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I wasn't sure how I'd keep that promise, but I'd try.
When the vehicle stopped, I waited for Tashi to climb out and survey the scene to make sure it was safe for us to get out. Once he gave me the nod, I climbed out and then held my hand out to René.
I was keeping him glued to my side.
Once everyone was out of the vehicles, including my guards, we headed inside the massive villa. Sato opened the front door and walked in before us. Once he nodded that it was all clear, we followed him inside.
René's eyes were a little rounded as he looked around the grand entryway. I was rather proud of it. Twin curved staircases started on each side of the large room and came together at a second-floor landing.
A massive wood and crystal chandelier hung in the middle of the large space right above a mosaic of my family crest set into the marble tile in the middle of the room.
There were wood framed archways on either side of us, one leading to the main living room area and the other leading to the formal dining room. The archway between the stairs and situated directly across from the front door led to the back of the house.
"Where is he?" Armando asked.
"He's—"
"Sir!"
I glanced up when Benito hurried into the room. I barely suppressed my growl. "Benito."
"Sir, I wasn't expecting you." There was a rather large smile on his face. "I called, but I am so glad you came. I have so much to tell you. I've been waiting for you to call for a couple of days now."
Oh, I was sure.
"I've been busy."
"Of course, sir." Benito gave me what I was sure he thought was a meek smile, but I could see the glee behind it. Benito was basking in my attention.
"I'm having some business associates over." I wasn't about to give him the names of the people with me. "Please arrange suitable accommodations for them."
"Of course, sir."
When he just stood there, I growled. "Now, Benito."
"Yes, sir." It was clear from the curious stare he gave the others that he wanted to know who they were, but that wasn't going to happen. Not until we reached Pierre and made sure he was safe.
Once Benito walked away, I nodded to Sato. "Keep an eye on him. I don't want him running away, but be discreet." I didn't want Benito to run off before I had to chance to ask him if he had totally lost his mind. "If he tries to leave, detain him."
Sato gave a nod and hurried after Benito.
I pressed a hand to the middle of René's back and started for the stairs. "We should head upstairs now." When we reached them, I pointed to two of my guards. "No one is to get up these stairs until further notice."
Both men nodded and took up positions at the bottom of the stairs, one at one staircase and one at the other.
When we got to the top, I headed down the hallway to the double doors that led to my suite. I was glad to see the two guards standing post outside the doors. As soon as we reached them, the guards reached over and pulled the doors opened.
I saw Pierre instantly. He was sitting in a chair near the window as pale as the last time I'd seen him. Sisko stood guard over him. Both men were looking in our direction, one face filled with fear, one filled with a determination to protect the man in the chair.
"Pierre," René called out before rushing across the room. He dropped to his knees and hugged him.
Armando and Antoinette were right behind him.
I watched the three of them hug for a moment, but I had to look away when tears sprouted up in my eyes at the tender reunion. They were hugging each other and crying.
I couldn't allow them to go through this type of pain again.
I cleared my throat before demanding, "Sisko, report."
