My feet start a rhythm, and I focus on my time, but there’s too much white noise this morning, and it’s all because of Cane. I’ve played interference for Benjamin before. It’s part of why he brings me along to certain meetings. I’m able to form a connection that he can’t, and that helps him, puts him at an advantage. And, ruthlessly, he’ll use anything he can. The rules are simple: I keep my eyes and ears open, but nothing physical. And the only contact is when Benjamin is present. Easy.
But not with Cane.
I up my speed, my arms pumping as I think back over our first interactions. Every ounce of my skill and patience were needed to hold a single conversation. An important one. My aim in that meeting was twofold. It wasn’t just Benjamin’s objective I was executing. I had to play things carefully, give Quinn something to set his mind playing, but with every glance or word I fought with an underlying need to lash out at him. I’d built him up to be this evil character in my head—the one people whispered about, the one with the reputation.
Benjamin asked me to get close, to distract Cane.A few stares across the table, an opportune conversation at the bar, and he was as predictable as any of Benjamin’s associates. Give him an opportunity, and the compliments flowed.
They might have flowed, but this was bigger than any of the other tasks, and when Quinn held my stare, a bolt of fear shot through me as if he would be able to see through my greatest lie. There was a connection between us, no matter how much I fought it, but I couldn’t dwell on the residual feeling that this wasn’t going to end well.
Still can't.
My body pushes harder, and my lungs scream in protest, as I force my muscles into submission. I round the corner of the path and stop abruptly before hitting the bridge in the park. The palms of my hands plant on my thighs as I breathe deeply for a moment.
He’s out of my sight line, but I can feel Torino staring at me in surprise. I never stop, never give in like this. I need to, though. I'm wound up, as if I can't clear my thoughts, and I’m out of breath because of it. My feet start moving in a small circle, walking off the adrenalin in my muscles that are fighting to claw out from under my skin. My thumb rubs the smooth metal of my ring as I strive to calm myself.
A few hours of peace in the library would help. Even Torino doesn’t follow me there. I need to get this under control. When I return, nothing can faze me, especially in the presence of Emily and Gabby. My feet break out into a leisurely jog, keeping my pace in check this time, along with my mind.
At least I have the next piece in the puzzle. The Yakuza. I’ve heard of them. Of course, I have. Anyone remotely connected with this world has. My next question is how I can use them. Benjamin gives me plenty of leeway when it comes to his business, but to be close enough to speak with a member of the Yakuza? That would be the riskiest move I’ve made since walking into that first high-end club over three years ago with the intention of finding Quinn Cane.
After a shower, I pick out one of my impeccable outfits, team it with the perfect shoes, and leave, ready for an afternoon of entertaining the Cane women. Benjamin wanted me on my best behaviour last night. That order extends to today as well, which means my smile has to stay in position. I’m not sure how I’m supposed to gain interest from Quinn if I’m not in the same room as him. Maybe there’ll be something in the next few days. When the opportunity comes, I’ll have to take it. I need to be mentally ready for what I’ve worked so hard for, but for today, I’ll focus on Emily.
Torino is outside the apartment door as I pull it closed behind me.
“Good afternoon, ma’am.” His usual formal greeting meets my ears as I pace past him and down the corridor. His steps fall in line with mine, flanking me, my ever-present shadow.
He holds the doors, allowing me to glide through without breaking my step, then ushers me into the waiting town car idling by the curb. I glance at Eddie behind the wheel today. We’re picking up the Cane women from their hotel over on Fifth Avenue. Shopping is the obvious choice, I suppose, and it’s just about interesting enough to stop my thoughts running away with me and dwelling on the past.
It’s hard and becoming harder now I’m surrounded by Cane. My initial intentions are starkly clear, yet the world around me now muddles with other factors and feelings that I’d never have anticipated. Mostly Benjamin. I push them from my mind and watch as the urban jungle of New York passes us by. Neiman Marcus or Nordstrom isn’t where I want to take them. I'll take them to a few quainter boutiques, some of the smaller stores I’ve found while keeping up appearances for this life I lead.
Eddie pulls up outside The Langham and two men approach the car. They have a conversation with Torino through the window before one opens the back door to let Emily and Gabby in.
“Hello, ladies. Are you ready to spend some money?” I greet them in my most over the top voice.
“Oh, I’m sure we’ll find something.” Gabby’s disinterest in this little outing is amusing. She’s not the usual wifey character I’ve dealt with. She sees herself firmly in the thick of it along with Nathan.
Emily just smiles pleasantly before watching through the window as Eddie attempts to move us through the stubborn traffic.
“We don’t need to go far, just to that little diamond shop around the corner. It’s on Seventh I think.”
“Miss Winters, you may need to be more specific, sorry.” Eddie’s thick New York accent filters through to us. I watch as Torino leans over and gives him directions to the shop in mind. Over the last two years, there’s only been rare occurrences when I’ve been out without Torino, and that’s only because Benjamin has been with me. It was a huge adjustment at first, but he doesn’t prevent me from doing anything I choose, and I’ve learned to accept his presence as a compromise while being in Benjamin’s world.
A few minutes later and we’re pulling up outside of the store in question. Torino exits and opens the door for me. I step out and head into the store without waiting for the others, Torino walking by my side.
I wait while the owner unlocks the door for us and gives me a smile that tells me he’s more than happy to see me back. My feet stride into the shop, both Cane women now behind me. Millions of pounds worth of diamonds are on display, which I assess as I browse the limited range in the glass counters.
“Is this where you got the pieces you wore last night?” Gabby pipes up. I look over and notice one of the men from outside the hotel standing on sentry duty by the door. “What, you think you’re the only one worthy of your own protection?” Gabby looks down her nose at me as she walks past and takes a closer look at one of the displays. “I’d be interested to see the source of some of these.” She stares down into one of the cases. The owner, a stocky gentleman, hovers in the background, not sure when to interrupt and try to press a sale.
“Hope, Gabby has some of the most exquisite pieces of jewelry. Simply stunning.” I’d forgotten Emily was even with us. She’s looking at Gabby, not really taking any interest in what the store has on offer.
“Not looking for yourself?” I offer, trying to work her out.
“No. Diamonds are more Gabby than me.” She smiles before wandering around the store some more. She has a modest diamond on her ring finger, but apart from her wedding rings, nothing of any value on her.
“Okay, then. Gabby, anything tempt you?”
“Maybe, but I’m a little specific when it comes to jewelry. You say this is where you got your bracelet?”
“Yes, and a few other pieces. All are exclusive to this store. They source from around the world.”
