“He was kidnapped and never found.”
I frown. “Who kidnapped him?”
“I don’t know.”
Her face falls deeper into that pale shade. I see her hands trembling as she picks up her dogs’ leashes from the ground and turns.
“I can help you find him.”
She turns around instantly. A glint shines in her eyes. This is exactly why I said it. I’m not sure if I want to find the man she loves, but I’m very much sure I want to see this depression leave her. And besides, there won’t be another chance to get close to her.
“Why would you?”
What do I tell her?That I hate seeing you like this when I’ve only known you a few weeks?
“I want something in return.”
“What?”
You.
“This city. I want you to give me this city in exchange for finding that man.”
The shine in her eyes brightens. Now she’ll see me as an opportunist who wants something huge from her, and she’ll trust me more easily.
She nods without hesitation. “I agree. If you can find Salvario, I’ll give you Naples, but you can’t harm the people of this city.”
“I won’t.”
A smile touches her lips for a small fraction of a second. Still enough time for it to imprint on my skull, for me to long to see it again.
“How will you do that?”
“My brother and I can find anyone. We just need as much information as you can give about him.”
“I’ll give you all the information you need.” Her eyes turn glassy. “Please find him.”
I nod.
Behind her, her bodyguard appears.
“Any trouble, miss?”
She turns to him. “Everything is fine, Remi.”
He nods, eyeing me with suspicion.
“Where would you like to meet with us?”
“My house. It’s the sixth house on the block.” She points behind us, then adds, “If you don’t mind.”
I want to laugh at her statement.
“I have no issue. At what time?”
“First thing in the morning. Or any time you find suitable.”
“Alright. I’ll have the documents prepared. You can review them tomorrow.”
