Page 50 of French Martini

“It’s likely sufficiently zealous this time,” Damiano says, his tone softening when speaking to his man.

Yves nods. “Fair. Syn and Bowie will assist. Eros and Midnight are checking around back and Raphael is on the roof.”

“Was there a break-in?”

Yves nods. “Something like that. I’m not sure if you know, but the city does have a slight problem with organized crime.”

“I’ve heard stories, yeah.”

“Apparently, they aren’t interested in redeveloping this area as it’s a prime breeding ground for their… business ventures.” He turns his nose up slightly at that last part. “They’re attempting to intimidate us. There was a small explosion earlier.”

Damiano chuckles darkly. “Intimidate us? Amusing.”

“Yes, well, they clearly don’t know who they’re dealing with, but they will in a few days. Speaking of, we’re doing a press conference and would like to announce our collaboration. If you’d like to come, we’d welcome you.”

“Uh yeah, that could work. I’ll be in the city every day next week for a special event.” My eyes catch movement on the roof, but it’s so quick, I wonder if I imagined it. “My…” Smiling, Idecide to run with the lie. “My fiancé is being honored, so we’ll be around.”

“For?” Yves asks.

A loud crashing noise comes from inside the building, like furniture being tossed around. Neither Yves nor Damiano react, so I try to focus on them.

“He’s an interior designer. He’s a big deal in Europe.”

“The Parisian Institute Award?” Damiano asks.

“Yes.”

“And you know one of the designers that are part of the Institute?”

“I’m engaged to him. His name is Lowen.”

Damiano’s eyes light up, and I mean they actually look lit, but he blinks and I realize the sun must’ve caught them. “Lowen Ainsley lives in New Onyx?”

“Willow Bay. You know him?”

“Not at all, but I’ve been researching the event. Why do you have a talented designer in your grip and choose not to share that with us?”

“Oh, uh, well, I’ve thought about it, but he does pretty fancy stuff and I’m not sure if he’s doing anything commercial at the moment.”

“He wouldn’t be interested in improving the city and being part of a philanthropic venture?” Yves asks.

“He could be. I can ask.”

“Please do,” Damiano says. “We can pay handsomely if he’d be willing to at least provide an estimate.”

“Of course.”

“In fact, why don’t we have a drink next week?” Yves suggests. “We can share the vision with him and see what he thinks. As I’m sure you know, we can be very persuasive.”

My body tingles and I sway slightly before clearing my throat. “I’ll arrange it.”

“Perfect.” He squeezes my shoulder, turning to the building, then suddenly directs my attention away from it. “Did you file the permits needed to get started?”

“I did. I’m waiting for one of them still but it’s already being reviewed, so I’d expect it no later than Monday. My team is ready to start.”

He looks over his shoulder, and I turn my head, but he startles me by grabbing my chin and fixing my attention on his face. He smiles, and for just a second, I wonder how all these exceptionally attractive men found each other. Their looks are almost unreal, and I can imagine how perfect Lowen would look among them.

“Clear,” Damiano says softly, and Yves releases his grip on me.

---