Beatrice’s POV “Mafia,” I correct her, raising a finger. “We’re way more than just a basic gang.” Her laughter echoes in the grand entrance, and when I turn my head, I spot Flint standing at the junction of the two sides of the house, hands tucked in his jeans pockets. “You off to spill some tea?” Sierra tilts her head. “Just catching up on how Tris nearly got herself killed today.” “Sounds like a bit of an overstatement.” “Oh.” She pretends to be confused. “You were there, huh?” Flint smirks slightly. “Not exactly. Dalton tends to blow things out of proportion.” I feel a flicker of annoyance. I’m not keen on exaggerating what went down in front of Sierra, but come on, let’s stick to the truth. We could’ve been in serious trouble because Flint wants Nolan back on his side. “We’ll catch you at dinner.” I pull her around the corner, heading through Nolan’s part of the house to mine. We reach the end of his hallway just as his bedroom door swings open. “Tris!”
Beatrice’s POVSierra is putting on another layer of mascara on my lashes when the doorbell rings loudly through the house. I decided to let her glam me up for old times' sake. I’m in a black dress that fits snugly on top but flows and is sheer at the bottom. It looks great and is comfy, which makes us both happy. “Sounds like someone’s arrived.” She examines my face. “Just one more coat.” “I’ll wake up looking like a raccoon.” “No way, because you’re going to take off your makeup like a good girl.” “You know I usually don’t wear much makeup. I’ll need a crowbar to get this off.” I gesture to my face with a smirk. “I’ve barely put anything on you. I wish I had skin like yours.” She flicks the mascara wand and leans back on her heel, checking me out one last time. “You look perfect.” Standing up, I smooth out my dress. “Do you think the people Nolan invited are here because of you?” “It’s the only thing that makes sense. He said he’d make it worth my while. I told
Beatrice’s POVFlint’s attention shifts to our group and then back to Connor. Nolan steps away from me to join them. Instantly, the guys switch to Italian, leaving only Sierra out of the loop on their conversation. She starts filling me in on the deal she struck with Thomas and Connor. I should be paying attention, but I can’t help but be drawn to the other chat happening nearby. It’s one of those moments where I wish I could split my brain in two. I catch bits and pieces of their talk, but the context is lost on me. A caterer walks in and leans in to whisper to Nolan. “Gentlemen. Ladies. Dinner is served.” He gestures toward the table. I take a seat at the far end. Nolan is at the head on my right, Sierra is directly across from me, and Connor is next to me on my left. Flint occupies the opposite end of the table. Even during dinner, it feels like they’re ready to go head-to-head. As the soup is served, Liam picks up the conversation. He glances between Nolan and Flint before s
Beatrice’s POVFlint downs his shot and pours another. “That’s a ridiculous question.” “I need you to tell me what happened.” “After all these years, you never asked anyone?” His intense gaze scans her face. “I was so close to dying. Just a hair’s breadth away.” She touches her chest again. “Why would I want to go through that again?” I’m chugging my beer, feeling a bit out of place while they dive into this heavy stuff. Their conversation feels personal, and it catches me off guard. “Didn’t you ever wonder why I didn’t come back?” “Every single day.” Her voice is thick, tears welling up in her eyes. Flint’s tough facade cracks a bit. He pours another shot, as if trying to drown whatever tension lingers between them. “Don’t cry.” “I’m drunk. Of course, I’m going to cry.” She wipes her tears and holds out her glass for a refill. “I should probably head out.” I glance between them. Finishing my beer, I set the bottle down. If I stick around, I’m just intrudin
Beatrice’s POVLocking eyes with him, I say, “Flint believes you’ll freak out over what happened. He thinks it’ll bring you two closer.” “Closer?” Nolan laughs bitterly. “He murdered our father. There’s no way we’re getting closer.” “You can’t be sure of that yet.” “I’m sure. I just can’t prove it.” He jabs a finger at me, all charm gone. “That’s on you.” “He claims he didn’t do it.” “Of course, he’s going to say that.” His gaze is intense. “I get that you’re in a tough position. You can either hold back or spill everything to Flint. But with me, I want all the details—no matter how small.” I bite my lip and hold his stare. “Alright.” “It’s not alright. You can’t keep this stuff from me.” “What’s your plan for the Zhangs?” “I’ll do what needs to be done. My brother thinks he can provoke a reaction, and that’s exactly what he’ll get. If I don’t act, he’ll sense something’s off.” He sizes me up. “I look out for my own. Always.” My heart tightens at the loo
Beatrice’s POVThe building is just one story and looks more like a big, overgrown bungalow than a hospital or a long-term care place. One perk of my job is that I could find a nice spot for my mom, even if she doesn’t realize it’s the best option out there. “You’ll wait here?” I ask. “Are you sure you don’t want me to come in?” Nolan replies softly, his eyes full of sincerity. “I’ve got these broad shoulders you can lean on if you need.” Without thinking, I run my fingers down his arm. “Maybe later.” He takes my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. “You’re armed?” “Always.” “If anything feels off, I’m coming in.” “It’s an old-age home. It’s not exactly a high-stakes situation.” He doesn’t laugh at my joke. Instead, his gaze sharpens. “I protect my own.” “It’ll be fine.” I stroke his cheek with my thumb. “Promise.” This place isn’t part of my cover story. If he steps inside, he’ll find out more than he should. He nods toward the building. “Text me if you n
Beatrice’s POVSomehow, I manage to get through shopping with Sierra without freaking out about Nolan snooping around James. When we pull up to the house to grab her suitcases, I half-expect the brothers to be waiting at the door, guns drawn, ready to take me out right then and there. “You good?” she yawns, dragging her suitcase down the hallway. “I’m the one who crashed with Flint last night. Man, I was so wasted. What a stupid move. You’re acting like you’re the one who did something scandalous.” I bite my lip, wishing I could spill the beans. She knows the undercover me better than anyone else, and the holes in my stories would be obvious. “Just a lot happening in this house, you know?” “Oh, I get it,” she nods. “So, you and Nolan…?” “Maybe?” She gives my back a reassuring rub. “Could be worse.” “What about you and Flint?” “Ugh, no way. I can’t go through that again. I’m too old for his drama now.” “You really think he hasn’t changed?” “Oh, I’m sure he ha
Beatrice’s POVWe’re in Flint’s office for the first time, and it’s quite a change from Nolan’s place. While Nolan’s space is all about those gray tones, Flint’s vibe leans towards deep blacks and blood reds. It’s not as spacious, either—no gym area here, but there’s a massive wooden table covered in city maps.Looking at their makeshift war table, I totally get why Flint wanted Nolan on his team. Their thought processes are like night and day. The strategies Nolan’s coming up with on the spot are pretty impressive. I can’t help but wonder if I could sway him to my side. Having someone like him backing me would definitely up my safety game.Flint’s rubbing his chin, focused on the main map while Nolan points out some weak spots in the Zhang organization. “I like that,” Flint says, then his gaze shifts to me. “You’re awfully quiet, Beatrice. It’s a bit unsettling. You usually have something to say.”I can’t help but smile a little as I walk around the table, my shoulder brushing agains
Sierra’s POVThe whole day has been a blur, from Eric's pompous expression when I admitted Lucas was mine, to Galina taking me through the steps to care for him, to the distance Flint has put between us.Or maybe I'm imagining his aloofness. Maybe I'm the person putting the space there. My world has tilted on its axis, and I can't shift reality back, make it level again.The thing I do know? I'm exhausted. Emotionally and physically drained. When Lucas goes to bed for the night, or however many hours before he needs to feed again, I head to bed. Flint trails behind me, his hands in his pockets.Eric tries to catch my attention, but I've been ignoring him all day. I don't give a shit if Lucas is biologically his baby too. Ever being with him in any way makes my stomach heave like I'm on a boat tossed around by the sea.Flint closes the door to the bedroom and then leans back against it. "You look tired," he says before pushing off and ambling toward me. He tosses his wallet and other o
Sierra’s POVFlint was somewhere in the building with the DNA samples. After a couple of hours, Eric gets up the nerve to speak to me. One plus of Flint insulting him-his confidence took a hit."We should discuss everything before he gets back." Eric sips the coffee he bought from the café across the street.He's so tall standing in front of me that I'd have to crane my neck up to make eye contact or stand up. Neither appeals to me. I don't look at him, and I stay seated in my chair."Or maybe we should wait for the results to make sure what we're discussing is appropriate." I flip through the Voguemagazine I found on a table."You realize Lucas is yours. Why would I lie about that?""Honestly, I don't understand why you thought any of this was a good idea. The inner workings of your mind are a bit of a mystery to me." I toss the magazine onto the nearest table and stand. "I'm with Flint. We're together. What you think you'll accomplish won't happen."He raises his coffee and takes an
Flint’s POVThe room Charles assigned to us belongs in a museum. Historical eras aren't my thing, but it's clear this place hasn't had any facelift since the house was built, which was probably a hundred years ago. From the doorway, everything seems clean enough, and nothing smells like mothballs or mildew. I sigh. These thoughts are just a distraction from the fucking fertility circus downstairs. A poor effort to calm the hell down, and it's not working.As I close the bedroom door, I realize I should say something to Sierra, but I don't have any idea where to start. My blood boils, rage coursing through me at Eric and her father creating this child without her consent. When she was at her lowest, they tricked her into signing away her rights to her future children. Their motives are inconceivable to me-and I've done a lot of shitty things in the name of profit or revenge. But this? Their plan is so misguided. How could either of them think a baby was the right solution?My brain s
Sierra’s POVIstare into my arms at the baby wrapped in a pale-blue blanket. He has dark hair, and his eyes are closed in sleep. His fingers have the tiniest nails, and I want to touch every one, count them, savor this moment. I'm so absorbed in the sight of a baby, it takes me a second to process Eric's words."What?" I glance up, a little dazed."Our son." Eric gives me an encouraging nod. "You weren't here for the birth, but I know you always wanted to name our boy Lucas after your brother."I laugh self-consciously and shift the baby to hand him to Eric. "This isn't my baby." When I try to pass the bundle, he steps out of reach. "He can't be my baby. It's impossible.""Not impossible," my father whispers. "You were searching for a surrogate when you two split.""Exactly," I agree. "Eric and I broke up, and we destroyed the embryos. I signed paperwork to have them destroyed."My father grimaces.Eric shifts his feet. "This isn't the reaction I was expecting.""I signed papers to ha
Flint’s POVWhile Sierra and I pack in our bedroom, I debate whether to let her come to Russia. There's so much we don't understand. I stuff more clothes into my duffel bag and glance at her as she wanders into the en suite to get her makeup.Curiosity is a powerful thing, and I'm definitely curious about what Eric has been doing. He didn't sound scared in his voicemail messages, or even full of his usual asshole bravado. No, he was excited. Why? I stop packing and lean against the dresser while Sierra continues to put things into her suitcase."Spit it out." She doesn't break her rhythm of sorting and discarding. "You're over there brooding about something.""Don't come to Russia."She laughs. "I'm going to Russia. He called me, not you, and he said you could come along for the show." She throws skincare products into her bag with a huff. "I don't care anymore about what he's doing. You're right. I'll fire him. I don't know why I haven't done it yet."She knows why. I understand why.
Sierra’s POVWhen I slip into bed, Flint tugs me close, but for the first time since we've been together, he doesn't run his hands along me in ways to make me think of sex. Instead, he wedges me in so tight my face is practically squished against his bare chest, and he smooths my hair before kissing the top of my head. Every bandage is gone, and sometimes I lie in bed tracing his scars, asking for their stories as my heart races at the danger and aches at the close calls. A world without him isn't a world at all."You okay?" he says. "You've been too fucking quiet since your mom left.""I don't know," I whisper. Turning toward him, I'm comforted by the steady beat of his heart in my ear. "Anytime I hear someone gave up the chance to be a mom, it makes my heart hurt. I just-I would have done anything to have a baby, to be a mom."He's silent as his hand strokes my back. "Sounds as though your sister had it rough after your mother left.""Yeah. I can't process it. Being beaten by your
Flint’s POVThe tension between Sierra and Opal is unmistakable. They're circling each other, current events, upcoming commitments, neither of them saying what they're thinking. Nothing has happened to Charles–was the first question Sierra asked-which is unfortunate. With him gone, I could eliminate Eric or have someone do it. She would forgive me. Having her father wrapped up in whatever bullshit scheme they've cooked up makes it too complicated to get rid of one without the other. Especially since I can't yet uncover what they're planning. I'm on the cusp of telling her to fire Eric just to see if that sets something in motion.With our sleuthing, there are no hints of secret deals. No more sinister connections Sierra doesn't already know. No paper trails. Unregistered or foreign bank accounts are noted somewhere. We haven't even come across more evidence of PLA involvement with Eric or her dad. What the fuck are they planning? Opal's here perched on Sierra's couch like a bird pois
Sierra’s POVEkaterina answers my last few questions with ease and then says, "That was Flint De Luca.""It was." I gather my papers together into a neat pile."Rare for me to find a man intimidating."I glance up and a smile plays on my lips. "Was he a little intense?""A little? Were we in the same room? The guy is all coiled rage and X- ray vision." She drops her phone into her purse and rises from her seat."Are you-are you safe with him?"Before I can answer, Jay chuckles on the other side of the large wooden table. "You were the only person in this room who wasn't safe today." He frowns as he picks up his pen. "And maybe me." With a shrug, he says, "Point is, he's not a threat to her.""Why would he leave so abruptly?" Her expression is thoughtful. "He gave me that appraisal once-over before he left, which meant something.""Probably wondering how easy it would be to remove your head." Jay's voice is matter of fact, and if it wasn't for the horror on her face, I'd laugh."We do
Flint’s POVSierra rises and steps around the chairs between us to roll my seat back and perch on my lap. "Tell me." Her fingers stroke my furrowed brow."He seems to believe that whatever he and your dad have cooked up, it'll bring you and him closer together." I clear my throat. "You'll pick him."She grins and wraps her arms around my neck. "Never in a million trillion years. There is nothing he could say or do to make me leave you and go to him.""He seemed very confident."Her lips quirk up in derision. "That's his thing-he's confident even when he's wrong. One of his worst qualities." Sierra's gaze focuses above my head. "Heisa win-at-all-cost sort of person, though." Her expression morphs into one of determination. "I wouldn't be with him even if he threatened to kill me."I tighten my arms around her at the suggestion. "He'd never get a chance. He'd be dead as soon as the idea entered his head."There's a sharp knock on the door. She tries to stand, but I increase my grip on h