Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Delicate Balance
Delicate Balance
Ana Sherry
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
notes
1
Ana Sherry
's delicate balance. Book 1
© Sherry A., 2020
© Design. OOO "Publishing House "Eksmo", 2020
***
Chapter 1
Oxnard, California
-The city's silence was broken by the wail of ambulance sirens.
One by one, they sped down the main street at breakneck
speed, taking a shortcut to the bridge, hoping
to get to the nearest hospital faster. Passers-by looked
after them in bewilderment and immediately expressed to each other their
assumptions
about what had happened. Someone had heard on the radio that
there was a shootout between the crime bosses-they were visiting
theirIntroubled citycars,
one of the morea and
frailmore often. girl was using her last remaining
paramedic
strength
to give an indirect heart massage to a large man lying on
a gurney. She climbed on top of him, and without stopping, rhythmically
pressed down on his powerful chest. The muscles in his arms ached from
exertion, but
that "How
didn'tmuch
stop him from she
longer?" pressing. She
shouted tomustn't loselooking
the driver,
the patient.
up for a moment.
"We're here," he said, and slammed on the brakes.
The car stopped so abruptly that the girl almost fell
off the man. The doors swung open and the waiting paramedics hurriedly
wheeled the gurney out of the car. But the girl continued resuscitation,
while voicing the diagnosis:
- Male, approximately forty years old, gunshot wound
to the abdomen, shoulder and hip, internal and external bleeding. She
spoke clearly and quickly. Blood gushed out like a fountain. Pressure
50/30, gave a stop, had to do resuscitation.
"That's crazy. A nearby doctor stopped the gurney, relieving
the girl. "Thank you, Diana. You may have saved his life.
She jumped to the floor and, realizing that she was already in the
hospital,
pressed herself against the wall, trying to catch her breath. Crazy evening.
I don't want
to repeat it. The doctors took the man away, and Diana really hoped
that they would do everything possible to make sure that he survived. But
her thoughts
were interrupted by the screams of the other crew as they ran in just as
quickly
***
Night had fallen over the city, but the bright streetlights reminded its
residents that there was another life that lured them into its
heady world of revelry. At the edge of the city,
in the semi-darkness, the outline of a small bar could be discerned through
the green trees
. It was difficult to determine the size of its territory in the dark,
it seemed to be just a small house. But Diana knew that
there was a whole field of targets behind this house, where everyone could
try their
Dianahand at shooting.
did not dare to dress too openly in the bar, unlike
Camilla, who was in a short dress that allows
you to train the imagination of everyone present.
"Why are you dressed up like that?" Diana whispered when she saw
her friend half-naked. – We're going to a shooting range, not a
fashion show."
Camille looked down at herself and smiled with satisfaction.
"You go to the shooting range, and I'll show you the fashion show."
Maybe
'll get luckyIand meet my fate today.
Frank laughed, and Diana frowned. I didn't
want them to get into any
trouble over a short skirt.
The bartender brought them a beer. If they're going to get drunk,
they should drink a lot. But after the first cup
, Diana felt better. They laughed a lot, shared funny incidents from
their lives, as if today's incident had never happened. The music,
cigarette smoke, and alcohol made them more intoxicated.
Camille left the table and walked slowly, her heels clicking on
the wooden floor, toward the bar, leaving
Diane and Frank alone.
"Diane," Frank said, realizing he'd had enough to drink for
the most unexpected revelation of his life. – I want to make you
an offer."
She froze, hoping he wouldn't continue.
– I like you." He smiled, then
looked down in embarrassment. "Not really. I like you very much. I want to
offer you
an official
The girldate.
exhaled. Thank God he wasn't asking her to marry him.
wordAlthough
"dating"the
didn't make it any easier. Meet is to link
love yourself to a person, and it's good for her to be alone. She couldn't
imagine herself
with Frank. See him at work, after work, at night, in the morning. Always
just Maybe
Frank. A welot of Franks
should makescared
a jokeher.
of it... Although no,
the truth is always better. Even if it's bitter.
"I don't want to offend you, you're a very nice person, and maybe
someday...
" She said, taking
her seat and finishing for Diana, " You'll be lucky and she'll give you her
innocence."
Frank looked at her in surprise, then back at
Diana. She just shrugged. It must be strange to hear about this
at this time. But what did they all care about her personal life?
Why was it so surprising now to be a virgin
at nineteen? No, she wasn't saving herself for anyone on purpose,
she just didn't see the point in giving the first person she met what
only she had.
"I'm sorry," Camille said, covering her mouth with her hand.
– It's okay, it's no secret. Diana rose from the
table. "I'll get some air." It's too stuffy in here.
She skirted a few tables and left the bar, immediately
plunging into the cool of the evening. She sat down on the curb next to the
cabin
and breathed in the scent of the forest. The wind ruffled her blond hair,
and she
lowered her head to her knees. She'd dated Sean Collie
when she was sixteen, but as soon as his hand was below her navel, she
"So beautiful
'd decided and
to break upsad.
with him. So she didn't love him, or she wouldn't
haveShe looked up and saw a blond guy standing in front of her.
minded.
He had a smirk on his face, and his small brown eyes were squinted
like the eyes of a pig in a cartoon. He sat down next to her,
and the smell of expensive perfume mixed with alcohol enveloped her. My
heart
lurched with
– You a sense
don't of foreboding.
mind?"
Instead of answering, she simply nodded. She didn't particularly want
to see anyone, but she couldn't say no.
"I'm Nicholas Griffin. I see you're bored with your friends.
I can invite you to join my company.
She wanted to open her hand and see what it said, but she didn't
dare. She'll read it when she's alone.
Nicholas Griffin was giving her more and more interested
glances, and it was annoying. She'd seen how
much whiskey they'd drunk. Now they, drunk, will get behind the wheel
and rush in their
cool cars to cut through the streets of the night city, scaring rare
passers-by. It's even possible that people like Nicholas knock down poles,
overturn cars, get into accidents, and then call her
to help them. More often, you don't need help anymore. And after the
words "time
of death..." she returns to the substation in a depressed mood, with a
sense of unfulfilled
duty. And the blame for everything is alcohol, fun
and coolness.
Chapter 2
When Diana got home, she collapsed on the bed. Her hand
opened and the crumpled piece of paper fell onto the blanket. The girl
snatched
it up and unfolded it, revealing the address and time of 12: 00 in a clear,
legible
hand. No name, no initials,
nothing. She remembered the bartender saying that she would be
expected next
Friday. But for what? Who could use her talent? Did
she have that talent anyway? What could they offer her?
Was this a joke? Maybe there would be trouble waiting for her there. And
why
In the
should shemorning, she wasAnd
go there alone? woken
if sheupgoes,
by a will
phoneshecall.
come back alive?
"Diana, I'm sorry about last night," Camille
Her mind was full of questions, her thoughts began to get whined on confused,
the other end
of
andthe line, "sleep
feeling I didn't mean
taking itsto offend
toll, you. I don't covered
she undressed, know why I
herself with a
said that.
blanket
, and– fell
I already
asleep,forgot. And
leaving theforget
search it.for
I'manswers
not at allfor
shy about
the being like this.
morning.
– You know, Diane, maybe I'm just jealous of you.
Diana laughed. Jealous of her? To what? That
she was still innocent at nineteen? When Camilla herself changed
partners so often that she forgot their names. And Diana's life was
devoid of carnal pleasures.
"Trust me, Camille, your life is much more interesting than mine.
It will get to the point where for the first time I won't even be able to
admit that I'm still a girl.
They laughed, and Diana hung up after saying good-bye.
She went to the window, pulled back the curtain, and looked out. The sun
immediately blinded her – the weather was fine.
Her small house was far away from the roads and big
shops. It was left to Diana by her mother, who went to Arizona
with another lover. After the death of their father, their lives changed
dramatically: they were never rich, and without a breadwinner, they were
completely
impoverished. Her father worked in the port as an ordinary longshoreman,
there was enough money
only for what you need. After his death, Diana's mother, who worked
as a nurse at the hospital, began to take more shifts. And after her
daughter graduated from high school, she decided to leave her a house
and an old car, and she
left with a man Diana couldn't accept. She didn't
understand how her mother could betray her father's memory. I couldn't
forgive
After her mother's departure, Diana's life became quite modest.
her for
After that.
completing her paramedic training, she began to earn a living
by saving a hundred dollars from each paycheck for college.
She didn't want to work in an ambulance all her life – Diana wanted to go
on to medical school and maybe become a doctor, or at least a
nurse, like her mother. Although she knew that she would have to save
for ten years.
After a quick shower and a quick bite to eat, she headed to
work, remembering last night as she went.
Nicholas Griffin's face came back to her with a twinge of disgust. His
impudent
brown eyes roamed over her body appraisingly. She shuddered at the
thought of him. Why do some people evoke such emotions?
He hadn't
- hello!done anything
Frank caught to
upher.
with her at the substation. "How are you?"
She whirled on him.
– Are you kidding me?" First Camille, now you...
Frank wasn't expecting this reaction, so he took a step back.
– I just wanted to ask you how you're feeling after
last night... " he began defensively, and Diane realized she'd
gone too far.
"I'm sorry, Frank, I'm fine. My head hurt a little, but
it's better now.
"Diane –" he said as he drew level with her, " why don't we go
out together tonight?"
She paused, remembering her plans for the evening. The only plan
was
to sleep as long as possible. She'd tried to tell him yesterday
that "Frank,
they weren't going but
no offense, to make it, think
I don't but Camille had ruined
we're quite right it.
for each other. I like you very much, but as a friend.
He nodded in understanding, but his face was visibly sad.
Means
"You can wait a long time for a prince on a white horse, Diana,but you
will.never
The girl laughed and shrugged. She didn't need the prince.
Diana walked down the path to the park, leaving her friend alone,
and sat down on a bench. I closed my eyes and took a relaxed breath.
There
was still time to be quiet before the heavy shift and enjoy
the peace of mind. The July sun was hotter than usual, but
now the trees hid Diana from its rays. She loved sitting
in this park, listening to the rustle of leaves and the chirp of birds. It felt
like a gentle breeze enveloped her body, making her thoughts soar
to the heavens. She opened her eyes and looked up at the sky. Blue.
It's especially bright today, with a few clouds drifting slowly
away.Through the green foliage, she saw Frank striding toward her
. His body, his beauty, caused a surge of strange
feelings. Maybe he's right and it's worth a try. She didn't understand
herself and contradicted herself: One minute I didn't want to think of him
as my
boyfriend,
He sat the next
down nextI wanted to silence,
to her in be with him. Theatuncertainty
looking the station irritated
building,her.
and
turnedtheto
girl
him and suddenly said,
" Frank, give me a kiss."
He narrowed his eyes, trying to see if he understood her request
correctly.
But she touched his cheek with her fingers. So that's right.
Frank leaned down and touched her lips, his hand pulling her
closer, touching her hair, savoring every moment. It was
a gentle kiss, at first a childish one, but then, under Frank's pressure
, it turned into a grown-up one. He could feel it in every cell of his body.
The image of Nicholas Griffin suddenly flashed through Diana's mind,
his hungry gaze, the shooting gallery, the boars falling on their sides,
and the note...
"God, I forgot..." She suddenly broke away from his lips,
jumped up, and ran into the substation building.
It wasn't Frank she was worried about, or even the kiss. She
rushed to the schedule, searching for her name for next Friday.
All day long!
She checked Camille and Frank's schedule and found that
it was their day off. It might be worth switching shifts.
did she decide to go? I don't know where or why. It was scary and
interesting at the same
time. What does that address hide? Maybe we should go
and As
seeshe
what's out away
walked there.from her schedule, she bumped into Frank and
immediately
remembered that she had left him alone, breaking
off the kiss... I don't know what came over me.
– You're so weird, Diane. I'm starting to be afraid of you. He stepped
fromaway
her and opened his locker to get his uniform, still giving her a
sidelong
glance.
Diana watched him go and sat down on a chair by her
locker, kicking off her sandals and unbuttoning her jeans.
Frank left her alone, allowing her to
change in peace.
All day her team was called to different addresses, there was
no opportunity even to eat. By evening, Diana was falling off her feet. The
previous
night had affected her well-being: walking is good when
you don't have to go to work the next day. But it's too late to blame
yourself.
You can only draw conclusions. By the end of the shift, even Jack was
tired. He
drove the car
"Jack! to my
– Oh, the God!
ambulance station in silence.
" she exclaimed. "Can weDiane dozed off for
go somewhere a
else?
while,
" 44 Beach Avenue.
but somewhere on the edge of her mind, the address written on the
crumpled piece
– I don't know,of paper appeared,
" he said. I want to see it.
and She
she woke up.
liked Jack because he didn't ask too many questions. Without a
word,
turned thehe
car around and drove to the address indicated, passing the
bridge
and turning into the embankment near the port. There he stopped the car
and –muttered:
You can't go any further – a barrier.
Diana looked out the window and saw a two-story red - and-
white brick building. In the dark, its roof was beautifully illuminated and
the sign "Shipping company SV" was brightly illuminated under it.
"What is this building, Jack?"
"Probably a shipping company. Now there are so many
of them that I do not know the names of all of them.
Diana took one more look at the beautiful building, at the sign,
memorizing the name, and decided to return here the following
Friday. What can such an organization do to her? I don't think they'll kill
me, and I don't think they'll rape me either. She nodded
to herself in satisfaction, her eyes scanning the fleet of cars parked
nearby.
Motley models of various brands-from a shabby
Citroen,
"Cometo a black
on, Jack.lacquered Infiniti.
***
and she gasped with delight – such high ceilings she had never
seen before. For a moment, Diana thought she was in a palace. All that
was missing
was "Miss,
the throne.
go to the second floor and turn right, please. The
guard gestured toward the stairs.
Diana nodded to him and walked in the direction he indicated. Her
heels clattered on the floor, afraid that she might fall.
Thousands of eyes seemed to be fixed on her, even though there were no
other people present besides
the guard. My heart ached with fear of the unknown.
Once on the stairs, she reached for the banister, then jerked
her hand away when she noticed how polished it was. The thought
occurred to
her that she was dressed too simply for the occasion.
A Gucci dress would look much more impressive here. But she didn't have
one,
and Diana
feelingwent
like a upsimpleton, she lowered
to the waiting her head
room, which was to hide in
awash her
flowers, and
uncertainty.
there were It's not her level, too luxurious and too
rich.
countless of them, from large to small, from simple greens
to blooming bright colors. The smell was surprisingly pleasant.
The abundance of greenery relaxed her, and she moved on. A
red-haired girl with bright makeup, probably a secretary, was sitting at
the table,looking
– How do youat Diana
do?" with voice
Diana's displeasure
was very low, but there
.
was no need to shout: the building was silent.
The receptionist stared at her from head to toe in silence, and
the unfriendly gaze made Diana feel completely creepy. Dad often said
that in the world of the rich, everyone is dry and strict. Now Diana saw
for herself.
"Sit down," the girl said, and pointed with a pencil.
Take Diana's place in the midst of the flowers.
Glancing around, Diana could make out a black leather
sofa and two chairs that were obviously reserved for visitors.
A guy slightly older than Diana was sitting in one of the chairs, clearly
waiting
for an invitation.
- hello. He smiled
The guy was dressed
at her,simply in jeans
and Diane's andimmediately
heart a light T-shirt,
feltbut
it didn't bother him. He was watching her.
a little calmer. At least someone in this building can smile. – I –
Matt Bourne.
"Diana." She smiled back at him and looked around.
It's peaceful and green, and it doesn't suit
the receptionist, who always looked like she didn't like
visitors. Where does the boss look? Why are such shrews kept
in such a place?.. Diana was roused from her thoughts by a middle-aged
man
who suddenly appeared next to her secretary and threw
some documents
. He on her desk
left the waiting room as
quickly as he'd arrived.
The receptionist glared after him, as if she
had been interrupted from her most important task, then slowly got up
from her desk and picked
up the papers. Diana's stomach clenched at the brusque
treatment
"Are youof the staff.
going for Maybe it's not too
an interview?" late
Matt to leave
turned yet.
back to her, distracting
her, but his eyes were also on the receptionist. She
came out from behind her desk, papers in hand, and paused at
the massive dark wood door, adjusting her shockingly short
skirt and the neckline of her blouse. Diana was amused for a moment.
Preening for the boss, if that's his door, of course.
There must be something between them if she's so worried about her
appearance. The rich have their own quirks, they can have wives
and mistresses at the same time. And there can be several mistresses.
Olga knocked and went in. As soon as the door slammed behind her,
Diana turned her gaze to Matt. I think he asked her a question.
"Yeah, sort of. And you?
- I do. He smiled at her, and the smile alone made her feel warm
and comfortable. It would be worse to sit here alone. – I'm getting a job
as a security guard. And you?
Diana raised her eyebrows. A security guard? Then who is she?
"I honestly don't know.
He started to laugh, but it was interrupted by someone coming out of
the office.
Secretary:
"Come on in."
Matt got up and turned around just before the office and nodded to
and Diana,
for some reason she whispered to him, "Good luck." I was surprised at
myself.
Good luck is to escape from here, and as far away and fast as possible.
Alone in the waiting room, Diana noticed that her
fingers were shaking. She hid them in her purse so the receptionist
wouldn't
notice
As her agitation.
Diana glanced briefly at Olga, she became more and more
convinced
that she was pretty. Young, beautiful, slender. What else
does your boss need? She probably doesn't act so nervous around him, but
rather
smiles at him as she brings him coffee or documents. Or maybe she's his
mistress,
so he keeps this vixen here, paying her for sex as well. The rich
have their own quirks. Diana herself would never sell herself for money.
Even
the biggest ones.
Lost in her ownEven if she'dshe
thoughts, been offered
didn't a black
notice the
Lexus instead.
door open It's too
and Matt humiliating
step out. to sell your body. Better to lie
in a "Come
ditch without
on in," athe
house or food than
receptionist said,to sit Diana
and here and serve the boss,
giving yourself up whenever he asks.
got up in a flash.
Matt smiled at her and nodded. So they took him. A security guard.
As they neared the massive door, Diana's heart began
to beat faster, her palms sweating, and her breathing quickened. But there
was still a
choice. You could walk away and forget about this kingdom like
a nightmare. And live your old life. Work at
an Ambulance substation and cherish the dream of studying. Diana was at
a crossroads. And it up
She summoned wasalltime
her to make a choice.
willpower and went into the study.
Chapter 3
Dimmed lights. Coolness from an open window. Large
spacious office. Diane exhaled and saw a long office
desk and walked over to it. It was empty. Not a single piece of paper,
cleanliness. She
sank into a chair and covered her face with her hands, trying to get some
sense out
of the– You're so worried."
excitement and pounding of her heart. God must have given her
She
a minute. heard a soft baritone voice somewhere to her left and jumped
in surprise. Dropping her hands, the girl turned around. God didn't give
her
a minute!
The manHe was sitting
just making
a littlefun of her.
further away, at his desk, slightly in
shadow –
no wonder she hadn't noticed him. Diana was
about to sink through the floor. Or not! To run. And as far away as possible
to
hideSheyourdidn't
shame. Andwhat
know he watched
to say. Andher he
in silence for her
didn't ask a while
any questions.
,Silence
probably laughing to himself.
was becoming torture. Why is he silent?!
Diana felt him get up from his seat and sit down across
from her. She didn't dare look up at him, too afraid.
She took out the piece of paper the bartender had shoved at her and
handed it to him without a word. Let him figure it out for himself. She
wouldn't
As hesay a word
read, to him.got a better look at him.
she finally
A black-haired man in an elegant suit was sitting in front of her.
Not at all what she had imagined him to be. But there was
something powerful about him. Something that made her skin crawl.
Power. Money. She wasn't even sure what else to do. Power?
He read the note and crumpled it up.
He looked at the girl, and that
piercing blue gaze, cold as sapphires, made Diana
want to hide. A sly smile touched his lips.
"Well," he said quietly, " I've been told about you.
Another pause. He thought about something and looked away. But
now at him intently, hoping to hear, " You're not going to help us."
she stared
come here."
– What's your name?"
She continued to stare, even though she wanted nothing more
than to scream.
"Diana Oliver."
He nodded, smiling slightly. He even knows how to smile
unlike his secretary!
– How old are you, Diana?"
– You work for me, and in return I take responsibility for you.
No one will touch you under my name. I will
teach you personally. I'll make you a real sniper. And you'll
only work for me.
Stefano sat down next to her, and she found the courage to look at
him.
He wasn't being harsh now. Rather, he begged, he begged. But she
couldn't
imagine
– Youherself as aclean
will only killer,
upcold and
those soulless,
who shooting
cross my path.
people.
And in my world, believe me, there are no good people.
The girl exhaled nervously.
– Why me?" You can teach anyone.
– You're wrong. People are born with it. Shoot accurately at the
is your
target-this
talent. I have the same one.
She looked at him and said nothing. Was it a dream? She wished she
could
forget about that day, wake up in her cozy crib and realize that
it was all just
– Why a dream.
don't you work for yourself?" It would save a lot
of money.
The man smiled.
– I can't." I'm in charge, Diane. One of the main ones in this city. You
have no idea what kind of place you live in. What's going
on outside of your mind.
It seemed to Diana that these words were a cry from the soul. She
listened
to Stefano and wondered. It's like living on Earth and then finding out that
you've
– Dolived
youon Mars
have all your
many life.
enemies?"
"Very much.
He looked at her.
– I don't need a killer, Diane. There are enough shootouts as it is. I
need a professional. One silent shot – one dead body.
How long they sat there, she didn't know. Long. Infinitely. Silently.
She's a little girl, and he's a crime boss.
Now she realized it was his Lexus at the entrance. And you don't have to
sell your
organs, just kill them and you'll have Infiniti on your doorstep
. The second shot is a house. The third is a beautiful life. How
ridiculous it all sounded just now! And as simple as that: one, two, three...
Just like in a computer game. But this is life. God gives it and
only he has the right to take it away. After all, someone is waiting for him,
he has a family. She couldn't imagine herself as a God.
And she didn't want to be around the likes of Stefano Visconti. This
is a cruel, bloody world built on the bones of people. She doesn't belong
in it. She was born to be a doctor, to get married, to have children.
That's what she wanted. What would she get out of it? Money? And why
would she
need them, smeared with blood, without love? Live in constant fear,
afraid that tomorrow may not come. She couldn't do that.
She –wanted to live.
How long do you need to think?"
"Forever.
Chapter 4
Despite herself, Diana spent the next week thinking
about last Friday, about the beautiful building, about the man who had
caused
her so much fear, and thinking about his words again and again. She
lost sleep and her appetite. The nights were full of nightmares. Time after
time
, when she woke up in a sweat, she realized that she was starting to go
crazy. She
dreamed of him smiling a little, squinting, and holding out a gun. Even in
her sleep, she didn't touch her weapon – she ran away from Visconti, but
he
always caught up with her, and she woke up screaming. It seemed to
Diana that he
was everywhere: at work, at home, on the street. She became paranoid:
she always
She was faced with a terrible choice, squeezing all the strength out of
felt that she was being watched. But Diana had no doubt that there
her,
was surveillance – people like Stefano Visconti wouldn't miss out. If
twisting her, pinning her in a vise. But can you call it her
she didn't agree to his offer, he would starve her out. Or
choice? Her fate has already been decided for her. Stefano gave her time
kill him. She didn't rule it out, knowing who he was and what he wanted. If
to think. In fact, he'd given her time to adjust to his
she refuses, they'll get rid of her – they don't need any extra witnesses.
choice.
He let her go, saying, "I'll find you myself," and she was
sure of it. For the next week, she was startled by
sudden voices and the people around her. She withdrew into herself,
became more silent and listened less. She was on autopilot;
when she saw a gunshot and a bloody body, she didn't
know what she was dealing with right away. It wasn't until the man died in
her arms that she
realized she might be in his place. Perhaps Stefano
Visconti was reminding her that time was running out. Perhaps it was he
who "Diana,
delivered
please
the answer."
message
The sound
to herof
inFrank's
this way.
voice so close to her made her
shiver.
- what?
– You promised me a date, remember?"
She'd forgotten all about it. When she was lost in thought, she
even forgot to eat.
"Yes, I remember," she said, looking down, and then she remembered
what
Stefano Visconti had said: "You looked down when you answered the
question.
DianaThis
looked at her friend, afraid that he might have noticed the
is a but
lie, signhe
oftook
lying."
it at face value. Because he's not
Stefano Visconti.
"Tonight, do you mind?"
She shrugged her shoulders. She didn't care when she didn
't want to go anywhere at all. My only desire was to get home
and bury myself in bed, hiding from reality.
– Why don't you say anything all the time?" Frank looked into her
eyes,
hoping for answers. – What's wrong with you, Diana?" Tell
me, She
do you have
only hadaone
problem?
problem: she wanted him to leave her
alone and the whole world to leave her alone! And that's not likely to
happen.
She stepped away from him and said softly, " I don't know.
"Okay, tonight.
As she walked home on her usual way, she couldn
't help but look around. The feeling of being chased wouldn't let go.
Among the cars, she looked for a black Lexus, but it was nowhere
to be found. She hoped for a miracle, hoped to be left alone, even though
she knew in her mind that it wouldn't happen. All the time it seemed that
she
was about to be pushed into a car and taken away in an unknown
direction.
No one will even know what happened to her. Nobody. Because she
didn't say anything to anyone. Maybe I should tell
Camille
The everything.
house was theNo.only
It's too
safedangerous. Diana
haven. After didn't
locking thewant to risk her
doors
friend's
and checking the bolts on the windows, she began to get ready for
life, either.
her date. Nomight
This one will
be know.
the last date of her life.
And maybe it was time to say goodbye to your innocence, even
if it was hurriedly with the wrong person, but tomorrow might not
come at all.
Frank had picked her up in his old Mercedes, and she
was grateful that she didn't have to walk
and look around all the time.
"Well, choose where we'll go?"
She wanted to be somewhere underground, hidden from
prying eyes, so that no one could discover her.
"Maybe the Lotus?"
"It's awful out there, Diane. And the contingent leaves much to be
desired.
in onIfFriday...
only he knew what kind of" contingent " she was
– What kind of contingent do you need, Frank?" She raised her voice,
glaring at him.
"Diana, I'm not asking you to go to a Michelin-starred restaurant. But I
can
afford to take you somewhere nice tonight.
- No! She said angrily. "Don't get any decent ones. Let's go much
easier.
Frank shrugged, not understanding her, and started the car.
Diana leaned against the window and stared out at the road. Bright
headlights
of oncoming cars, dark streets, rare passers – by-all merged
into one continuous mass. Frank tried to get Diane to talk, but she was
silent, thinking about her own thoughts and feeling herself finally relax to
the
light music. She felt calm and comfortable, and a small smile touched her
lips
. She even looked at the guy, hoping that he wasn't angry
at her strange
A large behavior.
black But Frank
car whizzed past,wasn't angry:
and Diana he was smiling as
immediately
he talked.
turned to watch it go. The smile faded from her face, and her heart began
to pound
wildly. A Lexus ? The car sped by so fast that she
didn't have time to see the model, but the memory of
that –terrible
Are youdayall immediately came
right?" Did you seeback to her.
someone?"
Diane turned to Frank, sinking back into her chair.
"I thought so."
Frank brought her to a nice place, quiet and peaceful. Diana
looked around the room, and when she realized that Stefano Visconti was
definitely not coming,
she finally
"What managed
do you wantto exhale.
to drink?" Frank asked, holding up the menu.
Visconti. It is not like that, it does not measure everything with money and
does not buy
people. It doesn't take their lives. Because she is a human and he is
a monster. Her mind kept returning to the beautiful
building,
Franktowalked
the question, to the man who had tormented her.
her home.
"Will you come in?"
He stood with his hands shyly in the pockets of his jeans, not
daring to look at her. Seeing his confusion, Diana came
close to him and kissed him. His hands immediately wrapped around her,
sliding
down her back.
She wasn't sure. All her feelings, all her emotions were gone,
left in that building, in the back room with the submachine
guns and shotguns. With each shot, she lost a part of herself. Right now
, it was empty and lonely inside her. She wanted Frank so she could feel
like she was still alive.
- Yes.
She took his hand and pulled him into the house, still kissing him and
unbuttoning his shirt as she went. She wanted to feel
needed, wanted to feel touched and kissed. Once
in the bedroom, Frank pulled off Diane's blouse, carefully laying
her on the bed, covering her with his body. Afraid to tear his mouth away
from hers,
he fumbled with the buttons of her jeans. Diana responded
passionately, her hands leaving streaks on his back and arching up to
meet him.
With only her underwear on, she suddenly realized that she was feeling
uncomfortable and uneasy. She held her breath as she felt Frank's lips
move down
She her neck
wanted to something
to feel her breasts. He began
inside her, totomake
pull down the strap of
her body
her
respond to Frank's touch, to feel
bra… Diana
life. But closed
there her eyes
was only – and that
emptiness was all. Everything is going to
inside.
happen now.
"Diana, I'll give you something you can't even dream of."
She started to choke as she remembered those words.
"I need a professional. One silent shot – one dead body."
The velvety voice rang in her ears, seeped into her head, dominated
her. At some point, it became so much that she couldn't stand
it and started crying.
She was pleased to hear that. He was guarding her. I don't know
why. But she knew he was protecting her from herself.
Looking out the window, she suddenly imagined herself in the future.
Here,
in this house, looking out of this same window, admiring the tall
trees with their branches hanging down to the ground. The man who's
making her breakfast right now. Maybe even a couple of kids stopping
by for a quick bite to spoil their appetites before lunch and get
a reprimand from Frank. Diana smiled; it was a much
calmer future than the one that had been offered to her... and she
imagined herself
in a beautiful building, walking proudly up the stairs,
her high heels clicking on the clean, shiny granite. The receptionist smiles
at her
because she's afraid. Diana opens the massive dark
wood door and sees him, elegant, standing proudly by the window, a small
smile touching his lips. And then-the unknown. Who is she? What
Her stomach twisted into a tight knot, and she wrapped her arms
does it do there? Why did you go to him? Why was he smiling at her? Why
around herself,
does it feel so damn good?
bending over in pain. Unbearable torture. She was tired of the unknown.
Why aren't they looking for her? Why doesn't he come for her? What is he
waiting
"Myfor?
dear. Frank tried to hug her, but his
Until
touch onlygoes
she madecrazy?
it worse. "Who hurt you?"
Diana looked up into his gray eyes and ran her hand down his cheek.
– Reality.
Frank didn't understand her, and he tried, but he couldn't. He thought
was she
going crazy.
"What's the reality, Diana?"
"Ours, Frank.
"Maybe you should take a vacation and stay home." Or do you want to,
Should we go somewhere like Los Angeles?
The girl pulled away. Run away? What if this is the way out? Run away
from
this city far away. Sell the house, there is enough money for the first time
. Get a job. And live, breathing deeply. But how is
she going to leavetake
- I'll probably Camille and Frank?
a couple of days to stay at home.
I have some work to finish today, and I'll take a break tomorrow.
In the late afternoon, Diana stopped by her boss's office and asked for
a couple of days off. He was displeased.
"Then you'll work seven days a week.
She stopped at the door and put her hand on the handle.
– Your employees will soon start dying at work, such
a busy schedule for the money that you pay is a form
of mockery.
"Oliver! He slammed his fist down on the table, and she flinched. –
If you don't like it, go away.
He pointed to the door, and Diana left the room. No, he wouldn't
fire her. There aren't enough paramedics as it is, but sometimes you need
to show your claws
to your superiors,
As she walkedtoo.
down the street, she noticed Camille and Frank. Hoping
that Frank hadn't told Camille about last night's incident and the chance
sleepover, Camille approached her friends.
"Dee, honey, how are you?"
Diana sighed: he did say it. She glared at
him, but he just shrugged. She understood him and wasn't angry.
He meant well, tried to surround her with care and attention.
And he was good at it.
"I'd like to go to Los Angeles with you for a couple of days, if
your offer still stands," Diane said to Frank.
Maybe you can run away and forget about everything for a little while.
The guy smiled and suddenly picked her up in his arms and spun her
around.
Perhaps the first future she imagined is much closer to her
soul...?
– What about me?" Camille started to whine, but then she screamed: "
Wow! Do you see it too? What a wheelbarrow!
Diana didn't immediately understand what her friend was talking
about,skipped
her heart and when she looked
a beat. back,to ashes.
It crumbled
The black Infiniti she'd first seen in the
parking lot pulled quietly into the substation. She could hear
Camille's cry of delight, but she stood there, afraid to move. He
found her, just as he'd promised. Diana felt as if she'd forgotten
how to breathe in her fright. She would have liked to run away, but for
some reason, she went to meet him
halfway.
"Dee, where are you going?" Camille called out. "You decided
to take a closer look?"
The car stopped, and Diana didn't dare approach. Or maybe
it was really worth running? In search of freedom. But her freedom
ended when the door opened and
Visconti stepped out, wearing dark glasses that hid his sapphire eyes.
"My God, what a man," Camille breathed.
Diana heard it and chuckled to herself. If only she knew who
she admired!
The girl stood looking at him. Silently. There were no tears. She
cried them all out. There's an emptiness in my soul, and it's all his doing.
My heart was getting
used to beating wildly. Stefano Visconti took off his glasses and Diana
turned away. It was hard to breathe in his presence, and there was
too much
Frankof him. to run after the girl, but Camille held him back.
started
"Better not.
They looked at the powerful man and the little
girl, and each drew their own conclusions. But the man didn't care,
a slight smirk playing on his lips, and his blue eyes were slightly squinted
against the sun. He brushed past Diana, heading for the park bench.
He didn't touch her, but he felt her shudder.
They stood facing each other in silence. He waited. She was stalling
for time. It occurred to her that he was more often silent, studying her.
What does he
see now? A frightened child? A little girl? She
looked up and looked at him: she saw in him a young
man, then he seemed to her much older. But now, in the light
of day, she knew he was in his late twenties, even though that was
a significant age difference for her. Today, he had a light
stubble that made him look older. Her gaze touched his lips,
and "You've
he smiled.
studied everything?"
She wanted to look down and say no, but she didn't
– he could see right through her. He could do whatever he wanted with
her. Looking into his eyes and suppressing her fear, she spoke the truth.
- Yes.
He nodded.
Chapter 5
The smell of new leather chairs mixed with the coolness
of the air conditioner and its masculine smell enveloped Diana. She
pulled away from Visconti, pressing herself against the door, still unable to
believe that
she had gotten into the car and left her friends behind. Maybe she has a
problem
– I didn't say yes.
with–her
Buthead. Did she
you didn't saylose
no."her mind? What was she doing here?
His hands were on the steering wheel, relaxed, and he was giving her
long, glances. The car sped through the city too fast,
searching
it seemed that there were no rules for it. Everyone lived by his
rules.
– Where are we going?" Diana asked, still hoping that he
would drop her off at the next corner and it would all be over.
– I have to stop somewhere, then go to the office. Let's get
to know each other better.
Diana's face paled. She was afraid! I was afraid of him. I was afraid of
his
offer. So much so that I didn't sleep properly for a whole
week. And now he'd arrived, and she'd gotten in the car with him. Diana
still couldn't believe what had happened. What had gotten into her? I
should
haveHe thrown myself
stopped at a into Frank's arms,
construction hidden
site and behind
reached for him. She
a folder
glanced at Stefano,
of documents realizing
lying on that Frank
the backseat. would
Diana's have closeness
sudden been dead in an
instant.
made her sink even deeper into the chair. Stefano smiled as he examined
the papers.
– You'll get used to me.
She closed her eyes, trying to push his words out of her mind, but
she heard the driver's door open. Through the windshield
, she watched him walk gracefully toward the workers. Today
, he wasn't wearing a jacket or tie, and he was dressed modestly in jeans
and a black T-shirt. Maybe that's why he looked
younger to her today. Her thoughts were interrupted by a phone call as
she reached
into her purse with trembling hands and pulled out her mobile phone.
Camille. Diana pressed
phone pressed to his chest, afraid to answer. What should I tell her? And
how can
we talk? She glanced at her captor, who was talking
to the men and
"Hello," clearly wasn't going to come back quickly.
I said.
"Diana! Are you crazy? Who is he? Where are you?
The number of unanswered questions made Diana
want to scream. But I had to pull myself together.
– I can't tell you. But I'm fine. I'll call you
later.
"Diana, he didn't take you away by force, you got in the car yourself!"
Do you
even know him?" I'm afraid for you. Why didn't you tell me about him?"
Where did noticed
Diana you meet? Stefano coming back and whispered
into the phone.
– It's all right. I'll call you.
She quickly clicked cancel and dropped the phone into her bag.
Her hands trembled even more with excitement. He sat up and looked at
her
carefully.
"Your friends?"
How did he know? Did you see it?
"What is this place?" She turned the conversation around, even though
she wasnin what kind of construction site it was.
't interested
"Holm Park," he said, and started the car.
I think Diana's
Remembering, heard something
she looked about Holm
at him in surprise. Park
Frank before..."
had told
her yesterday that a nightclub was being built.
– Is this your club?"
He laughed.
– Not a club yet, just a pile of bricks.
She leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes. By the gods!
Take it away from this person. How much money does he have? What does
he
do? Pays for murders, has two expensive cars, builds
a club, and wants to buy her, Diana. But you can't make that much money
in a –shipping
Who arecompany.
you?"
He glanced at her
briefly.
The car passed the barrier and stopped at the spot where
the Lexus had been parked a week ago. Outside the Infiniti, Diana ran
her hand along the roof.
"And the Lexus?"
Stefano looked at the girl.
– Did you like the Lexus?"
She shuddered. What does "liked" mean? She doesn't care
about his cars at all. She was trying to determine the extent of his wealth.
– I don't care.
– You're lying.
Startled by his abruptness, she looked up. How could she
have forgotten that he was capable of detecting a lie?
"Yes, I liked the Lexus.
He looked at his car.
What does it matter to him? What kind of girl knows about cars? There
probably aren't any others like her. But Diana loved cars. But
her "old lady" had to be sold...
- And I like this one.
He thought for a moment, then nodded at her.
There were more people than last Friday. Everyone was running
around with papers, discussing something, and Diana suddenly felt life
here.
A hectic life. A normal work environment. The receptionist stood
up when she saw Stefano,and gave him a dazzling smile that
was "Leslie
immediately lost when
Mills called and she saw
asked Diana.
you to call back. Olga ran
into his office as if it were her own home, squeezing past Diana.
"Very well, Olga. I'll call you back.
– They've also brought the papers for shipping the ships, and they
need to
be signed immediately.
"Bring them."
Diana was amazed at how calm he was with her. No
haughtiness in his voice. Does he talk like this to all of his
subordinates, or just to her?
Olga came back, her heels clicking, and put the papers on the table.
"Olga, call everyone in five minutes.
She nodded, but remained standing, smiling.
– You can go now.
He said this with warmth in his voice, and she left with a pout.
"Don't forget to get everyone together," he called after her. "I'm sorry.
The last one was addressed to Diana, and she didn't know why
she should forgive him.
– I have a lot of work to do." You have to be
in several places at the same time. Do you mind if I change?"
She was against it! When she turned her surprised gaze to him
and met his eyes, she knew she couldn't
survive this.
"Of course not," she lied, looking him straight in the eye.
– You learn before your eyes.
I didn't look down.
Stefano chuckled.
"I didn't drop it. But you lied.
Her brow furrowed.
– What makes you think that?"
– Because you're afraid of me. And if I undress in front
of you, I think you'll faint from fear.
Diana stared at him in disbelief. He
tested her every step of the way, every breath he took in and out.
– I was joking. I'll just sit there.
He walked over to his desk and sat down, pulling the documents
toward him.
She Stefano Visconti
was afraid of him,evoked manyhim,
she hated different emotions
he scared in Diana.
her, but at the same time
he was
a bright person, fascinating, unusual. He stood out from
the crowd. She didn't know what Visconti might do in a
minute, what he was
He wondered whatthinking, what heifwanted.
would happen she put him in an awkward
position now.
– Are you sleeping with your secretary?"
Stefano looked up from his paperwork and gave her a long, hard
look, even putting down his pen. The girl started
in surprise. Looking
straight into her eyes, Stefano said calmly:
– So you don't pry into my personal life, I don't pry into yours.
Of course, he would never answer her. But she liked his answer,
or rather, not even an answer, but a request. It suited Diana perfectly. He
would stay out of her life-great! So he would give her some
freedom. Maybe living with Frank isn't a
fantasy at all. She could still get married and have children.
He started to sign the documents again, but a small grin
touched his lips.
— no.
Diana was strangely relieved. But then she realized that he
had answered and hadn't even looked up from his papers.
– You lied to me.
– I have no equal in that. Stefano looked at her. "No
one knows when I'm lying. You still don't know if I'm being honest,
do you?
He was messing with her. She really couldn't tell if he was lying
or not. Anyway, what did she care? Such men sleep not only
with secretaries, but also with half the brothel.
– I think there must have been something between you."
He sighed, glowered at her, and pressed a button on
his phone.
The girl looked at Stefano with a pleading look, and for some reason
she
thought that he would understand her. Then she stopped. Has she already
asked
for protection from him? Was she looking for understanding in the killer
who Diana
was enslaving
heard himher
sigh. It looks like he can
? It looks like her
read minds after all.head is a mess. He wouldn't help her.
He is"So,
cruel and
let's treacherous.
get Killer.
started. Stefano sat stiffly in his big leather
chair. His fingers were locked in a lock on the table. –
I want to introduce you to Diana Oliver, she has an amazing
talent for accuracy. You know yourself – - he lowered his voice – " that this
is a great stroke of luck. So I don't want to miss the opportunity.
Diana's head spun at his words. He talked about it as
just another car in his fleet!
Stefano got up and walked over to the man in the back
room with them.
"Diana, this is Antonio Grasso, my second-in-command, my partner
, and my friend. You can contact him whenever you want, with any
questions.
Antonio nodded at her. Even at the first meeting, she realized that this
man was not just an employee of the company, he called his boss by
name and briefly. This indicated that they were on good terms.
The Italian name means that they are allies, apparently,
they started doing business together. But she was less afraid of him than
she was of Stefano,
who "Dylan
causedReed
her aisstorm of incomprehensible
our lawyer. When we're inemotions.
trouble, Dylan
saves us. Stefano clapped the other man on the shoulder, and the
other man smiled slightly as he looked at Diana.
"But you'd better be careful.
"Yes, it's better to be careful, but things happen.
"I agree.
Oddly enough, she liked the lawyer, too: a solid-looking man
in his mid-forties, his hair already graying slightly, and small,
noticeable wrinkles between his eyebrows that suggested he
was thinking a lot. She chuckled to herself – with a boss like that, she
couldn't help but think
.
agrees.
***
Diana didn't believe that was possible. So many people live and don't
know what's going on right under their noses. Where
are the authorities looking?
She turned to Visconti, hoping to hear that this was a joke.
Or a dream. But the man was silent. They stood there, looking at
each other, in absolute silence.
He broke it first.
– Do you know what adrenaline is?"
Diana didn't understand what he was saying. What is he talking
knewabout? Of course, she
what adrenaline was, and she'd given it to patients more than once,
saving their lives.
"Come on." Stefano took her hand and led her away. "I'll show
you."
As soon as they were out in the waiting room, he let go of her hand,
and they went down the stairs separately. Diana didn't have
much time to guess what Stefano was up to. But it didn
't work out.
She smiled at him as she passed him, and when she was outside,
she closed her eyes and breathed in the salty sea.
"Diana, catch it!"
It took her a moment to figure out what to catch. When she opened
heldher
outeyes, she automatically
her hands, and the keys fell into them. Stefano laughed as he
approached
the car from the
– I knew you passenger
had a goodside.
reaction."
Did he check on her? Again? Diana was about to toss the keys
back to him when she realized she was holding the keys to the Infiniti in
her hand.
– Why do I need them?"
"Sit down, Diana. You'll drive.
She thought she had misheard. But no. He had already sat down and
onlywas waiting
for her. She took the driver's seat, and for a second she
thought she was on a spaceship. How would she drive
such a big car? What if she breaks it?
– Why?"
- Have fun. Have you ever received one?
She didn't immediately know what to say. What is he implying? What
fun? In the car? ...
he laughed again at her confusion.
Chapter 7
Stefano drove her home without asking for directions. He knew her
very well. Diana guessed it. It wasn't just that she felt like she
was being followed all this time.
"Who was that?"
– I have a lot of people.
– What else do you know about me?"
"That's all.
She remembered the night she'd thrown herself into Frank's arms,
and
blush hada faint
touched her cheeks. But somehow she didn
't want Stefano to know that either.
– Am I being followed now, too?"
– Not anymore, you're with us. The best I can do is
put a guard on you. But I don't see the point yet.
Why didn't those words make her angry? He wanted to put
guards on her to make sure she didn't run away? Or for
her own safety?
Diana unbuckled her seat belt and glanced at Stefano, who calmly
pulled out the pistol hidden in the waistband of his jeans and shoved it
under
the driver's seat. She was getting used to the weapons in his hands.
And it no longer scared the shit out of her. If Visconti had wanted
to kill her, he would have thrown her off that cliff, but he only held her
closer, afraid
"We'll to training
start loosen his grip.
tomorrow, and I'll pick you up in the morning."
– What should I be prepared for?" Where are we going?
She saw the grin on his lips.
"We're not going, Diana. Let's run.
She laughed, thinking he was joking.
"Okay, I agree to run.
She got out of the car, still smiling, and walked
toward the house, pulling out her keys as she went. When I heard him
start the car,
I decided not to look back, but my hands froze as I put the key
in the lock. Still, she turned just as the car
disappeared around the bend. Feeling strangely empty, she went in
into the house. Diane dropped her keys on the table and flopped down on
the bed,
arms outstretched. She recalled her own sensations: sharp,
delicious, vivid, extreme, dangerous. All mixed up. But
they revived her! Stefano took her there on purpose, brought her to the
edge of the cliff
to shake her, to make the blood
run faster through her veins with fear and admiration. And she ran so fast
that Diane
forgot allwas
She about her fears,
distracted letting
from her senses
her thoughts bytake over completely.
the vibration of her phone.
She
She realized
took it that in addition to everyday problems and ordinary life, there
is
out and looked at the screen. Frank. She'd left in front of him with another
something that beckons
man, even though her, calls
she'd kissed himfor her. And planned
yesterday, she wantsto to go up
give after
herhim.
virginity. Right now, Diana was relieved that she hadn't
made up her mind. It would have been a big mistake: yesterday she had
been out of her mind,
trying to findwhere
"Diana, solaceare
in you?"
alcohol and kisses. Today, she
looked at the
"At home. world with different eyes.
The last thing she wanted to do was explain what had happened.
"Tell me, what was that?" Who is this person? Diane, are you
in trouble?
"No, – she said quietly. – I'm fine. He just
gave me a ride home.
The silence on the other end made her brain work hard,
figuring out a role for this man in her life for her friends.
– He's my half-brother.
"What brother, Diana?" Where did you get your brother? "Frank
wasn't
so easily fooled.
"Half-brother, Frank. My mother went to Arizona with his father,
as you know.
– And what's your stepbrother doing here?"
– I wanted to meet you because our parents decided
to get married.
Diana was shocked by her lies, she even covered her eyes
with her hand so as not to see her reflection in the mirror. Stefano
Visconti
would have laughed at her ingenuity right now. And Frank seemed
to believe the story.
However
the bartender obviously knew Stefano Visconti, since he gave him his
coordinates, but
Nicholas Griffin was there, too. Enemies in the same territory? Or is it
a neutral zone?
She also remembered the men who had been shot on the slope near
the port. How she did an indirect heart massage without letting
one of them die. Frank's young boy with no eyes. They were all riddled
like machine guns. Whose handiwork is this?
Diana couldn't stop replaying the events of the past
few days in her head. Today's Stefano Visconti, whose arms held her so
tightly, holding her close and not letting her fall, laughed, but still
remained cruel. For some reason, she couldn't believe that he was the one
who killed
those men. Why start a bloodbath on your own territory?
What's
Thethe point?
phone Tomorrow
rang she would ask
again, interrupting her him.
thoughts. Glancing at the
phone's display,
she saw an unfamiliar number. Something made her click on
"incoming".
"You didn't even ask me what time I'd be stopping by tomorrow," a
familiar
soft baritone voice said on the other end, and Diane smiled, feeling
her stomach tighten. She immediately forgot that she had attributed the
murders of several
– What time?" people to him.
He laughed, and the sound made her feel a lot of strange
things.
"Six in the morning."
Diana wasn't amused at all.
"What, six in the morning?" On Saturday at six in the morning, people
are still asleep.
"Well, let them sleep. We won't stop them. See you later, Diana."
blankVisconti
screen.hung up,words
So few and she
andsmiled again
so many at theemotions. This
exciting
man constantly made her smile. Why did she
want to end the conversation with Frank so quickly? Why did she want to
listen
any longer now?Stefano was silent, he did it in a way that made you want
Even when
to listen to that silence.
She turned on her phone to save the number in her contacts, but
hesitated, not knowing what to call it. I guess it's supposed to be
secret. And she just wrote two letters: "SV".
***
Frank was driving his old car too slowly, and Diane
was about to yell at him, but all she could do was say –
" There's no speed limit."
– But I'm driving you, so I don't want you to get hurt in the event of an
." accident
The girl frowned as she considered his words. They were
concerned for her. It's nice to hear that, but no more. So by asking
for two hundred and twenty, Stefano didn't care about her life? What if
they had crashed? But then he would have suffered, too.
During the ride, she stared out the window, no longer bothering Frank
with her complaints. She looked at everything around her: streets, houses,
people, roads, realizing that now she would see everything with different
eyes,
mentally
Whendelineating
they reachedthethe
boundaries.
Gyrfalcon, they went straight inside. Diana
looked around for Nicholas Griffin.
But he wasn't there, and she quickly calmed down. Camille was already
waiting for them –
during the waiting time, she even managed to meet another boyfriend.
After- Diana,
leavingtell
him,me,she joined
what her
kind of friends.
handsome man came to you in a
fancy wheelbarrow? Where did you find it?" Oh, I'm sorry, Frank, I don't
think I'm talking again.
"It's her half – brother, Cami," Frank said for Diane.
Camille stared at her friend.
"Introduce me to him."
– I'd love to, but he's too busy and he'll be leaving soon."
The same bartender brought them the menu, giving Diana a strange
look
he did so.asThere was surprise in his eyes, and something else: he
kept looking down at her, then back again, as if he wanted to say
something,
but didn't
"Whatdare in front
will you of her friends.
drink?"
"The usual beer, Frank," Camille laughed.
"I'll have orange juice," Diana said firmly, and they
looked at her in surprise.
"What are you doing, girlfriend?" I don't have to go to work tomorrow.
But Diana knew that tomorrow was just the time for work!
And at six o'clock in the morning, so I didn't want to stay too long in this
strange and strange place.
She paused at the sound of laughing voices behind her.
Feeling a chill creep up my skin, I turned around. The same
group, led by Nicholas Griffin, sat at the next
table. Nicholas looked at her and winked. Diana immediately
turned away, noticing that Frank and Camilla were already having a nice
conversation
The bartender brought them their orders, still keeping an eye on
about something
Diana.
If only she couldn't
she could read even fathom.
just by looking at it!
"It's okay," she whispered to him, not knowing why. -
thanks.
He nodded and left. Maybe he wanted to warn her
about Griffin. Or not? She followed him with her eyes, careful not
to turn too openly so that the group sitting in the back wouldn't
see. The bartender was drying his glass with a towel. It seemed to her that
he
was doing this so carefully that he risked rubbing a hole in the glass.
He looks at her again. Nervous? He looked away to the left,
raising his eyebrows slightly, then looked back at her. Diana followed his
gaze and froze: Stefano Visconti was sitting at a small table
in the corner of the room, smiling sweetly with his perfect smile and
looking intently at the other person – a girl with long straight
brown hair. Taking a deep breath, Diana turned
to her friends. Why was she so nervous? She just didn't want him
to see her here. He didn't say whether it was okay or not to visit this place.
But he'd let her go out with her friends. No reason
to be nervous.
"Diana, you don't say anything all the time. Frank
looked at her, oblivious to her confusion.
In response, she just shrugged and forced a smile on her face.
As serene as the man in the corner to the left. She prayed
that her friends wouldn't notice him, because they would want to meet her
"brother." An unpleasant situation. Pushing those thoughts aside, she
looked to her left again, trying to make it as inconspicuous as possible.
The girl was smiling at him now. She was beautiful and obviously rich. Just
his circle. She was sitting on the edge of a chair, one leg crossed over the
other, and Diane
I noticed that she was wearing a very short bright scarlet dress. Too
short. It is practically nonexistent. So here are the girls he likes:
slender, tall, mannered, rich. Everything about her screamed
that there was clearly something between them. She was leaning too close
to him, and he was staring into her eyes. Diana's patience
snapped as the girl whispered something in his ear.
She got up from the table and headed for the door.
"Don't follow me," she said rudely to her friends, who
stared blankly after her.
then he grabbed it. Her strength was nothing compared to his, and she
screamed in pain as she tried to pull away. The smell of alcohol and
cigarettes...
the smell of his own horror… Mixed together, they caused nausea. Even
as she closed her eyes and prepared for the worst, she suddenly
felt like she could breathe again. All the smells were replaced
by a"Griffin,
fresh wind.
I'm tired of you. Stefano
yanked Nicholas away from Diana, and she heard a familiar voice and
opened
her eyes to see him slam Nicholas against the wall. He groaned,
and the girl clutched her head in fright and pressed harder against the
wall.
Out Frank
of the corner of her
was there, eye,
too, andshe
he saw
triedpeople
to hugrunning
her, butin,
shebut she couldn't
tell which was which. Who is the enemy and who is the
pulled her hand away, not wanting to be touched. Her gaze was friend.
fixed on the other man, who towered over Griffin,
not allowing him to get up.
She could feel Stefano's anger from afar, and it only made her
feel worse. "I am terrible in anger."
"My mother, it's your brother! Camille exclaimed.
Diana wanted to disappear, to dissolve, to become invisible...
Or open your eyes and discover that this is just a dream. A new
nightmare. But this is a reality, a reality that can happen
to anyone, especially to those who go to such places.
Nicholas's men surrounded Stefano, but they didn't get too
close. There were a lot of them, and they were drunk. Diana was afraid to
even
lookBut she did
in their look. What if they kill him?
direction.
"I'll kill you, I swear, if you lay a finger on her again,"
Visconti growled, and threw Nicholas against the wall again.
Everyone parted to let him pass, and he was walking toward her, and
too happy
she wasn't
about it: too tough, too big...
- Get in the car!
"But I don't want to," she whispered for some reason.
– Then I'll help you." He came up to her, grabbing her roughly by the
arm,jerked it away and got up on her own.
but she
Everyone watched in silence, only Nicholas's groan echoing through
the night.
Frank was the first to break down, wanting to protect his girlfriend.
He
took a step toward them, but Stefano pointed a finger at him
to stop and not move. And Frank stopped, watching them
walkAsaway
she to
satthe big black
in the car. seat, Diana realized that she was
passenger
trembling.
She didn't know which was more terrified of Griffin or
angry with Stefano. He had saved her, but at what cost? He threw the son
of his main enemy
Visconti got in against the and
beside her wall.started
What will
the he get
car. for it? She could
Silently.
sense his
nervousness, but she was afraid to say a word. She saw him take out
his phone, callgive
"One, no, someone, and give her her address.
me two.
What did he want? Why two? What does he want to do with it?
His car was going so fast, cutting through the dark streets, that she
wanted to scream. But she was afraid. I was afraid to even look in his
direction, feeling the raging energy.
Stefano slammed on the brakes and
the car came to a screeching stop. Diana managed to cover her face with
her hands
and say goodbye to life, but the seat belt saved her from hitting
the windshield. When she realized that the car was parked, she lowered
her hands
Visconti exhaled, trying to calm his anger.
and "Everything
found that they were already at her house.
okay?"
Diana thought she'd misheard. Why wasn't he yelling at her?
Why?! She refused to understand the man.
Stefano got out of the car and walked around to open the door for her.
Silently.
She went out, still shivering, and hugged herself, either from
cold or nerves, as she trudged toward the house. But suddenly she was
standing at the front door. Gradually, the realization
of what had happened began to come. She could still feel the pain in her
back from
the stonework and on her skin from Nicholas Griffin's nasty embrace. He
almost
Stefano
raped satmight
her! He downeven
nexthave
to her and her,
killed pulled her he
since to his chest
is the sonwith
of a one
hand,
murderer, which means
touching
that he isher
justhair. She would
as cruel. have
She sat down cried, butstep
on the she without
didn't want to show it.
opening
the door, trying to stop herself from shivering, feeling her stomach cramp
and nauseous.
weakness. What will he think? That she's weak, that she's given up? Sure,
she's weak, but he'll never know.
Chapter 8
The sound of the alarm woke Diana just as
the first glimmer of dawn was beginning to show. She lay there looking at
them through the window.
Bright colors imperceptibly replaced each other, creating an enchanting
sight.
She closed her eyes again. There, in the courtyard, near her house,
there was
a guard. They were now guarding it in case Nicholas Griffin
decided to visit. Or just to calm the soul. Only
whose? Hers
He left inor Stefano's?
silence, not saying a word. And she didn't know if
he was coming today as he'd promised. But just in case, I set an alarm.
After a quick shower and a quick snack, she put on a pair of shorts
and a tank top. He didn't
say what to wear, but if they had to run somewhere, then these
clothes would fit. Diana went outside, breathing in the morning air, and
sat down on
the steps, noticing a black-tinted
BMW sedan
She nother
closed far eyes
fromfor
herjust
house. Her security
a minute to relaxteam was in that car.
Poor people
in the cold morning sun, but a familiar voice made
watched over her rest all night.
her shiver.
Diana opened her eyes and saw Stefano standing in front of her,
wearing
tracksuit witha the
black
Ferrari logo on it. Although she
couldn't imagine anything else on it. Only the Ferrari.
"I'm ready," she said, studying his face. Not a drop
of fatigue. It's like last night never happened.
"Then let's go." He held out his hand, and she took it.
And yesterday, with these hands, he hit Nicholas so hard that his friends
pulled him away from the wall for a long time...
They were walking along a deserted street: there were no cars on the
road, everything
was quiet. The city was still asleep. Stefano walked quickly, and Diana
tried– to keep are
Where up with him.
we going?"
do this.
She looked at him in surprise. The idea hadn't occurred to her
. And even if she did, she would be afraid of provoking
Nicholas ' anger.
Stefano stepped away from her, and she let out a sigh of relief.
– You don't have to be afraid, you don't have to wait for help, you have
to fight on your own. Evaluate your strength. When you look your
opponent in the eye, you
knock them down, giving yourself more time. Your brain
should always be working, looking for a way out. If there is an opportunity
to beat –
beat,Hebut as hard
pushed herasback
possible! Hethe
against willwall
fall with
to hishis
knees in but
body, front of you. He,
Diana, is not you! And one more thing...
this time he pushed her harder. Fear took my breath away again.
Stefano pressed his cheek to hers and whispered in her ear.
– You might even bite my neck." It'll give me
a shock and I'll pull back a little. This distance is enough to hit
my head in the bridge of my nose. I'll move away, clutching my nose,
which
[1]
will probably bleed, – you have
and time
you'll to run.
knee me below the waist.
Now he was
I fall and addio farther away from her. She finally
took a deep breath, thinking it over. His whisper in my ear created
a real picture of what was happening.
– But that's not all. He smiled at her. "Let's play a game."
I'm the rapist, you're the victim. You run, I catch up with you. If you
can escape from me, I will grant you your every wish.
First she smiled, then she laughed. Strange man!
In the ten minutes she'd spent with him, she'd been in shock, in fear,
in thought, and now in joy that he'd offered her the game.
As a child, she was the fastest runner in the area. She
liked his idea. She liked the way he taught her. This is his style, and this
style is unique.
– I'll run and think about what prize I want. She backed away,
looking him straight in the eye. – I'm a great runner.
"We'll see. If you lose, I'll get the prize. Run!
She wasted no time in turning and running. The wind hit
her face and fluttered her hair, but only after a few dozen meters
Diana found it hard to run down the beach in her shoes – her feet
raking up the sand. That's why he chose this place.
She ran from the dry sand to the beach itself, where the waves
tamp it down and it became easier to run. She tried not to step into the
water,
so as not to get her sneakers wet, and also to run away from the waves. I
ran and was afraid
to turn around, but I wanted to assess the situation. But she could feel him
close, very close. And she was right – Stefano grabbed her and threw her
to the
– I'll think about the prize."
sand,Sheleaning
didn'ton topunderstand
even of her. He pressed
what heherwasbody against
saying, the warm
panting sand,
from running
pinning
He was her hands
so fast.
also behind
breathing her back.
heavily and lowered his head to her cheek for a
moment. And at
this sudden touch and proximity, the girl screamed
and began to struggle. But he was strong, and she
felt small and helpless under the weight of his body. Her hands were
twisted
behind her back, but Diana didn't give up. She gritted her teeth and
arched underdo this anymore!" – Stop it! " she screamed, and finally he
– I can't
him,loosened
then exhaled and lay back, her grip tight. He
his hands.
was "Think,
literallyDiana.
pushing her into the wet sand.
was She was it.
causing breathing through
Her breasts roseher
andmouth, she was
fell beneath choking,
him. no longer
But when she
knowing
realized what
that he
was sitting up slightly, she looked up into his eyes. He said
to look me in the eye! We must learn to think! But, as luck would have it,
there were no thoughts,
only his body, his proximity, which in a strange way clouded the brain.
I should have pulled myself together and not thought about him, driven my
thoughts
"Howaway!
do you feel, Diana?"
Diana's eyes
– I can narrowed
feel all yourslightly, butmy
weight on she didn't look away. She couldn't tell
body.
if she
He wanted
smiledto atescape
her. more from his proximity or from his eyes.
Is he still joking? He's kidding me! He's abusing her and her body!
She snarled and tried to push him away, but it was no use.
– I can't take it anymore, I give up. You've won. The prize is yours.
He loosened his grip almost completely, propping himself up on his
elbows,
giving her more air and freedom.
***
You
Do you know what "Morte Nera" is? This is a criminal group! Do you
know who Stefano Visconti is? Its leader! Do you know what
they call it in the criminal world? The Black Devil! He's a killer!
Diana froze. Frank wasn't supposed to know about this. Why does he
dig so deep, why does he climb into this swamp?
"Frank," she pleaded, " please don't poke your nose where
you shouldn't. Forget everything you've heard. Forget it forever.
– How can I forget?" What do you have with this man? But what am I
talking about?
He's not human, he's a brutal killer, he's cheating on you! Diana, did you
buy the money? On his coolness and position in society? He
's older
Shethan you.hand
put her For how
over long? For ten
his mouth andyears? More?
whispered in his ear.
– Do you see wealth in my house?" No! So don't
jump to conclusions. I have something in common with this man, but I
can't tell you what it is. For your own safety.
She removed her hand from his lips and got up from the bed. Lame,
She headed for the shower, but Frank blocked her way.
– We wanted to go to Los Angeles with you, remember? I'm ready,
let's go! I'll get you away from him.
She just shrugged and looked him straight in the eye
.
"The question is, Frank, do I want to leave him?"
She went into the bathroom and closed the door behind her.
She immediately turned on the water and pulled off her sneakers,which
were chafing her
feet.Standing
She longed to get
under theout
hotof the shower
water, Diana and
felt find Frank gone.
her entire body tense. Even her hands seemed to be shaking, even though
she
wasn't doing anything with them. Or not? She was trying to get out of
captivity when
Visconti fell on top of her. He is big and strong, she is small
and weak. He was much bigger than Nicholas Griffin, and if someone like
Stefano Visconti attacked her, she would never be able to escape
. ButWrapped
from Nicholas,init was possible, Diana
a towel, and now opened the door
she knew how.
a crack and listened. Quietly. So Frank was gone. With a sigh of relief, she
went into the room, sat down on the bed, and rubbed her tired
and aching feet.
She felt sorry for Frank. Just a short time ago,she'd been lying under
him,
half-naked, determined to give up her innocence...
memories of Stefano pulling her down, covering her with his
body, pushing her legs apart, pressing down on her with all his strength,
causing pain,
fear,Stefano
and something
Visconti else to intrude on
is a murderer, her mind…
involved She couldn't help but
in illegal
think trafficking
arms about it. And
andit God
was knows
gettingwhat else, but he did not allow himself to
scary.
do anything
superfluous towards her, he taught her, he invested knowledge in her,
she did not see him as the devil. He became her support and protection.
The fear
was gradually replaced by other feelings – she wanted to believe him
and not be afraid.
Chapter 9
Diane walked into the office building and couldn't help but glance
back at the parking lot,
looking for a big black car. Today it was a
Lexus.
As She smiled. the guards, someone called out to her–
she passed
" Diana!
Matt Bourne, the same guy she'd sat with in the waiting room,
waiting for her fate. He was hired as a security guard, which he was very
happy about. She was taken as a sniper. And it was terrifying.
"How are you, Matt?"
Diana walked over to the security desk. For a
moment, she had a strange thought: does Matt Bourne even know how
to shoot? How does it guard the head center without training? Without
one,
what is it like? What if the entire northern company
, represented by Griffin Sr., comes here? Can Mat hold the punch alone?
And Matt
does winked
he at her and smiled.
even"I'm
know fine, but howprotecting
what he's are you?" and whothe
It's not he's protecting?
first time I've seen you here,
but
I can't figure out what position you've been hired for.
Diana looked down, not knowing what to say. Stefano would
have said, "Look me in the eye," knowing she'd start lying.
– I'm still doing an internship. I don't know who I'll be yet.
Matt nodded, as if she'd answered his question.
My heart was about to jump out of my chest. What's wrong with her?
cares She
for this killer's life as if it were her own!
"I think so. That man with the guards didn't stay here long. But he
was angry, Diane, and even I was afraid.
She didn't finish listening, but crossed the hall and quickly climbed
the
stairs. There were so many thoughts in my head that they could
driveStefano
me crazy.
Visconti needed a hitman who was always ready to keep an
eye on the enemy, and she was taking a shower and complaining of pain in
her legs! Her
job, which she didn't really know yet,which he was preparing her for,
was She
needed
flewtoday.
into the reception area, brushed past Olga without
saying hello, opened the massive door, and went in.
Stefano was sitting at his desk, already dressed in a business suit, just
the first
like time she'd seen him.
"Oh, I see you didn't run well, since you still have the strength to walk.
It was only when she heard his voice that she let out a breath and
realized
her legs thatholding her up. He's alive! No blood, no bruises, no cuts!
weren't
Thank God
it's all right.
"Who came in today?"
He pushed the papers away from him. I did it slowly, delayed
with the answer.
– What did you drive?"
Why is he changing the subject?
– With your guards, of course, they follow me everywhere.
- OK.
He nodded in satisfaction, looking at her from his seat. Sight
he was thoughtful, and something was bothering him.
Moving closer to him, she whispered:
– Is something bothering you?"
Visconti simply smiled at her. Before she could respond to his
smile, Olga burst into the office.
"Sorry, Chief, it went so fast I didn't have time
to tell you!"
She ran her hands down her short skirt, tracing the curve of her
thighs.
"She
should canto
learn come in here even with her feet, Olga, thank you. And you
knock.
– You're small and fragile, Diana. When you recoil, you will
fall back.
She rolled her eyes in displeasure as she set her fork down on the
table.
and "I'm just kidding,
whispered, Diane.–Stefano
" I'm sorry.: leaned
You should closer
have moretostrength
her than
weight." We
get our
Sheenergy
picked from food.
up her fork again, watching him
out of the corner of her eye–
Stefano took a sip of wine, clearly in no hurry to answer. But
this is not surprising, because personal life is personal for that. But Diana
so
wanted to know… She watched him, saw his grin, but he
didn't say don't
– You anything.
have to tell me. I got it Are you married?"
Their eyes met, and then he was studying her. Under the pressure of
gaze,his
I wanted to take all the questions back. But they are already asked,
and there are still no answers. I wanted to know more about it. In fact, she
didn't know anything about him at all.
"You know, Mr. Knight reminded me of me," she continued.
Diana, remembering the guest in Stefano's office.
"You know, me too.
"So you're married?"
"It's hot.
"Then let's get out of here."
Chapter 10
He'd brought her to the moor, where the sun-baked grass pricked
her feet and the few bare trees stuck out like thorns. It was
hot. It seemed to Diana that even the air in this place smouldered from
the sweltering heat. Stefano loosened his tie, undid the top
buttons of his shirt, and slung his jacket over his shoulder. She had
nothing to take
off, just a T-shirt and jeans, which were hard to wear
in theIn heat.
the rooftop restaurant, the wind was blowing, but the air was still.
Why had he
brought her here? Stefano didn't say anything, he moved easily, and the
heat didn't seem
to make him uncomfortable. Diana followed, feeling the sun
burn– her exposed
You're goingskin. Fifteen
to kill me?" minutes were enough for
her to groan.turned at the sound of her voice, and Diana saw the sweat on
Stefano
face.his
A grin touched his lips. He pulled off his tie, stuffed
it into his pants pocket,and undid a couple more buttons on his white shirt,
revealing the black hair on his chest. Even though
she was already collapsing from exhaustion and the heat, the sight
of it brought the blood to her face and made her mouth go dry.
"Me or this place?"
Diana stepped around him so as not to be embarrassed. As she moved
forward,
she felt him following her. My nerves were on edge. It felt
like she was going to scream at him and then drop dead.
– Are you annoyed?"
– I'm furious.
She walked faster, though her only desire was to disappear
and never see him again. She just kept walking until
a fence loomed in front of her. Barely noticeable, still a very distant point,
but it was there, which means that we are not far from the final goal.
– There are gatherings here, Diana. We chose this place
specifically away from the city, so that in case of anything, shots would not
be heard
.
If
one of them will be found with it, a bullet in the forehead is guaranteed.
And even though all
my men are behind the cars, holding the enemy at gunpoint, I'm unarmed,
and Diana
the first shot will
snatched herhithand
me. away as quickly as if his fingers were
lava fire. Her stomach clenched. She wasn't shocked by
what was happening in the world of crime,but she suddenly realized that
the shock
was caused by him, the man sitting next to her and constantly risking his
life. Even for the sake of money and power. But he'd become
something special to her in a few days, and the thought of him lying on
this empty
lot with a bullet
– What through
is required ofhis head made her want to cry. Diana couldn't
me?"
understand
– My life will depend on your professionalism, so
what was to
I decided causing
teach her
you to feel this
myself, way. I have the same gift. And
because
they haven't seen a better shooter yet, so they play it safe and disarm
me. But I will create a likeness of myself: you will be my eyes, ears
, and hands.
He stood up, brushing off the dirt, and offered her his hand. Diana
grabbed it.
– Your role is the most important one for me: to keep an eye on their
leader. But without anyone suspecting anything."
– Don't forget, I'll take the first bullet."
Diana panicked. What if she doesn't succeed? What if they
find her?
– In the event of a shootout, your job is to kill their
leader, then shoot the others indiscriminately. The more enemies
you kill, the more our lives will be saved. You won't
get hurt yourself, because you'll be a good distance
away from here. See the hill in the distance? He pointed to the high
ground. –
After that, you'll have to run, but not to the wounded, Diana, or even
to me. Run to your car and drive away as fast as possible.
You don't have to think about us. If everything goes according to plan, I'll
see you somewhere
In words, else. was simple. But it's too exciting and painfully
everything
risky. He trusted her with his life, just as she had trusted him with hers
at the edge of the cliff. I wanted to scream. Strongly! To wake up! But she
she did not sleep, this is now her life, its reality-unreliable,
dangerous and terrible.
"That's my life, Diana. And you ask me if I love
anyone. I don't like it because it's too dangerous.
***
Diana sat on the beach, looking out over the blue waters of the ocean,
where the horizon stretched from unknown to unknown. Her
breathing was calm and relaxed, quiet, almost imperceptible.
The fresh wind ruffled her hair, but she didn't notice it, her mind
was occupied with other things – getting used to being different, realizing
a new
role Her
in life.
security guard, Tomas, whom Stefano had assigned to her,
was always around. She could feel his presence, even though
she couldn't see him. She didn't want to see anyone right now. Camille
kept ringing off
the phone, and Frank called once, but Diana just turned off
the sound. Only one person knew where she was and what was wrong with
her, but he didn't
evenDiana
need was
to call her,
lost because his
in thought, bodyguard
oblivious was witharound
to everything her. But sheOnly
her.
didn't want to see Stefano, either. She wanted
the orange, less blinding sun on the horizon to be alone.
was a reminder that it was late afternoon.
"Lady Diana! A man's voice snapped her out of her thoughts, and she
turned to see Thomas. – Are you all right?" You've been sitting here
so long that I'm starting to worry.
She felt sorry for Thomas, she would have let him go. What kind of
nonsense did
Stefano come up with with the guards? Who needs it? Nicholas Griffin had
already
"Sit forgotten
with me, Thomas.
about her. pointed to a spot on the grass next to her, and he, despite the
Diana
fact with
the one that the suit on was happy to join in.
Diana liked the dark-skinned Thomas right away, and she wasn't even mad
at him for nearly
breaking Frank's arm. Initially, there were two bodyguards. But
Stefano, for some unknown reason, took one of them and left
only Thomas with her.
***
When she pulled up to the house in the black BMW that Diana was
getting
used to, she offered Thomas coffee, but he politely
declined.
– I don't understand why." You can have a cup of coffee.
"My job, ladies, is to protect you, not drink your coffee."
She closed the door, not knowing what would happen if he drank
coffee. Dropping her purse on the floor, she went into the kitchen and
turned
on the coffee
Diana satmaker.
down on If he didn't
a chair want
and toout
took come
herin, she'd phone,
mobile take the coffee
herself.
remembering
the many calls her friends had made. Probably offended by her. She
decided
"Hi, to call Camille.
Diane," her friend's voice came over the line, sounding annoyed
. – I thought you took us off your friend list."
"Kami, don't be silly, I was just really busy.
"With your man?"
– With it.
Camille sighed into the phone.
"So he didn't frighten you with his... activities?"
Diana was angry with her, and even wanted to yell at her friend,
but she held back, because she would have to explain her emotions, and
she
didn't— want
no. to do that. She answered in monosyllables.
Her future dreadful profession promised her to be friendless. Diana
was only now beginning to understand this. To the question: "Can I see
my friends?", Stefano replied: "If time permits" - and he
took up all her time! They'd spent the whole day together today,
and he'd left her in the late afternoon to get on with his work. And she
sat on the beach for two hours, not knowing what to do without him.
"I wanted to invite you to a nightclub," Camille whined, " just like
in the old days." You can come with your mafia king if
you want.
Diana laughed when she should have screamed.
"Dee, are you all right?"
This wasn't normal at all, and Diana knew it. Nerves,
stress, and fatigue did their job. She needed to relax,
distract herself, and forget who she was now for a while. After all, Stefano
didn't
he forbade her to see her friends. But since she spends the whole day with
him,
she can devote
"I agree, the
but night to
without her
the friends.
mafia Until
king," sheIsaid.
completely
"Wherelost them.
are we going?" Just don't go to the Gyrfalcon, please.
- Great! Camille shouted. – I knew you didn't leave us,
our Diana is back in action!" Let's go to the Bunker.
Diana shuddered at the name. But remembering that the "Bunker"
is located in the center, which means that it is safe there, I agreed.
Dressed in a white flared dress with a silver ribbon
under the bust and high heels, she didn't forget to bring out a cup
of coffee for Thomas. The bodyguard shifted nervously in the
driver's seat when he saw her.
– Are you going somewhere?"
"Yes, Thomas. I'm not supposed to ask permission, am I? Visconti
said I had a right to privacy.
Thomas looked at her warily as he sipped his coffee.
– I think he changed his mind after the last time.
– I made a mistake when I went to the Gyrfalcon . Today we are going
to the center.
"I will be with you, Lady Diana, I tell you at once.
The girl was not upset – she was even more comfortable with security
after the incident with Nicholas Griffin.
They pulled up to the entrance to the nightclub, and Diana realized
that
it wasn't really an entrance: just a ladder leading down
to an– inconspicuous door.criminals
I hope there aren't And a small flickering
from sign:
all over the Bunker.
city gathering here to
discuss deals?"
Thomas smiled at her startled expression.
The White Wolves don't come here.
- Who are the "friends"? the girl asked cautiously.
- Our and central ones.
"Who owns this hole?"
She could have asked earlier, but somehow
it didn't occur to her. Maybe I should have chosen a better place.
"Richard Knight's partner. His name is Leslie Mills.
Diana thought she'd heard the name before. But
she'd learned so many new names lately that it was hard for her to
understand them now.
Diana could feel the trembling in her hands and tried to hide it from
prying eyes. She wanted to look at the tables again, but
when she heard the slow music, she took Frank's hands and dragged
him to the center of the room.
"Let's go dance."
She pulled him to her and put her hands on his shoulders.
Frank put his arm around her waist. – Until recently
, something started between us. But you were afraid of something. His?
Diana stared at her friend.
"Who's 'his', Frank?"
– You know who. He looked away.
- no. Not his, Frank. And not you. I was afraid of myself. I wasn
't sure, no offense.
– I'm not offended, Diana, you know. I'm ready to wait for you. But I'm
I won't
afraid
make it.
The words stung her so much that she hated herself for
pushing Frank away. He's a good guy. Too good. So
why doesn't her heart respond? Why isn't she rooting for him?
"Give me a kiss, Frank."
And he touched her gently with his lips. It was a soft, trembling,
hesitant kiss. And so sweet that it made my head spin...
But suddenly she remembered that
she had just witnessed Visconti's fingers touching her blond hair,
caressing it.
"Frank," she whispered against his lips, " I don't
understand anymore.
He ran his hand down her back, leaving a trace of tenderness. And she
touched her fingers to his face, kissing him again.
The music ended, and Diana broke away from him and took a step
back, knowing it was time to leave or it would end badly, and Thomas
was right. A few more kisses like that and she would go crazy with the
strange feelings that were gnawing at her soul, tearing at her from the
inside
Sheout.
whispered good-bye to Frank and turned
to look for her guard. But it turned out that he was already standing
nearby.
"Let's go home, Thomas.
– You had plans, and I broke them. But you didn't have to come.
I just scared the hell out of Thomas with my behavior.
Visconti turned away and frowned.
– That's for sure. But I was in the neighborhood, I had
some business to attend to, so you didn't distract me.
Diana looked up at him, her eyes tracing the perfect profile.
Stefano was as beautiful as a god. No. Like the devil. A black,
aristocratic devil who burns out hearts.
– Do you like looking at me?"
"Very much.
He laughed and looked at her.
Chapter 12
Diana ran down the beach, her feet sinking into the sand. It was hard
and uncomfortable, and she fell several times, but she got up and ran
again,
risking fainting. And even though Stefano
had left her with Thomas, she couldn't afford to stop for even
a minute to take a break. It wasn't that she would cheat
and he would find out,it was just that she was running for herself because
she understood
When his phonehow important
rang in thephysical fitness
morning, Dianawas in herthat
realized new job.
she had slept in a dress. Her head ached and she was terribly thirsty, but
when she saw how
easily and quickly her tormentor rose, she decided not to whine, not
to show her weakness in front of him. It's my own fault. In addition
to physical
Seeing strength,
him in hisyou need
house to morning
this ask for more brains.
was... strange. He put
the gun down on the table next to Diana and smiled.
"Is there coffee in this house?"
More than his calmness, his gun, and his smile, she was annoyed
by the endless phone calls.
– I'll throw your phone away someday."
He immediately shoved the phone into her hands, and it rang again. It
was Diana almost dropped it in her surprise and immediately handed
Thomas.
it back.
And now she was running, remembering the morning and smiling. She
saw
the surprise and relief on Thomas's face as she went out to meet him.
He probably thought Stefano had shot her. But no. She's alive!
Moreover, Stefano
"Lady Dee, Visconti
that's enoughhimself was guarding her sleep.
for today.
But she kept running, even though her lungs ached and her heart
was pounding. He needs her in great physical shape.
Diana had overheard Stefano telling Thomas about some kind
of setup. And then he left. He drove off into the unknown in his black
Lexus. I didn't tell her anything. He'd
been receiving phone calls since morning, and when she saw the anger in
his eyes, she knew something
terrible had happened.
"What's wrong, Thomas?"
– They gave us a present in the south – five corpses.
The girl stared at him in disbelief.
– Someone is provoking our boss, Lady Dee, by throwing
bodies at his territory.
She turned and ran on, feeling a surge of new strength
and a sharp pain shooting through her heart. Where is he? What will
happen to him
? How can she help him? So far, nothing. But she will
try.
Being at home was unbearable. Diana paced from corner to corner,
occasionally glancing at her phone. But he was silent.
"Don't worry so much, Lady Diana, he'll be fine. As
soon as everything is settled, he'll call you.
Thomas was comforting her, so he must have noticed her nervous
state. But
why was she so nervous about Stefano? He's no stranger
to this sortthis
"Does of thing.
happen Foroften,
him, Thomas?"
this is the norm. But not for her!
– This is the second time. The first one was not so long ago, on a slope
Fivenear thewere
people port.shot.
Diana gasped. A forgotten image came to mind: sirens wailing,
the city at night, empty streets, her big man, whom she did not
let die, doing an indirect heart massage, rhythmically pressing on
a powerful chest. So that's what happened there! It wasn't Stefano who
killed them,
no. It was a "gift" made by his enemies. How did she not
cross paths with him there? But there were so many people, she didn't
look"Did
around
youat all,out
find justwho
did did
her it?"
job. Saving a life.
— no. There are guesses, but these are just guesses. You can write
everything
Vulture, but he off to say anything. No one says anything, Lady Dee, no
doesn't
one takes
responsibility.
"The dead," she thought again of the big man, " who
are they?" They're from Morte Nera, are they Visconti's people?
- no. These are not our people. They were killed in Visconti territory,
which means that he is responsible for their deaths. There are such rules
in our world
. Therefore, each head of the clan will never allow himself to be killed
on his territory, and if this happens, the body is thrown on the ground.
***
same enemies.
Michael nodded and left. A shiver ran through Diana. Anger,
pain, resentment for the words thrown at them… And fear. The fear at the
center of this
tangle of emotions began to signal. Fear for the life of Stefano
Visconti.
She stood at the window and watched as people came in and took
up weapons, and cars turned around in the street, forming up in a single
column.
He said it was his life, apparently he liked being on
the edge between life and death. So why should she care?
Let him
She go where
hated him.heShe
wants, let him
doesn't caredo whatStefano!
about he wants. This is his
Nothing! He right.
would leave now, and she would go home and go to bed. And she doesn't
care if he lives or dies
. Diana sighed, knowing she was lying to herself.
As she watched him tuck the gun into his belt, covering it with his
jacket, she realized that he was staring in her direction.
She turned her gaze to the cars that were parked in the parking lot.
Everything
is ready. There was only one white van among the black cars
, bringing up the rear. What was in it, she didn't know, but when she saw
Michael
"I'm come out
going," of heard Stefano say, but she didn't turn around.
she
her, "Good
she knew it Steph."
luck, was theStay
only in
connection between them.
touch. If something goes wrong, I'll go
with the second group.
Her stomach clenched, but she tried not to show her
fear. When she heard his footsteps behind her, she closed her eyes,
nervously
squeezing herlater,
"See you fingers.
Diana."
These words were thrown at her. And to hide her excitement,
she said without turning around –
" When you are killed, I hope I will be free."
Visconti didn't leave. But he didn't answer either. Diana knew that it
him annoyed
not to make eye contact. She was lying. And he knew it. Antonio was
also
silent,
Sheapparently
heard thetaking her words
door open. in.
His footsteps faded behind
her, leaving her heart aching. What had she done? Why didn't you wish
me luck, hiding my excitement behind a mask of indifference? Feeling a
sob
break out of her chest, she touched her fingers to her lips, hating herself
for it.
all. What if she never saw him again? Will her life
be the same as before? Work, family, children...
Moving away from the window, Diana pushed open the door and ran
afterBecause
happen! him. No!heIt had
won't
penetrated deep into her soul, changing it
harshly.
She ran down the steps, oblivious to anything in front of her.
The urge to catch up with him was stronger than the fear. Hoping to make
it in time, she
grabbed the handle of the glass door and ran outside. But it was
too late.
"No,"One
sheby one, the cars passed the barrier and pulled out onto the
whispered.
road.She was late. The spasm in my chest made my heart ache. Diana
walked slowly past the rest of the cars, realizing only now that
he'd only taken half the people with him when he'd left. She yanked open
the driver's door of one of the black BMWs.
– Why didn't you go with him?"
The man Thomas had been talking
to looked at her in surprise.
"There was no order, Lady Diana.
He knew her name. And she didn't know anyone! Diana felt as if she
had entered through the Looking Glass.
"Who gives the orders?"
"Visconti isn't here yet, Antonio Grasso. We are waiting for his
instructions.
AngryDiana
withquickly
herselfcrossed the distance
and Antonio, to the
she headed building's
for entrance.
the stairs, but her legs
wouldn't
hold her up – the pain in her muscles was so intense that for a second she
thought she was going to fall. But, forcing herself, she still managed
to get up. displeased look no longer annoyed her, Diana
Olga's
ignored her stupid jealousy.
– Why didn't you send everyone with him?"
Antonio looked at her and smiled.
– You said yourself that he leads them to their deaths." Let
at least someone stay alive.
She thought she'd misheard.
– Are you laughing?"
And he did laugh.
"Diana, girl, we've separated the people just in case. If
the connection to Stefano goes down, Michael will determine his location,
Chapter 13
There is nothing worse than looking at the slow-moving hands
of a clock and waiting. Two hours passed, and it seemed like an eternity.
Diana crawled up on the sofa in the waiting room and tried
to relax. She hadn't chosen this place to annoy
her secretary. It was just that here, surrounded by greenery and flowers,
there was a comfort
that she really needed. But now it wasn't enough either. Each
ring echoed in my chest. She thought of the handsome man
with the big tattoo on his shoulder, his blue eyes, his whisper, so
inviting, gentle, exciting. Her conscience pricked her for the words
she'd spoken before he left. What if she never saw him
again and couldn't tell him it was a lie? If it were possible to
turn back time and correct a mistake… And now he thinks
she hates him. He wants freedom. But this is not the case! Because it was
only"You should go home, you bastard.
withDiana
him that she at
looked found
Olgait.and smiled unkindly. The bastard.
For some reason, there was a man down there in the car who knew her
name.
But this was the first time she'd seen him. And this bitch deliberately
called her that,
showing
"Ladyher superiority.
Diana, Olga. ForAnd stupid. Diana didn't want
you.
to answer,
That wasbutwhat
she couldn't.
Thomas had called her, and that was what the man she
'd spoken to in the parking lot had called her. She liked her name. Like
Princess Diana.
Thomas
Olgamust have thought
nervously threw the so,papers
callingon
her "Lady
the Dee" for short.
table.
"What kind of lady are you?" A beggar girl warmed by a rich man!
A streetwalker from a poor neighborhood.
It was unforgivable for Diana to do anything like this,
but she had to put this red-haired beast in its place.
Standing up, the girl slowly approached the
secretary's desk and, leaning down, just a few centimeters from
the secretary's face, whispered:
– There will come a time when you will regret what you said, and you
will
crawl at my feet and beg for my forgiveness. Diana
straightened up proudly.
Olga looked startled, –then
Andangry.
I'll think
Sheabout whether
jumped to forgive you or
up from
not."seat, about to say something, but Diana ignored the
her
impulse and went to the stairs and started down, glad that she was able
to respond to the insults without raising her voice.
"Diana! Matt called from the guard post. –
Any word from the boss?"
The girl stopped beside him, looking out through
the glass door.
"Nothing yet, Matt.
She never forgot for a second what was tormenting her soul.
How long has it been? Two hours? More? Why is there no news?
– It was serious today, wasn't it?" I've never seen anything like this
before.
in the Just
movie: likeguns. I would like to take part in this as well.
cars,
Diana looked at him in surprise. Why do men
have to shoot all the time? Why do they enjoy it?
Adrenaline rush? Fight for your territory? For your woman?
Why?
"Matt, it's dangerous, don't you think?" Or is it like a game to you men
? Are you devoid of fear?
He thought about it.
"Well, that's cool, Diane. Have you seen Visconti today?
"I did, but
not heavily I don't
armed want guards
security to see him like this
in black anymore." I want peace and
BMWs.
kindness,
I don't want his mobile phone to be torn apart by terrible calls! I don't
want his anger and wires on my body! I don't want guns in my belt! I don't
want him to be threatened with a gun aimed at his head, I don't want
anything!
Diana's
"Dee,nerves
what gave out.doing?"
are you – I just He
want him back."
wanted to stroke her hair, to comfort
her,afraid
he was but to touch her.
The girl wiped away her tears with the back of her hand, pulled
herself
together and said:
"Happiness isn't about being cool, Matt. It may appeal to women,
but the one who loves you will hate it all.
She turned around and went outside. Leaning against the wall, she
watched the road, waiting for the black cars to appear. But they
were all gone.
"Lady Diana, can I take you home?" The man
in the black suit got out of the car to meet her.
– What's your name?"
"Simon, lady.
She smiled at him. Where did Stefano get such nice people?
Except for the secretary, of course. There's clearly a story behind it.
"Why ' lady'?"
Simon shrugged.
– So the boss said: "Now we will have a girl working with us,
a real lady, please treat her with all respect." You
're in Morte Nera, lady, and his word is law here. We respect his choice.
But between you and me – - he grinned broadly – " when I first saw you,
I knew he was right – you're a real lady.
Diana could have thanked God for sending her this
man. She needed to hear something nice about their boss
. What he'd said to her for protection, she'd taken as an
unexpected but insanely pleasant compliment.
"Thank you, Simon, but I'll stay here.
"As you say, Lady Diana."
The man was about to get into the car, but her question stopped him.
– Everything was fine. But they don't tell us much. We're just waiting
for orders." If we go, something must have happened.
Диана облегченно выдохнула и посмотрела на дорогу. Время
тянулось бесконечно долго. Постояв на улице еще немного, Диана
вернулась в здание, чтобы найти Антонио. Он оказался в своем
кабинете: сидел за столом, смотря куда-то вдаль. Рядом, разговаривая
по телефону, ходил Дилан Рид.
– Никаких новостей, девочка. – Антонио посмотрел на нее.
– Отведите меня в подвал и научите стрелять. Я не хочу терять
время.
Антонио поднялся со своего места, удивленно смотря на нее.
Дилан, услышав ее слова, опустил телефон:
– Мы не можем.
Глава 15
Утром Диана встала слишком рано для выходного от тренировок.
Она не спала всю ночь, вспоминая слова Стефано. Куда он поехал? Где
провел эту ночь? Почему слова, брошенные им напоследок,
проносились сквозь нее, как ток? И почему этот ток проникал в нее
всякий раз, когда он был рядом? Она ненавидела себя. А его еще
больше. Он украл у нее спокойствие.
Сегодня она должна думать о другом: о деньгах, наркотиках
и безопасности. А в ее мыслях – черноволосый Дьявол с холодными
синими глазами.
Диана не торопясь принялась одеваться. Накинув короткую
джинсовую куртку, она поняла, что не знает, как одеваться на такое
мероприятие. В тот раз, когда Стефано отправился к Грифу, на нем
была футболка. Он снял ее, когда Майкл пластырем наклеивал
провода
на его тело. Вспомнив это, Диана простонала, села на стул, руками
закрывая лицо. «Безумие
Припарковав какое-то»,
белую «Мазду» – сказал
возле офиса,он вчера.
Диана И былна
вышла прав.
улицу
и, решив не торопиться, облокотилась на машину и ненадолго
прикрыла глаза. Она подставила лицо солнцу, наслаждаясь теплыми
лучами, и подняла ладони вверх, ощущая жар на холодных от
волнения руках. С каждым новым глотком воздуха она принимала
в себя спокойствие и умиротворение, пыталась забыть про сделку,
наркотики и Стефано Висконти.
– Что ты делаешь?
Открыв глаза, она увидела Мэта и улыбнулась ему:
– Медитирую. Очень помогает расслабиться. Попробуй.
Он засмеялся и встал рядом, поднимая ладони и закрывая глаза:
– А говорить что-то надо?
– Нет. Просто думай.
– О чем?
– О приятном.
Они простояли так еще некоторое время, и Диана смогла вновь
погрузиться в свои мысли. Думать о приятном? Так она, кажется, ему
сказала? А что творилось у нее в голове? О чем думала она?
***
Глава 16
Диана гнала машину с бешеной скоростью. В багажнике
находились четыре ящика с брикетами кокаина, рядом сидел
мужчина,
который
– Деньги
перестрелял
у вас?! четырех человек, а в его руках…
Он странно посмотрел на нее, доставая мобильный телефон:
– Ты думаешь, я убил их, потому что мне просто захотелось
пострелять?
Боже, боже, боже! Во что он втянул ее? Теперь она соучастница
преступления. Ее расстреляют без суда и следствия.
– Поезжай к обрыву, – скомандовал он, одновременно кому-то
набирая и разговаривая на итальянском языке. Диана не понимала ни
слова. В голове все еще не укладывалось произошедшее. Наркотики,
оружие, убийство, теперь еще итальянский! Она поняла, что за время
их знакомства она так и не смогла узнать этого человека. Он
оставался
загадкой. Диана не могла понять ход его мыслей. Наверно, он и сам не
мог этого сделать, решая все на ходу, за секунды. Вчера он готовил ее
к одному, просил быть с ним, никому не доверял. Сегодня перестрелял
дилеров,
Диана забирая товармашину
остановила и деньги. Антонио
возле белойзнает? А Майкл?
«Мазды» А Дилан?
и вышла, ступая
ватными ногами на твердую землю.
– Я тут слегка намусорил на сто пятом. Надо убрать. – Он
отключил абонента, захлопывая дверь «Лексуса».
– Кому вы звонили?
– Нашим. Надо все почистить, пока копы не обнаружили.
Она смотрела на Стефано и не понимала: что тянуло ее к этому
человеку? Он жесток и бессердечен. Занимается черт знает чем,
живет
в опасном мире. Теперь она поняла его слова: «Вот такая у меня
жизнь, Диана, а ты спрашиваешь, люблю ли я кого-нибудь. Не люблю,
потому что это слишком опасно». Опасно – это еще мягко сказано.
Смертельно опасно.есть сердце?
– У вас вообще
Он улыбнулся ей:
– Мне казалось, что нет. Оказалось, есть.
Глава 18
Оказавшись в торговом центре, Диана растерялась. Несколько
этажей, эскалаторы, повсюду люди, спускающиеся и поднимающиеся,
звон голосов, крики, разговоры, взгляды – все это сводило ее с ума.
Она не любила магазины, возможно, еще и потому, что такие торговые
центры отнимали не только время, но и деньги, которых у нее не было.
Пройдя по первому этажу, она зашла в несколько спортивных
магазинов, так до конца и не поняв, что ей нужно купить. В чем легче
продавать наркотики? Спросить было не у кого.
– Диана?
Она обернулась на знакомый голос. Камилла.
– Что с твоими волосами? Я еле узнала тебя!
Диана провела рукой по коротким волосам и улыбнулась:
– Нравится?
Камилла кивнула, продолжая рассматривать подругу:
– Очень. Тебе идет. Но ты теперь выглядишь старше. А что ты
делаешь в спортивном магазине?
Действительно, что она делает в нем? Может, ей надо было пойти
в магазин для охотников?
Диана опустила взгляд, роясь руками в вещах, которые ей даже не
нравились:
– Ищу что-нибудь удобное.
– Почему ты не позвонила мне? Мы же с тобой всегда ходили
вместе. Ах, ну да, – насупилась подруга, – ты отдалилась от нас
с Фрэнком настолько, что дальше некуда. Ничего, что я с тобой
разговариваю? Или твой предводитель мафии снова приставил к тебе
охрану? Меня не побьют?
Диана удивленно посмотрела на нее, сначала улыбнулась, потом
засмеялась. Она любила Камиллу, несмотря на ее длинный язык.
И было очень жаль, что она не может рассказать ей всей правды.
Диане так хотелось поделиться хоть с кем-то, хотелось, чтобы ее
поняли и пожалели. Но ее никогда не поймут и уж тем более не
пожалеют. Она – киллер.
– Я одна.
собственное.
– Мне сейчас некогда, Камилла, я позвоню тебе.
– Можно мне с тобой походить по магазинам? Я буду молчать. –
Камилла приложила палец к губам.
Диана уже отчаялась купить себе что-нибудь из одежды. Нервно
бросив взгляд на часы, она кивнула. Время еще было. А вот силы уже
на исходе. День казался бесконечным, а ночь продлится еще дольше.
Вибрация телефона в кармане заставила ее сердце биться быстрее.
Она
ждала услышать
– Сегодня мягкий
в три ночи,баритон, но это был
Диана, поедешь Антонио:
отсюда, из офиса. Мы
будем тебя ждать.
Она отключила абонента.
– Мне нужна твоя помощь, Камилла. – Диана направилась
к эскалатору, и подруга побежала за ней. – Мне нужна одежда.
Черная,
облегающая, чтобы не сковывала движения, удобная, ну и красивая,
конечно.
– Зачем тебе такая?
Оставалось девять часов до начала операции, надо было еще
подготовиться – одеться, накраситься, дать наставления Мэту
и в конце концов поесть. Про сон Диана уже не думала. Работая на
«Скорой», она привыкла к ночным сменам. Но тогда она отдыхала
днем! Сейчас же шли вторые сутки на ногах, прошлую ночь можно
было не считать – сна не было из-за Стефано и сказанных им накануне
слов.
– Считай, что иду в поход.
– В поход? – удивилась Камилла. – Секретарш уже берут в поход?
Они заходили в каждый магазин, Камилла показывала выбранные
ею вещи, но Диане все не нравилось. Все было не то. Джинсы – нет.
Спортивные черные штаны с красными вставками – нет. Диана
засмеялась, представив себя перед Грифом в таких. Топик – нет!
Какой
топик?!
Они Только
обошлидлинные рукава!
два этажа, но все тщетно. На третьем этаже
продавались вечерние платья самых разных брендов. Проходя вдоль
магазинов, они рассматривали витрины.
– Ками! – воскликнула Диана, рассматривая золотистое платье на
манекене. – Смотри, какая красота!
Глава 20
Диане казалось, что после той ночи она проспала как минимум
сутки. Силы покинули ее, так что, просыпаясь, она вскоре засыпала
вновь, не чувствуя голода, не чувствуя времени. Ей не снились сны,
она будто впала в спячку, зная, что ее сон охраняет Томас.
В очередной раз открыв глаза, Диана не сразу смогла понять,
какой сегодня день и сколько времени, но, взглянув на окно, поняла,
что наступило утро. Она проспала достаточно для того, чтобы наконец
встать. Мобильный телефон, так необходимый для определения даты
и времени, нашелся под одеялом, и Диана не поверила в увиденное –
пропущенных звонков оказалось двадцать! Откинув его в сторону, она
поблагодарила Бога за то, что выключила звук.
Лежа в постели и смотря в потолок, она гадала, кто мог звонить ей
столько раз. Хотя она догадывалась, но все же любопытство взяло
верх. Она снова взяла в руки мобильный, открыла пропущенные
звонки, и сердце понеслось в безумной скачке. Одиннадцать вызовов
было от Стефано, это доказывало, что Майкл благополучно добрался
в Милан. Вдохнув и снова выдохнув, она посмотрела дальше: три – от
Камиллы, два – от Фрэнка, три – от Майкла – наверное, хотел
предупредить ее о гневе босса, и один звонок был от Найта, тот,
наверное, решил ее поздравить. Люди потеряли ее. На целый день!
Встав с кровати и накинув на себя халатик, она подошла к окну
и выглянула на улицу – там по-прежнему стоял черный «БМВ».
Бедный Томас. Наверное, он возненавидел ее. Диана только открыла
дверь, как из машины вышел Томас и пошел ей навстречу.
– Томас, пойдем в дом, я напою вас кофе. А вы мне расскажете,
что случилось за день.
– Спасибо, леди Ди, но я только что приступил к работе, сменил
Джеймса. Как вы? Выспались?
Она улыбнулась, показывая мобильный телефон:
– Одиннадцать пропущенных, Томас, что мне ждать?
Телохранитель вздохнул:
– Босс мне звонил, леди Ди, как только Майкл долетел с деньгами.
Он все понял и был страшно взбешен. Приказал охранять вас до
самого его возвращения.
Почему Диана не удивлена? Это было в его стиле: приставить
к ней охрану, да еще и на такое продолжительное время.
– А если я скажу, что не нуждаюсь в охране, вы уйдете?
– Нет. До самого его приезда.
– Он случайно не сказал, когда вернется? – улыбнулась Диана.
– К сожалению, такой информации у меня нет, – пожал плечами
Томас. – Придется вам смириться.
Она кивнула ему и вернулась в дом. Она смирится, что ей еще
остается делать. Его приказ никто не нарушит, даже Антонио.
Интересно, сильно ему досталось от босса? Висконти наверняка уже
знает о том, что она позволила Найту пользоваться портом бесплатно
целых три месяца. Он совершенно точно утопит ее, когда вернется,
прямо в море, и труп закопает в песке. Может, позвонить Найту? Или
Майклу? Или Антонио? Встанут ли они на ее защиту? Ну, конечно,
встанут, ведь все участвовали в этом мероприятии. Стефано первый
начал! Если бы он не оставил ей четыре ящика с кокаином, она сейчас
шла бы с ночной дискотеки абсолютно спокойная в обнимку с Мэтом.
Или нет? Сидела бы дома, уткнувшись в подушку и тоскуя по своему
боссу.
Она снова посмотрела на телефон в своей руке, желая услышать
его голос. Пусть даже он будет кричать, пусть говорит, что хочет,
пускай ненавидит ее, но она хотела его слышать.
Диана нажала кнопку вызова, и сердце сжалось. Поднеся телефон
к уху, она услышала гудок, и почти сразу мягкий баритон ответил ей:
– Я задушу тебя, когда приеду, Диана.
Слышать свое имя, произнесенное им, было волнующе, она даже
не поняла, что он не поздоровался, а сразу начал говорить о планах на
будущее. Но даже так ей было приятно слушать его. Она скучала.
– У вас день или ночь? – прошептала она в трубку, слегка
улыбнувшись и слушая тишину в ответ.
– День, – ответил он уже нежнее.
Диана представила его с телефоном в руке, ведь она так часто
наблюдала эту картину.
– У нас утро… – Немного помолчав, она все же начала
оправдывать себя и остальных. – Вы не оставили нам выбора! Вы
Глава 21
Следующие два дня Диана провела в раздумьях. Она боялась
встречи с Висконти, но все равно ждала ее. Как она посмотрит на
него? Вдруг он догадается о ее чувствах? Он заметит ее волнение. Нет,
она не сможет посмотреть ему в глаза.
Диана сидела на пляже, пропуская песок сквозь пальцы, когда
почувствовала вибрацию телефона.
– Готовься, девочка, – голос Антонио был напряжен, – они
прилетят через пару часов. Жду тебя в офисе.
Абонент отключился, а Диана продолжила смотреть в голубую
даль до тех пор, пока голос Томаса не вывел ее из раздумий.
– Леди Ди, мне надо в аэропорт, вы поедете со мной?
Стук сердца и молчание. Участившееся дыхание. Дрожь по всему
телу. Она опустила руку в песок и развеяла горсть по ветру, давая ему
свободу, понимая, что ее свободе пришел конец. Вот и все. Опять
синие глаза, ласковая улыбка – и она в плену. В его плену. Ее
мучитель
возвращается.
– Отвезите меня в офис.
По дороге Диана набрала Найта. Она сама не знала, зачем,
наверное, ей просто нужна была поддержка.
– Да, моя дорогая, готовишься к приезду короля «Morte Nera»?
Хочу дать тебе один совет – стой на своем, мы все правильно сделали,
другого выбора не было.
– Ричард, вы знаете его давно, неужели, спустя столько времени,
он все еще будет злиться?
Найт усмехнулся в трубку:
– Память у него хорошая. Но, думаю, на тебя злиться он не будет,
куда больше достанется Антонио и мне. Кстати, я еду в «Morte Nera»,
увидимся там.
Его слова немного подбодрили девушку. И видеть Найта в офисе
в такой нелегкий час ей очень хотелось. Но тут же вспомнив, что
Стефано сразу узнает о порте, она мысленно выругалась.
Диана вошла в здание и, проходя мимо Мэта, кивнула ему.
Поднявшись на второй этаж в приемную, она села на диван,
заперты.
– Распоряжение босса, Диана. Прости.
Она не могла поверить в это: Мэт с ними заодно! Она обернулась
и увидела Стефано, стоящего возле лестницы.
– Так продайте меня! – крикнула она, прижимаясь к двери. –
Зачем отдавать бесплатно. Выгодная сделка!
Висконти, с улыбкой на губах, медленно приближался к ней,
и Диана сильнее вжалась в двери, пытаясь исчезнуть.
– Я не продаю людей. – Он подошел к ней так близко, что ей
пришлось отвернуться, чтобы иметь возможность дышать.
Она вспомнила все молитвы, которые читала ей мать, и теперь
молила Бога, чтобы он убрал от нее подальше этого мужчину.
– Диана. – Он повернул ее лицо к себе, и она заглянула в его синие
глаза, кусая пересохшие губы. – Ты под моей защитой, ты помнишь об
этом? Я никому тебя не отдам.
Девушка отрицательно покачала головой, не веря его словам.
– Вы убьете меня сами?
Он улыбнулся ей:
– Нет.
– Тогда отпустите меня.
– Тоже нет.
– Что вы хотите сделать со мной?
Он наклонился к ее уху и прошептал всего три слова:
– Сделать тебя своей. – Отойдя от нее на шаг, он дал Мэту знак,
чтобы тот открыл двери. – Официально.
Стефано схватил ее за талию, чтобы она не убежала, и вывел на
улицу к своей машине. Он позаботился и об этом – Томас подогнал ее
ко входу! Еще один предатель! Она ненавидела их всех! Но, ощущая
горячие прикосновения к своему телу, почему-то шла спокойно.
– Что вы задумали?
– Я же сказал тебе. – Он открыл дверь «Лексуса» и помог ей сесть.
Желание сбежать рассыпалось, превращаясь в пыль. Повсюду его
охрана – они застрелят ее при первом неверном движении. Висконти
сел рядом, и Диана прижалась к своей двери, как в первый раз, когда
села к нему в машину.
– Не бойся ты так, я не топить тебя собрался. – Он нажал на
педаль газа, и машина резко рванула вперед.
– Не надо злить меня и идти против всего «Morte Nera». Тогда все
остались бы живы.
Он всех убил.
– Вы всегда стреляете точно в цель?
– Всегда.
Машина остановилась, и Висконти помог ей выйти, открыв дверь
с ее стороны и протянув руку.
– Получается, я тоже буду учувствовать в таких операциях?
– Надеюсь, что таких больше не будет.
Глава 22
Он держал Диану за руку все время, пока вел по темному
коридору. Она ступала аккуратно, боясь в темноте наступить на что-
нибудь страшное.
– Здесь соблюдают все санитарно-эпидемиологические
требования? Не хотелось бы подцепить какую-нибудь заразу.
– Уверяю тебя, здесь все стерильно.
Она задела ведро у стены, и оно с грохотом отлетело в сторону.
Прижавшись к Стефано, Диана произнесла:
– Я заметила.
– Кто там? – прогремел чей-то голос, и спустя секунду в дверях
появился большой рыжий мужчина в серой майке. Все его тело было
сплошь покрыто татуировками. Казалось, он больше Стефано раза
в два. И Диана, испугавшись, сильнее прижалась к боссу.
– Висконти, бог мой! – Мужчина широко улыбнулся. – Ты ли это?
– Я, Фабел, твой самый страшный кошмар.
Но, засмеявшись, они пожали друг другу руки, и Диана
выдохнула, поняв, что этот грозный мужчина не опасен.
– Ты привел цыпочку, я смотрю.
Стефано тут же загородил ее, пронизывая взглядом Фабела:
– Поаккуратней.
Мужчина поднял руки:
– Я понял, понял. Проходите. Мне до твоих цыпочек дела нет, со
своими бы разобраться.
Они прошли в комнату, где свет лампы падал на кресло, видимо,
в нем клиенты лежали, пока Фабел наносил им под кожу рисунок.
Здесь было чище и просторней, чем в коридоре. Но, увидев атрибуты,
лежащие на столе, Диана запаниковала. Иглы, машинки, шаблоны
с рисунками, краски – все это наводило на нее страх и ужас. Она
и представить не могла, что все будет выглядеть… так. На секунду в ее
голове возникла мысль: ее кто-нибудь спросил, хочет ли она вообще
иметь на себе кельтский крест? Но только на секунду. Потому что
ответа было сразу два: никто, и она согласна иметь то, что имел ее
мучитель.
мнение о себе.
– В чем же причина? – Диана про себя порадовалась, что смогла
раскусить его, а он и не заметил. Или заметил?
– Так в чем?
Девушка пожала плечами.
– А вы любите свою маму?
– Конечно, – улыбнулся он.
– А отца?
– Его тоже. – И улыбка тут же исчезла с его лица.
Значит, он уехал из-за отца. Кто же его отец?
– Ваш отец ведет честный образ жизни, и вы убежали из-за этого.
Вы и он – две противоположности. А ваша мать, даже зная об этом,
любит вас таким, какой вы есть.
Висконти резко нажал на педаль тормоза, и Диана порадовалась,
что пристегнулась ремнем безопасности. Она угадала.
– Умеешь все-таки думать. Почему ты не рассуждала так, когда
Найт пришел с бредовой идеей о сделке с Грифом?
Девушка посмотрела в окно и обнаружила, что он остановился
возле ее дома. Диана смутно помнила, что творилось в ее голове
в момент сделки, наверняка знала только то, что пошла на сделку по
велению сердца. Ради него, ради мужчины, сидящего сейчас рядом
и будоражащего ее кровь своим бархатным голосом. Она не думала.
Она просто любила. Уже тогда, еще не понимая этого чувства.
– Это нельзя объяснить, – прошептала она, выходя из машины.
Стефано последовал за ней:
– Ты должна была думать, Диана. Найт хитер, как лис. Он только
и ждет удобного случая, чтобы попользоваться портом за «так». –
Стефано схватил ее за руку, пытаясь заглянуть ей в глаза. – Плевать
на
порт, дело остановилась.
Диана не в нем. От его прикосновения по телу пробежала
дрожь. Он не кричал, но она уловила нотки беспокойства в его голосе.
– Чем ты думала, когда согласилась ехать ночью одна к Грифу?
К моему заклятому врагу. Мои люди послали тебя туда, они понесут
наказание, но ты, Диана, должна была иметь хоть каплю здравого
смысла. Чем ты думала?
Она молчала, не зная, что сказать. Хотя ей так хотелось
прокричать о том, что было на сердце! Но она не могла.
– Из-за вас я пошла на это. И вы не можете наказать своих людей,
они были против. Все. Но я настояла на своем. – Диана открыла дверь
и вошла в дом, включая свет и бросая ключи на столик. Ее руки
дрожали, а сердце сильно стучало. Хоть бы он ни о чем больше не
спрашивал. Но, ощущая его присутствие в доме, она знала, что просто
так Висконти не уйдет. – Я просто хотела помочь вам, – поправилась
Диана, чтобы как-то мотивировать брошенное «из-за вас». Он не
должен догадаться о ее чувстве.
– Спасибо. – Стефано помог ей снять куртку. – Но, кажется, я не
просил тебя помогать.
Оказавшись перед зеркалом в майке, с перевязанным
полиэтиленовой пленкой плечом, она попыталась ее снять.
– Пожалуйста. Но меня не надо просить, я делаю это
добровольно.
Висконти бросил ее куртку на диван и подошел сзади, пальцами
отыскивая края пленки:
– Придется привыкать жить иначе. Теперь ты часть того мира, где
исполняются только мои просьбы.
Он слегка приподнял ей руку, чтобы размотать пленку. Диана
молча наблюдала за ним в отражении, не понимая его слов. Он делал
это с такой нежностью, что на секунду ей показалось, что это не он
расстрелял людей «Заед», сейчас перед ней стоял совсем другой
человек – заботливый и ласковый. Она чувствовала прикосновения
Стефано к своей коже, от которых по всему телу растекалось тепло.
Когда он размотал последний отрезок пленки, их взгляды на секунду
встретились, и тут же новая волна жара прошла сквозь нее. Не желая
выдать своего чувства, Диана повернулась спиной к зеркалу, чтобы
рассмотреть большой черный кельтский крест.
– Боже.
Это была изумительная работа: каждый виток был выполнен
искусным мастером, знающим свою работу. Вряд ли бы кто-то сумел
повторить подобное. Узоры переплетались внутри креста так
витиевато, словно он был лабиринтом. Нет, у Томаса был другой крест,
намного, намного проще. Крест на ее плече кричал о своем величии.
Поистине королевский, чарующий и завораживающий.
Диана перевела взгляд на Стефано. Там, в подвале у Фабела, у них
не было сил рассмотреть татуировку получше, они так устали, что
– Проще будет там, где мне удобно. Ахмад ибн Мубарак зол после
потери пяти миллионов, не хотелось бы мне оказаться у него в гостях,
ведь сделка должна была быть между «Заед» и «Morte Nera». Но
Антонио позвонил и сказал, что его люди не пришли. Он все
правильно сделал. Ахмад меня не подозревает. Или… – Он помолчал,
потом продолжил: – Подозревает и хочет отомстить.
Диана сделала глоток вина, ощущая терпкий вкус во рту – она не
была знатоком дорогих вин, но конкретно это было выше всяких
похвал. Найт прислал им самое лучшее, как и просил Стефано.
– Вы хотите перестраховаться, я правильно поняла? – Она
поставила бокал на стол. – Почему не найти другого покупателя?
– Другие тоже будут, – ответил он. – Как тебе вино?
– Оно великолепно. Много других?
– Относительно, но работы хватит. – Стефано сделал глоток
и улыбнулся. – Найт – хитрец, подмазывается, прислал «Шато Гран-
Пюи-Лакост».
Неужели он знает вкус каждого вина? Даже самый богатый
человек, ставший таким в течение жизни, к тридцати двум годам вряд
ли будет это знать. Таким надо родиться. Вырасти среди всего
дорогого и изысканного.
Диана видела, как он улыбается, с ехидством посматривая на нее.
Он знал, о чем она думает.
– Пытаюсь понять, кто вы, – пожала плечами она и принялась за
еду. – Боже, как вкусно!
Больше она не касалась личных тем – всему свое время. Он тоже
кое-чего не знал о ней. Для него она была просто Дианой, которая
метко стреляет, он не догадывался, как сильно она любит его. И да,
в машину к нему она тоже села не просто так, высшие силы заставили
ее сделать это. А еще она была невинна – это тоже секрет, о котором
он
никогда не узнает, потому что пообещал не трогать ее. Теперь ей
приходилось куда сложнее, чем до знакомства с ним. Надо было
отдаться Фрэнку – сейчас было бы не так обидно. А теперь в ее
мыслях элегантный дьявол, говорящий с итальянским акцентом. Все
остальные мужчины перестали существовать. Но надо жить дальше
и строить личную жизнь, рожать детей, как она и хотела. Теперь денег
ей хватит наты
– О чем все. Только
все бы выжить в его мире…
думаешь?
Глава 25
Она слишком привыкла к Стефано. В ее глазах он уже не был
убийцей. Он был жесток, но она перестала это замечать. Каждую ночь,
лежа в своей постели, она знала, что он спит не один. Он не пускал ее
в личную жизнь. Он не пускал ее в свою жизнь.
Пару раз Диана ходила с Камиллой и Фрэнком ужинать
в ресторан, чтобы хоть как-то отвлечься. Друзья делились
интересными случаями из работы на «Скорой помощи», и Диана все
сильнее убеждалась в том, что стала другой. А они остались теми же.
Она смотрела на Фрэнка и понимала, что не испытывает к нему даже
четверти того, что испытывает к Стефано Висконти. Ее это огорчало.
– Я не знаю, кем тебе приходится король мафии, но он чертовски
тебя балует! – восклицала Камилла, когда они ходили по торговому
центру в поисках новых коллекций известных брендов. Диана поняла,
что совершать покупки – это радость и возможность убежать от
действительности. Она делала подарки друзьям – ей нравилось видеть
их счастливые лица. А еще она занималась дизайном ночного клуба,
наняв себе в помощники итальянского дизайнера Луизу Джордани,
темноволосую женщину тридцати пяти лет, энергичную, полную идей
и амбиций.
– Картины будут висеть в ресторане. Я уже заказала их из
Италии. – рассказывала Диана по телефону, обходя залы, которые еще
только должны были стать совершенными. – Это было сложно
и обошлось вам дорого.
Стефано смеялся, слушая ее деловой тон:
– Еще чуть-чуть, и ты меня разоришь.
Он убрал охрану, убедившись, что ей ничего не угрожает. Гриф на
время уехал из города. Это была отличная новость – он не будет
мешать им работать. Судно уже стояло в порту, ожидая разгрузки.
Переговоры с перекупщиками велись так часто, что Диана не видела
Стефано уже неделю. Слишком долго. Они говорили только по
телефону, а иногда она даже не рисковала ему звонить, чтобы не
беспокоить. Тренировалась она по утрам в одиночестве, уезжая за
город на своей новой «Инфинити». Попадая точно в цель с большого
люди Найта в один голос утверждали, что Гриф уехал из города. Она
надеялась, что их слова правдивы.
Девушки ступили на лужайку из мягкой зеленой травы, и Диана
увидела стойло с лошадьми. Она обожала этих животных за грацию
и красоту.
– Как тут красиво, – прошептала Камилла, смотря куда-то вдаль,
а Диана нахмурилась, понимая, что этот клуб составит отличную
конкуренцию ее ночному клубу. Вернее, ночному клубу Стефано
Висконти.
Предъявив пригласительные на входе, девушки прошли внутрь.
Несмотря на единственный этаж, маленьким клуб нельзя было
назвать – места было предостаточно. Светлые тона от пола до потолка
создавали иллюзию расширения пространства. Диана тоже думала об
этом, делая наброски. Теперь придется что-то менять, чтобы не
повторить идею местного дизайнера… Рассматривая картину,
висящую в центре зала, девушка поняла, что она гораздо меньше той,
что заказала она. На ее картине Милан смотрится гораздо
аристократичнее и сдержанней, под стать ее синеглазому королю.
Подумав о том, что когда-то и ей придется вместе с ним принимать
гостей в честь открытия клуба, Диана улыбнулась. Пора было думать
о названии.
– Мне тут нравится, – шепнула ей на ухо Камилла, смотря на
мужчин в элегантных пиджаках.
Пока она разглядывала гостей, Диана изучала дизайн и меню
фуршета, подмечая для себя все достоинства и недостатки.
Глава 26
– Шампанское, дамы? – Высокий мужчина лет сорока приятной
внешности протянул девушкам два бокала, и они, улыбнувшись,
приняли угощение. – Прошу прощения, мы, кажется, не знакомы.
Меня зовут Пол Слоун.
– Камилла Росс. – Ками слегка присела в реверансе, чем
шокировала Диану.
Но глаза Пола блуждали не по ней, он неотрывно смотрел на
Диану, ожидая ее ответа.
– Диана Оливер.
Теперь только он улыбнулся и удовлетворенно кивнул. Диана
поняла, что пристально наблюдает за его мимикой, и тут же опустила
глаза. Она ненавидела себя за то, что даже расслабиться не может без
уроков главы «Morte Nera».
– Приятно видеть таких очаровательных дам в моем заведении, я
даже не ожидал увидеть здесь такую красоту.
– Это ваш клуб? – удивилась Диана, и Пол кивнул ей. – Он
превосходен. А лошади просто восхитительны.
Слова Дианы ему польстили.
– Сегодня, к сожалению, просто официальный прием, но уже
завтра клуб будет работать в полном режиме, и я настаиваю на том,
чтобы вы посетили игру. Уверен, она произведет на вас большое
впечатление.
– О, Диана, мы же придем завтра? – Камилла схватила подругу за
руку в надежде, что та ответит согласием, но Диана лишь молча
кивнула.
– Прошу меня простить, – сказал Пол, – мне надо встречать
гостей. Рад был познакомиться, Диана, – он кивнул ей, – Камилла. До
встречи.
Когда девушки остались вдвоем, Камилла закрыла глаза
и с улыбкой произнесла:
– Какой мужчина! Он – владелец этого клуба. Он богат. И красив.
Не так, как твой король мафии, конечно, и не так молод, но все равно
в нем что-то есть.
Сноски
1
До свидания (итал.).