Page 96 of Claimed At First Sight

“Do they mean something?”

“Some do.” She grins over her shoulder. “Some were the result of tequila and bad decisions.”

I laugh. “That’s concerning.”

“You call it concerning,” Rory says lightly. “I call it character development.”

She rolls her sleeve back down as we climb another flight of stairs. Honestly, how many are there?

“This place could use an elevator,” I mutter.

Rory chuckles. “It’s good for you. Plus it warms you up after riding a motorcycle in winter. Have you ever been on one before?”

I snort. “Surely you can work out that answer. Remember, sheltered Mafia princess here.”

“Did you like it?”

“I loved it. It was so much fun. Can you teach me how to ride?”

My cheeks are frozen, but in Sicily that wouldn’t be a problem. The adrenaline still hasn’t worn off, and I already can’t wait to get back on the bike.

I’m out of breath when we finally reach the top. Rory pushes open her door, and we step inside.

Oh, wow.

Exposed brick walls frame plants spilling from every available surface. Vinyl records are stacked beside shelves overflowing with photography books, and soft lamps cast an amber glow across the dark wooden floors. A camera lies abandoned on the couch beside a pile of photographs.

The entire apartment smells faintly of coffee, vanilla, and developing film.

“This is amazing.”

Rory drops her helmet onto a chair. “It’s small.”

“It has personality.”

She smirks at me. “That’s a polite word for clutter.”

I smile as I wander further inside, taking off my jacket.

Framed photographs cover almost every available wall space. At first, they’re just flashes of women laughing, bare shoulders, tattoos, lingerie, soft skin caught in warm light. Then one catches my eye, and I stop.

My brows lift.

“Oh.”

For the first time since we met, Rory looks a little nervous.

“Yeah. That’s usually the reaction.”

I lean closer to get a better look. The woman in it looks completely comfortable in her own skin instead of performing for anyone.

“This is the kind of photography you do?”

Rory nods, walking up beside me.

“I’m still building my portfolio,” she says. “Most of these are friends.”

I glance around the apartment again, noticing more now.