Chapter Twenty-Eight
Reaper
France
I checked us into a luxurious hotel in Orleans, one of the oldest cities in France which is also referred to as the city of Joan of Arc. I made sure it also had a spa so Charlotte could indulge herself.
We spent our first day being typical tourists, starting with a visit to the stunning Saint-Croix Cathedral, taking a boating excursion on the Loire; the longest river in France, and walking around the city center. We ended our day with feasting on French cuisine at a restaurant with outdoor seating and a view of the river.
Spending the day in Orleans as simply just a tourist was so refreshing. No investigating, no surveillance, no work. Just me and Charlotte, like a regular couple enjoying French culture.
Watching Charlotte marvel at the scenic views and beautiful historic structures, seeing her happy and carefree, it sent the chambers of my heart opening even wider for her. If it wasn't for her persistence on partaking in The Sicarius Ludos, I would never have enjoyed one of the best days of my life with her by my side.
For once in a very long time, I felt like a normal person. I felt relaxed, completely at ease. I felt like Logan . But tomorrow, that would change. Tomorrow, Reaper would return.
“Are you done yet?” I ask through the closed bathroom door of our hotel room.
“You can't rush a woman who’s getting ready!” she scolds.
“Fine. Meet me outside. I’ll make sure our car is ready.”
The Grand Palais where the art event is taking place is about two hours away from our hotel in Orleans. I didn’t think it wise to stay in the same city that would soon be where Alexandre Laurent perished. That is if we’re the ones to get to him first.
I stroll through the hotel lobby and out the doors. Our car is ready. I stand by the entrance, waiting for Charlotte to finish getting dolled up for our date as she insisted on calling it, to the art show.
She finally makes her appearance through the front doors, and I am taken aback. Her eyes bore into mine as she descends the stairs, heading straight to me. She dawns a tight black mini dress with matching strappy heels. Her raven hair is pinned in an updo with wild black strands framing her face. Her makeup is soft, except for her ruby painted lips. She is a delicious vixen.
“Wow. Is there a word better than perfect?”
“Hmm. Superb, impeccable, superlative, immaculate. I could keep going.” She grins and I move closer, taking her hand and pulling her to me. I bring my mouth to her ear.
“How about, tu es un trésor absolu. ” I pull away as her eyes search mine in wonder.
“You know French?”
“A little from travel.”
“What does it mean?”
“You’re an absolute treasure, Charlotte.” I kiss her forehead and lead her to our car.
We finally arrive at our destination. The place is buzzing with people. With so many eye witnesses, we have to be quick and discreet.
As we enter the main part of the Grand Palais, Charlotte looks up at the giant glass domed ceiling, her eyes wide with amazement.
“This place is so beautiful.”
“I don't know, my view looks more stunning.” She looks down to see what I’m looking at when she realizes my attention is fixed on her. She smiles brightly at me before we continue making our way further into the event.
Aisles are set up, showcasing different art exhibitions and with so many people moving about, brushing shoulders and casual bumps, it should be fairly easy to cause a few people to collide into each other, leading to a moment of distraction and unawareness. I can sever Alexandre’s femoral artery as I pass through the crammed bodies. We first have to find the bastard in this mass of people.
After a couple laps through the aisles, we conclude he hasn't arrived yet.
On the second level, we enter a room that looks to possibly host private events. It’s empty, completely void of people and the noise of the main event downstairs.
I swiftly grab Charlotte and pin her to the wall.
“Do you have any idea what that dress is doing to me,” I growl.
“Show me,” she says breathlessly, eyes filled with need.
I lift her thigh, holding it tightly in my grip as I use my other hand to dip between her legs.
“Charlotte, you're not wearing any underwear,” I chide.
“You were rushing me.” She smirks.
“We’re here to kill someone and you come wearing no damn panties?”
She shrugs and bites her lip.
“You’re a naughty little savage,” I murmur before I push a finger into her slick pussy. She lets out a light moan as she closes her eyes.
“Tell me something, Charlotte,” I whisper, using the same request she likes to use on me as I push another finger into her. She whimpers against me before answering.
“Reaper, I—”