Thayer curses. “He wasn’t a fucking tourist. Who’d you kill, brother?”
The way they say it, as if it’s just a regular old task they check off a to-do list.
“He gave us a false name, false information. He was a Parisian officer.”
Lyam groans.
“So he didn’t want us to find that out?”
“Maybe.Orhe was working with someone and wanted to keep undercover.”
Thayer blows out a stream of breath and shakes his head. “In short, this is a lot bigger than we thought, isn’t it?”
“Exactly.”
Thayer looks at Gwen. “You’ll come with me to L’Ambassade. We’ll offer competitive wages and bonuses for the women thatsign on with us and a generous severance package for those that don’t.”
“Are you asking me?” Gwen says warily.
Thayer suddenly looks exactly like Fabien. He speaks through gritted teeth. “Please.”
Gwen lifts her chin haughtily. “Well, then. Fine, yes, I’ll do that.”
A muscle twitches in Thayer’s jaw. “Our offers will extend to you as well, of course.”
Gwen inclines her head. “Why thank you. How very generous. I’m not sure if anything that smacks of master/slave is somethingI’dbe very good at, but I’ll take it into consideration.”
Cosette blinks. “Oh, my. I’m gone one day long…”
Lyam laughs out loud and stands. “I know the feeling. Looks like the rest of us have some work to do. Have we met?”
Cosette shakes her head. “I work here. Monsieur posted bail when I was arrested.”
Lyam clicks his tongue. “Jesus, brothers, we have some catching up to do.”
“Tonight,” Fabien says, dismissing him. “Nicolette and I have to finalize our arrangement.”
I’m a little stunned. His brother was taken hostage, and he wants to send him on his way and talk tomefirst? I will never understand the way a man’s mind works. Or, more accurately,Fabien’s.
Gwen looks over at me. “Are you alright?” she asks, completely ignoring the way Fabien’s eyes shoot fire at her.
“Of course,” I say. “I’ll join you in a minute.” I sigh. “They aren’t the only ones who have catching up to do.”
The door closes with a bang.
We’re alone.
I feel him breathing behind me like a raging bull.
I need to remember why I was so angry with him. I need to remember what he did.
“Come here.”
I snap my gaze to his.
“I don’t do what you tell me anymore, Monsieur Gerard. We’re not in The Underground now.”
“Oh, I am aware,” he says as he leans against the arm of the sofa. “So you want me to give you your money. Complete our agreement. Then you’ll be on your way.”
