Page 76 of Depths of Obsession
I return the grin. “You’d be surprised what I hear in my clubs.”
Another couple enters—Hal and Dorothy Miller. “Real estate in the US,” I say. “She’s an ex-model, rumored to be ex-MI6.”
“Constantine and Dimitry,” Nico says, pointing as two men and a woman enter. “And Natalia—their sister. Looking good tonight.”
He’s not wrong—Natalia is striking in her floor-length gown, her hair flowing in loose curls. She’s stunning, and trouble. “You don’t want any part of that,” I mutter.
Nico arches a brow. “Been there, have you?”
“Once.” I shrug. “She’s willing to do anything, but she’s also a daredevil.”
“Daredevil could be fun,” Nico muses.
“Not that kind of fun.”
“Do you think she could be behind all this?” Nico asks, curious.
I hesitate to consider the idea. Then reject it. “I don’t think so.”
“Good, because here she comes.”
“Natalia.” I greet her with a kiss on the cheek when she approaches. “Nice to see you.”
“Is it?” she replies, her smile forced. “I wouldn’t think so, considering you abandoned me. You left me to fend for myself.” Her eyes narrow. “I haven’t forgiven you, you know.”
She turns to Nico, her expression softening. “I haven’t met you. Perhaps we should get acquainted.” She lets her gaze rake over him.
“Perhaps,” Nico replies smoothly.
“Natalia!” Dimitry calls, waving her over.
She flashes a seductive smile at Nico and gives me one last glare before walking away.
“Well,” Nico comments, “seems she’s pissed at you. And maybe you’re right—crazy isn’t always fun.”
I ignore him, my thoughts turning back to Pippa. “Rocco, what’s Pippa doing?”
“She’s sitting, has one of those mink stoles around her. Calaba’s talking to some guy in a tux. I’m running a facial scan… it’s Carl Anderson, an art dealer. He’s talking to her now—she looks a bit relieved.”
“Keep me updated.”
People continue filtering into the Duomo, high society in all its wealth and pretension.
“The whole world’s here,” Nico comments. “CEOs, bankers, arms dealers.” He nods toward two men in traditional white robes. “Even royalty. Those are Saudi princes, if I’m not mistaken.”
“Any of them have a reason to hate me?” I ask.
Nico studies the crowd. “I don’t know. Have you pissed anyone else off?”
I let my gaze drift over the room. “I’ve had run-ins with more than a few of these people, but nothing that would make them want me dead.”
“Well, someone does.”
“Thank you for stating the obvious.”
Suddenly, there's a stir. Calaba stands near the cathedral’s entrance, flanked by his guards. He claps his hands, commanding everyone’s attention.
“Good evening, everyone!” he announces in a loud, carrying voice. “Thank you for coming tonight. I know you’re all eager to see what we have to offer. I thought it fitting to hold this auction here, given the divine nature of the pieces being offered.”
