Chapter 11
“Bring her to my villa in Tuscany,” I tell Abaddon over the phone.
“I think you’re making a mistake, Gianni. We should stick to the original plan.”
“Can she hear you?”
“No. She’s in the plane’s suite, resting.”
“Did you give her clothes?”
He sighs, sounding exasperated. “I know you don’t know much about me beyond the services I’ve provided, but let me repeat myself. I don’t abuse women.”
I couldn’t care less if he’s offended. Other than my brothers, I don’t trust any man. Not even my own father.
“Bring her to me,” I repeat.
“I don’t know what you expect by having her nearby.
She’s not clay to be molded, Gianni. She’s fierce and suspicious.
Angry, I can tell, but pretending to be tame.
Even terrified, I’m sure, she faced me down, asked questions.
If you want my advice, keep your distance.
Once we reach our goal, we’ll release her.
Until then, I can arrange for her to stay safe somewhere in Eastern Europe. ”
“I didn’t spend two million dollars to lose the leverage we have against Angelo. I went along with your plan because I trust you know those bastards’ minds better than I do. But if this woman is the key to making Angelo show himself, then she’ll stay where I can keep an eye on her.”
“Believe me, she’s your biggest gamble. I’ve been thinking.
It’s not just because Angelo is probably shitting himself, terrified his uncle will find out what he’s done behind his back.
If Elodie’s sister, Amber, realizes they no longer have her, nothing will stop her from telling LeBlanc the truth, exposing the Sicilian’s plan.
And LeBlanc isn’t the kind of man you want as an enemy. ”
“You know what the problem is between them?”
“I have no idea. But Angelo trying to take him on only proves how stupid he is.”
“What you’ve just told me about Beau wanting revenge on Angelo only reinforces that she needs to stay within my reach.”
“Gianni. . .”
“That wasn’t a request, Abaddon. It was an order. Inform the pilot. After refueling at the original stop, continue on to my private airfield.”
Somehow, God only knows how, he managed to get her papers to take her out of the United States, and a way to get the plane carrying her—not my own but one chartered by his associates—through American airspace without detection.
At the moment, nothing ties Elodie to me. Nothing proves she’ll be with me.
“Look, I can guarantee you it’s almost impossible for anyone to know she’s in Europe. The documents I obtained are flawless, and as we agreed, I’ll keep her protected. Disappeared, in fact, until we finish our ‘work.’ Taking her to Italy makes this too personal.”
“I’ve never been known for prudence, Abaddon.”
“Why do you care so much?”
“Why do you?”
“I’ve got Romani blood in my veins, too.”
“But she’s nothing to you.”
“In a way, we’re all family.”
I value his work, and so far, he’s proven loyal, but the conversation is beginning to irritate me, though I can’t quite say why I’m so insistent on bringing Elodie here.
Abaddon’s partly right. The more distance I keep between us, the smaller the chance of anyone connecting us. But in my mind, having paid to rescue her makes the Romani girl my responsibility.
“Once you land in Tuscany, let me know. I’ll send someone to meet you on the airstrip.”
“I won’t be able to stay. I’ve got work to do in Asia.”
“Yes, I figured as much, and that’s one of the reasons I’ll personally take responsibility for her. Elodie will be safe until we release her.”
I don’t like that word. Elodie isn’t my prisoner, but for now, she isn’t free, either.
Without giving me details, he told me who the other bidder was. A depraved bastard. Which means that, aside from the fact I need her as leverage against Angelo, her life is still threatened by that man. Abaddon says the bastard never plays to lose.
“I won’t argue anymore, Gianni. You must know what you’re doing. Give me the instructions, and I’ll contact you as soon as we arrive.”
I hang up, still thinking about the problem dropped in my lap.
I never planned to keep her. I don’t bring women outside my family into my home, especially since the locals are nosy.
I drum my fingers against my massive desk, thinking of another issue, another nuisance that must be resolved if this situation is to play out as I intend.
I can’t afford unexpected visitors while Elodie is here.
I pick up the phone again, though I’m not eager to speak with the person I’m about to dial.
“Gianni?” Capria Mancini, the closest thing I’ve ever had to a girlfriend, answers on the second ring. “I was wondering how much longer you’d leave me dying of yearning.”
I stretch my legs beneath the desk, utterly indifferent to her words.
We both know that, beyond good sex and our families’ wealth, there’s nothing binding us together. Nothing resembling actual feelings.
“We need to talk.”
She goes silent for several seconds, and I know she’s already guessing the reason. She’s not stupid or na?ve. I’m not the kind of man who calls a woman unless I have a purpose. Usually, hours of satisfying sex for the both of us.
Over the years, we’ve had an on-again, off-again arrangement, with breaks where we both saw other people.
No jealousy on either side. Our families wouldn’t be surprised if we suddenly announced an engagement.
Years ago, when I was younger, I even considered marrying her for convenience.
But that idea has long since left my mind.
For months now, I’ve been thinking about ending it for good. Capria has changed, become pushy, insistent, hinting at a commitment she never demanded before.
I don’t allow anyone to corner me. Elodie’s arrival will be the perfect excuse to end this once and for all.
“When do you want to see me?”
“Tonight. I’ll pick you up for dinner.”
“At the vineyard? You haven’t taken me to the restaurant there in so long. I heard Tommaso’s chef won an award for a dish he created especially for the regent of Amasitano[5]. I’m dying to try it.”
“I’m sure your parents would be thrilled to accompany you on that culinary adventure, cara[6]. Tonight, however, what we have to discuss will be quick.”
“Then come to my apartment. I’ll cook.”
I roll my eyes and almost smile. Capria couldn’t fry an egg to save her life. She’s trying to manipulate the situation to her advantage.
“Haven’t you figured out yet that I don’t play games?”
“I’m not—”
“I respect you, which is why I insist on speaking face to face. It’s your choice whether that happens tonight or never.”
“I’ll be ready at eight, Gianni.”
Even after we hang up, after her apparent acceptance, I know the night will be long.
She won’t go down easily.
But there’s nothing to be done. I am many things, but I’m not cruel to women. I don’t play with them.
When I end something, it’s definitive. I never leave room for doubt, and I always do it in person.