Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 79336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
I was appalled, but I kept my judgment to myself as I held the phone to my ear.
“I suspect that is the man you seek.”
“Yeah, sounds like it,” I said. “He’s committing his crimes in Rome to avoid violating the laws of the Fifth Republic. So he’s obviously a lot more afraid of you than he is of me.”
“Perhaps,” he said. “Or perhaps he’s just smart enough not to shit where he eats. Give me a week or two, and I’ll extradite him to you.”
“I appreciate your cooperation.”
“And I appreciate your cooperation in the future.”
An eye for an eye, but I wanted an allyship that was deeper. “The Roman Republic will always stand with the Fifth Republic. We’re allies in our mission—and we will always answer your call for aid if you need it.”
Luca said nothing.
“And I hope that the Fifth Republic feels the same.”
An even longer stretch of silence passed. “As long as that commitment is equal in quantity and substance—then yes.”
Chapter 3
Constantine
I’m back in Rome. I texted Aurelia when I returned to the city, just so she knew I was there if she needed me for anything. With my casual liaisons and my flings, I barely gave them the time of day because I didn’t give anyone more than my body. But I gave Aurelia all of me, laid my cards on the table, checked in with her, never let her wonder where I was or if I was thinking of her.
How was your trip?
Good. I’m optimistic.
She didn’t ask for the details.
How’d you sleep?
Took a second to get used to Medusa, but other than that, slept like a rock.
Forgot to tell you she snores.
Yeah, I figured that out pretty quick. And she kept stretching her paws toward me and pushing me farther across the bed like I was in her way. By the time I woke up, I was barely on the edge.
Yep, that’s my girl.
Imagine when it’s the three of us.
I smirked when I read that message. You aren’t going to kick her out?
Isn’t it her bed?
Now I really smiled, because I loved that answer. My other guests wanted Medusa on the couch or in the other room. They petted her and showed her affection but were mostly disinterested in her. But Aurelia seemed to genuinely care for her. Damn right, it’s her bed.
I’m sure we’ll figure it out.
I loved the attitude. I’d wanted we since the day I met her. Wanted us.
Will I see you tonight?
Ooh, she was starting to get a little needy. I liked it. I’ve got a lot of stuff to take care of the next couple days. I’ll see what I can do.
Alright, talk to you later.
She was needy at the right time and patient at the right time. Perfect combination. Bye, sweetheart.
The second I walked into his office, President Barsetti went for my throat.
“What the fuck, Con?” He jumped up from his chair behind the desk.
I already knew what this was about. “Look—”
“Don’t look me.” He came around the desk in his tailored suit, lean and toned but with broad shoulders that filled out the jacket well, like he worked out instead of sitting on his ass all day, signing papers. “You made a scene down the street from the Pantheon.”
“Not the first time blood has run down the streets of Rome.”
“You think this is funny?”
“No, not funny.” I helped myself to one of the armchairs. “But definitely satisfying.”
He swung his arm as he turned, like he needed to punch the air instead of me. “You set people on fire.”
“Assholes. I set assholes on fire.”
“Machine guns were blazing. The military almost moved in, but I told General Farina to stand down because I knew it was you.”
“If he’d gotten there, he would have done the same thing—trust me.”
He stopped in front of me, arms crossed over his chest, eyes livid. “You’re insane if you believe that.”
“These are the netters from the black market. They catch the prey and neutralize them before they deliver their bodies. They were about to take another innocent woman, and I stopped it. You’re fucking welcome.”
“You’ve saved lots of people without making a scene. So why was this fucking chaos?”
Because it was personal—damn personal.
He continued to stare at me as he waited for an answer.
I didn’t want to lie. Honesty was like marrow in my bones, the foundation of who I was. “Because . . . they picked the wrong girl. My girl.”
He released a heavy sigh before he dragged his fingers down his face. “Jesus Christ—”
“She’s okay, thanks for asking.”
“You caused a panic throughout the entire city, Con.”
“I protected this city.”
“So that means you finally caught Vladimir?” He leaned up against his desk and crossed his ankles.
Goddammit.
Judging by his pissed-off expression, I could tell he already knew the answer.
“I’m close.”
“You’re close?”
“I met with Luca Fornier—”
“Who the fuck is Luca?”