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The fire was still burning in the fireplace, but it would die out in the next hour or two. At least that would keep me warm until he returned. Something about his story still didn’t add up, and it took me a few minutes before I finally figured it out.
He felt bad for me.
He took me out to see the sights because he knew I would be dead in a few weeks. He was trying to make my remaining time enjoyable, making up for all the things I wouldn’t be able to do.
The thought brought me to tears.
I stared at the fire as I watched the flames burn away. My tears were just as hot as the burning fire, and I felt them drop from my chin and onto the sheets. I pulled my knees to my chest and tried to steady myself, tried not to pity myself.
Cane had much more compassion than I realized.
But somehow, that made me feel worse.
22
Pearl
As soon as Crow left for work the next morning, I took one of the cars and headed to the airport. Now that I was married, I officially had Italian identification, and I was a citizen of both Italy and America…even though I would never return to my homeland.
I only had a few hours before Crow would know what I was up to.
When he found out, he would be maaaaad.
Like, really mad.
The flight to France was short, and I got into the cab shortly afterward. I managed to get the address from Lars since he had access to all critical information. I was certain Crow didn’t share everything with his butler, but Lars had a way of knowing things.
Worked out for me.
When I pulled up to the estate near the harbor, I felt the terror grip my chest. I was walking into a danger zone, but the fear wasn’t enough to hold me back. If I didn’t do this, I would regret it. Besides, I had the Barsetti name to keep me safe.
I walked up to the guards at the front. “Evening, gentlemen.”
The one on the left looked me up and down like I was for sale. “A gift for Tristan?”
I glared. “The only gift he’ll get from me is a shoe up his ass.”
He exchanged a look with the other guard. “You’re here to see him?”
“I’m definitely not here to make small talk with you.”
His eyes narrowed at my disrespect, but he didn’t mouth off to me. “Name?”
“Pearl Barsetti.”
“Wait here.” He walked inside and shut the big black doors behind him.
The other guy moved toward me. “Arms up.” His hands immediately went for my stomach to search me.
“Touch me, and I’ll rip your eyes out.” I wasn’t going to let anyone place a hand on me ever again.
He heeded my warning and stopped.
The first guard returned. “He’ll see you.”
The second guard crossed his arms over his chest, his cold eyes reserved for me. He spoke in French so I couldn’t understand.
The first guard said something back, and their conversation continued.
“I don’t have a gun,” I said, assuming that’s what they were talking about. “You don’t need to search me.”
The first guard walked back inside again and returned a moment later. “He’ll see you.” He held the door open and nodded me inside.
I guess being a hard-ass got stuff done.
I walked in with my head held high and my shoulders back. I’d be lying if I said I felt safe without Crow beside me, but I knew his power reached beyond his borders. None of the men in there would think twice about messing with me. It would start a war they didn’t want to fight.
I assumed Tristan was the one sitting at the dining table with greasy black hair and a very crooked nose. It looked like he’d broken it three times, and in every instance, he didn’t heal properly.
His grin looked like a sneer when he stared at me. “Wow. Crow has good taste.” He spoke English well, but his French accent was heavy. His eyes moved from my head to my toes, and he violated me with just a look.
As long as he didn’t touch me, I could deal with it.
“I wish I could say the same about his business partners.” I didn’t take a seat at the table, feeling more comfortable standing. His henchmen lingered in the shadows with shiny pistols on their hips.
He took my insult in stride. “Your new husband isn’t keeping you satisfied? Is that why you’re here today?”
This guy was eerily similar to Bones. It made the bile rise up my throat and enter my mouth. “I’m here to talk about Adelina.”
“Ah, yes. My whore. I miss her.”
I couldn’t count the number of times Bones called me the same thing. It pressed my buttons—hard.
“I’m sure Cane is enjoying her. How could he not? Her sobs are beautiful.”
