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Everything he heard about Giancarlo Marchetti was true...for better or for worse.

"I thought it was time we were formally acquainted, all things considered."

"Don't beat around the bush."

"You are not the only one who has a blood debt to pay," Giancarlo murmured, "and just like you, it is one I intend to keep, even if it costs me my life."

What the fuck was this man playing at?

Keiran stared at the other man, saying grimly, "You're the last person to be seen alive with Viktor Biancardi."

"Indeed." Giancarlo's smile was razor-sharp. "And I could say the same for him almost three years ago...when he attempted to kill me."

Keiran had heard of this, but it was a completely different thing to have it confirmed. And to cross a Marchetti, well...it could only mean one thing, even for men like Viktor Biancardi, whom everyone knew was once a close friend of Giancarlo himself.

"Are we going to be enemies, Marchetti?"

"I'm hoping we won't be, but it remains to be seen." Giancarlo's eyes were calculating. "Because contrary to what you obviously assume I'm here for, I'm on your side. I will go as far as thinking of myself as your ally even...whether you want it or not."

"But there's a catch, of course," Keiran mocked.

Giancarlo shrugged. "It would not be a deal in our world if there is none,si?"His gaze turned back to the ballroom. "But perhaps it should be something we can talk about later. I believe you have more pressing things to attend to."

Through the glass doors, Keiran could see it was just Cadence and Poorly now, and how the hell did shenotnotice the way the other man was staring hungrily at her breasts?

"You should do something about that, don't you think?" Giancarlo suggested.

Keiran wanted to do exactly that, but what was it to Marchetti if he did or not?

Giancarlo smiled. "Have I been remiss in telling you something? We've sworn to protect the same person, de Laigny. And so I shall be your faithful ally...until our objectives no longer align. But I hope that day won't come."



















Cadence

ONE MOMENT I'M ALONE, and then the next thing I know, Keiran is suddenly by my side, and he's dumping his jacket forcefully over my shoulders.

"I think you're cold."