alessi," she corrected him softly. He felt her shifting, heard the sound of a kiss, and then her finger gently touched his lips in a rather sweet goodnight kiss. "I'll just kick you out of the bed, don't worry."

"Right," he replied, smirking in the dark at his own faux pas. Married or not, it didn't really feel like it, rushed as it was. Maybe someday, if he was lucky enough to win her heart, he'd give her a proper wedding. He was surprised by the kiss, as unexpected as it was, even if it wasn't a real kiss, but then she had him chuckling again. "I'll consider myself warned."

She laughed softly, nestling into the pillow. "Good night, Matt." Closing her eyes, she let out a gentle sigh, her breathing slowly leveling out until she was obviously, genuinely sleeping.

He stayed awake a little longer, studying her as much as he could in the dark, trying to figure her out. "Good night, Addie," he whispered back. Her breathing had already slowed and he wasn't sure if she heard him, but it hardly mattered. He closed his eyes, knowing he should get some sleep, too.

It wasn't the wedding night most couples dreamed of. But for this couple, brought together in unusual circumstances, it was definitely the best they could have hoped for. Now all they had to do was sort out the family business. Piece of cake, right?

"Huh." Danny looked around once again. "Well, it's something to do, right?" he offered, lifting his bag onto his shoulder. "I'll take the room next to Nora's. Adriana's under your watch now."

"Okay, see you in the morning," Matteo told the other man, pausing a moment as if considering saying something more. "And ... thanks," he added, leaving it at that.

For a moment, Danny paused, the barest glimmer of a smile on his weathered face. Then he nodded to the other man, turning to make his way up the stairs and find a room for himself close to Nora. It was a few minutes more before Adriana came downstairs, pulling her sweater off over her head and managing to put her neat ponytail into disarray in the process.

By the time Adriana wandered back downstairs, Matt was in the kitchen, rummaging for anything alcoholic that might settle his frayed nerves. He managed to find some beer in the fridge that his boys must have picked up when they were stocking the kitchen.

"She's out like a light," Adriana said as she stepped into the kitchen, tying her sweater about her waist. "You okay? You seem kinda tense for someone who just had a successful operation completed."

"Want a beer?" he asked, since he was in the process of getting one for himself.

She drew in a deep breath. "Yeah, I think that would be a good idea." Offering him a smile, she moved closer to take the offered drink. "Not quite ready to sleep yet."

He reached into the fridge to get another beer, twisting the top off one before handing it to her. "Me either," he agreed. Though he was tired, he was just too wound up to sleep yet. "There's a patio out back, if you like," he suggested.

"View of the lake in the dark?" she asked, a hint of hopeful excitement in her expression as she took the beer from him. Anyone would think that she liked water.

"Not sure how much we'll see, but yeah," he said. "I'm too wired to sleep yet," he told her. "Come on," he said, leading the way through the living room to a pair of double doors that led onto a patio with a view of the lake and the trees surrounding the house. It was a cozy spot, if a bit on the chilly side.

Making the quick decision to leave her sweater on the counter, Adriana fell into step with him, letting out a soft sigh of relief as they came out onto the patio. Just the sound of the water lapping in the darkness was enough to take the edge off her nerves. "It's beautiful here."

"It is, isn't it?" he asked, lowering himself into a chair and taking a swig of his beer. "Peaceful." At least, for now. He only hoped it stayed that way. He almost wished it was just the two of them - on their honeymoon, maybe - but it was just a wish.

She didn't move to sit down, instead walking to the edge of the patio to stare into the darkness over the lake. There were lights just visible on the far shore, but apart from that, no sight or sound of any other living being around them. "Hear that?" she murmured. "I've never been anywhere so still."

"Wait until morning," he murmured. When his boys would be up playing cards or something, along with the sound of motor boats on the lake and seagulls cawing as they searched for food. He couldn't deny that it was quiet tonight though, as quiet as the dead.

"Seems pretty isolated," she mused, glancing along the shore to left and right, though she couldn't see past the trees. "I guess that was intentional, huh?"

"Not much point in getting away unless you can really get away, is there?" he said, the smile heard in his voice even if she couldn't see his face in the dark. He took another swig of his beer before getting up to join her, suddenly right beside her. "What do you see?"

She smiled, glancing at him as he rose to join her where she stood. Her face tilted upward, away from the water to the starry sky above them. "I don't know how to describe it," she admitted quietly. "It's just ... beautiful."

"I'm glad you think so," he said, finding he meant it. He hadn't bought the house for her, but somehow, he was glad she liked it.

It was quiet for a long time with them both looking out across the water. And finally, Adriana spoke. "I know you didn't have to go through with all this," she said softly. "I just, I just want you to know that ... Well, marriage isn't just a business proposition for me. I'm not going to pretend that we're not married. But I'm not going to put you under any pressure to be my husband, if that makes sense. I'm just ... going to be the wife you let me be."

Matteo arched a brow as he looked her way. He hadn't just been talking about the view of the lake, but he didn't feel comfortable enough with her yet to tell her he found her as lovely as the view. He was surprised by what she'd told him. She hadn't argued for or against the necessity of the marriage, and he'd assumed she had gone along with the plan in order to keep her sister safe, but now he wasn't so sure.

He turned toward her, his eyes bright in the moonlight, a curious expression on his face. "What kind of wife do you want to be, Adriana?"

She smiled faintly, though her eyes stayed trained on the lapping water. "A friend, before everything," she murmured. "Your husband or wife should be the one you feel safest to confide in, to be yourself with. I'd like to be that person, but I know it'll take time. And, well, maybe in time ... something more than just a friendly ear."

He thought about pointing out how this didn't have to be a permanent arrangement, if she didn't want it to be, but something inside him stopped him from saying it. All she was asking him for at this point was friendship, but a small voice inside him was secretly hoping for a little bit more. "I can do that. I can be your friend," he told her, searching her face, even as her gaze remained fixed on the water.

Even in the moonlight, he could see her smile soften at his words, hope and gratitude coming together with warmth on a pale face. "And will you let me be yours?" she asked, finally raising her eyes to his.

"It's been a long time since ..." He trailed off, pausing a moment before continuing as if to find the right words. "... since I've let anyone get close," he told her, lifting a hand to brush her hair away from her face, his fingers lightly grazing her cheek. "It might take a while for me to get used to it."

"Don't thank me yet," he told her, a hint of a smile on his face. He looked tired, too, but it was only just past midnight, and it would take at least another hour before they could all collapse in bed.

"Oh, because that's not ominous," she countered with a teasing glimmer in her eyes.

"You two getting in any time soon?" Danny asked from the passenger door.

Matt's smile widened, until Danny's voice interrupted, and he glanced in the man's direction. "Keep your shirt on," he told the other man, with just a hint of sarcasm. This was his operation, after all, and Danny was just there because Adriana would have insisted on it. "We should get going," he admitted. There would be time to talk later.

Adriana nodded, turning away to slide into the backseat and let Nora slide over to rest against her shoulder. Despite the distinct lack of romance on this, their wedding day, she couldn't help feeling hopeful. After all, she and Matt seemed to be connecting, if only briefly.

Matt shoved the hatchback door closed and went around to take the passenger seat up front, riding shotgun.

"Hey," the driver said, with a nod of his head to Matteo, noticing the ring he was wearing on his left hand. "When'd you get married? I didn't even get an invitation to the wedding," he complained.

Matt frowned a moment as he buckled his seatbelt. So, Vince hadn't bothered to fill everyone in on all the details. "Long story, Benny. Just drive," he told the man.

In the back seat, Adriana stiffened for just a moment as the driver commented on the wedding band Matt wore, wondering how long it would take before the man connected it with the matching band on her own finger. Not that it mattered, she knew. This was just business. Just business. So stop hoping for more.

"Just drive, Benny," the driver echoed in a mock voice. "That's all I'm good for these days. Do this, Benny, and do that, Benny. I got feelings, you know."

Matteo sighed. "Anyone ever tell you you talk too much?" he grumbled.

"Yeah, all the time. Why, just the other day ..." Benny started, as he put the car in Drive, trailing off at the look from Matt. "Yeah, yeah, I know. Just drive."

In the back seat, Danny was actually chuckling quietly to himself, familiar with this kind of personality from his own ranks. Talkative, but loyal to the end. Adriana smiled gently, relaxing back against the seat as she stroked Nora's hair.

Thankfully, even Benny knew when to keep his mouth shut and not push his luck. Even so, the drive to the docks was a short one, and it wasn't long before they were on the boat and heading for the lake house. The stars were bright here, shining like diamonds strewn across the sky; a half moon cast a sliver of silver moonlight across the lake. It was a beautiful, clear night - a perfect night for romance, thought Matt to himself.

Adriana had left Nora with Danny down below, the teenager too sleepy to really appreciate the beautiful view of the lake at night. She tucked her sweater warm about her waist, stepping out onto the deck to lean on the railing, enjoying the cool chill of the wind whipping at her hair. For just a moment, she could forget the reason why she was here, and just enjoy the view.

Matt was already there, having gone up earlier, unable to relax or sleep until he was sure Adriana and Nora were safe. It was just a job, he tried to tell himself, though he knew in his heart that wasn't entirely true. He glanced over as she, too, came out on deck, probably feeling as restless as he was.

"Tired?" he asked, in an attempt at conversation.

"More agitated, I think," she admitted. "On edge. I'll be better once we're back on land and behind walls. Being outside at all makes me jumpy right now."

"Adriana, look around you. There's no one here but us. You're safe," Matt assured her, turning to face her. At least, for now. They were married now, but even that wouldn't protect her if the Puglianis wanted a war.

"I know." She smiled over the water, inwardly rolling her eyes at herself. "I guess a part of me is jumpy because ... it's our wedding night." She laughed at her own nerves, not knowing what she was even nervous about.

"Yeah, well ..." He shrugged his shoulders, attempting to smile back at her. "It's not what I was planning either," he confessed quietly. "To be honest, I never really thought about marriage. This kind of life isn't really conducive to marriage. I don't want my family spending their lives looking over their shoulders, worrying about rival families, cops." Like his mother and his sister had done. And him and probably Adriana, too.

She eyed him thoughtfully, debating what she could and could not tell him. Her long term goal, possibly not. At least, not yet. "At least I know what I'm doing where that's concerned," she offered, to try and reassure him. "I know how to defend myself."

"Against rival families or cops?" he asked, trying not to sound too morose. This was their wedding night, after all. Christ, this isn't how he would have ever wanted to start a marriage with someone like her.

"I'm better against cops, but I can handle myself against rival families," she said quietly, leaning on the rail once again. "They didn't get me when they tried last time."

He was still frowning, his face just barely visible in the moonlight. "The point is you shouldn't have to. You should be able to live without worrying about all that, but that's just the way this life is. And I'm being morose. Sorry."

"It's late, we're all under a lot of pressure," Adriana said gently, straightening up to gently nudge his arm with her own. "You don't have to be upbeat and confident all the time, you know. I'm glad you feel like you can be morose around me."

He harrumphed a doubtful chuckle. "You say that now, but give it a few days," he teased, but at least, he was smiling again, his eyes bright in the moonlight. He watched her quietly a moment, remembering the brief kiss they'd shared back in Vegas - the brief kiss she'd offered him following their vows. What was she really thinking and feeling, he wondered, but he didn't ask.

To his credit, he didn't let go, the ring feeling strange on his finger but also oddly comforting - like it belonged there. Was it a sign, he wondered. Whatever happened, he realized, he wasn't going to lose her the way he'd lost Emilia. "You're about to have the ride of your life, kiddo," he told Nora as he led the trio away from the room with a mumbled thanks to the officiant who was probably on Vince's payroll.

"I'm not allowed to have a boyfriend yet," was Nora's smart response, drawing an unexpected snort of laughter from Danny as he fell in behind them.

Adriana rolled her eyes. "Gods, what have you been reading?"

"Cute. Not quite what I meant," Matt remarked with a chuckle. "You didn't tell me your sister is a comedian," he murmured to Adriana as he led the way from the room down the hall to the elevator. The stairs would take too long as they were going all the way to the top.

"She should take it on tour," Adriana murmured back, but she had definitely relaxed now that the most nerve-wracking part of the evening was done. "She likes you."

Nora was snickering to herself as they headed for the elevator together. "Oh, I guess you were talking to Addie then, huh?"

"I like her, too," Matt replied.

Though he'd only just met her little sister, there wasn't much not to like. The same could be said for Adriana, too, he realized, which was part of the problem. He liked her too much to trap her in a marriage not of her own choosing. Upon reaching the elevator, he pressed a thumb against the button with the arrow pointing up, pausing a moment to take a brief but careful look around, as if to make sure they weren't still being followed. In a few more minutes, they'd be in the air, and then he could relax.

A moment later, Danny leaned over and pressed the button for the second elevator, apparently having thoughts of his own about the possibility of being followed.

"So are you guys gonna be sharing a bed now?" Nora asked boldly.

"That is for us to know and you not to find out," Matt replied, tapping a finger against his side as they awaited the elevator's arrival, a small sign of nervousness. He was just considering the stairs when the elevator finally dinged and the doors slid open to admit them.

The other elevator arrived in the same moment, and Danny took that moment to send it to the basement parking level, just in case. Then he ushered the girls into the other elevator with Matt. Catching the other man's eye, he shrugged. "Every little bit helps, right?"

"Can't be too careful," Matt replied in agreement with the older man for maybe the first time. He knew Danny was probably not too crazy about this arrangement, but he had yet to suggest a better plan. Matt followed the girls onto the elevator, holding the door long enough to Danny to join them, and then pressing a finger to the button that would take them to the roof.

"Are we staying here tonight?" Nora asked, frowning a little. She wasn't quite following what was going on, and the time was ticking on fast toward ten pm. Late nights were not her thing.

"No, we're going to the roof," he told her, not quite explaining. He hadn't really explained this part of the journey to any of them, but it was too late to back out now. "Ever ride in a helicopter, Nora?" he asked, smiling her way.

The teenager shook her head. "No," she said. "Is that what we're doing? Are we going to to fly over the lake?" The sheer excitement in her face and voice was enough to make Adriana's smile relax, glad that the tension of the evening wasn't enough to take the joy out of a new experience for her sister.

"We're going to fly over everything," Matt said. There would be an amazing view of the city up there, as well as the lake as they flew in. "The city looks amazing at night from the air," he told her. Not nearly as amazing at New York, but it would still make for a breathtaking view. Tonight, they'd just be one more 'copter in the skies over Vegas.

"Wow." Nora's excitement was palpably infectious, enough that Adriana's smile stayed on her face even as she reached an arm about her little sister's shoulders to hug her affectionately.

"Not all bad, huh?"

Matt was glad Nora was excited about this part of the trip more than frightened. He'd done his best to keep them safe so far, but piloting a helicopter was not one of his talents. He watched as the elevator passed floor after floor on its way upward. Ten ... eleven ... twelve ...

Their bags were already settled in the 'copter, ready and waiting for them to get inside, the pilot keeping the blades running so they would have a quick take off. Thankfully, the heli-pad was one of the most secure places in the complex; even if the Pugliani boys tried to get up there, they would have to jump through a lot of hoops for access.

"Careful!" Matt shouted a warning as the elevator doors opened and they shuffled onto the helipad. There wasn't a lot of room on board, but enough for the four of them and their luggage. A pilot and security guard sat up front, leaving four seats empty for the four of them. Matt turned to help Adriana and Nora climb aboard, allowing Danny to take the rear.

Buffeted by the downdraft from the blades, Nora was the first up and into the helicopter, followed swiftly by Adriana, both of them sitting quickly and pausing to work out how to buckle themselves in. Within minutes, the men were aboard, and the 'copter was rising above the high-rises of the city, making a smooth, swift exit from Vegas and its dangerous delights.

"Look at that view, Nora!" Matt called from his seat next to Adriana. Once they were in the air, there was certainly a view - the lights of Vegas twinkling brightly below them.

Settled in next to Danny, Nora had her face practically plastered to the window, staring down at the sparkling glitz of her home city in wonder. Adriana chuckled, feeling a little more of her tension easing as she forced herself to relax into her own seat, acutely aware of Matt right beside her. The ring on her finger felt alien, but not unwelcome, drawing her gaze as she absently spun it next to her knuckle.

"It's gonna be okay, Addie," Matt assured her quietly, while Danny pointed out the various landmarks below them to an excited Nora. He instinctively reached for her hand to give it a reassuring squeeze, hoping he was right.

"Damn it," Matt mumbled under his breath, glancing in the mirror to find the other SUV shadowing them from behind. "Hang on!" he warned the trio in the car with him, before swerving quickly to the left and weaving his way through traffic until he hit the ramp that led to the I-95 North. He wasn't planning on staying on the highway, but getting off and looping back around to their first destination.  There was a reason he'd picked a black SUV, as it looked like every other black SUV on the road and made it easier to blend.

No doubt he heard a squeak from the backseat as the swerve sent the girls sliding into one of the doors, but his abrupt change of direction seemed to take the following car by surprise. Not enough to throw him off entirely, but enough that by the time their pursuers were also on the highway, they were several cars back.

Matt hit the gas, his attention entirely focused on the road and the car that was now also blending into traffic behind them. He knew they'd be searching for them among the lanes of traffic, but they'd be expecting them to keep going forward, possibly heading out of town. Matt accelerated again, the car lurching forward before switching lanes and sliding in on the other side of a truck. He then slowed his speed and dropped back, hoping their pursuers would continue speeding past, losing them in traffic.

The pursuing car put on a burst of speed to try and avoid losing them, but in the moment of changing lanes, Matt confounded the driver. The Puglianis' SUV continued onward, past the semi-truck, clearly now tailing the decoy car that had smoothly slid into the corresponding lane just in time.

Without so much as a sigh of relief, Matt continued to watch the road, no sign of the other SUV in sight. Just in case, he took the next exit, heading west, the traffic thinning as they headed away from the busier downtown area.

For one heart-stopping moment, another dark SUV pulled off the road with them, before flashing their signals in a known code and slowing. The second decoy taking up position to throw others off the scent.

Matt's instincts told him the sooner they got out of Vegas, the better, but he hadn't let his fellow passengers know that they weren't going to be traveling by car much longer. He blinked his hazard lights to acknowledge the other car before heading west on Route 613 heading out west out of town.

"We're almost there," he told them, the sound of his voice less tense than before. The first leg of their journey was almost over.

"I thought we were going out of Vegas," Nora said, her voice just a little muffled.

"We have to make a stop first," Adriana told her. "Little bit of admin to do before we can leave." There was a pause, and then the men heard Adriana groan. "Take the grin off your face, you little monster."

"You can relax now. We're almost there," Matt told them, the tension he'd felt at the car chase changing into a different kind of tension. Each leg of the journey held its own dangers and risks, and though this first stop wasn't dangerous, it was still nerve-wracking.

He heard the two girls straighten up in the back seat, a quiet snicker from the younger Cavarello followed by a harmless thump of Adriana's hand against her sister's leg.

"There are times when I hate you, you know," the elder said in a fond tone.

"Nah," Nora responded, her grin audible. "I'm adorable."

Despite the relaxed attitude of the pair of females behind him, Matteo's tension only seemed to increase the closer they got to their destination. He knew Danny wasn't going to like it, even if he and Adriana had already discussed it. The Pink Fandango wasn't quite as trashy as the name made it sound. It was another high-rise hotel on the outskirts of town, complete with a casino and restaurant, and one that seemed able to cater to any crowd - rich or not so rich.

There were already Molinaro boys in and around the complex, guarding entrances and exits, keeping an eye on everyone coming and going. It seemed to be a busy night; certainly busy enough that no one looked twice at the odd little group as they made their way inside. A bottle-blonde woman with ridiculously high heels and low cut dress met them in the foyer, handing Matteo an envelope.

"Room 25," she told him with a smile. "Everything's prepped, should be in and out in ten minutes. Lonny's waiting on the pad."

"You must be Gemma," Matt replied, taking the envelope from her, while one of his boys wrangled their luggage with the help of a bellboy. This wasn't the way he'd envisioned his future wedding, but it was just a technicality really in the name of business, and he didn't have much choice but to follow orders.

"Vince gave me fair warning," the blonde told him with a smile. "Everything's in place." She nodded to Adriana, and flashed a friendly smile for Nora and Danny. "Up the stairs, second on the right."

"Thanks," he replied, turning to the others, but focusing mostly on Adriana. "Ready?" he asked, the question aimed at her, as he was still uneasy about forcing her into anything she wasn't ready for.

Adriana stiffened, but managed a quick nod. "I'm ready," she agreed, straightening her shoulders. Beside her, Nora's grin returned, bright and teasing, but Danny's expression did not change at all.

They all knew what was coming, but Nora looked like the only one who was happy about it. What should normally have been a happy event was a sober one, due to the circumstances, but it wasn't the end of the world, and if Adriana was agreeable, Matt supposed he should be, too.

"Let's go then," he said, leading the way toward the stairs. At least, he didn't say anything about it being over the sooner the better.

Right now, it was just business, though Vince had seemed pretty confident it would be more than that in time. Adriana didn't dare even consider hoping that it might ever be more than just business. She had a feeling Matt was annoyed that he'd been ordered into this in the first place. Still, she kept her head up and followed him, Danny and Nora falling into step at her back.