with him. That would serve no purpose. “Where is Savannah?”
“Ah, yes, the girl. Haven’t you told me on several occasions that allowing a woman into your life isn’t necessarily the best thing for business?” He wiped his mouth as he walked closer, eyeing me with disdain. “I see you can’t take your own advice. She is unharmed if that’s what you’re asking.”
“Why did you choose her? Of all the women in this country, why an American girl?”
“Because the moment you saved her life in that dark alley, killing one of my best men, I finally was able to see that you had a weakness. After all the years of being around a perfect brother, a man with unquestionable loyalty and dedication, I witnessed a halle-fucking-lujah moment. You have no idea how overjoyed I was.”
I nodded, noticing the bar on the other side of the room. He followed my gaze. “May I?”
“Help yourself, brother. At least you know it won’t be poisoned.”
I took my time, my eyes scanning every inch of the room as I poured straight scotch, swirling the liquid before taking a sip. The bastard was actually watching me with amusement. I glanced at the painting over the bar, admiring the stunning and very vivid colors, the depiction of a beautiful naked woman being spanked inspiring on several levels. “What a beautiful painting. You certainly had balls purchasing it yourself.”
I heard a catch in his breath. “I was curious as to why you’d fall prey to a woman. I admit Savannah is beautiful in every way. I’m curious. How did she recognize me?”
“She didn’t, at least not until she happened to see the photograph taken with Javier a few years ago. You remember, the one taken at the French Film Festival?”
“Ah, yes. We had a terrific time on that trip. One big party.” He looked away, taking scattered breaths. “It was a shame what happened to Javier. I honestly didn’t want him to die, but simply to leave the family business.”
“You are a true monster, Dartanian.”
Another smile crossed his face as if I’d given him a compliment. “I am but you must remember that Father taught us well. I debated what to do with Javier’s wife and children but even I can’t sink that low. Don’t tell Jorge that. He served me well. I’m certain you took out the trash for me since I leaked that he’d been helping me of his own accord. Perhaps I’m not the monster you believe me to be.”
My fucking God. I had no idea that he was as truly evil as he was. He’d been the quiet brother, unassuming and studious. We’d all been blinded by him. “You must know that Gilly and the children are protected, Dartanian. I realized sooner than you think that I couldn’t trust anyone. Gilly is in an undisclosed location enjoying the time of her life.”
“Hmmm... What a shame that you couldn’t do that with the lovely woman in your life.”
The asshole was pulling out all the stops to goad me. I felt a presence behind, was able to gather the scent of a woman’s fragrance.
“I am curious. How did you manage to arrange for Savannah and me to meet again?”
Snorting, he swaggered closer. “That was easy. I merely had my beautiful Angelina accept a job at the very café where you and Father determined that you would indulge in your music career while searching for Calleja. Coincidentally, the location was a few doors down from the art gallery where the lovely American worked. What a pity she couldn’t have been used as she was intended. She would have brought a hefty price on the market, especially given her voluptuous body. You know,” he said as he rubbed his jaw, “now that I think about it, there’s no reason not to continue with the original plan.”
Snarling, I’d had enough, my fury beyond the point of control. “You motherfucker. You will not touch her.” As I lunged forward, the woman from the background moved quickly toward me, holding a gun in her hand.
“Not so fast,” she said smugly.
“Don’t worry, my lovely Angelina. My brother doesn’t have it in him to kill me. Do you?” Dartanian laughed again. “Now, I suppose you would like to say your goodbyes? Yes? Keep a watch on him. If he flinches, shoot him in the knees.”
I closed my eyes briefly, trying to remember the good times we’d shared as a family. So much had changed over the last few years. “Do you love him?”