Page 101 of Man of the Year

Confused, I absently take it from his hand. “You mean Detective Dupin?”

“She’s not a detective. And her real name is not Lesley Dupin either.”

A crazy laugh is about to escape me, though I’m not sure if I feel like laughing or throwing up from exhaustion and shock. Julien goes quiet, but this time this won’t do. “Care to explain?”

“She is my sister. She was involved with Nick, a long time ago. Before Ix. Before Rosenberg. I was working overseas and never met him. Then he did something unforgivable.”

I stare in shock. “Like the other girls?”

Julien’s lips tighten, and his gaze hardens. “I’m not going to get into details, but he tried to get rid of her. She almost died in a car crash he was responsible for. Two months in ICU, seven reconstructive surgeries, damaged vocal cords, miscarriage, damaged motor functions, permanent limp—that’s to name a few.”

“Oh, god,” I whisper.

“When I found out what happened—after my sister recovered—I decided he wasn’t going to get away with what he put her through.”

“And many others.”

“Yes. He deserves worse than what he got.”

“You are telling me that you tracked Nick years ago, kept an eye on him, and started years-long surveillance to avenge your sister?”

“You think that’s crazy?”

I don’t know what to think anymore, but I really want to get to know this man.

“That’s crazy, yes. And admirable. And…” I drop my gaze, trying to find the right words. “I don’t know you at all, but you might be an incredible man, Julien. The true Man of the Year. Can I see you again?”

There, I’m making a move on a guy. It’s not the first time but definitely rare.

His eyes keep me hostage for some time.

“It’s not a good idea,” he says softly, and I can see regret in his eyes that resonates with the rejection I feel.

Embarrassment makes my cheeks hot, and I smile, biting my lip.

“That blonde girl in the library, by the way—thank you for alerting me about her being spiked. She got help in time.”

I nod.Good.So he did take care of her.

Julien gets out of the van, walks to the passenger side, and opens the door for me. I suppose I overstayed my welcome. I get out and stand in front of him, just like the first day we met when he told me I wasn’t welcome. Somehow, this feels like a very sad goodbye, though he was insufferable just a few days ago.

“Well, it was nice knowing you,” I say. “It actually was. Though I’m pretty sure I was a pain in your butt.”

“You ended up helping us. Thank you. You have no idea.”

I want to keep this conversation going just a little longer, but I know there’s no point. “Is that it, then?”

He nods.

“Right.” I nod, mimicking him. “I guess I should go.”

Julien offers his hand for a shake, and I give him a feigned suspicious look. “Oh,nowyou want to shake my hand?”

But I do, and that gets a little smile out of him.

“Well, goodbye, Julien.”

“Goodbye, Natalie,” he says softly and lets go of my hand.

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