Page 49 of Ruthless Beast

“I'm sure you can take care of yourself.”

“It’s you I’m worried about.”

“I’m developing a serious case of cabin fever, Lucas.”

“Okay. Let me see what I can do about that.”

“Send me home.”

“No.”

“Then you’d better come up with something before I go stir crazy.”

13

LUCAS

“Ihave to go away for a few days.”

“Okay.”

Emily looks disappointed. I can’t blame her. I imagine it must be very frustrating, not to mention boring, for her here at the cottage. She’s been here for nearly a month now, and that’s a long time to be pretty much housebound.

“Why don't you come with me?” I suggest on a whim.

“Uh, okay. Where are we going?”

“Do you have a valid passport?”

“Yeah. Why?

“Paris.”

“As in Paris, France?”

“Uh-huh. Have you been?”

“Yeah, sure. My millionaire book club girls and I go there all the time,” she scoffs.

“Funny. Would you like to see the Eiffel Tower at night? It’s quite spectacular.”

“That sounds like something I’d like to see.”

“We’ll even swing by a few art galleries, if you like.”

“Are you trying to ingratiate yourself, Mr. Mobster?”

“Why? Does it show?”

“Maybe.”

“Come on. Come with me.”

“It’s better than staring at the cottage walls, I guess.”

“Geez! You’re welcome.”

“Fine,” Emily grins. “Yes, I’d love to go. Thank you. When do we leave?”

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