Page 18 of A Mistake of Identity
The silence stretched until Jean spoke again, subdued. “We have contracts. You’ll have to take us back.”
“Missouri and Illinois are at-will states,” Alain said from behind the wheel.
“Shows what you know about sex work law,” Jean said wearily. “Union or non-union, the contracts are binding until renewal. Unless something egregious happens—”
“What they did to Ellis doesn’t count as egregious?” Lucas’s incredulous voice cut through the car.
“No, it doesn’t. Shut up,” Jean snapped. “Or there has to be a mutual parting of ways.”
“How is what happened to Ellis not egregious enough to break a contract?” Alain’s voice remained calm, a stark contrast to Lucas and Gabriel’s barely contained fury.
“Maybe at a Union house, but at Heart Court?” Jean exhaled sharply. “Punishments were part of the contract.”
“And you signed it? Are you insane?” Lucas’s pitch escalated with each word.
“I didn’t really read it until after...”
“You’re an idiot.”
Jean lurched forward, swatting at Lucas like a cornered kitten. “I’ll show you idiot!”
Gabriel grabbed Jean’s shirt collar, yanking him back into his seat. “Enough. Both of you.” His temples throbbed. “Stop antagonizing him, Lucas.”
Half-hearted murmurs of acceptance followed. Jean sulked against the window while Lucas folded his arms, muttering French curses under his breath.
“I’ll send lawyers to Heart Court first thing to deal with the contracts,” Lucas said when he’d finally exhausted his vocabulary of curses.
“Send Nika,” Gabriel said, still stroking Ellis’ hair. “He’s a viper.”
Nikolai Rykov had been a Bratva lawyer in Los Angeles until Gabriel met him in the Maldives three years ago. He’d liked the man’s ruthless efficiency enough to offer double his salary to relocate to Porte du Coeur.
The rest of the drive passed in taut silence. Gabriel kept Ellis cradled against him, one hand rhythmically stroking through dark hair, the other supporting Ellis’ back to keep him from jostling against the car’s movement. Every small whimper or shift drew his muscles tighter until he felt like he might shatter.
When they pulled into Lafayette Square and Alain disengaged the child locks, Gabriel gathered Ellis close and stepped out onto the smooth concrete of the private drive.
“Alain, take care of Jean and contact his—”
“No!” Jean lunged for the door. Lucas caught him before he could bolt. “You can’t!”
“Your family thinks you’re at boarding school in Sweden,” Lucas started.
Jean’s laugh was borderline hysterical. “They know damn well I’m not in Sweden! They made up that story because it looks better than admitting they lost track of their youngest son.” He struggled against Lucas’s grip. “They have no idea where I actually am and I plan to keep it that way.”
“What did they do to you?” Lucas asked quietly.
“Doesn’t matter. I’m not going back.” Jean’s voice shook. “I’ll die before I let you send me back.”
“I’ll run,” he added, glaring at Gabriel. “The second you try to contact them, I’m gone.”
“Enough.” Gabriel’s voice cut through Jean’s rising panic. “Lucas, get him settled and make sure he doesn’t go anywhere. We won’t contact his family.” His eyes met Jean’s in the mirror. “Yet. So behave yourself.”
“Alain, get Nika and bring him here.” His attention returned to Ellis’s trembling form. “Now.”
“Yes, sir,” Alain said, sliding back into the driver’s seat as Lucas guided Jean from the car.
Gabriel carried Ellis through the front door while Lucas managed a still-resistant Jean. Annabelle appeared immediately, her usual composure fracturing at the sight of the group.
“Oh, le pauvre,” Annabelle said, fussing over Jean. “Come with me. We’ll get you settled.”
