“Savannah,” Fabien says. “We won’t be reachable for at least the next two hours.”
I can tell he’s not a fan of this scenario. Typically, even when flying they have their private jets or planes with internet access so we aren’t out of touch, but they had to book a separate flight this time on a commercial plane. Even though they fly business class, their flight isn’t internet-equipped.
“Gotcha.” I’m already sitting back down and taking out my wallet.
“Which is exactly why I wish she had a guard,” Nicolette says in a low voice to Fabien.
Fabien nods. Honestly, I wouldn’t put it past him to assign a guard to me just for the hell of it, without telling me or even his wife. Their family home, which is also their primary headquarters, isn’t far from here.
“If you need anything at all, Thayer’s flown in from Corsica this weekend, and you know where to reach him.”
I try to focus on what Fabien’s telling me, but when he mentions his brother’s name, my mind sort of short-circuits.
I’d hoped he’d be in Corsica, since they have all sorts of businesses and connections there. It’s easy to pretend to forget about someone when they’re on an island, and not in the city where you actually live.
Le Sauvage,they call him. The Savage.
I don’t know how he earned that name, but a part of me wants to know.
I would absolutely die before I’d admit it to anyone, but I have a relentless, uncontrollable, schoolgirl crush on Thayer.
Why me?
Why him?
He is the grumpiest asshole in the family.
Every scowl he sends my way makes my heart turn in my chest.
Wait, what were we talking about?
Thayer.
In case of emergency.
Got it.
“Perfect. Listen,” I tell Nicolette. “When I was in America, I didn’t have a guard, and I was fine. I’m not sure what’s changed. If anything, I’m closer to you now than before.”
I don’t meet her eyes. My sister can see right through me, and I’ll bet Fabien can, too, which is almost worse, because the man has the power to literally wilt me with a stare.
“The difference is you’re in Paris now,” Fabien says as he holds Nicolette’s jacket up for her to slide into. I’m surprised to find my eyes misting with tears.
I want that.
I want someone to care about me the way Fabien cares about Nicolette. He might be a criminal, but the man knows how to take care of a woman. The gentleman mob boss, if ever there was one.
I swallow the knot in my throat that threatens to choke me and signal to the waitress.
“We’ll talk about this when we get back,” Nicolette says in such a tone I’m surprised she didn’t addyoung ladyto the end. She reaches for my hand and squeezes it.
“Alright,” I agree. “You kids have fun in Italy. I can’t wait to hear all about it, and don’t forget to bring me back something!” I’ve never outgrown my childish need for souvenirs.
“Of course not,” Nicolette says with a wink. “Love you!”
The lump grows again. “I love you, too,” I say with a sigh.
I sit at the table after they’re gone.
