"Lexi came by Cam's company and stole something from him," Wayne said. "He hasn't said what it was, but he's desperate to get it back. Do you think you can convince her to give it back?"
Convince her to give it back? He was hilarious. I can't even get her to stop overthinking while she exercises. What makes him think that she's going to own up to stealing and give it to me? I would be the last person she confides in.
"...No. Lexi hates speaking to me about anything that has to so with the Agency. She'd avoid wanting to talk to me about it," I said. "I'm the last person she wants to tell that she robbed Cam's company and got caught."
"So you know?" He asked. "That explains a lot. She didn't have it on her that night. Do you think she hid it in the house somewhere? Or the Agency?"
"She could have. Seems quite impossible when she was unconscious for a whole day. I'm pretty sure she could have gotten to a safer place before going to the Agency. I'd have to find out where she went before then."
"Of course...Cameron and Katheryn should be here any minute now." Wayne looked at his watch and nodded. "You're going to stay for the meeting, right?"
"Yeah. Lexi isn't expecting me for another four hours," I said.
"You're whipped."
"For the time being."
We were about to head up the path to his home when we heard tires on the gravel. The car pulled to a stop. Cameron and Kathryn got out the back arguing about God knows what. Some things just never change.
"Kat, I'm not staying. I can't stay," Cameron was saying.
"I notice you never stay whenever we go somewhere together," Kathryn snapped.
"Hey, I stayed whenever we went to dinner."
"That was one time. All those other times you forgot and left."
"How are you, Cameron?" Wayne interrupted. "Where are you headed this time?"
"Just business. I need to visit another client," He said.
"A client..." Kathryn muttered. "You said that last time and you stayed out all night."
"I don't appreciate your tone, Kat."
"...Well leave already. Might as well handle your business during the gala." She shooed her fiancé away. "Go or I'll have Wayne and Luca drag you inside."
"I'm going. See?" Cameron went back to the car and got in. "I'll be back before the meeting ends." He shut the door and the car zoomed around the cul-de-sac.
We were all quiet for a few seconds. Nothing could be said at that moment. Wayne started back towards the house again. I stared out at the woods in thought. Maybe Kathryn knew something about this. She did help Cameron when he needed it.
"Asher's your cousin, right?" I asked.
"Yeah," Kathryn said. "Lexi invited him to the gala."
"Mhm. He's on the VIP guest list. It's all because he's some famous French fashion designer and hotshot hair model."
"He actually begged Cameron and I to go."
That's good to know. We began walking up the path to Wayne's house.
"I didn't want to come at first."
"Why not?"
"...Because of your wife."
"Lexi?! What did she ever do to you?"
"Ha. More than you think she's done."
"She's done a lot of things to some people," I said. "I wouldn't be surprised if she's done something I don't know about yet."
"How do you even stay with her?" Kathryn asked. "I would have left her a long time ago."
"It's all about the money. In the mafia, there's no such thing as love. You do what you gotta do. You marry who you have to marry and that's that. In mine and Lexi's case, Brad wanted us to marry. In exchange for my sister's life, I was bribed quite handsomely. Any less and I wouldn't have a sister.
"Isn't it a bit much to save one life by marrying someone?"
"It's my sister. She may not have been kind to me as a child, but I love her."
"Yeah...Asher's my cousin. I wouldn't wager his life for anything. If he wanted to die, I'd let him die."
I laughed and kicked at the rocks. Kathryn was something. I couldn't see how Lexi didn't turn out like this. She was raised in almost the same way Kathryn was raised. How was she this woman who thought everything was hers? That everyone owed her their life and forgiveness?
"What has Lexi done that has you so...mad at her?"
"I'm not mad. Annoyed is more like it. I'd like to tell you when you're sitting down."
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"...Basically...Asher introduced me to Lexi when she visited Lyon. The year you came and she broke up with Asher," She started explaining, waiting for something that Wayne had promised her. "We became really close that year. So close to the point it hurt when she left so suddenly and never looked back."
"She had never mentioned you before!" I exclaimed. "I'd never seen you before."
"By the time she'd left and went back home...we weren't talking anymore..." She said. "I'm sure she refused to be reminded of her stay. Of everything she left behind. You were...you were stuck on getting her to leave my cousin. When you proposed at the party, it broke us even more."
"That's all?"
"She was ostracized by some of the guys in Lyon. Most of them were mine and Asher's extended family. People she'd never been around before. They had very different beliefs from us. Only because of her..."
Kathryn looked up at the entrance to the kitchen. Wayne stood there with his hands stuffed in his pockets. His eyes were trained on Kathryn. It seemed like he wasn't paying attention, but I knew he was. Kathryn waved him over.
"Because of the child she had with Asher," She finished.
"Child?!" I exclaimed. "How could she? I was there. She couldn't have had a child."
"She had more than enough time to have a child and look normal again. To pretend that everything was okay and she didn't just go though child labor."
"What's his name? Surely I've heard it somewhere."
"Vincent. His name is Vincent," She said. "I don't think you've met him yet. She had the baby just months before you arrived."
"And I never knew this?"
"She wanted everyone to keep it a secret. After you proposed to her, we all left and lost contact with her. She left Vincent behind. She was like family and she lost my trust."
"Lexi said no." I chuckled. "She told me that I was too dumb to know what love was and that I needed to stop meddling in her life. She loved Asher that much?"
"Yeah. Everyone loved him." Kathryn smiled. "They never would have thought he would stoop so low and get Lexi pregnant."
"Wouldn't that have tied him and her together? What if the Italians found out?"
"They wouldn't have cared. Asher is their leader. What he does is not their problem. As long as Lexi doesn't bother him about their son being the rightful heir and crap like that."
"He doesn't live with us. How would she argue in something like that?"
"It's possible that she hasn't signed full custody over to Asher."
Wow. This woman I thought was quite submissive and innocent turned out to be just the opposite. How was she able to keep this a secret for so long? She was a model, actress, mafia boss's step-daughter, a busy businesswoman, police officer, and spy. How was it possible to balance all of that alone? If she had done this so long ago...
"How old would he be today?" I wondered aloud.
"...He just turned ten," She said.
I gasped and did all I could not to strangle Kathryn. Not to go home and kill Lexi for lying to me. Making me think I was her first. How had I not known that she really was the whore I'd thought she was? She had lied to me about cutting off everything she'd had with Asher. She could have just told me about the child and most likely I would have put it aside.
"I tried to tell him, but apparently we need to work on trust," Wayne said and dared me to say that he was wrong. "I just hope that you get back what I want tonight. The longer we wait, the longer we're going to be paranoid."
The doorbell rang before I could respond. I watched an annoyed look flash across his face before he left. Kathryn stared intently at me. I was sort of afraid she was checking me out. Or even trying to guess what I was thinking. Wayne came back with another guest. I looked his way and scowled.
Sha'Kayla...
I looked away quickly. Kathryn's gazed hardened as she stared at them. I was wondering why she was being so harsh. I kept my head down, hoping she wouldn't sit by me. Lord knows what I would do to her. I heard Wayne walk over to sit by Kathryn. Then Sha'Kayla's heels clicked across the hardwood floor to me. Today was not my lucky day.
"Luca, I didn't know you were going to be here," She noted happily.
I looked at her.
"...It's you." I blinked. She ignored my passive aggressive tone and sat down beside me. "What was it you wanted to say, Wayne?"
"We need to prepare for an attack tonight. The NYIA is up to no good...again. What I figured is they know that Lexi has what we all want," He said. "Meaning...they're probably going to attack tonight at the gala. Most likely they might use someone Lexi knows to get inside the house to look for it."
"They won't have a reason to be looking all over the house. We have two bathrooms downstairs and the kitchen, basement, and upstairs are off limits," I said.
"Like they're going to listen," He scoffed. "Adrien sent you a list and picture of all the guards he's sending, right?"
"Yeah. I have the list in my car. I also have to clear up some things with my guards later."
"Good. Thinking ahead is something you should be used to by now."
"But Adrien won't change up on me like that."
"Yeah. Believe that if you want. There's a lot of people who would be glad to trick the heck out of you."
"It's true. Like Lexi," Kathryn said. "No offense, but she lies so much. I don't see how you are still with her."
"I heard that Lexi was seen with Asher at the police station earlier today," Sha'Kayla said.
"Some reporters even spotted back shots of them leaving a very expensive restaurant
together. They waited in front of a bar for some friends and went in."
"This is about an attack. Not Lexi and that French speaking idiot," I growled.
"Hey! That French speaking idiot is my cousin," Kathryn exclaimed. "All I was saying was that Lexi was an example of people who switch up a lot."
"First of all," Wayne started. "If you really want to survive the night and come out the hero, you will stop your useless bantering and listen to me."
Sha'Kayla huffed and crossed her legs. Kathryn glared our way and leaned closer to Wayne. I was surprised to see him wrap a protective arm around her. Was there something going on between them that I didn't know about?
"The NYIA is coming tonight and they will stop at nothing to get what they want. That is why I need you to get it back from her, Luca."
"But she doesn't have anything, I'm telling you!" I exclaimed. "I checked all her clothing when I bought her home that night. I even checked my office last night. The house...I turned it upside down looking for whatever it was."
"Apparently you didn't check hard enough," He growled. "She has it somewhere. She's hidden it pretty well for a first class agent. Where did she go between the time she left the company to the time she got to the agency?"
"I'll ask her about it before the gala."
"You'd better."
"What was it that she took anyway?"
"You'll know it once you get it back."
"It's kind of boring here," Sha'Kayla piped up. "Can't we just go to some bar uptown and have the meeting there?"
"I have a question as to why Sha'Kayla is here. The last time she was included in something like this, she nearly had me killed and Lexi thought I had been cheating on her," I said. "It's high time someone tell me her role in all of this mess."
"Sha'Kayla is an important asset to the team," Wayne said. "You should know that by now. She's helped us in so many ways."
"Helped you in so many ways. I bet she's a seducer," I barked. "A whore. That's exactly what she is."
"You're so rude. What did I ever do to you?!"
"Everything. You're breathing. You're alive and healthy. You nearly had me killed because of your stupid insolence and wanting to be in charge."
"What are you talking about? I don't remember doing anything of the sort."
"Wow. I'm the crazy one now, huh? You think I'm mental and don't know what I'm talking about. I'll show you pictures of the freaking bruises you caused."
"You have pictures?! What next? You gonna pretend I was some crazed fan and report me to the police?"
"You know what...I will do just that."
Just as I was yanking my phone from my pocket, Kathryn spoke up.
"We should really go to a bar and cool down. I'm sure you don't want twenty something men piling in your living room," She looked at Wayne. "Can't we go?"
I looked over at him.
"What? You're going to beg too?" He snapped.
"Should I?" I snapped back.
"No." He stood up, knocking Kathryn off of him. "Let's go before I change my mind."
Kathryn squealed in delight. Women...
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My hands gripped the steering wheel as I sped away from the house. Why did they act like this was all a game? We couldn't go to a bar. We shouldn't go to a bar. I wouldn't be able to concentrate. Not with the gala just hours ahead of us. There was no point when I could do just as much drinking there as I could at home. I just hoped no reporters were lurking around the corner ready to snap up a new scandal. Or try to anyway.
I pulled into the bar parking lot and sat there for a long while. It was weird seeing it filled. There were a lot of people in town ready for Lexi's gala. Probably wanting to get some before partying hard. I watched as a group of girls staggered out into the late afternoon sun. They were laughing hard, trying not to fall over. They must have drank a lot.
My attention was drawn to the guy in the middle. At first, it looked as if he was laughing along with them. Then I realized he was helping one of the girls. She had a stupid smile on her face as she said something to him and laughed. She was very beautiful. Looked so carefree and happy that she was out with a group of friends. I wish I could be out laughing like that. With a group of giggling women fawning over me.
They waited while one of the girls ran across the street to a car. She hopped in and sped back over before I could blink. It was hilarious to watch as the guy and the girls tried to put her in the car. By the time they had, the rest of the group had arrived. I got out of the car and began walking to the bar. The sun was hotter than I'd expected and I couldn't really see anything.
A woman threw herself at me and looped her arm through mine, tugging me down to her height. I stumbled as I adjusted myself.
"Mr. Thompson," She greeted me. "How nice of you to join us today. Would you like your regular table?"
"Yeah. Have the--No. I need the private room opened and running. I have a whole lot of people to impress tonight," I said.
"Yes, sir." The woman smiled up at me and dragged me into the bar. She was definitely on something. "John is kind of busy with some customers. Want me to show you to your room?"
I was tempted to shove her aside and say no, but then I got a good look at her. She looked good enough to join me. Her breasts were about the size of two perfectly round grapefruits. Her platinum blonde hair shimmered under the dimmed lights. Her smile was so freaking wide. Like she was hiding a secret I knew I could easily get out of her.
"Yeah. Why don't you show me," I said and let her take me to the backroom Lexi and I were familiar with. When she opened the door, I was surprised to see it clean. I had expected a big mess. If what Sha'Kayla said about Lexi was true, I was sure she wouldn't have cleaned up purposely.
"I'll ask John to make sure that you have everything you need," She said and giggled.
"Anything you want?"
"You." I smiled down at her and dragged her to my seat. She straddled me and giggled some more. What was up with her today? "What's up with the giggles, baby?"
"I have a boyfriend," She said. "I'm not here to flirt with married men, Mr. Thompson."
"Technically, I'm a free man. You're a free woman. We can do as we please."
"I'll get you those drinks."
She got up and fixed her dress. I was sure it wasn't made to be on her body. I tapped her butt as she walked off. She squealed and rushed from the room.
"Now that was uncalled for," Sha'Kayla mused.
"What? Are you jealous?"
"No. Why would I be jealous of some wannabe pimp?"
"I'm not a pimp."
"...Why do you play around with other women?"
I leaned forward in my seat and sighed. Why do I play around with Lexi? I mean, there's not much to play around with. She has a weak heart. She's always stuck on this thing called true love. What the heck even is that? True love. More like false feelings. Dumbest words I'd ever heard in my life.
"Come here," I said. She looked at me weirdly. "Come here, dang it."
She huffed and came closer. The guys all around me began taking their seats and talking amongst themselves. No one was paying attention to me. Sha'Kayla sat next to me and leaned in close.
"You don't ask about my wife while we're here. She's irrelevant to any of our conversations from here on out. You got that?"
"But--"
"You got that?"
She sighed and nodded. I knew she would listen to me.
"Listen up!" Wayne called out. The room was quiet. "Tonight is the night we go out and kill if we have to. It's not a night for partying and cheating on your wives. We have business to take care of and I will not tolerate distractions."