Chapter 1 - The Standoff
Luca took that single, slow step toward me, moving with the heavy, inevitable gravity of a man who was used to the world rearranging itself to suit his demands.
The sound of leather holsters unfastening was simultaneous. A sharp, synchronized clack-clack-clack that echoed through the quiet luxury of the boutique.
Luca stopped. A terrifying, predatory smile touched the corners of his mouth. He didn't even turn his head. "You think boutique security is going to stop me from walking up to my own wife?" he asked, his voice a low, lethal hum.
Vanessa’s smirk widened. She smoothed her pale coat, clearly reveling in the display of Luca's absolute authority. She thought she was watching a desperate, runaway wife about to be dragged back to her cage.
"They aren't boutique security, Luca," I said.
I didn't raise my voice. I didn't step backward. I just rested both hands comfortably on my swollen stomach.
"Stand down, gentlemen," I commanded.
The four men in tailored black suits did not look at Luca. They did not look at Vanessa. They looked exclusively at me. And in perfect unison, they lowered their weapons, stepping back to form a seamless, impenetrable wall exactly three feet behind my shoulders.
The predatory smile vanished from Luca's face.
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His gray eyes darted to the men, truly seeing them for the first time. He recognized the matte-black lapel pins on their jackets. Not Moretti pins.
Bennett pins.
