Queen Of Hearts

Enemies

Vincent

The trip to Italy brought forth more questions than answers. I sat on a plan, thumbed through contracts, and signed the ones I had approved. The others I set aside to return to the owners.

A stewardess brought me a coffee and placed it on the table before retreating to the kitchenette. Cruz tapped the keyboard of a laptop while searching for information on Massimo Benetoli.

My phone rang a few minutes later. With a quick snap, I answered it. "Hello, my love."

How was your trip?

"Uneventful."

Vincent, I have concerns.

"Lacey, the trip was uneventful and dull. It's nothing I can't handle."

True.

"Cruz and I are returning home. I will speak to you further when I arrive."

Have a safe flight.

"Always." I ended the call and finished my work.

"I think I found something." Cruz turned the laptop to me.

I pulled it toward me and read through the information. "Julian and Katherine should arrive home within the next few days. I'll contact Julian for a meeting."

"You don't want me to contact Julian?" Cruz arched his brow.

"It's not necessary." I waved Cruz off. "This meeting is more personal."

Cruz didn't respond after my dismissal.

*******
Julian

Katherine and I took in the sights, but an uneasiness crept through my body.

"Is everything okay?" She questioned me.

"Everything is fine, my love." I forced a reassuring smile.

"Why do I get the feeling you're lying to me?"

"I assure you that I'm not lying."

"Julian, I can tell by your body language. Don't lie to me." Katherine crossed her arms as her face morphed into seriousness.

I placed my hands on her upper arms and gently rubbed them. "It's nothing, my love. Let's enjoy the last few days of our honeymoon."

"If you say so." Katherine cocked her head.

"Everything is fine." I cupped her face and pressed my lips to her forehead—such a gentle expression of affection, which I became accustomed to. Unlike the years of hell, I had endured at the hands of monsters.

We returned to our rental after an exhausting day of sightseeing.

"I think I'll take a bath," Katherine mentioned.

"That's a wise idea." I nodded in response.

"Would you care to join me?" Katherine's lips twitched into a smirk.

"I would love nothing more than to join you. However, I have a business matter I need to address."

"Julian," Katherine's brows knitted, "you promised no business during our honeymoon."

"Katherine, it's a small business matter. It shouldn't take me long. Enjoy your bath." I leaned in and brushed my lips against hers before leaving the rental.

I exited the inn and traveled to a public location to meet with someone. I didn't want to hinder my honeymoon with unnecessary issues. I entered a ratskeller, spotted the person requesting my presence, and approached the table. "Massimo."