The next morning, Kate woke up and found no one beside her. She took a shower, picked out something suitable for university—jeans and a T-shirt—tied her hair in a ponytail, put on sneakers, grabbed her laptop and a few notebooks, and headed downstairs. The house was silent and empty.

She walked to the study. Bastien was smoking, a glass of whiskey in his hand. Lucca stood up as soon as he saw her.

—Good morning, miss. Have you had breakfast?

—Good morning, Lucca. No, not yet. —Kate looked at Bastien, who smiled, though a flicker of concern crossed his eyes.

Lucca stepped out. Kate set her things on the side table, walked around the desk, took away Bastien’s cigarette and whiskey, and sat on his lap. He immediately wrapped his arms around her.

—Are you worried?

—A lot.

—Nothing’s going to happen to me. Besides, I’ll be with the men who’ll protect me.

—I know, but that doesn’t mean I won’t worry. Promise me you’ll come straight home.

—Alright. Will you take me?

—Do you want me to?

—I… I