Page 59 of Ruthless Beast

“Why do you ask?”

“The idea of wearing a baseball cap with this Chanel suit sends shivers down my spine.”

Lucas laughs. He’s so handsome.

Pull yourself together, Emily. He’s still the man responsible for David’s death. Don’t forget that.

“I think we can dispense with the cap while we’re in Paris.”

“Magnifique!”

Arriving at the chateau is akin to a scene from a classic French period piece. The staff line the driveway as we pull up outside. Lucas gets out before me and heads for a woman, whom I assume to be the housekeeper. She smiles happily when she sees her master. Good grief! It’s as if he’s royalty or something.

Dominick opens the door for me. I join Lucas as he talks to the tall woman with the blonde braid.

“Madame Fournier, may I introduce Emily, my houseguest?”

“Au chante, Emily.”

“Et vous, Madame.”

“No, please, call me Sylvie,” she smiles.

“Did you have a pleasant journey, Emily?”

“Yes, thank you. I'm glad to be back on land, though.”

“Oui, I’m not a fan of flying,” she winks. “Come, let me show you your suite.”

“I’ll meet you downstairs in half an hour,” Lucas says.

“Okay.”

My suite has a breathtaking view of the tower and the Seine River. The chateau itself is turn of the century with modern Parisian touches. So chic.

“I will personally take care of your bags for you, Emily.”

“Thank you, Sylvi. What a beautiful room.”

“Indeed. Mr. Lucchese has impeccable taste.”

Is there anything Lucas can’t do? A successful businessman with great taste in the finer things in life and a fantastic lover—what am I missing? Oh, yes, there it is. He’s in the mob.

“I gather.”

“I’ll leave you to freshen up,”

“Thank you.”

I spend a few minutes looking out over the streets of Paris. I wonder what Dannie would say if she could see me now. It should be one of the best experiences of my life. What a pit it is under such auspicious circumstances. But I did say I was going to focus on the positive, and I’m going to stick to that no matter what.

It’s very warm outside, so I change into a summer dress before I meet Lucas downstairs. He’s waiting for me and watches me intently as I descend the large staircase. My stomach is awash with butterflies as his bedroom eyes lock on mine.

“You look stunning,” he says in a low voice.

“Thank you. Care of Sandy and my benefactor,” I smile.

“Ready to see Paris?”

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