Violent Devotion

VIOLENTDEVOTION ADarkMafiaRomance ByBARABETT

DEDICATION Foreveryonewhohaseverbeentoldthatloveshouldmakethemsmaller. Mayyoufindthekindoflovethatdoestheopposite. Thekindthatseesyou. Thekindthatchallengesyou. Thekindthatstandsbesideyouwithouttryingtoownyou. Andforthosewholovefiercelyenoughtochooseeachother— againandagain. Thisoneisforyou.

TABLEOFCONTENTS ChapterOne—TheWolf ChapterTwo—TheHouseofWolves ChapterThree—BloodonWhiteSilk ChapterFour—TheRules ChapterFive—TheBookstore ChapterSix—LessonsinViolence ChapterSeven—TheGirlintheElevator ChapterEight—BehindtheMask ChapterNine—TheFirstKiss ChapterTen—NoTurningBack ChapterEleven—TheFamily ChapterTwelve—TheWarning ChapterThirteen—TheMissingFiles ChapterFourteen—TheLie ChapterFifteen—TheWire ChapterSixteen—BetweenTwoWorlds ChapterSeventeen—TheConfession ChapterEighteen—TheNightEverythingChanged ChapterNineteen—TheEnemyWithin ChapterTwenty—TheBetrayal ChapterTwenty-One—TheCage ChapterTwenty-Two—TheRealDebt ChapterTwenty-Three—TheTruthAboutElena'sFather

ChapterTwenty-Four—TheTarget ChapterTwenty-Five—BurnItAll ChapterTwenty-Six—TheWolf'sChoice ChapterTwenty-Seven—BloodandFire ChapterTwenty-Eight—QueenBesidetheWolf ChapterTwenty-Nine—ViolentDevotion ChapterThirty—WheretheWorldCan'tSee Epilogue—TheChoice

ABOUTTHEBOOK ViolentDevotionisadark,emotionalmafiaromanceaboutobsession,betrayal,power,andthedangerous linebetweenprotectionandpossession. ElenaRiccihasspentherlifebelievingsheescapedherfamily'sconnectiontothecriminalworld.At twenty-four,sheisalawstudentwithaquietlife,aloveofbooks,andasecretpassionforwritingromance novels. ThenValentinaDeLucawalksthroughherdoor. KnownthroughoutChicago'sunderworldasLaLupo—theWolf,ValentinaistheruthlessheirtotheDe Lucaempire.ShetellsElenathatherfatherowestwomilliondollars. Elenahasnowaytopay. SoValentinaoffersheranotherchoice. Sixmonthsworkingforher. SixmonthsinsidetheDeLucaworld. Sixmonthsunderthewatchofthewomaneveryonefears. ButElenasoondiscoversthatthedebtisnotwhatitseems. BecauseValentinanoticedherlongbeforesheevercametocollect. Andwhatbeganasanarrangementbecomessomethingneitherwomancancontrol. AssecretssurroundingElena'sfamilyemerge,thetruthbecomesincreasinglydangerous.Herfathermay notbedead.Hermothermaystillbealive.TheDeLucaempiremayhavebeenbuiltonawebof corruptionstretchingfarbeyondChicago. Andsomeoneiswillingtokilltokeepthosesecretsburied. WhentheFBIasksElenatobetraythewomansheloves,shefindsherselfcaughtbetweentwoworlds. ValentinawouldburnherempiretokeepElenasafe. ButElenadoesn'twanttobeprotected. Shewantstostandbesideher. Becausesometimesthemostdangerousloveisn'ttheonethatdestroysyou. It'stheonethatteachesyouhowtobecomepowerfulenoughtochooseyourownlife.

ViolentDevotionisadarksapphicmafiaromancefeaturingforbiddenattraction,possessivedevotion, familysecrets,betrayal,high-stakesdanger,andaslow-burnlovestorybetweentwowomenwhomust learnthatlovingsomeoneisnotthesameasowningthem.

CONTENTNOTE Thisnovelcontainsmaturethemes,violence,organizedcrime,death,betrayal,emotionalmanipulation, threats,weapons,andreferencestotrauma. Readerswhomayfindthesethemesdifficultareencouragedtoreadwithcare. ViolentDevotionisintendedformaturereaders.

CHAPTERONE-THEWOLF ThefirsttimeValentinaDeLucawalkedintomyapartment,shedidn'tknock. Sheunlockedmydoorlikeshealreadyownedit. Iwassittingcross-leggedonthefloorwithalawtextbookopeninfrontofme,ahalf-emptymugofcoffee coolingbesidemyknee,andexactlythreehoursofsleepbehindmyeyes. Forafewseconds,IthoughtIwasdreaming. Thenthewomanstandinginmydoorwayremovedherblackleathergloves,fingerbyfinger. Slowly. Deliberately. Myheartstopped. EveryoneinChicagoknewthenameValentinaDeLuca. Evenpeoplewhopretendedtheydidn't. TheDeLucasownedrestaurants,nightclubs,constructioncompanies,privatesecurityfirms,luxuryhotels, andenoughpoliticianstomakecertaindoorsopenbeforeanyoneknocked. Butthoseweretherespectableparts. Theotherpartswerespokenaboutinwhispers. Weapons. Extortion. Moneylaundering. Disappearances. Blood. Valentinahadinheritedallofitattwenty-six,afterherfatherdiedundercircumstancesnobodydiscussed. Now,attwenty-nine,shewassupposedlythemostdangerouswomaninthecity. Andshewasstandinginmyapartment. "ElenaRicci?"

Hervoicewascalm. Toocalm. Iswallowed. "Yes." Shelookedatme. Notattheapartment. Notatthetextbooksscatteredacrossthefloor. Notatthecheapbookshelvessaggingbeneaththeweightofmynovels. Atme. Hergazemovedslowlyfrommyfacetomyoversizeduniversitysweatshirtandthenbackagain. IsuddenlybecamepainfullyawarethatIwasbarefoot. "I'mValentinaDeLuca." "Iknow." Onecornerofhermouthlifted. "Good." Behindherstoodtwomendressedindarksuits. Theydidn'tenter. Theydidn'tneedto. Valentinasteppedinsideandclosedthedoorbehindherself. Click. Thesoundwasridiculouslyloud. Istood. "Howdidyougetin?" "Yourfathergaveusakey."

Mystomachtightened. "Myfather?" "Yourfather." Shewalkedfartherintotheapartment. Herheelsclickedagainstthewoodenfloor. "Youhaven'tspokentohimtoday." Itwasn'taquestion. "No." "Whereishe?" "Idon'tknow." Thatwastrue. Myfatherhaddisappearedthreedaysago. Hehadn'tansweredmycalls. Hehadn'treturnedmymessages. Ihadspentyesterdayconvincingmyselfthathewassimplyavoidingme. NowIwasn'tsosure. Valentinastoppedinfrontofmycoffeetable. Hereyesfellonthepapersscatteredacrossit. Myhandwrittennotes. Caselaw. Andbeneaththem— Mymanuscript. Imovedquickly. Shenoticed.

Ofcourseshenoticed. Hereyebrowrose. "Youwrite?" "No." Hergazedroppedtothemanuscriptagain. "Youjustsaidno." "Idon'twrite." "Interesting." Shepickedupthefirstpage. Isnatcheditfromherhand. "Don't." Somethingchangedinherexpression. Notanger. Interest. "Youdon'tlikepeopletouchingyourthings." "No." "Isee." Shesatdownonmysofaasthoughshe'dbeeninvited. Iremainedstanding. "Whyareyouhere?" Valentinacrossedonelegovertheother. "Yourfatherowesmyfamilytwomilliondollars." Ilaughed. Icouldn'thelpit.

Itwasthekindoflaughthatescapedwhensomethingwastooabsurdtobefrightening. "Myfatherdoesn'thavetwomilliondollars." "Iknow." "Idon'thavetwomilliondollars." "Iknow." "Sowhatexactlyareyouexpectingmetodo?" Hereyesmetmine. "You." Mybreathcaught. Sheleanedback. "Youwillcomeworkforme." Istaredather. "Forhowlong?" "Sixmonths." "Whatkindofwork?" "You'lltranslatedocuments.Organizefiles.Attendcertainmeetings.Helpwithcorrespondence." "Youhaveemployeeswhocandothat." "Ido." "Thenwhyme?" Silence. Forthefirsttimesincesheenteredmyapartment,Valentinalookedalmosthuman. Almost. "BecauseIchoseyou." Ididn'tunderstand.

"Why?" Shestood. Thedistancebetweenussuddenlyfelttoosmall. "That,"shesaidquietly,"issomethingyou'lllearnlater." Ishouldhavetoldherno. Ishouldhavecalledthepolice. Ishouldhavedemandedtoseeevidenceofthedebt. Instead,IstoodtherestaringintotheeyesofthewomaneveryoneinChicagowasafraidof. AndsomewherebeneaththefearwassomethingIdidn'thaveanamefor. Curiosity. Dangerous,stupidcuriosity. Valentinareachedforthemanuscriptonthetable. Thistime,shedidn'tpickitup. Sheonlytouchedthecorner. "Youshouldfinishit." Ifrowned. "Youreadromance?" "No." "Thenwhydoyoucare?" Hereyesfoundmineagain. "Becauseyouwriteaboutpeoplechoosingeachother." Mychesttightened. "And?" Shesteppedcloser.

"BecauseIwanttoknowwhatitfeelslike." Foroneimpossiblesecond,theWolflookedlonely. Thentheexpressiondisappeared. Sheputherglovesbackon. "Packabag." Istaredather. "I'mnotgoinganywherewithyou." Valentinasmiled. Notwarmly. Notcruelly. Justknowingly. "Sixmonths,Elena." Shemovedtowardthedoor. "Afterthat,youcanwalkaway." Sheopenedit. Thenshestopped. Withoutturningaround,shesaid, "AndElena?" "Yes?" "Ifanyoneaskswhyyou'restayingwithme..." Shelookedoverhershoulder. "Tellthemyouoweme." Thedoorclosed. Istoodaloneinmyapartment. Myhandswereshaking.

Ilookeddownatthemanuscript. Thenatthelockeddoor. Andforthefirsttimeinmylife,Iwonderedwhetherthemostdangerousthingintheroomhadbeenthe womanwhowalkedthroughthedoor— orthepartofmethatwantedtofollowher.

CHAPTERTWO—TheHouseofWolves Bymidnight,Ihadpackedonesuitcase. NotbecauseIhadacceptedValentina'soffer. BecauseIwasafraidofwhatwouldhappenifIdidn't. Therewasadifference. Atleast,that'swhatItoldmyself. Istoodinthemiddleofmybedroomstaringatthesuitcase. Sixmonths. Sixmonthsoftranslatingdocumentsforawomanwhocouldapparentlyunlockmyapartmentwithout permission. Sixmonthsoflivingunderthewatchofpeoplewhocarriedgunsbeneaththeirjackets. SixmonthsofpretendingIwasn'tterrified. ThenIrememberedmyfather. Twomilliondollars. Thenumberwouldn'tleavemyhead. Ipickedupmyphoneandcalledhimagain. Straighttovoicemail. "Dad,please." Myvoicecracked. "Ifyou'relisteningtothis,justcallme." Nothing. Iendedthecall. AblackSUVwaswaitingoutsidewhenIlookedthroughthewindow. Ihadn'thearditarrive. OfcourseIhadn't. Thedriversteppedoutandlookedtowardmyapartment.

Waiting. Igrabbedmysuitcase. ThenIlookedaroundmytinybedroomonelasttime. Mybooks. Myuniversitynotes. ThecheapdeskI'dhadsincecollege. Thelittleframedphotographofmymother. Everythingfeltsuddenlytemporary. Ilockedthedoorbehindme. ThedriveropenedtheSUV. "MissRicci." Ihesitated. "Whereareyoutakingme?" "Home." Ialmostlaughed. Iwasn'tsureI'deverhadone. Thedoorclosedbehindme. Aswedrovethroughthecity,Chicagoblurredbeyondthetintedwindows. Iwatchedthelightsdisappearonebyone. Thenmyphonevibrated. Unknownnumber. Don'tbeafraid. Istaredatthemessage. Anotherappeared. Iwon'thurtyou.

Myheartstartedbeatingfaster. Ityped: Whoisthis? Theresponsecameimmediately. Youknowwho. Ilookedtowardthefrontofthevehicle. Thedriverwassilent. Ideletedtheconversation. ButIcouldn'tdeletethefeelingitleftbehind. Valentinahadmynumber. Ofcourseshedid. TheDeLucaestatewasoutsidethecity,hiddenbehindenormousirongatesandrowsofdarktrees. Itwasn'twhatI'dexpected. I'dimaginedsomethinggothic. Somethingterrifying. Instead,thehousewasbeautiful. Elegant. Massive. Whitestone,enormouswindows,manicuredgardens. Itlookedlikethekindofplacethatbelongedonthecoverofaluxurymagazine. Nottheheadquartersofacriminalempire. Thegatesopened. TheSUVcontinuedupthelongdriveway. Ipressedmyhandstogether. Don'tpanic.

Thecarstoppedbeneathacoveredentrance. Awomaninherfiftiescameoutside. Sheworeablackdressandcarriedherselfwiththeconfidenceofsomeonewhohadworkedherelong enoughnottobeimpressedbyanyone. "MissRicci." "Hi." Shetookmysuitcase. "I'llshowyoutoyourroom." "Thankyou." Sheturned. Ifollowed. Wewalkedthroughamarblehallway. Paintingscoveredthewalls. MostwereportraitsofDeLucaancestors. Men. Women. Children. Allofthemlookedsevere. Allexceptone. Istopped. TheportraitshowedayoungerValentina. Maybesixteen. ShewasstandingbesideanoldermanIassumedwasherfather. Valentinawasn'tsmiling. Butshelookedhappy. OrmaybeIonlyimaginedit.

"Youknewherfather?" Thewomanglancedatme. "EveryonehereknewMr.DeLuca." "Whathappenedtohim?" Herexpressionchanged. "YoushouldaskMissDeLuca." BeforeIcouldrespond,wereachedastaircase. "Yourroomisupstairs." Sheopenedthedoor. Isteppedinside. Ifroze. Itwaslargerthanmyentireapartment. Aking-sizedbed. Aprivatebathroom. Asittingarea. Floor-to-ceilingwindowsoverlookingthegardens. Asmallwritingdeskstoodnearthewindow. Andonthedeskwasmymanuscript. Mybloodwentcold. Iturnedaround. "Howdidthatgethere?" Thewomanlookedconfused. "Idon'tknow." Iwalkedtowardit. ThemanuscriptwasexactlywhereI'dleftit.

Excepttherewassomethingontop. Asingleredrose. Itouchedit. Fresh. Stillwetwithwater. "MissRicci?" Ilookedup. "Yes?" "Youshouldknowsomething." Hervoicehaddropped. "What?" "MissDeLucadoesn'tbringpeoplehere." Myfingerstightenedaroundtherose. "ThenwhyamIhere?" Thewomanlookedatthemanuscript. Thenatme. "Idon'tknow." Sheleft. Istoodtherealone. Theroomsuddenlydidn'tfeelluxuriousanymore. Itfeltlikeacage. Abeautifulone. Butacagenonetheless. Ipickedupthemanuscript. Thefirstpagehadbeenfolded.

Someonehadmarkedaparagraph. Irecognizedmyownwords. Loveisnotalwaysgentle.Sometimesitarriveslikeastormandleavesyoustandinginthewreckage, wonderingwhyyoustillwantmore. Mystomachtwisted. Valentinahadreadit. Shehadreadmyprivatewords. Andsomehowthatfeltmoreintimatethanifshe'dtouchedme. Iclosedthemanuscript. Ineededair. Isteppedontothebalcony. Thegardensstretchedbeneathme. Moonlightspilledacrossthelawn. Forafewminutes,everythingwasquiet. ThenIheardfootsteps. Iturned. Valentinastoodinthedoorway. Shewasn'twearingthesuitfromearlier. Tonight,sheworeblacktrousersandawhitesilkshirtwiththesleevesrolledtoherelbows. Herhairwasloose. Shelookedyounger. LessliketheWolf. Morelikethewomanfromtheportrait. "Howlonghaveyoubeenstandingthere?" "Longenough." Ifrowned.

"That'screepy." Hereyebrowlifted. "You'reinmyhouse." "Thatdoesn'tmakeitlesscreepy." Foramoment,shesimplylookedatme. Then,unexpectedly,shesmiled. Itwassmall. Real. Anddevastating. Ilookedaway. "What?" "Nothing." "Youwerestaring." "Sowereyou." "Iwastryingtofigureoutwhyyou'rehere." "And?" "Ihaven'tfigureditout." Shewalkedtowardme. IstayedwhereIwas. "You'reherebecauseyourfatherowesme." "Youkeepsayingthat." "Becauseit'strue." "Thenshowmethepaperwork." Herexpressionhardened. "I'llshowyoutomorrow."

"Promise?" "Yes." Istudiedherface. "Whydoyoukeeplookingatmelikethat?" Shewentstill. "Likewhat?" "Likeyoualreadyknowme." Silence. Thecitylightsflickeredfarbeyondtheestate. Valentinalookedawayfirst. "Isawyouonce." Myheartbeatstumbled. "Where?" "Abookstore." Istaredather. "When?" "Threemonthsago." "Youfollowedme?" "No." Shepaused. "Youweresittingbythewindow." Mythroatwentdry. "Youwerereading." Iremembered. Therehadbeenarainyafternoon.

I'dspenttwohoursinabookstoreavoidinganassignment. Ihadn'tnoticedanyonewatchingme. Valentina'seyesreturnedtomine. "Youlaughedatsomethingyouwerereading." Ididn'tknowwhattosay. "Irememberthinking..." Shestopped. "What?" Hergazemovedovermyface. "Nothing." "Valentina." Shesteppedcloser. Tooclose. Icouldsmellherperfume. Somethingwarmandexpensive. "Irememberthinkingthatyoulookedlikeyoubelongedsomewheresafe." Mychesttightened. "Andyoudecidedtobringmehere?" "No." Hervoicewasquiet. "IdecidedIwantedtoknowyou." BeforeIcouldrespond,herphonerang. Themomentshattered. Valentinasteppedawayandanswered. "Speak."

Herexpressionchanged. Whateversheheardmadeherjawtighten. "Where?" Apause. "Don'ttouchanything." Sheendedthecall. Iwatchedher. "Whathappened?" "Nothingyouneedtoworryabout." "That'snotananswer." Shewalkedtowardthedoor. "Stayinyourroomtonight." "Why?" Shestopped. "BecauseIsaidso." Icrossedmyarms. "Youdon'tgettoordermearound." Valentinalookedbackatme. Forseveralseconds,neitherofusmoved. Thenshesaidquietly, "Notyet." Andshewalkedaway. Istoodonthebalconylongaftershedisappeared. Notyet. Twowords.

Twowordsthatshouldhavefrightenedme. Instead,theyfollowedmeintomydreams.

CHAPTERTHREE—BloodonWhiteSilk Ididn'tsleep. EverytimeIclosedmyeyes,IheardValentina'svoice. Notyet. Bythreeinthemorning,Igaveup. Islippedoutofbedandwalkedtowardthewindow. Theestatewassilent. Toosilent. ThenIsawheadlights. Ablackcarpassedthroughthegates. Anotherfollowed. Iwatchedthemdisappearbeneaththetrees. Somethingwaswrong. Ididn'tknowwhyIknew. Ijustdid. Iopenedmybedroomdoor. Thehallwaywasempty. ItookthreestepsbeforeIheardvoicesdownstairs. Men. Quiet. Urgent. Imovedtowardthestaircase. "Whereisshe?" Valentina. Mystomachtightened.

Ileanedagainstthewallandlistened. "Shehasn'tlefttheroom." "Good." "Whatdowedoabouttheshipment?" Apause. "Handleit." Valentina'svoicewascoldernow. "Andtheman?" Anothersilence. "He'salive." "Keephimthatway." Isteppedbackward. Thefloorcreaked. Everythingwentquiet. Ifroze. Footstepsapproached. Iturnedtorun,butValentinaappearedattheendofthehallway. Hereyesfoundmine. Forseveralseconds,neitherofusspoke. Thenshelookedatthemenbehindher. "Leave." Theydisappearedimmediately. Valentinawalkedtowardme. "Whatareyoudoingoutofyourroom?" "Icouldn'tsleep."

"Youshouldhavestayedupstairs." "Yousaidnotyet." Herexpressiontightened. "What?" "Earlier.YousaidIcouldn'torderyouaround.Notyet." Ifoldedmyarms. "SoIassumedeventuallyyouplannedto." Afaintsmiletouchedherlips. "You'rebrave." "I'mterrified." "There'sadifference." "Notalways." Shestoppedinfrontofme. Forthefirsttime,Inoticedsomethingdarkonthesleeveofhershirt. Blood. Myeyeswidened. "You'rebleeding." Sheglanceddown. "It'snotmine." Thatsomehowmadeitworse. "Whathappened?" "Gobacktobed,Elena." "No." Hereyesnarrowed. "No?"

"Youbroughtmeintoyourhouse.Youtoldmemyfatherowesyoutwomilliondollars.Yourefuseto showmethepaperwork.Youhavearmedmendownstairsatthreeinthemorning." Itookabreath. "Andnowyou'restandinginfrontofmecoveredinsomeoneelse'sblood." Herexpressionbecameunreadable. "Youasktoomanyquestions." "I'malawstudent." "Iknow." "Youkeepsayingthatlikeit'sawarning." "Maybeitis." Sheturnedaway. Ifollowed. "Whereareyougoing?" "Tochange." "Youneedtocleanthat." Shestopped. Ipointedathersleeve. "It'sgoingtostain." Forsomereason,thatmadeherlaugh. Aquiet,almostdisbelievingsound. "What?" "Nothing." "Youthinkthisisfunny?" "No." Shelookedatme. "Ithinkyou'restrange."

"I'lltakethatasacompliment." Shewalkedtowardasmallsittingroom. Ifollowedherinside. Sheremovedherjacket. Thenshebeganunbuttoninghershirt. Iimmediatelyturnedaway. "Whatareyoudoing?" "Changing." "WhileI'mstandinghere?" "Youtoldmetocleantheblood." "Imeantyoursleeve." "Iknow." Iglancedback. Shewassmiling. "Youenjoymakingmeuncomfortable." "MorethanIshould." Thewordshungbetweenus. Neitherofusmoved. Valentinalookedawayfirst. Sheremovedtheshirtandrevealedathinwhitecamisolebeneathit. Therewasacutalongherribs. Notdeep. Butenoughtomakemewince. "You'rehurt." "It'snothing."

"Sit." Hereyebrowlifted. "Excuseme?" "Sitdown." Foronce,Valentinalistened. Shesatontheedgeofthesofa. Ifoundafirst-aidkitinthecabinet. WhenIreturned,shewaswatchingme. "You'reverybossyforsomeonewhoissupposedtobemyemployee." "I'mbeginningtoregretagreeingtothis." "Youhaven'tagreedyet." Istopped. "What?" Shelookedatme. "Youcanleave." Myfingerstightenedaroundthemedicalsupplies. "Tonight?" "Tonight." "Thenwhydidyoubringmehere?" Herexpressionchanged. Becausetherewasananswer. Icouldseeit. Shesimplywasn'twillingtogiveit. "BecauseIwantedyouclose." Myheartstumbled.

"Why?" "That'sthequestionyoukeepasking." "Becauseyoukeepavoidingit." Shelookedatmeforalongmoment. Thenshesaid, "MaybeI'mstilltryingtounderstandtheanswermyself." Ididn'trespond. Icleanedthecutcarefully. Valentinadidn'tflinch. Notonce. Butwhenmyfingersbrushedherskin,herbreathingchanged. Sodidmine. Neitherofusacknowledgedit. WhenIfinished,Isteppedback. "There." "Thankyou." Ibeganputtingthesuppliesaway. ThenInoticedsomethingonthetable. Aphotograph. Ipickeditup. Valentinaandherfather. Shewasyounger. Maybeeighteen. Shewassmiling. Actuallysmiling.

"That'sthefirsttimeI'veseenyousmileinaphotograph." Herexpressionimmediatelyclosed. "Putitdown." Idid. "Sorry." Shepickedupthephotograph. "Myfatherwasn'tagoodman." Ididn'tknowwhattosay. "Washecrueltoyou?" Herjawtightened. "Hetaughtmethatweaknessgetspeoplekilled." "Anddidyoubelievehim?" Shelookedatme. "Once." "Whatchanged?" "You." Ifroze. Sheseemedsurprisedbyherownanswer. Thenshestood. "Gotosleep,Elena." "Valentina—" "Please." Itwasthefirsttimeshe'dsaidtheword. Notanorder. Notathreat.

Arequest. Inodded. Iwalkedtowardthedoor. Beforeleaving,Iturned. "Valentina?" "Yes?" "Thankyouforlettingmego." Hereyesdarkened. "Isaidyoucouldleave." "Isn'tthatthesamething?" "No." Shelookedaway. "It'sverydifferent." Ireturnedtomyroom. Butsleepstillwouldn'tcome. BecausenowIunderstoodsomething. Thedebtwasn'ttheonlyreasonIwashere. AndwhateverValentinaDeLucawantedfromme— Iwasbeginningtosuspectshewantedsomethingshecouldn'tbuy.

CHAPTERFOUR—TheRules Thenextmorning,Iwoketoaknockonmydoor. Iopenedmyeyesslowly. Foramoment,Ididn'trememberwhereIwas. ThenIsawtheunfamiliarceiling. Theenormouswindows. Theexpensivecurtains. Thesilence. TheDeLucaestate. Isatup. "Comein." Thedooropened. Awomanstoodoutsideholdingagarmentbag. "Goodmorning,MissRicci." "Goodmorning." "MissDeLucaaskedmetobringyouthese." Shehandedmethebag. Iopenedit. Insidewasablackdress. Simple. Elegant. Expensive. Therewasalsoacream-coloredblouseandapairoftailoredtrousers. "Ican'twearthis." Thewomanlookedconfused.

"Why?" "BecauseIdidn'taskforit." "MissDeLucadoesn'tusuallyask." Sheturnedandleft. Istaredattheclothes. Ofcourse. EverythinghereseemedtobelongtoValentina. Evenmywardrobe. Ishoweredanddressedreluctantly. Theclothesfitperfectly. Tooperfectly. WhenIlookedatmyselfinthemirror,Ibarelyrecognizedthewomanstaringback. Myhairwaspulledintoaneatbun. Theblackdressreachedmyknees. Ilookedlikesomeonewhobelongedinthishouse. Thatfrightenedmemorethananything. Iwalkeddownstairs. ThediningroomwasemptyexceptforValentina. Shesatattheendofalongtable,readingsomethingonhertablet. ShelookedupwhenIentered. Hereyesmovedoverme. Slowly. IsuddenlywishedI'dwornsomethingelse. "Goodmorning,"Isaid. "Goodmorning."

Isatoppositeher. Aplatewasalreadywaitingforme. Eggs. Toast. Fruit. Coffee. "Youhadtheseprepared?" "Yes." "HowdidyouknowwhatIeat?" "Iasked." "Who?" "Youruniversityroommate." Istopped. "Youcontactedmyroommate?" Valentinaputdownhertablet. "Ineededinformation." "Youcouldhaveaskedme." "Youwouldhavelied." Ifrowned. "WhywouldIlie?" "Becausepeopleliewhenthey'reafraid." "Andyou'renotafraid?" Hergazeheldmine. "Notofyou." Ilookedaway.

Breakfastwaspainfullyquiet. Eventually,Ipushedmyplateaway. "What'smyscheduletoday?" Valentinaleanedback. "You'llworkwithmyassistant." "Doingwhat?" "Translation.Filing.Correspondence." "Anythingelse?" "You'llaccompanymetoameetingthisafternoon." Istaredather. "Whatkindofmeeting?" "Thekindwhereyoulistenmorethanyouspeak." "Thatsoundsominous." "Itis." Isighed. "Doyouhaverules?" Valentina'sexpressionchanged. "Yes." "Iknewit." Shestoodandwalkedtowardme. "Thereareseven." "Seven?" "Sevenrules." Shestoppedbesidemychair. "First,youdon'tleavetheestatewithouttellingsecurity."

Iraisedaneyebrow. "Second,youdon'tentertheeastwing." "Why?" "BecauseIsaidso." Isighed. "Ofcourse." "Third,youdon'tdiscussDeLucabusinesswithanyoneoutsidethishouse." "Iunderstand." "Fourth,youdon'ttouchanythinginmyoffice." "Fine." "Fifth,ifItellyoutostaysomewhere,youstaythere." Ilookedupather. "WhatifIdisagree?" "Youcandisagree." "And?" "Youstillstay." Irolledmyeyes. Shealmostsmiled. "Sixth,"shecontinued,"youdon'ttrustanyonesimplybecausethey'renicetoyou." Thatonecaughtmyattention. "Why?" "BecausesomeofthemostdangerouspeopleI'veevermetwerecharming." "Andtheseventh?" Hereyesbecameserious. "Youneverputyourselfindangertoprovesomethingtome."

Istaredather. "WhywouldIdothat?" "Becauseyou'restubborn." "You'veknownmefortwodays." "I'veknownenough." Somethingaboutthewayshesaiditmademychesttighten. Ilookedaway. "Isthateverything?" "Fornow." Shewalkedaway. Iwatchedherdisappearthroughthedoorway. Fornow. Apparently,evenherrulescamewithwarnings. Byafternoon,IhadlearnedthatworkingforValentinawasn'tremotelywhatIexpected. Herassistant,Sofia,gavemestacksofdocumentstotranslate. Mostwerelegalcontracts. SomewereinItalian. Otherswerefinancialrecords. Irecognizedseveralcompanynamesfromthenews. Ididn'taskquestions. NotbecauseIwasn'tcurious. BecauseIrememberedrulenumberthree. Atfouro'clock,Valentinacameforme. Shestoodoutsidetheofficewearingacharcoalsuit. "Ready?"

"Forwhat?" "Themeeting." "Ithoughtyousaiditwasatfive." "Itis." Ilookedattheclock. "Thenwhyareyouhere?" "Becausewe'releavingearly." "Wherearewegoing?" Shelookedatme. "Youasktoomanyquestions." "Andyouanswertoofew." Herlipscurvedslightly. "Come." Thedriveintothecitywasquiet. Valentinasatbesidemeinthebackseat. Shespentmostofthejourneylookingatherphone. Ilookedoutthewindow. Afterseveralminutes,Inoticedherstaringatme. "What?" "Nothing." "Youkeepdoingthat." "Doingwhat?" "Lookingatme." Sheputherphoneaway. "Isitbotheringyou?"

"Ihaven'tdecided." "ThenI'llcontinue." Iturnedtowardthewindowtohidemysmile. Thecarstoppedoutsidealuxuryhotel. Severalmenwerewaitingneartheentrance. Valentinasteppedoutfirst. Immediately,everyonestraightened. Nobodyquestionedher. Nobodystoppedher. Nobodyevenlookedherdirectlyintheeyesfortoolong. Ifollowed. Insidetheprivateelevator,Valentinastoodbesideme. Thedoorsclosed. Foramoment,wewerealone. "RememberwhatIsaid." "ListenmorethanIspeak." "Good." Theelevatorbeganmoving. Thenitstopped. Ifrowned. "Whathappened?" Valentinalookedatthedisplay. "Powerinterruption." Thelightsflickered. Ifeltmystomachtighten.

"Arewestuck?" "Foramoment." Ileanedagainstthewall. Valentinanoticed. "Youdon'tlikesmallspaces." "Notparticularly." Shemovedcloser. "Lookatme." Idid. "You'resafe." Hervoicewassurprisinglygentle. Theelevatorjolted. Iinstinctivelygrabbedherarm. Shedidn'tmove. IrealizedwhatI'ddoneandimmediatelyletgo. "Sorry." "Don'tbe." Hereyesremainedonmine. Forseveralseconds,neitherofusspoke. Thentheelevatorstartedmovingagain. Thedoorsopened. Valentinasteppedoutfirst. Ifollowed. Neitherofusmentionedwhathadjusthappened. ButIcouldn'tstopthinkingaboutit.

Themeetinglastednearlytwohours. Ibarelyspoke. Valentinadominatedtheroomwithoutraisinghervoiceonce. Shedidn'tneedto. Everyonelistened. Everyoneobeyed. Whenitfinallyended,wereturnedtotheelevator. Thistime,Istoodfartherawayfromher. Valentinanoticed. Shesaidnothing. Whenwearrivedbackattheestate,Iwentstraighttomyroom. Iwasexhausted. ButjustbeforeIclosedthedoor,IheardValentina'svoicebehindme. "Elena." Iturned. Shestoodattheendofthehallway. "Yes?" "Tomorrow,you'recomingwithmeagain." "Where?" Shegavemethatfamiliarunreadablesmile. "You'llfindout." Thenshewalkedaway. Iclosedmydoor. Forthefirsttimesincearrivingattheestate,Ismiled. Andthatterrifiedme.

BecauseIwasbeginningtoenjoybeinghere.

CHAPTERFIVE—TheBookstore Threemonthsearlier,beforetheDeLucaestate,beforethedebt,beforeValentinaDeLucawalkedintomy apartmentandrearrangedmyentirelife,Ihadbeenhavinganordinaryafternoon. Itwasraining. Chicagohadbeendrowningbeneathagrayskysincemorning,andIhaddecidedthatstayinginsidemy apartmentwouldonlymakemethinkaboutthelawexamIhadbeenavoiding. SoIwenttomyfavoritebookstore. Itwassmall,warm,andalwayssmelledlikecoffeeandoldpaper. Iloveditthere. Nobodyknewme. Nobodyaskedquestions. Icoulddisappearbetweentheshelves. Thatafternoon,Iboughtaromancenovelandfoundaseatbesidethewindow. Ireadforalmosttwohours. Atsomepoint,Ilaughed. Ididn'tknowsomeonewaswatchingme. Ididn'tknowthatacrosstheroom,awomaninablackcoathadstoppedreadingthemomentsheheardmy laughter. Ididn'tknowshewouldrememberme. ButValentinadid. Now,threemonthslater,Iwassittingacrossfromherinthebackofhercar. "Yousaidyousawmeinabookstore." Valentinalookedupfromherphone. "Yes." "When?" "Threemonthsago." "Youremembertheexactday?"

"Iremember." "Why?" Shewasquiet. Thenshelookedoutthewindow. "BecauseInoticedyou." Ifrowned. "That'snotanexplanation." "Itis." "No,it'snot." Sheturnedtowardme. "Youweresittingbythewindow." "Irememberthebookstore." "Youwerewearingagreensweater." Istaredather. "YourememberwhatIwaswearing?" "Yes." "That'sstrange." "Probably." Ilaughednervously. "Whatwereyoudoingthere?" "Waitingforsomeone." "Who?" "Myfather." Theanswersurprisedme. "Youweremeetingyourfather?"

"Yes." "Didhecome?" "No." Ilookedather. "Thenwhywereyouthere?" Shedidn'tanswerimmediately. "Hewassupposedtomeetsomeone." "Who?" "Someonewholaterbecameaproblem." Thewayshesaiditmademestopasking. Thecarcontinuedthroughthecity. Afterseveralminutes,Ispokeagain. "Soyousawmeonceanddecidedtobringmeintoyourlife?" Valentina'seyesreturnedtomine. "Ididn'tdecideimmediately." "Whathappened?" "Isawyouagain." "When?" "Severaltimes." Mystomachdropped. "Youfollowedme?" "No." Shepaused. "Ihadpeoplewhoknewwhereyouwere." Istaredather.

"That'ssupposedtomakemefeelbetter?" "No." Atleastshewashonest. "Whyme?" Valentinaleanedback. "Becauseyouweredifferent." "Differenthow?" "Youweren'tinterestedinmoney." "Youbarelyknewme." "Iwatchedyou." Thewordssentastrangechillthroughme. "Youwatchedme?" "Fromadistance." "That'snotromantic." "Ididn'tsayitwas." Ilookedaway. Thecarstopped. Ihadn'trealizedwe'darrived. Valentinaopenedthedoor. Wewereoutsidealargeofficebuilding. "Wherearewe?" "Oneofmycompanies." "Youhavealotofcompanies." "Yes." "Howmany?"

"Enough." Ifollowedherinside. TheemployeesbecamenoticeablyquieterwhenValentinaentered. Shewalkedthroughthelobbywithoutacknowledginganyone. Istayedbesideher. Attheelevator,shepressedabutton. "You'reunusuallyquiet,"shesaid. "I'mthinking." "About?" "WhetherIshouldbescaredofyou." Shelookedatme. "And?" "Ihaven'tdecided." Theelevatordoorsopened. Westeppedinside. Valentinapressedthetopfloor. "Youshouldbe." Ilookedather. "Atleastyou'rehonest." "Ialwaysamwithyou." Theelevatorrose. Whenthedoorsopened,weenteredaprivateofficeoverlookingthecity. Valentinawalkedtoherdesk. Iremainednearthedoor. "Whydidyoubringmehere?"

"BecauseIwantedyoutoseesomething." Sheopenedadrawerandremovedafile. Sheplaceditonthedesk. Iapproachedslowly. Mynamewaswrittenonthefront. Myheartstopped. "Whatisthis?" "Openit." Idid. Insidewerephotographs. Myapartment. Myuniversity. Thebookstore. Mewalkingdownthestreet. Mesittinginacafé. Meleavingclass. Ilookedupslowly. "You'vebeenwatchingmeformonths." Valentinadidn'tdenyit. "Yes." "Why?" Herexpressionsoftened. "BecauseIwantedtoknowyou." "Beforeyouevenspoketome?" "Yes."

"That'sobsession." "Iknow." Thehonestyshockedme. Iclosedthefile. "Idon'tknowwhethertobefrightenedorangry." "Youcanbeboth." Isteppedback. "Valentina..." Shestood. "Ineverintendedtohurtyou." "Butyouliedtome." "Aboutthedebt?" Ifroze. Sheknew. "Ididn'tsaythat." "Youdidn'thaveto." Shewalkedtowardme. "I'llexplaineverything." "When?" "Whenyou'rereadytohearit." "Andwhenwillthatbe?" Hereyesheldmine. "Whenyoutrustme." Ialmostlaughed. "Trustyou?"

Shenodded. "Yes." "Afteryousecretlywatchedmeformonths?" "Yes." "Afteryoudraggedmeintothishouse?" "Yes." "Afteryourefusedtoshowmethedebt?" Herjawtightened. "Yes." Ishookmyhead. "Youmakethatsoundeasy." "Itisn't." Forthefirsttime,Isawuncertaintyinhereyes. Thenshereachedforthefileandclosedit. "Come." "Where?" "Home." Ifollowedherout. Butonthedriveback,onequestionwouldn'tleavemymind. IfValentinahadbeenwatchingmeformonthsbeforethedebteverexisted— thenwhatexactlyhadsheplannedbeforesheeverwalkedthroughmydoor?

CHAPTERSIX—LessonsinViolence Thenextmorning,Valentinawokemebeforesunrise. Therewasaknockonmydooratsix. IopenedittofindSofiastandingthere. "MissDeLucawantsyoudownstairs." "Atsixinthemorning?" Sofiagavemeasympatheticsmile. "You'llgetusedtoit." "I'mbeginningtothinkthat'sexactlywhatshewants." Sofiasaidnothing. Ichangedquicklyandwentdownstairs. Valentinawaswaitingintheentrancehall. Sheworeblacktrousers,afittedjacket,andboots. Nomakeup. Nojewelry. ShelookedlesslikethewomanwhoownedhalfofChicagoandmorelikesomeonepreparingforwar. "Goodmorning." "Goodmorning." "Comewithme." "Where?" "Somewhereprivate." Thatanswerdidnothingtoreassureme. WewalkedthroughtherearoftheestateandtowardalargedetachedbuildingI'dnevernoticedbefore. Valentinaenteredasecuritycode. Thedoorsopened.

Istopped. Insidewasatrainingfacility. Therewerepunchingbags,mats,weights,andseverallockedcabinets. Atthefarendwasashootingrange. Iturnedtowardher. "WhyamIhere?" "Becauseyouneedtolearnhowtoprotectyourself." "I'mnotplanningtobecomeacriminal." "NeitheramI." Igaveheralook. Shealmostsmiled. "Beingabletoprotectyourselfdoesn'tmakeyouacriminal." "I'veneverheldagun." "Iknow." "ThenwhydoIneedone?" "Becauseyou'relivinginmyworldnow." Ididn'tlikethesoundofthat. "Idon'twantto." "Thenleave." Thewordswerequiet. Ilookedather. Shewasn'tchallengingme. Shewasgivingmeachoice. Forsomereason,thatmadeitharder. Istayed.

Valentinawalkedtowardoneofthetablesandopenedacase. Insidewasahandgun. Mystomachtightened. "Absolutelynot." "Youdon'thavetouseit." "Good." Sheclosedthecase. "Thenwe'llstartwithsomethingelse." Shepickedupasmallpracticeknife. Istaredatit. "That'sbetter?" "Much." Sheplaceditinmyhand. "Holdit." Idid. "Notlikethat." Shesteppedbehindme. BeforeIcouldreact,herhandcoveredmine. Mybreathcaught. "Relax." "I'mrelaxed." "Yourhandisshaking." "Becauseyou'restandingbehindme." Shepaused. Thenhervoicebecamesofter.

"WouldyoupreferImove?" Ishouldhavesaidyes. Instead,Ishookmyhead. "No." Herfingerstightenedslightlyaroundmine. "Thenlisten." Sheguidedmyhandintoposition. "Yourwristshouldbestraight." Inodded. "Likethis?" "Exactly." Herbodywasclosebehindmine. Tooclose. Icouldfeelthewarmthofherbreathnearmyear. "Youneedtoknowwhereyourstrengthcomesfrom." "Where?" "Yourbalance." Shemovedmyfeet. "Keepyourweightcentered." Itried. "Better." Herhandremainedonmywaistforasecondlongerthannecessary. Thenshesteppedaway. Iturnedaround. Shewaswatchingme.

Neitherofusspoke. Finally,Ilookedattheknife. "Arewedone?" "No." "Ofcoursenot." Shehandedmeapracticetarget. "Forthenextlesson." "Ithoughtthiswasonelesson." "Ididn'tsaythat." "Youneversayanything." "Yetyoukeepfollowingme." Ifrowned. "You'reimpossible." "SoI'vebeentold." Asoundcamefromthedoorway. OneofValentina'smenentered. "Boss." Valentina'sexpressionimmediatelychanged. "What?" "Themeetinghasbeenmoved." "Towhen?" "Tonight." Shenodded. "Anythingelse?" Themanglancedatme.

"There'sbeenaproblemattheclub." Valentina'sfacebecamecold. "Whatkind?" "Someonetriedtogetclosetoher." Ifeltmystomachdrop. "Who?" "Don'tknowyet." Valentinalookedatme. "Goinside." Icrossedmyarms. "No." Hereyesnarrowed. "Elena." "I'mnotachild." "Iknow." "Thentellmewhat'shappening." Shewalkedtowardme. "Therearepeoplewhoknowyou'reimportanttome." Thewordsstruckharderthantheyshouldhave. "Andthat'saproblem?" "Itmakesyouatarget." Iswallowed. "Becauseofyou?" "Yes." Thehonestyhurt.

Valentinareachedoutandtouchedmycheek. Thegesturewasunexpectedlygentle. "Iwon'tletanythinghappentoyou." Istaredather. "Youcan'tpromisethat." "Ican." "How?" Herthumbbrushedmycheekbone. "BecauseI'llkillanyonewhotries." Mybreathcaught. Therewasnosmileonherface. Nohesitation. Shemeantit. Ishouldhavebeenfrightened. Instead,Iwhispered, "That'snotnormal." "No." Herhanddropped. "It'sdevotion." Ididn'tknowwhattosay. Sheturnedaway. "Gobacktothehouse." IremainedwhereIwas. "Valentina." Shestopped.

"What?" Ilookedather. "Becarefultonight." Forthefirsttime,somethingvulnerablecrossedherface. Thenshenodded. "Iwill." Shewalkedaway. Iwatchedherdisappearthroughthedoors. Andforthefirsttime,IunderstoodthemostdangerousthingaboutValentinaDeLucawasn'ttheviolence everyonefeared. Itwasthewayshemademefeelprotectedbyit. CHAPTERSEVEN—TheGirlintheElevator

ByFridayevening,Ihadalmostconvincedmyselfthattheincidentatthetrainingfacilityhadnever happened. Almost. Valentinahadbeengonemostoftheday. Meetings. Calls. PeoplecomingandgoingthroughtheestatewithexpressionsthatmademefeellikeIwaslivinginsidea stormIcouldn'tsee. Ispentmostoftheafternooninthelibrary. Itwasbecomingmyfavoriteroominthehouse. Therewerethousandsofbooks. Lawbooks. History. Literature. And,tomysurprise,anentireshelfofromancenovels. Ipulledoneout. Anotefellfrombetweenthepages. Iopenedit. Youmightlikethisone. Nosignature. Iknewexactlywhohadwrittenit. Ismileddespitemyself. Thatevening,Sofiaappearedatthelibrarydoor. "MissDeLucawantsyoutoaccompanyhertonight." "Where?" "Acharityevent."

Iclosedmybook. "Acharityevent?" "Yes." "Whyme?" Sofiasmiled. "Becauseshewantsyouthere." Thatanswerwasbecomingincreasinglycommon. Iwentupstairsandchanged. ThedressValentinahadchosenformewasdarkblue,simplebutelegant. WhenIcamedownstairs,Valentinawaswaiting. Shelookedatme. Andstopped. Forseveralseconds,shesaidnothing. "What?" Sheclearedherthroat. "Nothing." "Youwerestaring." "Iwas." Iraisedaneyebrow. "Why?" "Youlookbeautiful." ThewordsweresodirectthatIdidn'tknowhowtorespond. "Thankyou." Sheofferedmeherarm. "Ready?"

Itookit. "Yes." Thecharityeventwasbeingheldatoneofthecity'smostexpensivehotels. Therewerepoliticians,businessowners,celebrities,andpeoplewhosenamesIrecognizedfrom newspapers. Valentinaknewalmosteveryone. Peopleapproachedherconstantly. Shespokepolitelybutneverstayedlong. Thenawomanapproachedus. Shewastall,blonde,andbeautiful. "Valentina." Valentina'sexpressionremainedneutral. "Claire." Clairesmiled. "Ihaven'tseenyouinmonths." "I'vebeenbusy." Hereyesmovedtowardme. "Andwho'sthis?" "Elena." Clairelookedmeover. "Yourassistant?" Valentina'sjawtightened. "Somethinglikethat." Clairesmiledatme. "You'readorable." Iwasn'tsurehowtorespond.

"Thankyou." Shetouchedmyarm. "Ihopesheisn'tworkingyoutoohard." BeforeIcouldanswer,Valentinasteppedcloser. "She'sfine." Clairelookedamused. "Protective,aren'twe?" Valentinadidn'trespond. Claireturnedtome. "Ifyougettiredofher,comefindme." Ilaughedawkwardly. Valentinadidnot. Clairewalkedaway. IlookedatValentina. "Wasthatnecessary?" "What?" "Thedeathstare." "Iwasn'tstaring." "Youabsolutelywere." Shetookaglassofchampagnefromapassingwaiter. "She'strouble." "Sheseemedfriendly." "She'snot." Ismiled. "Areyoujealous?"

Valentinalookedatme. "No." "Thatwasveryfast." "I'mnotjealous." "You'redefinitelyjealous." Sheleanedcloser. "Don'tpushme." Ismiled.…