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“And yet you’re turning down the opportunity to do that exact thing.” This statement has me freezing with my wrap halfway to my mouth.

I ponder the offer a bit more. Getting out of the house probably isn’t theworstidea in the world.

“Take me to that bookstore onRue Paradis, and I’ll agree.”

“Deal. Now go and change.”

I look down at my denim shorts and bikini top, and contemplate going like this. But I know my father will have me back home before I even reach the front gates. Even at twenty-four, he still controls my outfits.

I’m up the stairs and slipping on my favourite black dress minutes later, pairing it with my usual Jadon Dr. Martens. Loud chatter erupts from downstairs, and I suspect whatever my father didn’t want us seeing has just arrived. I head over to the window and look down at the five black vans parked in the driveway in front of the manor.

Who could they possibly have in there that needs this many guards?

Kylian gets out first, followed by a tall, muscular man in purple swim shorts. I furrow my brows as he shakes his head, his dark brown curls tossing lightly as he does, before taking in his surroundings. He’s nearly two heads taller than Kylian and has muscles nearly double that of Kylian, as well. Yet he seems to be complying with whatever my brother is saying. My eyes trail over his torso and notice a black spider at the centre of his chest.

What a peculiar tattoo. I wonder what gang he’s part of.

His head shifts and I swear it feels like his eyes lock with mine. I know it’s impossible, especially since my father had the windows outfitted with one-way tint. But the way his icy, green eyes look at my window, I swear he’s looking right at me.

“What are you looking at? We’re all waiting for you,” Pierre says, dragging me away from the window and the mesmerising gaze of the stranger.

“What? I’m ready. I just need my headband.” I snatch my baby yellow headband off my dresser and follow Pierre downstairs and into the garage—a strategic way to avoid the entire front of the house.

Ten minutes later, we’re dropping Noelle at the main entrance of the mall.

“Don’t spend all your money at Sephora. We’ll meet up with you in an hour!” Pierre yells after her, but she’s already gone.

A guard stalks after her, disguised to the unsuspecting eye, but clear as day to anyone in the cartel.

“Who is the man Kylian brought home?” I ask as we drive off.

“Wow, nothing gets past you, hey?”

“Tell me…” I whine.

“I thought you didn’t care about what Dad was busy with?” He grins.

“I don’t. But when the guys are that attractive, I want to know.”

“Trust me, you don’t.” Pierre sighs.

“At least tell me what he did?” I bargain.

“No. Trust me, you don’t want to know, Theá.” His voice turns cold.

“Why’s he at the house? Dad never brings them to the house.”

“He has a meeting with Dad and Kylian.”

“Why aren’t you there?”

“You know why…” He looks over at me.

My father found Pierre hooking up with his best friend, Sixtine, and declared that he would rather the title of underboss go to my bloodthirsty younger brother, Kylian, than Pierre.

“So instead, you’re on babysitter duty?”

“No place I’d rather be.” He smirks as we pull up at the bookstore a few streets away from the mall.