He could’ve just said “my parents,” but then he would’ve missed an opportunity to remind me that the dukedom will be his one day. The triumphant glance he shoots Henri isn’t so subtle, either. It’s practically screaming,Whoever you are, we aren’t playing in the same league.
Henri’s face hardens.
Julian continues, “Youmustaccompany me, Gigi! It won’t be fun without you.”
No, really!
How much clearer can I be that the thing Julian and I had back in January, if you count one regrettable night as a “thing,” doesn’t mean anything to me? I’d hoped he’d gotten the message, because he hadn’t allowed himself this much familiarity even on the morning after, not to mention weeks after.
“Thanks for the invite,” I say. “I’ll check my schedule and let you know.”
“Wonderful.” He directs his attention at Henri. “Have we met? You look vaguely familiar.”
Henri’s jaw is clenching so hard it could crack a walnut.
I jump in, “It was remiss of me to not introduce you to each other. Julian, this is Henri de Bellay.”
Henri inclines his head, a feat of mind over matter, given how rigid his stance is.
“Henri, this is Julian Castellane,” I add, skipping Julian’s title.
“You’re Antoine’s younger brother!” Julian looks Henri up and down. “I remember now. You left the country young, and you’ve been living abroad since then, right?”
“That’s right,” Henri says, his voice laced with ice.
“I’d take you out for a drink, but I’m swamped this week.” Julian glances at his pricey watch. “Actually, I must go now, or I’ll be late to an important business meeting.” He bows to me. “Your Highness.”
Without as much as a nod in Henri’s direction, he takes off.
Once he’s out of sight, I turn to Henri, expecting some kind of reaction. Instead, he just stares at me, completely hermetic.
“Julian isn’t usually this rude,” I say. “I don’t know what?—”
“I’m sure the marquess has impeccable manners,” Henri interjects. “I didn’t know you two were close.”
“We’re not.”
He shrugs. “It’s none of my business, Gigi.”
No shit, Sherlock!Suddenly, I’m so aggravated at his standoffishness that I can’t find it in myself to continue this preliminary prep meeting before the real prep meeting.
“Well,” I say. “Don’t leave the country and don’t turn off your phone. Someone will be in touch tonight or tomorrow morning.”
“Your Highness,” he says with a tone and a bow deliberately mimicking Julian’s.
As he turns around and walks away, I shake my head as if the gesture can dispel the exasperation brewing inside me.How I wish Henri weren’t my Key to the Key!I’d literally take anyone over him.
Completely oblivious to the majestic beauty of the library, I leave extremely angry.
It’s just a few days, and then he’s out of my life for good.
Darrel didn’t fall in love with his Key to the Key, thus proving that the pairs seeking the keys aren’t necessarily predestined for each other.Thank heavens for that!A specialized team of agents and forensic experts equipped with top-notch tech will scour the estate while I hang around keeping a low profile. Hopefully, they’ll find the key. We’ll bring it home. Henri will be made Knight Companion of the Brassiere. Uncle Richard will decorate him, and we’ll celebrate our success at the palace before parting ways.
And that will be the last I’ll hear of Henri de Bellay.
CHAPTER SIX
Here I am in the de Bellay penthouse in Pombrio. The place is dripping with a formal, cold luxury not unlike the royal palace. The de Bellays, including Henri’s mom, Countess Agathe de Bellay; his dad, Count Thibault de Bellay; his brother, Viscount Antoine de Bellay; and Henri are all present.
