Queen Of Hearts

A hidden past

Julian

While Katherine slept, I supported myself on the balcony railing as my mind drifted to our earlier conversation. For years, I endured tortuous abuse from a tyrant only to fall into the hands of a sadist. Scars covered my body from the years of abuse. I wouldn't allow anyone to touch me until Katherine. Yet, I had little information about my past with only a few breadcrumbs to follow.

A hand grazed my upper arm.

I glanced at Katherine standing next to me, and I turned to her. "What are you doing up, my love?"

"I awoke to find your bedside empty."

I took Katherine's hands in mine and cradled them. "I couldn't sleep."

"Would you like to discuss it?"

"I was thinking about our earlier conversation."

Katherine gave me a contemplative look.

"I want answers to my past."

Katherine gave my hands a gentle squeeze. "What do you know about your parents?"

I regarded Katherine and furrowed my eyebrows. "I know about my relationship with the Benetoli family and how my father bought my mother after the Benetoli family sold her. I don't understand why my father would change our names. It's like someone had erased my past."

"Isn't Benetoli Italian?"

"Yes."

"Since we're traveling to Italy, you could inquire about them?"

"I would need the resources since they're a powerful family."

"But you have a powerful resource of your own."

I gave Katherine a sideways glance as her lips curled into a smile. The corners of my mouth twisted into a smile as I pulled my wife into an embrace. I married a brilliant woman.

*******
Vincent

I sat at the kitchen table, drinking my coffee as I checked my schedule for the day. My phone rang, interrupting me.

"Hello?"

Hello, Vincent.

"How is the honeymoon, Julian?"

It's incredible. Katherine is enjoying herself. But that's not why I'm calling you. I need information about the Benetoli family.

"Give me twenty minutes, and I will send you the information."

Thank you, Vincent.

I ended the call and contacted Cruz.

Isn't it a little early for your demands?

"Did you forget I own part of your company, and you work for me?"

No, I didn't forget.

"I need you to send me information about the Benetoli family and anyone connected to them. I expect it sent to me in twenty minutes." I ended the call before Cruz responded.