Page 90 of Outcast’s Vow

“Yes, I am,” Baptiste replies, deadly serious. “With everything. They expect total loyalty, and they get that from me. Always. I will never break it.”

I suddenly feel chills, but I don’t think it’s from the breeze.

Yep, he may be a lot of things, this man here, but he isn’t a liar.

He will give the secret society his total loyalty. And it makes me wonder. Who is he more loyal to – his Order, or his wife?

I let go of his hand, and I take another sip of my coffee.

Now it tastes bitter.

34

BAPTISTE

“I’m in the mood for ice cream.”

Sylvie looks up from her textbook as I cut through the quiet of the penthouse with my sudden announcement. I’m sitting on the other side of the couch with my laptop open, figures from my business glaring up at me from the bright screen.

“You’re in the mood for what?” my wife asks, bewildered by my comment.

I get up with a sudden energy, close my laptop, and grab my keys from the kitchen counter.

“You heard. Ice cream. Let’s get some.”

“Baptiste, we can’t.”

“Why not?”

She gestures toward the windows. At the darkness.

“It’s past midnight.”

“And I know a great little spot that’s open all night,” I say. “Come on, Highness. Come for a late-night drive with me.”

Sylvie narrows her eyes in reluctance, but there’s a secret smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

“Come, woman.”

“Okay, then.”

We hop into my sports car and take the easy route through New York City’s empty streets. Lights from the city that never sleeps illuminate the car as we glide through the city, finally arriving at a family-owned gelato store I love.

“You’ve been here before?” Sylvie asks me as I park in front of the little place.

“Yep.”

“I didn’t take you for an ice cream guy, Baptiste.”

“Sometimes a late-night ice cream is the precise thing I need when I have to think,” I explain with a wink. “Count yourself lucky. I’ve not shown anyone else this place. Don’t you dare start telling your girlfriends about this spot.”

“Your secret’s safe with me,” Sylvie replies.

We head off again, this time down to the riverside. We find a quiet spot where we can stop and watch the glittering lights of the city as we lick our gelatos. We lean against the car and smile at each other.

“Just us,” Sylvie says. “And ice cream.”

“That’s all I’m after.”