AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What about our guy inside?”
“Radio silence.” He’s distracted, tracing the plate, but there’s a tightness in his voice that I don’t like.
“When did you last have contact with him?”
“Two days ago.”
Two days isn’t that long to be out of touch with an operative, but Lucas was never on board with the plan to activate him. “Any specific concerns?”
Lucas shrugs. “Nothing specific. But my gut’s telling me there’s trouble.”
A human plant is a risky proposition. Although our man inside knew it when he accepted the assignment.
We worked for nearly two years to get someone into that house. Then, after Abel’s stroke, the routine of the place changed to protect his privacy. There are entire sections where only the most trusted staff are allowed to enter. But even with those restrictions, our guy can provide invaluable intel that will help us determine what kind of game Tomas is playing, and more importantly, who’s backing him. I still don’t believe he has the brains or the balls to come after me himself.
“It’s unlikely he would have been outed so quickly after being activated.”
“If he was, we have a problem.”
I know what kind of problem—the worst kind—but I ask anyway, hoping like hell he’s talking about something else. “Exactly what kind of problem would that be?”
Lucas turns his head and glares at me. “If he’s been outed, we’re leaking internally.”
Not just internally, but from somewhere near the top.
One fucking day of peace. That’s all I ask.
32
DANIELA
“Valentina, please put those shoes in the closet and your pajamas in the laundry. Paula shouldn’t have to pick up after us. But hurry. Cristiano is waiting downstairs.”
“I don’t mind,” Paula says quietly, smiling at Valentina.
Maybe not, but I don’t want Valentina to grow up to be the kind of woman who depends on others for everything, especially for cleaning up her messes.
“The household is so well-staffed,” Lara chimes in, “that Paula is probably looking for things to do.”
I gaze at her with a brittle smile. “That might be so, but she’ll have to look elsewhere, because Valentina knows exactly where the laundry hamper is located.” Fortunately, no one challenges me on this.
Lara is lovely and very knowledgeable, but we have different styles, and clearly different ideas about how to raise children. I’m hoping to avoid a discussion with her about it, or worse, to have to send her back to the Huntsman offices. Valentina adores her, and I like her too, but I won’t be undermined at every turn.
Maybe I’m being too sensitive.
“Where are we going?” Valentina asks for the fifth time, as we leave the suite. “Are you sure you don’t know?”
“I don’t know. I couldn’t get anything out of Cristiano, except that it’s a surprise.” It’s not exactly true. I made him look me in the eye and promise that there would be nothing that would upset Valentina.
“Cristiano is good-natured,” Lara explains, “and he always responds to a question, but he never actually answers it.”
I chuckle. “Isn’t that the truth.”
“Cristiano’s so nice. And he’s hot too.” Valentina waggles her eyebrows at us.
Oh God. That’s all I need.“He’s much too old for you to be crushing on. Stick to boys your own age, please.” I try to sound matter-of-fact, but the prospect terrifies me. Not Cristiano per se. Valentina’s safe around him, but this place is teeming with men—guards, the household staff, the vineyard workers. It’s like a frat house.
Antonio has assured me that only the most trusted men are allowed anywhere near us. While I have no doubt that’s what he believes, I still worry about Valentina with her budding breasts and easy smile.
