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
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
Beatrice’s POVMy phone buzzes in my front pocket, and all I can think about is checking it. I shift in the metal chair, keeping my hands folded on the old aluminum conference table that’s definitely seen better days. The warehouse is empty except for the six of us. It’s a strange situation, but I’ve learned the right questions to ask and which ones to steer clear of. At least we have a table. This is a negotiation, not a fight. The table matters. My heart is racing, but I’ve gotten used to that feeling. The pounding in my chest is my tell, and I’m glad the others can’t hear it, even when it’s thumping in my ears. I’ve trained hard for this double life, at least on the surface. “Listen,” I let a bit of impatience creep into my tone. “Sierra is going to be furious when she finds out you’re messing with her.” The chill in the air should have been my first clue that this meeting wouldn’t go well. It’s so cold that I half-expect to see my breath. Fred’s too stingy to pay for the hea
Beatrice’s POVJames prefers to meet at the same hotel, in the same room, every single time. It’s a mid-tier chain located in a medium-sized city. Everything about our meetings is set up to avoid the awkward encounters we both dread. Being undercover and running into someone from either side of our lives is one of those things that can wake people like me in a panic, drenched in sweat, wondering if there’s a bullet waiting for us. As I step into the hotel room, the smell of old cigarettes hits me right away. The place could really use a makeover, but I never question James’s choice of venue. This is his territory, not mine. He stops pacing when the door clicks shut behind me, and his dark features and eyes help ease my tension. He gives me a once-over, sizing me up. “I wasn’t sure you’d show.” “Your message came at a rough time. Sierra let me squeeze in another meeting today, but it was pointless.” “Just like the last one,” he replies, finishing my sentence. I shrug it off
Beatrice’s POVHot pink isn’t really my go-to color, but it surprisingly complements the darker tones I got from my dad. Sierra was adamant about picking out my dress for this event. Getting her to join me wasn’t the hard part; it was more about steering her away from some of the outrageous outfit ideas she had in mind for me. “So, Native Barbie, are you enjoying the show?” Sierra asks, her champagne flute held delicately in her perfectly manicured hands. I shoot her a sideways look while taking a sip from my own drink. “Only you could pull that off.” I’ve got a bit of that lily-white vibe from my mom, too. People who try to label me often find it tricky because I don’t fit neatly into any box. My gaze wanders around the grand ballroom, landing on the stunning crystal chandelier that brightens our corner. I let my fingers brush against the gun strapped to my thigh. This event was supposed to be low-key, but it’s ballooned into something much larger since my meeting with James.
Beatrice’s POVThe next day, as we pull up to the De Luca family estate, there is a noticeable chill in the air. Snow blankets parts of the ground, but you can still see some patches of grass peeking through. Before we can even step inside, we get thoroughly searched. The first time I went through this years ago, it felt invasive and gross. Now, it’s just routine. They manage to uncover every single one of my concealed weapons. I guess I’ll need to get a bit more inventive with my hiding spots. Their mansion is a stunning, sprawling bungalow nestled in the suburbs. It’s going to take me ages to comb through the entire place for any clues. The file I glanced at had some info, but being here really drives home a different reality. This estate used to be pretty secluded, but the city has expanded all around it. There’s still a huge stretch of land in the back that looks like an empty field, save for a shed tucked away in the corner. When the front door swings open, I don’t see No
Beatrice’s POV“I do.” Her expression softens. “You’re not going to fight each other. Flint’s a jerk, but he’s still your brother.” “There are things you can’t possibly understand. People change. Flint’s mom and mine would be turning in their graves.” The hint of an accent returns, making me want to lean in closer to catch more. Despite her words, I think that accent might be genuine. Sierra isn’t a mom, but sometimes she gives off a nurturing vibe around certain people. Like that little hip sway, she doesn’t show that side of herself often. Her bond with Nolan and Flint runs deeper than I ever realized. “Can I help?” she asks. Nolan looks at me before turning to Sierra. “Maybe,” he replies. “I’m not looking for an arms deal, at least not right now. I wanted Flint to see I’m serious—my threats are real—which is why I brought you here.” She shifts in her seat. “I used to babysit you two when our parents were in meetings. I know how tight you and Flint are.” I try to keep my
Beatrice’s POVNolan's face lights up with a smirk. "I appreciate your straightforwardness." "Why beat around the bush?" I stay standing. "I'm content with Sierra, so your offer better be impressive." "I’m looking for a female bodyguard—" "Not interested." I pivot on my heel, taking a calculated chance. The more I push back, the less he’ll suspect my true intentions later. He’ll think he’s won me over. "Hold on," he says as my hand reaches the doorknob. "I can offer more than just a title for the right candidate. I know you’ve been working closely with Sierra." His tone shifts again, and I feel my shoulders ease. There’s something in the way he speaks that could easily draw me in. It drains my resistance. "I have. I’ve earned my place by her side." "What would it take to bring you here to work for me?" He stands in front of me now, arms crossed, giving me a piercing look. "I want to feel valued," I confess. "Essential, like I matter." He nods. "What I need you to do wo
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