Page 171 of Diamond Kisses

Bracing against the cushions, I drowned beneath worry. Paavak’s parents, Arun and Saanvi, had turned on a side light by the old brick fireplace. The logs in the hearth had turned to charcoal, leaving the room chilly as the sun rose.

“What is it?” I rushed. “Is Henri okay? Did you find him?”

I rubbed my heart.

The beat felt stable, strong. I’d felt no kick or skip.

He has to be alive.

He has to be…

“You need to come with me. Right now.”

All sleep and grief vanished. “How? Where?”

“You’re in Leeds? I’ve tracked your phone. Franco is on his way to you.”

I stood and almost bashed into the coffee table. “What’s happened? You’re scaring me.”

“My brother has earned quite a murderous reputation for himself. He’s pissed off a lot of people. I’ve just intercepted an email between a few bastards that says they’re meeting today to kill him. They’ll be far more than he’s expecting.”

“What?” Grabbing my puffer jacket off the couch’s arm, I raced to the door. “Where is he? I’ll drive there right now.”

“He’s in Tuscany. Franco will take you to the airport. I’ve already sent the plane. I’m on my way. We’ll meet there.”

“Is he…is he okay?” Shrugging into my jacket, I dashed to the car. “I’ll drive myself. Tell me what airport. I’m leaving now.”

“Fine.” He exhaled. “And yes, as far as I’m aware. But he’s definitely been busy.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s taken out thirty-four on my list.”

I jerked to stop. “He’s killed thirty-four traffickers?”

“Not over the phone. I’ll see you in Tuscany. I’d rather not involve you, but he won’t believe me if I tell him you’re alive without proof. He’ll think I’m lying and will probably kill himself rather than believe me.”

“Sounds like something he would do.”

“Then get here quick. We’re running out of time.”

Chapter Thirty-Two

………………………….

Henri

SUNSHINE GILDED THE WINERY, revealing the glittering frost on the ground.

The vines were winterised. Sleeping until spring. The rows neat and barren, revealing a path toward the sprawling villa at the top of the hill.

Terraced gardens and rock walls cut the gardens into different zones. One with a gazebo, and another with a swing set, the rolling lawn surrounding a covered swimming pool.

The estate didn’t have fences like the last one, but it did have its own defence.

Wide-open space.

With the vines leafless, I had no coverage.

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