Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 74220 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74220 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
“You didn’t offend me, dear.” She released a sigh, as if letting old memories wash over her like a gentle breeze. “Because you’re right. It’s something that troubles me every day. To lose a husband is terrible. But to lose a son…or more than one…is unspeakable. But this is the life the Duponts are destined for. We were always meant to live extraordinary lives. And with extraordinary lives come extraordinary risks.”
“Was your husband already in the business when you met him?”
“This business goes back three generations,” she said. “As the eldest son, he inherited this world. When we met, he hadn’t stepped into the role yet, but my family was involved in the criminal underworld as well, so it was easier for me to swallow. Our marriage was supported by both families, a royal fairy tale in some ways.”
“So this is the only life you know.” I said it more to myself than I did to her.
“You could say that,” she said. “It’s given me a life I have no place to complain about.”
I wasn’t drawn to Bastien because of his wealth. We could live in my little-ass apartment, and I’d be just fine with that. With a man like Bastien to call mine, I already felt like a billionaire. “That’s a good perspective.”
“Bastien tells me you work at the investment company?”
“Yeah, I’m an executive assistant to one of his guys.”
“He’s gay,” Bastien added like it was necessary to do so.
His mother tried to cover up the smirk that crept on to her lips. “Of course he is.”
“He’s nice,” I said. “Easy to work for.”
“Because he’s afraid Bastien will kill him.” Delphine said it with complete seriousness, no hint of a joke.
I sincerely hoped that was a joke.
Bastien didn’t smile either.
“Bastien also tells me…” Her eyes drifted away as she tried to approach the subject delicately, like divorce was an ugly word. “That you and your husband are separated.”
“Yes,” I said. “We’re getting divorced. He and I finally settled our differences, so it should be filed soon.” I’d never told Bastien about my conversation with Adrien. I thought bringing it up now would make him ask for details, but he didn’t question me, at least not in front of his mother.
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“I’m not,” I blurted. “Honestly, I’m glad he cheated on me.” Probably shouldn’t have said any of that, but it just toppled out of my mouth.
Delphine watched me, clearly wanting to press for more but too polite to do so. “I have a number of girlfriends who are divorced. I’ve never heard a single one of them say something like that.”
“Mom.” Bastien didn’t raise his voice, but his tone was lethal.
“I just mean if he hadn’t cheated, then I wouldn’t have found Bastien,” I said. “I’ve only known Bastien for a few months and it hasn’t always been the smoothest, but I’m a lot happier with him than I ever was with whatever-the-fuck-his-name-is.” After the last conversation I’d had with Adrien, I shouldn’t harbor so much anger toward him, but even though I’d moved on with someone else, it didn’t mean I wasn’t still mad about what he did. He was my best friend, and he still betrayed me—and I’d never forgive him for that. For making me feel so worthless.
I felt Bastien’s hot stare on my face, felt it pierce me with its intensity.
When I met his stare, he looked exactly as I expected. Staring at me so hard it was like the first time he saw me across the bar all over again. If his mother hadn’t been there, he’d probably kiss me or bend me over the table.
I looked at his mother again.
“Then it sounds like you’ve found the right man.”
Things had progressed far quicker than I’d wanted for a brand-new relationship, but we were too passionate and volatile to remain stagnant. We raced down the highway in a Maserati from the moment we met—and we still hadn’t stopped for gas.
I didn’t respond to that, too afraid to acknowledge what she said, especially in front of Bastien.
“Do you want children?”
“Mom.” Bastien intervened again. “Don’t ask her that.”
“Why?” she asked. “It’s a harmless question.”
“It’s not harmless,” he said. “It’s packed with your agenda. You aren’t as discreet or clever as you think you are.”
Bastien and I hadn’t talked about that. I wasn’t sure what I wanted anymore. A couple months ago, I could have pictured myself with a brand-new baby in that big house, but now, kids were the last thing on my mind. We still had hundreds of miles of highway in front of us. I let her question die on the air between us because I really didn’t know what I wanted.
Delphine returned to her food, sidestepping the tension that she’d caused.
I looked at my food, but I was aware of Bastien’s stare. Felt the intensity of his look. Felt the way he reached across the table and grabbed me without touching me.