64

Faust

I stared at the card, not very surprised. It was a smart move by Guardia, getting closer to Francesca. They had left my lovers alone in the past, probably because none of them had lived with me and I never discussed business in front of them. Francisca was different. In all aspects. "I see."

She dropped the card in my lap when I didn't pick it up. — I told her to fuck off.

Marco's eyes met mine in the rearview mirror. I knew what he was thinking. He didn't trust her and was wondering if this was a tactic, telling me about the Guardia to gain my trust.

The familiar itch slid down the back of my neck, the one that whispered to never let anyone in. Never give anyone power over me, over the business, especially a woman. These were words my father had repeated many, many times.

It wasn't easy, but I ignored them. I was wrong to doubt Francesca's loyalty before. There would be indisputable evidence the next time I accused her of anything.

—Who did they send? — Marco asked from the dri