Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 82579 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82579 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Now there’s tenderness. We talk about the future. He takes me to dinner and lets me past his walls. I’ve gotten to know him in the last few weeks, and I feel myself liking everything I find out.
He understands me. And I think I understand him too.
“I need you guys to talk to Adriano,” I tell him.
“About what?” Luca asks, curious.
But Daniel shakes his head. “Out of the question.”
“Hear her out.” Luca punches Daniel in the arm. “You’re such a fucking prick sometimes.”
Daniel’s jaw works. “Hit me again and I’ll break your nose.”
“Try me, you self-righteous fucking—”
“Can you two stop?” If I let this go on, they’ll bicker all goddamn day and I won’t get anything done. “Adriano’s not going to listen to me right now because of shit with Lev and the Zeitsev. But if you two pass along the message, it might help.”
“What’s the message?” Luca asks. Daniel glares, but at least he doesn’t get up and walk away.
“Lev and I want to find a way to get back in with Valentin. We want to pick up the Canadian job where Lev’s father left off. But right now, we’re cut out. Adriano can talk to Valentin.”
“Why would he do that for you?” Daniel asks.
“Because if Lev’s on the outside, that means my marriage to him was a waste of time, and Adriano will have to start from scratch. He’s got skin in the game here.”
Luca grunts, leaning back in his seat, considering. “You have a valid point,” he concedes. “I just don’t know if it’ll do much good.”
“This isn’t just for me,” I say, leaning forward. I’m looking at Luca, but really, I’m talking to Daniel. “Don’t you two get it? I married Lev because Adriano wanted deeper ties to the Zeitsev. But if Valentin hates Lev, all that work disappears.”
“That’s good for you,” Daniel says, tone flat. “You won’t have to stay married.”
Maybe I want to stay married. I bite my tongue for a second and steady my breathing. “Just pass that along to Adriano, okay?”
Luca looks uncertain, but it’s Daniel who eventually nods and agrees. “Only because I think your logic makes sense. Not because I think it’ll help.”
“Wow, look at that,” Luca says in mock surprise. “Daniel’s actually listening to someone else for a change.”
Daniel calls him a cocksucker, drops money on the table for lunch, and walks out. I watch him go with a slight smile on my face.
“It was only a matter of time before he stormed out,” I say with a sigh.
“Getting him to agree to help is a big deal.” Luca leans closer and his tone softens. “You sure you’re okay? If shit with Lev and Valentin and Adriano’s getting too heated—”
“I’m okay,” I tell him and reach out on an impulse to touch his hand. He smiles at me, but there’s sadness in his eyes.
“Yeah, alright, I know you are. You’re a good one, Carm. Stronger than we give you credit for.” He swats me away. “Now stop getting so fucking emotional and shit.”
We walk out together. I give Luca a quick hug while Daniel sits in the car looking annoyed.
“He’ll come around,” I say about my grumpy older brother.
“And if he doesn’t, we can always shoot him.” Luca lightly punches my arm. “You’re sure you’re good? Lev’s treating you well?”
“Honestly?” I smile at him and I don’t even have to fake it this time. “I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.”
“Look at that. Shit always works out, huh?”
“Not really. Lev’s business is crumbling and I’m not even sure we’ll be welcome in this city for much longer. But yeah, totally, always works out.”
“We’ll get it sorted.” Luca nods at me and joins Daniel in the car.
“Stay out of trouble,” Daniel yells as he pulls into the street.
Chapter 35
Carmie
Ishout as my saber slices through the air. I lunge aggressively, the tip of my weapon ripping toward my opponent. He grunts in surprise as I bypass his guard and land a hit on his shoulder a second before his strike slams into my arm.
“Point, Carmela,” Aline says.
I scream with victory as I go back to my position. Jacque seems annoyed as he resets too, bouncing on his toes.
The whole class is watching. Aline’s refereeing the bout, her sharp eyes keeping track of each touch. Over the last few days, I’ve been slowly fighting my way up the ranks until I’m finally fencing with the best saber specialist around.
Jacque’s older than me. He’s in his late twenties and fenced for the University of Pennsylvania for a couple of years before getting injured and quitting the sport. He’s been getting back into shape and rebuilding his old skills, just like me, except he’s got a lot more experience than I ever did.
And I’m beating him.
“Allez,” Aline says. “En garde.”
Jacque strikes. I knew he would. Saber’s all about reading your opponent, taking initiative, and hitting hard. But every once in a while, I hang back a step and let them come to me.