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“You’re a seductress.” He turns his annoyed stare on the restaurant we’re parked across from. “This is such a bad idea. You know that, right? He fucked with us just because he could.”
“It’s a good idea, Ronan. You just have to give it a chance.”
“Why him, though?” Ronan’s face screws up. “He tried to hurt you. He’s a damn snake.”
“Because there’s nobody else.” I push the door open and get out. Cafe du Monde is a little French bistro in a nice neighborhood near the waterfront. It’s early in the day, a little past one, and the place isn’t technically open for another few hours.
“Julien is a slimy fucking prick,” Ronan grumbles as we walk across the street. “You tricked me. You fucked me, made me come, got me hard again, and tricked me.”
“If I remember right, you’re the one that fucked me and got me off. And again, you weren’t complaining.”
“Well, now I’m complaining.”
“Get over it.” I punch him lightly in the arm.
Ronan grunts in response and glares at the door. I know he doesn’t want to do this, but Julien’s the only person that might actually help, given the strange situation we find ourselves in.
Julien doesn’t have a problem with Ronan, not really at least. He has a problem with me, or at least he thinks I’m the one that betrayed them to the Biancos. But that never made sense, and he has to realize that by now.
I follow Ronan inside. The interior is nice and upscale with a long rustic bar on the left and intimate tables throughout the middle. A bartender’s clearing glasses and a waitress is folding napkins and wrapping silverware while a TV plays a reality show. We hesitate at the entrance, but the bartender nods toward the back, and Ronan continues through.
“Did you maybe consider that this is a trap?” he mutters to me.
“Yes, obviously, but I don’t think it is.”
“Why’s that?”
“Julien’s a businessman first and foremost. This revenge thing isn’t really his style. Plus, he could’ve killed you the last time you two saw each other, but he didn’t. I don’t think he really wants you dead.”
Ronan doesn’t look convinced, but there’s no more time to argue. Julien’s sitting at a corner table right next to the door for the kitchen. He’s looking at his phone, slumped down in the booth, and glances up as we approach.
“Wonderful, you showed up,” he says and sits up straighter. “I was convinced your whole offer was just a joke. Considering how we did not part on the best of terms.”
“Not a joke at all.” Ronan remains standing and scans the empty restaurant. He glares at the door to the kitchen. “Got anyone in there?”
Julien sighs and waves a hand. “Go on, look inside. The cooks are doing prep, okay? No guns.”
“Knives can kill too.” But Ronan checks the back and seems satisfied after a second of looking around.
“Good to see you, Julien,” I say, taking a chair across from him. Ronan sits by my side, looking stiff and annoyed.
“You as well, Val. I’d say sorry about all the trouble, but—” He shrugs and waves a hand in the air. “I’m still not really convinced you had nothing to do with Marco’s betrayal.”
“And yet I’m sitting here and telling you that she didn’t.” Ronan leans forward, practically snarling at Julien, who just rolls his eyes. “What was that shit with Matteo, you asshole?”
“Business, that is all. It worked out, didn’t it? Nobody got hurt.”
“Worked out for you.”
“God, you’re so dramatic. Okay, fine, we’re here at a table together.” Julien waves a hand at the bartender. “At least have some decent wine. I promise, there’s no poison.”
Ronan reluctantly accepts and we all drink a toast to better days. “I’m assuming you know about our trouble,” I say once we’ve all had a taste. The wine really is good—oaky and smooth.
“There are rumors, but I didn’t know how much to believe.” He gives Ronan a knowing smile. “Did one of your men really steal all your goods, Ronan?”
“Cormac,” Ronan says, and I thought he’d look pissed, but instead it’s like he’s still in mourning.
“Damn. Incredible. What a snake.” Julien lightly rolls his wine glass. “Although, of course, I am not remotely surprised. I assume that’s why you’re here then. You need my help.”
