"Your credentials are impressive. But we know they can be fabricated."
"If you'd like to verify them further, I understand completely."
His winks. "I already have."
He probably ran my background three times before approving my hire, and he's still looking for cracks.
He can exhaust all his efforts. He won't find shit. I made sure of that when I took care of the real Henri.
"You've been here three days," he continues. "The other men seem to think you know what you're doing."
"I do, monsieur."
"Confident."
"Competent," I correct.
That gets a smile. "I like that. Confidence without arrogance."
He stands, moving to the window with his hands clasped behind his back like he's posing for a portrait.
"My investigators are very thorough, Henri. When I'm consideringbringing someone into my inner circle, I don't just run background checks. I have them followed and watched for weeks."
It's a good thing I showed up so late. Maybe I'll be learning a thing or two about Henri as well.
"Lyon is a beautiful city." He turns slightly. "Lots of culture. Nightlife. My team tells me you enjoy the nightlife quite a bit. Specifically…" He arches a brow at me. "The gay bars near Vieux Lyon. Am I right?"
Oh crap. Well, I seem to have missed that one tiny detail about Henri liking dick. Likely because Cat didn't tail him the way Calder’s people did.
This could actually work out beautifully for me.
I let out a short laugh, shaking my head while forcing a blush. "Ah, merde. I should have known you'd be thorough."
Calder's eyes sharpen. "So it's true."
"Oui, monsieur. I'm gay. I hope that is not a problem."
He stares at me with a blank expression, likely trying to unsettle me. When I don't budge, he smiles wide.
"Not at all. In fact, it's ideal."
This is pure gold, and I didn't even plan it.
"I have very specific security needs, Mr. Trottier," he says, moving into the next prepared speech. "This estate is not just a home. It's a fortress. And the people inside it are valuable to me."
Valuable.
Like property he's acquired and needs to keep secure.
"My wife." The way he says that makes me want to rip out his balls right here. "Has been quite unsettled lately."
I don't react.
"She's been through a lot. Unfortunately, she doesn't respond well to change. I'm very protective of her, as I'm sure you understand."
I understand perfectly.
I understand that he's a lying piece of shit and every word out of his mouth is designed to establish ownership.
